GARY NUMAN
Along with The Human League, Gary Numan can take credit for persuading
musicians to trade punk's guitars for sythesizers snd create a
whole new musical movement - Futurist as it became known then,
and more commonly later as New Wave.
As the 1970s ended, the former Gary Webb topped that charts with
his Tubeway Army playing "Are Friends Electric?" a single
taken from his first commercially successful album "Replicas".
Sellout concerts, and a horde of devoted fans (who became known
as Numanoids) were soon to follow. Shortly after Tubeway Army
disbanded, and Numan commenced his solo career with the release
of "Cars", a number one in the UK and a top ten hit
in the US. The fans copied his distinctive stage look and hung
on his every move. Two further number one albums followed in the
shape of "The Pleasure Principle" and "Telekon".
As the eighties progressed Numan's chart success gradually declined,
but he still retained a loyal fanbase. His fortunes underwent
a revival in the late nineties, partly due to the praise he received
from contempory musicians, such as Trent Reznor, Marilyn Manson,Blur
and Republica. Numan was also cited as an influence by figures
from the US Rap/Hip Hop movement, such as Africa Bambaata.
Even now in a new millennium there is still a considerable following
of fans and an annual convention is held, together with after
show parties, as Gary is still active and very popular on the
touring circuit.
He sustained a decade as a chart regular and even though he took
time out to become a proficient aerobatic pilot, he continued
to produce challenging music during the 1990s
with albums such as "Sacrifice" and "Exile".
All star tribute albums such as Random have revealed the depth
and breadth of respect which he has earned from his fellow artists,
and he is also credited with influencing the Industrial movement.
Gary Numan's has cemented his place in music history and continues
to please fans all over the globe with his new releases and exciting
stage performances. We expect to see more of Numan in many years
to come.
Recommended listening: The Pleasure Principle, Exile
