Category Archives: Gary Numan Unique

David Bowie vs. Gary Numan: A Fan’s Critical Review Part II

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My friend Mark Ryan has come back to do another comparison review featuring his two favorite artists, Gary Numan and David Bowie. It’s an honor to have Mark share his thoughts with us on Rave and Roll.

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My name is Mark Ryan and I am a longtime friend of Miss Parker’s. It was my suggestion that I do the following review. I grew up listening to David Bowie, and later on Gary Numan. Music was always in my house, and to this day, I have continued this legacy with my own children.

David Bowie – Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) 

Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) was David Bowie’s last Album for RCA. Recorded in New York and London, it was released in September 1980.

Side One starts with “It’s No Game (No. 1),” and includes the sounds of a flushing toilet and a Japanese girl’s vocal. Bowie wrote the lyrics about class society while doing his latest tour. In it, he seems very angry.

“Up the Hill Backwards” is a lovely harmonic song, with lush guitar, soothing percussion (not drums), and the bass, which is set perfectly. This was written about Bowie’s recent divorce and how he struggled with it; hard to imagine, but true.

The track “Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)” is a 5-minute masterpiece. This song is brilliant; Bowie’s vocals are great with superb guitar work by Robert Fripp. It seems the guitar takes on a life of its own. The song is written about someone who withdraws from people’s attention; perhaps Angie Bowie or even David himself, upon closer inspection.

“Ashes to Ashes” is a follow-up to “Space Oddity.” It’s Bowie doing funk before funk was cool. The song features George Murray performing slap bass on a fretless bass guitar throughout. I love the guitar and synthesizer here, as well. The song’s lyrics describe how Bowie is finished with the 1970s and starting out in the 1980s.

Side One ends with “Fashion.” It seemed that every girl in my school who was a Bowie fan loved this song. Again, it features Robert Fripp’s guitar work (just how good is he?) and shows the New York influence on Bowie with elements of funk and bits of reggae. This track also features a description of his own political stance at the time.

Side Two starts with “Teenage Wildlife.” Before I review this, I should mention that this one of my Top 10 Bowie songs of all time. This track is just amazing and is a 7-minute masterpiece. “Teenage Wildlife” should have been released as a single. It was written about all the New Wave bands that were coming through at the time, and in it, he appears to feel threatened. It even sounds like a personal attack on some of the competition (Numan in particular). Aside from that, the track featues great guitar work by Robert Fripp and Chuck Hammer who accomplishes his guitar through a synthesizer. The lyrics are brilliant on this song: “As ugly as a teenage millionaire, Pretending it’s a whiz-kid world.” Just listen to this and you will be hooked.

“Scream Like a Baby” sees Bowie writing once again about 1984. However, this time he talks about “Sam.” Its very theme underscores the album and is a great follow-up to “Teenage Wildlife.”

“Kingdom Come” is next. Up to this time, Bowie never did a bad cover version, and this is no exception. With lovely backing vocals, this song was written the year before by Tom Verlaine.

“Because You’re Young” follows with The Who’s Pete Townshend on guitar. This is a great, but underrated, song. It features a lovely synth against the backdrop of David’s vocals.

“It’s No Game (No. 2)” finishes the Album. This is the same as Track 1, without the heavy lead guitar, but featuring the slap bass once again. Even though he still appears quite angry, you can tell he copes with his anger much better this time.

Scary Monsters is quite possibly Bowie’s best album. There is not a weak song on the album and the production is consisitent throughout. Some interesting facts: this was orginally going to be an instrumental album and it was only later on that he decided to add lyrics to it. Both George Murray & Denis Davies should be appreciated for their input; Denis plays percussion brilliantly and even in the slower number, you can hear his influence. This is a must-buy album. Shame there was no tour to support it.

Gary Numan – Strange Charm

Strange Charm was recorded in May & June of 1986 and released in November 1986. The album starts off with “My Breathing.” This is a brilliant song with soaring synths and superb violas. This is one of my most favourite Numan songs because it is so powerful with beautiful arrangements. There’s even an Arabian feel to the song.

“Unknown and Hostile” picks up where “My Breathing” finishes; however I am not convinced of the success of drum sound here. It seems lost somehow; but, the song is a story and it has been loved.

