At Aintree on Saturday I witnessed a large group of people undergoing a near-religious experience.
Thankfully, it wasn't anything disturbing, rather the sight of dedicated, die-hard OMD fans getting the chance to see their musical idols perform live on an arena stage after a 15-year hiatus.
Must confess, my knowledge of one of Hoylake's finest exports stretches as far as Souvenir, the early 90s comeback single about the Seven Seas and Enola Gay (the synth riff from which was shamelessly homaged/pinched for the musical break in Belgium's 1986 Eurovision winner, but that's another story). However, it was great to be carried along on the unabashed wave of unrequited, unconditional adoration from the front half of the arena for the gentlemen in their late 40s churning out the crowd pleasers from their keyboards.
Andy McCluskey has been waiting for moments like this for some considerable time, judging by the rush he was getting as the euphoria bounced off the walls and obscure B-sides were unashamedley fanfared on their way into the mix. Even if you had to be among the faithful to know 85 per cent of the output, there is no denying that this group knows the gift of a good melody.
Two things struck me more than anything. Firstly, I dance like Andy McCluskey after too many lemonades and secondly, there was a boy, no older than 10, stood two seats along from me in an oversized band T-shirt, who knew all the words to every single song and was having the time of his life.
Even after 25 years, OMD have a bright future.
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