A true 21st-century renaissance man, Gary Numan has reinvented himself both outwardly via cosmetic work and inwardly through mentoring from Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. His remarkable life has been filled with trials and tribulations uniquely higher and lower than most. With the help of family and friends, he successfully transformed himself and his world from the highs of 80s song “Cars” to the lows of 90s album Machine + Soul and back again… almost. Rather than the earlier throngs of young pop fiends he originally attracted, now his are a more mature if smaller and darker legion of gothic industrial cult-like devotees more properly attuned to his new mechanistic soul-crushing sound.
“I just didn’t make music that you could sing with a big grin, still don’t.”
Album Intruder would be his nineteenth release and was inspired by an immediate family member. “The idea behind the album actually came from a poem called ‘Earth’ that my youngest daughter Echo wrote. She wrote the poem about the planet being upset, and why it was upset.” The rapid changes and subsequent feelings of feverish climate, windswept lands, erupting chaos, and burgeoning oceans would reflect an emotional turmoil turned deadly physical. An implied inhuman promise that the worst may be yet to come.
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Numan would use the genius of Echo’s writing to create an emotional Earth’s rebuttal to its inhabitant’s child-like careless allowance of environmental degradation. Said Numan, “The planet sees us as its children now grown into callous selfishness, with a total disregard for its wellbeing, it feels betrayed, hurt, and ravaged. Disillusioned and heartbroken it is now fighting back.” “Essentially, it considers humankind to be a virus attacking the planet. Climate change is the undeniable sign of the Earth saying enough is enough, and finally doing what it needs to do to get rid of us, and explaining why it feels it has to do it.”
“It seems no matter what you say and how politically correctly and carefully you say it, you offend someone.
Or at least I always do.”
From post-punk new-wave pop star to battle-scarred industrial renaissance maven, Numan has become adept at reinvention, not necessarily because he wants to, but because he has to. Not that his art is unnatural or forced, rather music is his lynchpin and as such he is always striving for an artful pairing between creator and creation, creation and receiver, receiver and resonance. For a man diagnosed with Aspergers, he does a remarkable job communicating his vision.
“My life is always one step away from disaster.”
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Gary Numan was Just here in Philly with KMFDM and Ministry.
Great stuff and Keep it up
Thank you, Stephen. I hope you were able to attend the concert. What a fantastic lineup. I love all three bands. 💀
It was actually supposed to be a “Mind” anniversary tour like 2 years ago and then Covid hit. It was long overdue…I misspoke it was Front Line Assembly not KMFDM. The latter was replaced by Gary Numan.
A wonderful share.
I am not going to pretend that I know these bands🥴🤭 but the manner in which you present them is so detailed, it makes it difficult not to appreciate. always an enjoyable read 🤍
I strive to always share enjoyable music videos with interesting backstories. I appreciate your kind words and confirmation. Thank you so much, Destiny. 💀🖤
my pleasure 🤍
I love Gary Numan. I saw him perform three times and met him once.
The one thing I miss about leaving Facebook is Gary Numan’s page. He’s a real family man and adores his wife and children. A great talent. He can do no wrong in my book.
Wow, I’m jealous. Haven’t been able to see him at all yet. From the research I did, I completely agree. He is very much a family man and works hard to take care of his own. An admirable man with a lot of talent. Thanks for sharing, Maryanne! 💀
Listened to the Numan “Metal” cover from “Things Falling Apart” What a gem 💎
Definitely will check it out! Thanks, Stephen. 💀
Just checked out and it is indeed a gem. It’s amazing what can be done with a single syncopated line in repetition that sears itself into your brain. I like the shorter “unreleased version” too, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ssqbTWOri8 It’s a gift too, thanks man! 💀
This is from a couple of weeks ago.
https://youtu.be/hChSzDlYqUo
That’s much more visceral than his original 1979 version. I like it a lot. 💀
Hell, yeah it is. BTW keep up the great work-The time, effort and passion you put into your blogs never goes unnoticed. I look forward to them. You’re the best
Thank you so much my friend! 💀🔥
This is one hell of a video, Rann! And another positive, I could clearly understand the lyrics. 😆
If you hadn’t supplied the origins of the song, one could possibly interpret it as a relationship gone bad, but knowing from where it sprang, the lyrics’ meaning are obvious. Like Destiny above, I’m rarely aware of the band or singer you write about, but I always enjoy the backstory. 🖤
Super respect for Gary Numan. I always wanted to get more of his albums, but I do play “The Pleasure Principle” a lot, and not just for “Cars,” lol…
He really is quite a talented artist, but I think a lot of it stems from hard work. I like his early stuff too. Thanks for sharing, I appreciate the feedback. 💀
Thanks, ladybird! Gary really puts in some time and effort for his fans for sure. I’m happy to introduce you to new music, especially if you enjoy it. Thank you for the kind words. I’m truly blessed when you and others take the time and effort to read my posts, watch the videos I share, and comment too. 🖤🤗