“The Sleeproom” is a beautiful song, and in my opinion, the perfect follow-up song to “Down in the Park.” There are great synths with a lovely bass synth thrown in; even the backing vocals are set in stone. Definitely an underrated Numan song.

Side One finishes with “New Thing From London Town.” This was written with Bill Sharpe of Shakatak fame. It’s a brilliant track with good drum synths from Roger Odelle. However, the down side is that the song doesn’t fit in with any other part of the album making it obviously out of place. This recording would have fit better on the album Sharpe & Numan.

Side Two starts with “I Can’t Stop.” This actually got Gary back onto the charts and is a personal song: “I’m back and I’m proven (Yeah).” The song features awful female backing vocals; however, they are soon forgotten thanks to a great lead guitar. Gary is also on form with his vocal range.

“Strange Charm” is up next. This track contains more girl backing vocals that drone over Gary’s voice, which along with drum/keyboards, are actually in harmony.

“The Need” is, quite simply, awful. “Get The Need” is the first thing you hear on this one. I’ll leave you to your own imgination; but, in my opinion, it’s best to avoid this song altogether.

Strange Charm finishes with “This Is Love” written for Gary’s girlfriend at the time. It’s a lovely song with drum effects, and a beautiful, soothing piano played by Ade Orange.

Strange Charm is indeed a strange album. Depsite the great opening, it doesn’t seem to go anywhere. Too many female shouting/backing vocals and not enough of Gary’s. I can understand where Gary was coming from; he needed a new sound and he liked to experiment with different noises and textures. However, there is no theme. The album starts off strong, and then it ends flat. I have played this album over and over again, recently, and I find it can result in two very different reactions: it’s either great, or it’s crap.

~ Mark Ryan ~

David Bowie – “Ashes to Ashes” via YouTube user emimusic

Gary Numan – “My Breathing” via YouTube user Gazz1617

David Bowie vs. Gary Numan: A Fan’s Critical Review

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I am very happy to present Bowie vs. Numan: A Fan’s Critical Review written by dear friend and 80s music devotee Mark Ryan. You may remember Mark for his part in my “The Secret Life of Numanoids” series. It’s always a good thing to showcase other “voices” so that a blog doesn’t become stale and boring. I thank Mark so much for bringing his unique point of view to Rave and Roll.

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My name is Mark Ryan and I am a longtime friend of Miss Parker’s. It was my suggestion that I do the following review. I grew up listening to David Bowie, and later on Gary Numan. Music was always in my house, and to this day, I have continued this legacy with my own children.

David Bowie – Tonight 

In the 1970s, David Bowie was the lynchpin of the music industry. Described as “influential” and “ahead of his time,” Bowie produced classic album after classic album. He was always one step ahead in the fashion stakes and surprisingly, the press liked him! Even when he was receiving bad press Bowie, to his credit, found a way to use it to his advantage.

Bowie started the 1980s clean and off drugs, releasing 2 albums in 3 years along with one world tour in 1983. After the world tour was finished, in 1984 he announced a new album called Tonight that was going to be co-produced by Hugh Padgham & Derek Bramble along with himself.

Tonight was released on 1 September 1984 and reached Number 1 in the UK and Number 11 in the USA charts, respectively.

Tonight starts out with “Loving the Alien” and is in my opinion, and without doubt, the best song of the album. However, listening closer, it should have been acoustic without the marimba and string arrangement, which makes it sluggish at times. We carry on with “Don’t Look Down’” which is an old Iggy Pop number (a familiar theme on the album). Bowie does a poor imitation of reggae (which I strongly dislike). This, in my opinion, was a big mistake.

Next up is The Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” with a full string arrangement. This is “Bowie doing a Bowie impressionist doing Bowie.” It’s a decent cover version, but far too lush and very under-produced. It’s a great selection for a Karaoke Night, and not much else.
Side One finishes with “Tonight” which is a duet with Tina Turner and without doubt is the worst song I have ever heard. It’s best to ignore this one.

Side Two starts out with “Neighborhood Threat” and again is an old Iggy Pop song. The track is great with roaring guitars and very good production. To me. this is the Bowie of old (almost).

