Gary Numan: ‘I do feel a strong connection with fans in Belfast’

Now, at 66, Numan shows no sign of slowing down. Following a hectic schedule in America, he kicks off his 2024 UK tour with a performance at the Limelight in Belfast on May 17. Ahead of the show, the pioneer of synth-pop, takes time to chat, sharing his love of Ireland, the inspiration behind his latest albums and explains why, he’s been ‘faking it’ for years!

In contrast to the awkward, stationery poses that hallmarked his early performances, Numan now practically fizzes with energy as he dances and struts around the stage, lost in his music and whipping fans into a frenzy with old favourites like Are Friends Electric and Cars.

Away from the lights, the social anxiety that crippled his youth, hasn’t gone away but he has learned to keep it under control.

“I suffer a mild form of Asperger’s Syndrome and, as a result, social settings have always been challenging.” he explains. “Even today, I struggle to talk to people. Although, I have learned to ‘fake it’. As time goes on you learn little tricks to help you cope.”

Married to Gemma since 1979, the couple have three daughters, Raven (21) Persia (19) and Echo (17). His wife is his biggest fan. She is also his greatest social asset.

“I’m fortunate in that Gemma is socially gifted and has a great way of putting people at ease. She always knows exactly the right things to say. I mean, its not that I’m not friendly or approachable because I am. It’s just that, with people I don’t know, I feel awkward and really can’t think of anything to say. With Gemma’s help, it’s gotten better. She’ll point out if I’m being too quiet or if I say something we refer to as a bit, ‘aspergy’.

“Now, after a show, I can do a meet and greet event. But 20 or 30 years ago that would have been impossible. To be honest, I’ve discovered that I’m not that different to other people. When I look around, even within my own family and see conditions like OCD or ADHD etc, I realise I’m not unique, everyone has something.”

In 2017’s album Savage (Songs From a Broken World) Numan introduces the subject of climate change. His next effort, Intruder (2021) focuses on the same theme but from a different perspective. Why the futuristic gloom? “I’ve always been fascinated by humanity, what we are doing and, more importantly, where the f*** we are going to end up! I have a very low opinion of our species.

“We are so self-serving, self-centred and cruel that I often think humans are an accident of nature.

“Now we have AI and ironically, we could end up wiping ourselves off the face of the Earth. That’s a scary thought. As an artist, I like to explore these more extreme scenarios.

“In the last two albums, I’ve used the same theme but very different perspectives. While Savage focuses on the human aspect, speculating on how our species could survive in, what would be a very hostile environment, Intruder looks at the situation from the Earth’s point of view.

“The latter is set very much in the present — a different angle but the same issue.”

Written during lockdown, Intruder is pure theatre and proof that even in the bleakest landscapes, inspiration blooms.

Described as his ‘most emotional to date’ Numan’s use of sinister synths and brooding undertones, provide atmosphere and give the album texture while the combination of various industrial sounds and electronic drums, coalesce to create an other-worldly melancholy.

The star isn’t the only talented member of the Numan clan. Like her dad, Raven, used music as an antidote to the stress of lockdown. Her song My Reflection has been received to critical acclaim.

“Looking back, Covid was a terrible time, especially for children,” Numan reflects. “Initially, our girls became quite anxious and even depressed.

“Now, I find it fascinating to look back and see how each of them have coped and even used the experience to do something creative. Raven poured her energy into music, writing and composing. In fact, her song My Reflection is amazing and doing well. Persia, who was always singing, suddenly stopped and she became badly stressed. At one point we were very concerned about her. But she has come out of it and is doing amazing things. She’s back to her music and has even co-written and sang the song Just Like a Movie which is on the new Billy Morrison album The Morrison Project.

“Unlike her sisters, Echo is not so into music. But she is a fantastic artist! She’s very funny, kind and considerate. We’re incredibly fortunate.”

There’s no doubt the artist is a hard act to follow, and it remains to be seen whether the latest generation will enjoy the same level of success. Although with Numan in their corner, they’re off to a great start.

“My kids mean everything to me,” he says. “I’m at that stage in life where, raising a family and helping them with their future plans, takes priority. Apart from work, I’ve no time for little ‘projects’.

When he says ‘little projects’ Numan doesn’t mean taking up golf or some other relaxing pursuit.

His last ‘project’ led to a second career as an aerobatic flying instructor. He eventually gave up when he lost several close friends to plane crashes.

But, while he says he has no time for ‘projects’ it seems they aren’t completely off the table.

“I was just saying to Gemma that I hadn’t done anything for a while and I kind of missing having my ‘little projects’. There’s a kind of emptiness there. Come to think of it, my daughter’s boyfriend is into parachuting and was saying I should get involved. It does sound exciting…”

For those who have followed the star since the early days, Numan’s music is more than a collection of epic songs. It is the soundtrack of their youth.

“My fans are amazing,” Numan smiles, “I do feel a strong connection with those in Belfast. My kids are also half Irish so I always love to visit the country.”

​For further info visit: www.garynuman.com