Gary Numan‘s last tour took place in the Fall of 2019 in the UK to celebrate the 4oth anniversary of his career. Two and a half years is a long time for someone who is known for his prolific touring schedule. During his time off of the road, he and his band recorded his 21st studio release, Intruder. Entering the UK charts at #2, it’s a grim story of what mankind is doing to the Earth. Unlike other works talking of evils of global warming, overpopulation, etc, this album speaks from the point of view of the Earth itself. It’s a powerful album that many feel is his best yet.
Gary Numan and his band are in the middle of a coast-to-coast US Tour. Once completed, they head off to the UK where Gary’s triumphant return to London’s Wembley Arena on the 7th of May is the highlight. Then they trek to mainland Europe to round out their tour.
For the many in the US who hear the name Gary Numan and think of Cars, there is more to him than that! Gary has morphed from his early electronic post-punk music. He has become proficient in music that is steeped in a heavy, room-filling industrial sound. Why his music transformation is not more widely known here is a mystery. Gary’s trail is similar to Ministry’s metamorphosis, and yet Ministry’s music is wildly popular. For those who know, Numan has been an influence on many bands including Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, Prince, and Kanye West to name a few. Why he has never been considered for the R&R Hall of Fame is as mysterious as his lack of a larger US following.
His concerts are unforgettable. They appeal to not only the aural senses but the visual senses as well. The wall of sound Gary and the band creates is larger than life. It’s not only perceived by the ears, it resonates through the body. The visual aspect of a Numan concert is stunning! The lights combined with a fair amount of stage fog creates an unworldly vision. Numan stalks the stage like a wild beast. Not to be outdone, guitarist Steve Harris and bassist Tim Slade are imposing figures as they stride and contort their way around the boards. David Brooks on keyboards and drummer Richard Beasley round out the team as they lurk about in the background.
The several shows I recently attended were very well received. Those shows that were not sold out were close to being a full house. The setlists were relatively consistent with a fair mix of songs throughout his career. Each set began with the title track of his latest, Intruder. The end of the main set found Numan playing his guitar along with Prayer For The Unborn. Gary revels in donning his beloved Gibson and is very theatrical in doing so. Encores consisted of The Fall and the iconic Are Friends Electric. Scattered about were of course Cars, My Name is Ruin, Love Hurt Bleed, and many other fan favorites.
If his tour is coming near you, make it a point to see Gary’s Intruder tour! They are thrilled to be back on the road and are putting on amazing shows! For upcoming dates, click HERE.
Review and Photos by Rich Russo