“Blue Jean” is next, released as a single that reached number 6. “Jazzin for Blue Jean” is an awful recording, but inspired by his early years and was accompanied by a cool video. It’s basically Bowie doing his worst crooner act. This is followed by “Tumble & Twist” which again was an old Iggy Pop song, reggae-like, and spoiled by over-production of marimbas. However, Bowie’s vocals are very good here.

“I Keep Forgettin” is backed by a great drum & horn section, lasting two and a half minutes. I really enjoy this song. The album finishes with “Dancing With the Big Boys” that’s listed as a duet and yes, you guessed it, is an old Iggy Pop number. Despite that, it really rocks and has a decent production value; however, the synthesizer actually spoils the song.

Tonight promised a lot and failed on all accounts. It’s Bowie’s worst album and the listener can sense he was losing his touch (but not motivation). I question why he chose that particular production team. Derek Bramble was a disco head, and known for his bass lines; one can feel his influence in the reggae numbers. Hugh Padgham was well known as a “Drum Guy,” so again it’s plain to see where his influence came from. Hugh was famous for producing Genesis and Kate Bush, who both made great albums; unfortunately, this was not one of them.

Tonight was basically a David Bowie & Iggy Pop album with only 2 new songs written by Bowie. I listened to this album in 1984, and again recently and in-depth, and my view is the same. Only buy/download if you are obsessed by Bowie. It’s not for the casual fan, as it lacks the depth, flexibility and courage found in other Bowie albums. Another thing that I find irritating/disappointing is that Bowie only sings on this album and plays no instruments. It leaves me wondering, “Why?”

Gary Numan – Telekon  

Gary Numan burst onto the music scene in 1979. There was something about him that got people hooked back then, and who are still hooked to this very day. I first heard him in late 1978 when I was given a demo to listen to. How that person had the demo escapes me; but, at the time, I played in a band as the drummer and always loved music, especially drum/percussion sound. As I listened to the demo, there something that was special, augmented by guitar and bass, which did not overpower his voice; instead, it went with his voice. So, imagine my surprise when I heard Numan had dropped the heavy guitars in favour of the world famous Moog synthesizer.

After two Number One albums in 1979, one in a band and one solo, and a sold-out world tour, Gary started to write his next album. How do you follow up after being so successful and not having the greatest of relationships with the press? Not an easy task; however, Gary just did that with Telekon, which was released on 5 September 1980 and reached Number 1 in the UK.

The album starts off with “This Wreckage.” This song seems to be written about his own personal choices in life, along with an atheist theme. I feel it was a poor choice for a single, because the only good part in the song is the Japanese vocal half way through. When I played it in my house, my dad disliked this song immensely (“He talks bad about God?” “Youngsters, eh?”).

Next is “The Aircrash Bureau,” and wow what a song! It consists of a beautiful arrangement, super bass solo at the start, and roaring synths; even the vocal gets you hooked. This song had “single” material written all over it, a vastly underrated song.

“Telekon,” the theme song, is next. In 1980 I disliked this song so much I would never play it because it has a piano solo on it which I feel gets lost in the mix. However, after all these years, it has grown on me.

“Remind Me to Smile” is the next track, written about his relationship with the press (horrible bunch of people), and his ever-adoring fans. It was an obvious single with such scathing lyrics as “Fame/I need new reasons/This is detention/It’s not fun at all.”

As Telekon progresses, you can see how Numan was evolving into a great songwriter. The last song on Side One is a ballad called “Sleep by Windows,” which is augmented by roaring and dark keyboards and 2 bass guitars side-by-side. However, the song’s highlight is the drumming–just masterful work.

Side Two starts with “I Am an Agent,” in which the synths and guitars combine masterfully with each other. This is a truly great song, and when I hear it live, it really gets me going.

“I Dream of Wires” is a futuristic song. Again, I love the drumming on this song that coincides with great guitar work and even the use of a whistle, but it all works so well.

“Remember I Was Vapour” is next. It’s obvious Numan uses a drum machine, as well as a drummer; however, it’s very “tinny,” under-produced, and is a disappointment. On the plus side, Numan has a great keyboard solo on it.

“Please Push No More” is a slush ballad–a very personal song with lovely piano work by Denis Haines. This song is the album’s highlight for me.

The final song on Telekon is “The Joy Circuit” in which Gary uses the violin as an extra musician’s weapon. This really works very well; it’s a great song, and a nice way to finish the album.

