Electropop Pioneer Gary Numan: ‘i Really Struggled with Fame, I Didn’t Take to IT Well’

Key Highlights

  • Gary Numan emigrated to Los Angeles in 2012 with his family.
  • The electropop pioneer discusses his struggles with fame and self-doubt.
  • Numan talks about his anniversary tour of “Telekon.”
  • Numan reflects on his career and life changes over the years.

From London to Los Angeles: Gary Numan’s Journey

In 2012, at the age of 54, Gary Numan made a significant move, relocating from his native London to Los Angeles with his wife and three daughters. This decision came after some gentle pressure from his wife, Gemma O’Neill, who has Cavan and Dublin parents.

Fame and Struggle: Gary Numan’s Perspective

Despite being a pioneer of electropop, Gary Numan reveals that fame did not come easily to him. In an interview, he candidly states, “I really struggled with fame; I didn’t take to it well.” This statement reflects his internal struggle and the challenges faced by many artists in maintaining their personal lives amidst public scrutiny.

Touring “Telekon”: A Milestone in Numan’s Career

Numan is currently preparing for an anniversary tour of his 1979 album, “Telekon.” The tour marks a significant moment in the artist’s career and serves as a reflection on his enduring influence. “If I was to look back to our first concert,” Numan says, “we weren’t that great, but we’re world-class now.” This sentiment highlights the growth and evolution of both Numan’s artistry and the electropop genre.

Life in Los Angeles: A New Chapter

The move to Los Angeles has provided Gary Numan with a new perspective on his life. “It’s raining in late-afternoon Ireland, inevitably,” he notes, while it is 10 am and the sun is shining ‘equally inevitably’ in LA.” This contrast underscores the stark differences between his old and new homes and how they shape his experience of fame and personal growth.

Numan’s reflections on his career and life changes offer a unique insight into the challenges faced by artists as they navigate their professional success. His journey from London to Los Angeles not only marks a geographical shift but also a profound exploration of self-doubt, artistic evolution, and the complexities of fame in the music industry.