OMD to return to their roots with headline Rochdale show in Summer 2026

Synth-pop pioneers Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) will return to where it all began next summer, announcing a headline show in Rochdale as part of their ‘Summer of Hits’ tour.

Taking place on Friday 7 August 2026 at Rochdale Town Hall Square, the show sees the band revisit the town where they recorded their debut single Electricity in 1979 (at the renowned Cargo Studios), joined on the bill by Peter Hook & The Light and A Certain Ratio.

Tickets for the show are now live. Secure your spot now and witness three titans of the northern music scene in the flesh!

Speaking on the announcement, Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for culture and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We’re so excited to welcome these trailblazing bands for what will be an amazing evening packed with iconic hits. Our beautifully restored town hall square is a fabulous location, and this concert will be a wonderful showcase for the town, attracting thousands of music fans for an unforgettable weekend, followed on the Saturday by Rochdale Feel Good Festival.”

With a career spanning more than four decades, OMD are one of Britain’s most influential pop groups, with over 40 million records sold worldwide and 18 UK Top 40 hits. Tracks including Enola Gay, Souvenir, Maid of Orleans and If You Leave helped define the sound of the 1980s and continue to resonate today.

Support comes from Peter Hook & The Light, who will perform material from the Joy Division and New Order catalogues, both of which share ties to Rochdale’s Cargo Studios. Opening the night will be A Certain Ratio, another Factory Records mainstay whose punk-funk sound helped shape the late-70s Manchester scene.

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