Telekon is a superb album, for both Numanoids and the casual fan, with terrific production and superb arrangements. Gary Numan makes full use of what he has and he really develops his style throughout this album. In my opinion, it’s better than “The Pleasure Principle,” an album that was ground-breaking in itself.

Numan was so awesome at this time, he also wrote two Top 5 hits. Telekon is the “must-have” album for a collection. It’s a shame he didn’t reach the same heights with another album until the release of Pure in 2000.

~ Mark Ryan ~

David Bowie – “Tonight” via YouTube user heno1x

Gary Numan – “Telekon” via YouTube user GaryNumanAlbums

Gary Numan ~ Semi-Unplugged via SHOWstudio

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It has been well over a year since I saw/met Gary Numan in Orlando. During that time, he has recorded an incredibly moving album called Dead Son Rising, and has performed in multiple venues across Europe and Australia. Critics, who panned him for the last 20+ years, are again enamored of him, and rightfully so (although I think they’ve had their heads up their collective behinds for the past two decades, but that’s a rant for another post).

Recently, Mr. Numan engaged in a presentation called “SHOWstudio” where he performed several of his songs in a semi-unplugged (minimal back-up) style. The breathtakingly atmospheric videos are posted on YouTube and are way too fabulous to not repost here. Enjoy!

SHOWstudio: In Your Face ~ When the Sky Bleeds He Will Come ~ Gary Numan

SHOWstudio: In Your Face ~ Dead Sun Rising ~ Gary Numan

SHOWstudio: In Your Face ~ Are ‘Friends’ Electric? ~ Gary Numan

SHOWstudio: In Your Face ~ For the Rest of My Life ~ Gary Numan

Saying “Good Bye” to My Beloved Sistahmar

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I never imagined that I would begin 2012 by writing a memorial for my dear friend Marilyn Hamilton from Kitchener Ontario. “Sistahmar,” as she is known to her multitude of Marsbar Theatre friends and fans, left this world on December 31, 2011 at 8:50 AM. The only word that even comes close to describing how it feels to lose this precious friend and soul sister is “devastated.”

I had the privilege of meeting Sistahmar nearly 4 years ago when I stumbled into the Marsbar Theatre Chatroom. After listening to David Marsden‘s free-form, “anything goes” broadcast (streaming live over the Internet from 94.9 The Rock) and hearing the tales he spun about the chatroom regulars, I decided to take a walk on the “dark side” and check it out for myself. Upon entering the room, I was warmly greeted by the Roving Ambassador herself, launching what was to be a close and ironclad friendship.

Over the years, we have laughed, cried, loved, gossiped, shared, planned and even plotted together via telephone and email. The minute we realized we both had the same birthday, the unbreakable bond was forged. Marilyn fondly referred to me as her “evil twin sister,” a badge I wear with fierce pride, while she will always be my “partner in crime.”

Although the news of Marilyn’s passing was much like being hit by a speeding train, I have managed to find some solace in the pain and sadness. I believe she has finally been reunited with her beloved husband Bob, who predeceased her about 8 years ago. She missed him sorely, and instead of her loss becoming easier as time went on, it actually became more difficult. I imagine the two of them walking arm-in-arm along the banks of the lake they enjoyed so much in years gone by, pausing for a moment to share a whisper, steal a kiss, and have a giggle or two. There they wait patiently until they are finally reunited for eternity with all of the friends they loved so much, and who loved them, in this lifetime.

For my dear friend and soul sister Marilyn Hamilton who slipped from this world and into eternity, leaving a hole the size of the universe in each of our hearts: May you finally rest in peace. The light you gave to my life and so many others will never be extinguished, the joy you brought will always be remembered. Thank you for a friendship that transcended distance. I will always love you.

Gary Numan – Are “Friends” Electric? Montage – via YouTube user Knightvision 1228:

“Dead Son Rising” CD by Gary Numan with Ade Fenton ~ A Review

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Please do not copy any portion of this article without the express written consent of the original author. Requests for permission may be left in the form of a comment on http://raveandroll.wordpress.com.

