Key Highlights
- Gary Numan marks his 1000th live show with an album titled “1000.”
- The musician discusses his experiences during a current U.S. tour and reflections on his career.
- Gary Numan elaborates on the inspiration behind his iconic image and early success in electronic music.
- He shares insights into his work ethic, past challenges, and future aspirations.
The Legacy of Gary Numan: A Synthwave Icon Reflects on His Career
Gary Numan is a name synonymous with the golden era of synthpop. As he marks his 1000th live show, the British musician reflects on his storied career and shares insights into his life both on and off stage.
A Journey Through Time
During an interview in Boston, where Numan is midway through a U.S. tour with The Psychedelic Furs, he discusses how he balances nostalgia with current performances. “We do it pretty hard,” Numan states, referring to the demanding schedule of 35 shows in a concentrated period. This intensity, however, does not deter him from enjoying his work: “I love it though. I don’t find it a burden at all.”
The tour is part of Numan’s ongoing efforts to keep his music relevant and engaging for both longtime fans and new audiences. His recent album 1000, marking the milestone, aims to capture the essence of his career. “It’s an amazing way to live your life,” he muses about touring, adding that he feels no signs of weariness or jadedness.
The Making of a Legend
Numan’s journey began with a desire to explore something different in music. He recalls, “I was aware of Kraftwerk but it didn’t do enough to turn me on to electronic music.” It was the synthesiser that captured his attention, transforming punk songs into something entirely new and groundbreaking. His record label initially resisted this shift, but eventually came around, releasing Cars, which propelled him into mainstream success.
“It could have been Ultravox or The Human League,” Numan says, downplaying the importance of his initial hit. “I was lucky enough to have that one.” He attributes his success not just to talent but also to support from his family, who encouraged him despite his early struggles with education.
Reflections and Future Plans
Gary Numan’s career is marked by both triumphs and challenges. Reflecting on the past, he acknowledges the difficulties faced during certain years: “There were two or three years where I wouldn’t play Cars at all,” he admits. “Till I realised that was just arrogant and I should fucking grow up and get over myself.” This attitude has allowed him to remain focused and dedicated, a trait he credits to his father’s influence.
When asked about future plans, Numan remains optimistic: “The numbers become a bit blurry after a while,” he says of the ongoing tours. “But I feel as comfortable on stage now as eating dinner.” His next album, 1000, is set for release shortly, further cementing his legacy in the synthwave genre.
Numan also touches on personal life and current projects. He shares that his family’s Scottish home, featured in a TV series about haunted houses, remains an ongoing challenge but one he hopes to overcome with brighter lighting and arcade machines. “The doors start banging downstairs,” he notes, comparing it to having a grumpy uncle.
Lastly, Numan speaks fondly of his appearances on classic TV shows like the Simpsons and Family Guy, which have brought him a level of recognition that surpasses even his music career: “It’s an honour.
It shows a level of recognition. If you’re on South Park or The Simpsons, you’ve made your mark.”
As Numan continues to tour and create new music, fans can look forward to more from the godfather of synthwave. His journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and a passion for pushing musical boundaries.
