Hawthorn is once again heading out on tour with influential 80s' new wave group, OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark). The company will be supplying lighting and crew to the band as they take their ‘The Punishment of Luxury Tour’ around the UK and Europe.

The band, which has sold over 40 million records worldwide, is returning to the stage in support of their 13th studio album ‘The Punishment of Luxury’. Having kicked off at Liverpool Empire on 29th October, the tour will run through to 8th December, closing at the Les Docks, Lausanne, Switzerland.

The Concert Touring division at Hawthorn is supplying lighting to specification for the performances, including Claypaky Sharpy and Sharpy Wash, Robe BMFL Spot and Ayrton Magic Blade-R fixtures. Hawthorn are also providing rigging, drapes, dimmers and distribution, as well as supplying two lighting crew for the performances.

Mick Freer, head of concert touring at Hawthorn, said: “OMD are a truly legendary band so to have the opportunity to work with them again as they head out on their latest tour is a huge honour. We’ve worked closely with the band’s lighting designer Andrew Liddle to ensure we supply kit to his exact specification, allowing him to effectively deliver his creative vision.”

Andrew Liddle, OMD’s long-standing lighting designer, said: “I’ve worked with Hawthorn for many years but I’m always left impressed with their attention to detail, especially when it comes to prepping the kit beforehand. I know that the equipment and crew that they supply are going to be top-notch and their ongoing support is outstanding.”

Hawthorn continues to strengthen its position within the concert touring sector and has just returned from supplying a touring lighting rig and crew for Squeeze’s ‘Join the Dots’ Tour. The performances, supported by Nine Below Zero, kicked off at Birmingham Symphony Hall on 6th October 2017 and finished at The Royal Albert Hall on 6th November 2017.

Freer added: “It’s brilliant to continue building upon our success within the concert touring division and support legendary acts, such as OMD and Squeeze, as they head out on tour. It’s always great to get our kit on the road and showcase the level of quality, experience and expertise that we have to offer here at Hawthorn.”