“Dead Son Rising” CD by Gary Numan with Ade Fenton – released September 2011

(Photo credits: Ed Fielding Photography http://www.edfielding.co.uk/)

Long awaited, Dead Son Rising is a theme-driven collection of electronica only the way Gary Numan, along with Ade Fenton, can create. Pounding and wistful, demanding and longing, tender and brutal, it is a study in impossible contrasts that work together so seamlessly as to be other-worldly. Words can only inadequately describe the music on this brilliant CD. If you love electronica/dark wave/industrial/goth, this is a must-have addition to your collection.

Resurrection
The swell of the synthesizers backdropped with breathing sounds and static is a perfect indicator of what is to come on this epic CD. Something sinister yet magical is in the air, and we are about to be willingly drawn into its merciless grasp.

Big Noise Transmission
Static noise and a driving rhythm section catapult us into a staccato mind-puzzle fraught with urgent, whispered pleas. Fully Numan-esque and gripping, this industrial anthem is a rock-solid testament to a direction Numan has whole-heartedly embraced over the past sixteen years. He shows us he has this genre fully mastered and ready for our listening pleasure. The abrupt end leaves us aching for more.

Dead Sun Rising
Numan uses his signature vocals against a deeply satisfying electronic backdrop. There is no one on this planet that could pull off an electronic ballad as successfully as Gary Numan. It is the perfect melding of lyrics, vocals, and synthesizers that captures the soul and transports it to another dimension.

When the Sky Bleeds, He Will Come
Numan and company use everything but the kitchen sink to deliver this masterpiece. Left to the devices of mere mortals, this song would result in listening confusion; in Gary and Ade’s more than capable hands, it is an extraordinary testament to pushing music to its limits and successfully achieving perfection.

For the Rest Of My Life
Don’t let the title/lyrics fool you. This is no tender love song. It borders on an obsessiveness that is both scary yet oddly compelling. It is similar to approaching an accident scene on the highway, and not being able to avert your eyes. In fact, it makes the listener want to hit the “replay” button; not only to hear it again, but to validate the message.

Not the Love We Dream Of
The stark piano notes that open this song are gorgeous. Enter Gary Numan’s voice, and what we end up with is a slightly off-kilter and purposeful story woven of disappointment and sadness. Who can’t relate to the melancholic message delivered here? We have all made mistakes that have devastated us. Numan and company put context to those feelings so we can unleash the demons within.

The Fall
Gary advises us how to deal with being shattered, even telling us point blank that the world still goes on even if we cannot. This is a perfect song to play when things are falling apart in our lives, if only for the rhythm, which makes it impossible to sit still long enough to feel sorrow.

We Are the Lost
The powerful and driving drumbeat that opens this track and anchors it throughout is a welcome diversion from the keyboards that usually take the limelight. Coupled with a Middle Eastern flair that Numan has previously and successfully brought into his music, this song resonates down into the listener’s toes. The textures are rich and colorful, like an open market full of hand-woven cloth displays.

For The Rest Of My Life (Reprise)
Like a path winding its way through a dark forest, we are gently guided to a clearing where Gary awaits us to remind us of the lost love he introduced us to earlier in our journey.

Into Battle
This track is a cacophony of sounds that starts out somewhat reminiscent of wind chimes in a stormy summer garden. But don’t be lulled into submission. The seemingly harmless wind chimes morph into the cadence and timber of something destructive and sinister. Even if you are on your guard, you are not going to be ready for the abrupt end. Signifying eternity, perhaps?

Not the Love We Dream Of (Piano Version)
Again, we are treated to the stark piano notes winding through the introduction to this song. Slowed down and purposeful, almost funereal, we are reminded of mortality, mistakes, and failed missions. It is definitely a song of introspection, but with the change-up in tone and tempo midway through, Numan informs us musically that there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel.

Dead Sun Rising (Early Version)
This version feels like it is played at a slower speed. Numan’s vocals are the focus with the lush accompaniment of electronica there merely to support the master as he works his craft. It is a delightfully welcome version of the title track, and the perfect close to a perfect CD.

Well done, Gary. You are a perfectionist, and our lives are enriched because of it.

