OMD Live in Pontiac MI March 11, 2011

[Danimal]

Here's my brief review of the Pontiac, MI show from Friday March 11, 2011:
Incredibly enjoyable show. Oh Land went on right around 8:45 for roughly a 40 minute set. One of the best opening acts I've seen in a long time. Not a waste of time if you like electronic music.
OMD went on around 9:45 and played the standard setlist (minus Pandora's Box). They truly put on an enthusiastic show. There was a c***-up with the technical crew seemingly unable to activate Andy's bass for Souvenir so they were forced to stop the song about a minute into it which led to much amusing banter by the band. They were forced to move directly on to Joan of Arc and come back to Souvenir after Joan of Arc was finished. Andy put 110% into his spot-on performance coming-off like a 21st century Elvis (the pre-Army years). Paul really seemed to enjoy himself and smiled throughout. Martin's sax playing on So in Love was extraordinary.
One of OMD's crew told me that they weren't sure about this show as it was a last minute addition and it almost didn't happen. Presales were very slow but on the night of the show last-minute concert goers arrived in droves and pushed the show past the profitable mark.
I for one would have paid twice the $20 ticket price and perhaps more to see these guys. The Crofoot in Pontiac is a very small venue. I think next time OMD should probably try the much larger Royal Oak Music Theatre about 10 miles to the south. Please come back to Oakland County, MI soon guys especially as you now know the audience north of Detroit is there for you!!!
At any rate, if you're still on the fence about seeing these guys definitely go! One of the best shows in my 20+ years of concert going and a true value for money considering that you get to see the legendary OMD in top form in addition to seeing the up-and-coming Oh Land before anyone else. I have a feeling that next time OMD tours N. America they will be playing larger venues for higher prices as it should be.
BTW, if anyone out there has any misgivings about the new material or hasn't heard it yet FEAR NOT! The new stuff sits alongside the older material like it's always been there and fits into OMD's repertoire SEAMLESSLY. Songs like "The History of Modern part I", "Sister Marie Says", "Green", and especially "New Babies: New Toys" are classic OMD and classic pop really. Before I revisit their back catalog I'm going to listen to "The History of Modern" TO DEATH! If you haven't bought the new disc already, they're selling it at the shows for $15 as well as the deluxe box for a super-low $70 (the Bright Antenna website has it for $79.00). Do yourself a favor and buy this album...you'll be happy you did. I've always liked these guys and bought most of their records but they've still risen considerably in my estimation and have now become one of my favorite acts of all time. I can't wait for their next long-player and the next tour!

[lucienchardon]

I saw them in New York and they were great. They were really enthusiastic and seemed happy with the response they got. I agree that the new material is excellent and is just as good as their classic singles.