More on: Gary Numan

Date: 08/03/08
Rating:

Gary Numan is a complex individual and his music is equally enigmatic. Since his debut on the music scene some 30 years ago he has created many an insightful and evocative electro tune; his music is timeless and has influenced and been used by everyone from darling popsters The Sugababes to Marilyn Manson and how could we forget those loveable rogues The Mighty Boosh.

His opening act on the Replicas Tour, Daggers, carry the awesome pop sensibility of Soft Cell, with their style plonked in a melting pot with the Sisters Of Mercy's sex drive. Indeed, the group create ballads that undoubtedly sit well in the ears of afficionados of Numan's pre 1990s work. A standout of their set is the proud 'Magazine' which forced the band's electro-rock sound into our brains with venomous intent. The only issue is that despite the talented local bunch having a great stage presence and decent contrasting male and female vocals from Theo and Biz, there is little that can separate them from the current crop of Numan's over eager impersonators. Each song is good, but equally it sounds just the same as the last.

Now, as you would expect, work from Mr Numan is a wholly different story. Breaking into his 'Replicas' album for this entire tour and amping up the volume with a strong rock sheen for each effort (to something way past 11 if we're going Spinal Tap). This gives his classic cold electro sound renewed vigour and a red hot bite to appease fans of his newest offerings but also keep his faithful happy (each is singing/chanting/screaming/wailing along to every word... of course). This also happens to be a special night - Gary's 50th birthday.

The whole set is finely tuned and the band work well together - again something you would expect from a group of people who have been mates for as long as this crop of musical maestros. Ade Fenton is on keys tonight and helps the rest of the band whip the "Numanoids" into complete frenzy. Some of the most well received of this now legendary collection are the songs: 'Me, I Disconnect From You', 'The Crazies' and, of course, 'Cars' - done following a resounding 'Happy Birthday' which left the electro-boy a little red faced. A fitting tribute none the less.

The final song of the evening sends everyone home happy - the emotional and innovative 'Prayer For The Unborn'. So, with some in the audience recalling fond memories and some young ones being gifted new ones, each fan can be proud that their idol is still going strong creating music that will for years to come, knock our wiring completely out of place.

Dom Smith

Gary Numan Official Site
Gary Numan Myspace