Visit Gary Numan’s website: http://www.numan.co.uk/

“The Fall” official full-length promotional video via YouTube user GaryNumanOfficial:

“The Fall” live by Gary Numan – via YouTube user GaryNumanOfficial:

The Secret Life of Numanoids ~ Part Ten

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Please do not copy any portion of this article without the express written consent of the original author. Requests for permission may be left in the form of a comment on http://raveandroll.wordpress.com.

Matt Jessup (UK) 

I have come to know Matt through FaceBook. He belongs to the legions of lifelong Gary Numan fans, discovering and falling hard for the unique look and sound Numan brought to the world at the very end of the 70s. Matt was kind enough to share his journey with us in his own words.

He writes:
I’ve followed Gary Numan since 1979. Unfortunately, I missed the Touring Principle tour, but was more than fortunate to see Teletour 80. I also consider myself one of the select few who actually witnessed the Wembley Farewell concert live. It was musical history in the making and I still can’t get over I was there. It was staggering!

I was drawn to Numan by his 1st appearance performing “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” on Top Of The Pops. My jaw hit the floor and I made everyone shut up so I could hear it. At that time, there was too much agro going on with anarchy, punks and skinheads fighting and all the sh*t music it brought (some of which I quite like now, strangely). I hated it, and Numan was a breath of fresh air. And, with me being a keyboard player, after seeing the word JP4 on Telekon, I went down to the music shop and bought one. I never looked back.

My favorite albums will always be what I consider the “Fab 5:” Tubeway Army, Replicas,  The Pleasure Principle, Telekon, and Dance. They are time machines for me. I can tell who, what, where, and when, and in some cases, can still smell her perfume. Perfect memories to perfect music. I also adore Sacrifice.

I have many, many favorite tracks: “Metal,” “Exhibition,” “Subway”…too many to list.

My most exciting moments include Dad saying “yes” to the request of £15 to go to Wembley (that included coach there and back), and finding out Gary was using the sounds I sent him for The Pleasure Principle 2009. Also, every concert I attended, it was exciting meeting up beforehand, when Gary was at the height of fame. Southampton was a sea of black and red, and I still have the red belt harness I wore to Wembley.

I can’t actually say “I love Gary Numan” because that would make me gay – ha! I always wished I looked like him, though – great eyes. I can express my love for him only one way, by declaring his sheer brilliance, which comes down to his lyrics and the way his voice fits the words. The sounds. As I said before, his lyrics can drop you to your knees and the synth lines just lift you right up. A classic example is Andy Gray’s mix of “Prayer for the Unborn.” It’s a fact that at Troxy last year, the intro and the way “Down In The Park”  kicked in actually brought tears to my eyes. It was so massive. And in that instant, I was back watching him come out in that car on Teletour. Then, I was back in the room, and my son Josh, 21 looked at me nodding and said, “Oooh yeah…Numan’s still got it.”

I met Gary Numan in 1986. We chatted for 45 minutes. No illusions were shattered; “Numan” went offstage and I chatted to “Gary Webb,” if that makes sense. Now, I would dearly love for my 2 sons to meet Gary and shake the hand of the man who has shaped 30 years of my life. They are really up for that.

The Numan experience taught me song writing and sound creation. They were great years that brought great friends, and the most loyal fan base I’ve ever known.

Machinery Strange Dreams by Matt Jessup via YouTube user DarkAngelOne:


Me, I Disconnect From You (Gary Numan) cover by Matt Jessup via YouTube user emjay946:

Are ‘Friends’ Electric? (Gary Numan)piano cover by Matt Jessup via YouTube user emjay946:


Ghost by Matt Jessup via YouTube user DarkAngelOne:

The Secret Life of Numanoids ~ Part Nine

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Please do not copy any portion of this article without the express written consent of the original author. Requests for permission may be left in the form of a comment on http://raveandroll.wordpress.com.

Stephen Numan (Scotland)

What better way to show your love and admiration for someone than to take their surname as your own? I have been privileged with meeting Stephen Numan, who kindly agreed to share his secret life as a Numanoid on Rave and Roll. His story is a fascinating one, so sit back and enjoy.

Stephen writes:

There is history behind this. My mom divorced our abusive father when I was around four or five. My surname then was McAllister. When she got her divorce, she reverted to her maiden name of Boyle. She remarried many years later, and as a courtesy to my step-dad, I took on his surname of Nobbs. I took his name because he was great for my mom, and loved her and all us kids so much. Sometime later, I realized I wanted to take on the surname of Numan. I will explain later.

