WATCH: Hot Press chat to electro icons OMD ahead of Forever Young festival

As Forever Young Festival returns next month with a star-studded, nostalgic lineup, Hot Press are unveiling some of our best 2022 chats with the top acts on the bill.

First up is OMD's Paul Humphreys, who talked backstage before his set with other half Andy McCluskey, recalling some of their most cherished memories over a 40-year career,

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark was founded back in 1978, later developing into one of the most influential electronic groups in UK history. Emerging from the same fertile early ‘80s Liverpool scene as Echo And The Bunnymen, Teardrop Explodes and Dead Or Alive, synth-pop merchants OMD’s vast back catalogue includes ‘Electricity’ ‘Souvenir’, ‘Joan Of Arc’ and the timeless ‘Enola Gay'. Still going strong decades later, Humphreys' crew remain a vital and exciting live act.

The duo initially met as kids at Great Meols Primary School. "He used to walk around town with a bass guitar slung over his shoulder. I'm not even sure he could play the bass, but I knocked on his door and said, 'Do you want to play in a band?'" Paul remembers. "We had a lot in common. We were the only two people in the Wirral peninsula, where we grew up, that liked electronic music and Kraftwerk and all the German stuff. We became friends, and the rest is history."

Discussing the contemporary bands who were inspired by OMD, their pinch-me moment of meeting Kraftwerk and more, Paul Humphreys was in great form last July.

With a variety of Forever Young festival tickets on sale, attendees can camp over the weekend, either in their own tents or an upgraded camping service, provided in special tickets. Alternatively, campervans and caravans are welcome, however, a specific pass is required. There are also day tickets available, with transport possible via car, bus or carpool.

For more ticket information, and to purchase tickets for the July festival, go here.

Check out our Forever Young 2022 interview with OMD below.