I have been a fan since first seeing Gary on The Old Grey Whistle Test back, I think, in 1978. What drew me to him was the projected persona: alien-like, emotionless, staring grey eyes, the eyeliner and make-up, and the utter loneliness I heard in his voice and lyrics.

Gary Numan’s music means EVERYTHING to me. I was 12 or 13 when I first heard his music. As a depressed loner at that time, I was searching for a hero, a figure I could look up to and possibly relate to. I saw that figure in Numan. I heard in his music and lyrics all the alienation and rejection I had felt throughout my childhood.

Now then, my favorite album – tricky – I would have to say Telekon, with The Pleasure Principle a close second. My fave song – EASY – “A Prayer for the Unborn” – just because of the story it tells about Gary and Gemma’s loss.

My fave Numan moment – his first live gig in Glasgow back in the day – it was amazing to see my hero on stage. I was in tears and utterly hysterical – oh the freedom of youth!

I think it’s obvious now my fave way to express my love for him; I changed my surname by deed poll 6 years ago. When I stayed in South Africa for 25 years, I imported ALL of his albums, singles and 12-inch singles. I had so many, I used to place them upon my living room walls as homage to the great man. I came back for a holiday in 1984 to see him on The Berserker Tour – great gig – I returned to SA with the album and a few 12-inch singles. I then painted the cover of Berserker on my living room wall – 10 foot by 10 foot, draped it in blue curtains with blue lighting from below – it looked awesome!

I’m a diehard Numan fan; always have been, and always will be. Obviously, I don’t like every track, and yet I love his ballads. “Don’t Call My Name” is truly heart-wrenching.

I have never met him, which makes me sad, and yet, maybe it’s meant to be that way. “Idolize at a distance.”

Whenever I need inspiration, whenever I need to be lifted from depression, whenever I need reminding of all that is and was great in my life – I play Gary Numan. Whenever I buy a new car or mp3 player – I ALWAYS play Numan on it first.

“Sleep By Windows” by Gary Numan via YouTube user themachman19691:

“A Prayer For The Unborn” by Gary Numan via YouTube user TheTelekon:

The Secret Life of Numanoids ~ Part Eight

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Nik Sylvian (FaceBook persona)

The 80s decade spawned a lifetime of brilliant music that has lived long into the 21st century. Some of the more tenacious artists have made it to the present, still creating vital and brilliant music. Of course, Gary Numan is one such lesson in creative survival, and he is in good company along with artists like Peter Murphy, Bryan Ferry, Simple Minds, David Bowie, and Japan, to name a few.

Speaking of Japan, Numanoid Nik Sylvian also happens to be a deeply committed fan of David Sylvian. Both Gary Numan and David Sylvian were non-conforming pioneers during the most exciting musical decade in modern history, so it stands to reason Nik would be drawn to both of them. Let’s take a closer look at Nik’s fascination with Numan.

Nik has been a fan of Gary Numan’s for the past 30 years. There was something about Numan’s music that caught Nik’s ear three decades ago. When asked specifically what that “something” was, Nik responds, “Gary Numan talking about the future and how it would be like.”

When you love an artist, it’s very difficult to nail down a favorite creation. When asked to name a favorite album, a fan will instinctively answer, “All of them.” Nik is straightforward with his response, however, stating that “Telekon” is his favorite Gary Numan album. He quickly adds, “Also, I Assassin.”

Similarly, Nik points to “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” as his prefered Numan single, but again adds, “And also, I Assassin.” There may be a trend here!

Exciting Numan moments for Nik include seeing Gary perform on Top of the Pops and The Old Grey Whistle Test. He’s in good company with many other long-term Numanoids who hold those same precious visions close to their hearts. As a final thought on Gary Numan, Nik shares, “He’s simply the best.” I know there are many people out there that would agree.

“Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” by Gary Numan – via YouTube user dashproductions:

“I Assassin” by Gary Numan – via YouTube user GaryNumanAlbums:

The Secret Life of Numanoids ~ Part Seven

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Mark Kemp ~ UK

For the seventh installment of the series, Mark took the challenge to share his story about being a Numanoid with gusto. His enthusiasm for Gary Numan is genuine and infectious, and needs no further introduction from me.

Mark writes:
Gary Numan; a name that has not been far from my mind since the age of 12. Like most fans, it started one Thursday night watching “Top of the Pops.” The sound, the image….mesmerizing. I bought the single (AFE) but couldn’t afford Replicas, so I had to borrow it and tape it. My “Grease Soundtrack” cassette sounded far better with Numan taped over it!! (Piss off Travolta).

I had discovered “real” music. My Saturdays from then on consisted of looking through music magazines for anything I could find relating to Gary. I sometimes spent my entire pocket money on a magazine that contained one small picture of Gary no bigger than about 4 centimeters square!

I never made it to his first tour, but managed to see him on the Teletour, which to a young lad was mind-blowing. I AM IN THE SAME ROOM AS GARY NUMAN !!!!!! Been on every tour since then, the exception being the Wembley “final” concerts. London might as well have been the moon for a lad from up north with little money. The “holy grail” of a front row seat at a Numan gig was a long time coming. It finally came on the “Metal Rhythm” tour.

I believed that I had grown up a bit when it came to being a Numan fan. I was wrong. I was in fucking awe of the man. He stood just a few feet away and I had never even dreamt of getting this close to my hero. I held my hand out to him and mouthed, “COME HERE.” He mouthed back to me, “NO YOU COME HERE” knowing full well that I couldn’t get up on the stage. He was teasing me! He waited about 10 minutes, then he bent over and shook my hand. Yep, that was GARY NUMAN shaking MY hand!! I quickly handed him a pen and my tour programme, which he signed; I even had time to take his picture signing it.

I have met Gary on 4 occasions, the best being at the first convention held in London where I had my picture taken with him. My Numan collection still grows: rare records, concert recordings, more pictures, thanks to the wonderful eBay. Favourite song? Still CARS. After all this time I have never got bored of it. Album? Again, The Pleasure Principle is an outstanding piece of work that still sounds relevant even today: “Noise Noise,” “The Machman,” “Every Day I Die,” “This Is My House,” “We Are So Fragile,” “I Die You Die,” “Complex,” “I Dream Of Wires,” “My Shadow In Vain,” “Tracks,” and “Cry The Clock Said.”

Amazing talent. I will always prefer Gary’s older material, but the new stuff is still good; just not as good.

“Noise Noise” by Gary Numan via YouTube user patrickingham21:

“My Shadow In Vain” by Gary Numan via YouTube user dashproductions:

The Secret Life of Numanoids ~ Part Six

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CAZ’KIK’ASS ~ UK

I met Caz a while ago through mutual friends on YouTube and MySpace where there is a large network of Numanoids. I have really had the pleasure of getting to know her better since we met up again on FaceBook.

Caz epitomizes what it means to be a loyal Numanoid. From her, I have learned that it’s OK to not be in love with everything that Numan does. What does matter is respect for the human being behind the stage personna, along with undying loyalty.

When asked how long she’s been a fan, I was not surprised to learn Caz has been Numanoid for over 31 years.

Caz answers the question, “What drew you to Gary Numan?” with, “Seeing him perform Are ‘Friends’ Electric? on the Old Grey Whistle Test programme.”

One word suffices when asked, “What does Numan’s music mean to you?” Caz responds automatically and plainly, “Everything. It’s there for me in good times and bad.”

Me: Can you name a favorite album?
Caz: OMG!! I can’t answer that!

Me: What about favorite songs—what would they be?
Caz: “Blue Eyes,” “Every Day I Die”…need I go on?

Me: Tell me about your most exciting Gary Numan moment.
Caz: Meeting him at the Last Great Warbirds Airshow.

Caz cites her photography as a way to express her love for Gary Numan. I have also seen pictures where Caz dresses up in full make-up and clothing resembling Numan’s Dance album cover in order to host live a show featuring Zara Band who play Numan’s music. In fact, here’s a video of her in action:

When asked if she has any other thoughts to share, Caz says wistfully, “May the God live forever, and I’d like to meet him once again.”

Amen to that!

“Blue Eyes” by Gary Numan/Tubeway Army via YouTube user garycee:
 

“Every Day I Die” by Gary Numan/Tubeway Army via YouTube user PatrickIngham21: