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{{Short description|English musician (born 1958)}}
{{about|the musician|the rabbi with a similar name|M. Gary Neuman}}
{{redirect-distinguish|Gary Newman|Garry Newman}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox person
|
| caption = Numan in 2025
| birth_name = Gary Anthony James Webb
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1958|03|08}}
|
| occupation = {{hlist|Musician|singer|songwriter|record producer}}<!--Please do not add to this list without first discussing your proposal on the talk page. -->
| years_active = 1977–present
| spouse = {{marriage|Gemma O'Neill|1997}}
| children = 3
| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| background = solo_singer
| genre = {{hlist|[[Synth-pop]]<ref name="fastcompany">{{cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3060236/gary-numan-thinks-the-music-industrys-collapse-is-a-beautiful-thing|title=Gary Numan Thinks The Music Industry's Collapse Is A Beautiful Thing|work=[[Fast Company]]|date=27 May 2016|author=John Paul Titlow|access-date=6 December 2021|archive-date=7 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207051523/https://www.fastcompany.com/3060236/gary-numan-thinks-the-music-industrys-collapse-is-a-beautiful-thing|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/gary-numan-overcomes-panic-to-cut-new-album-20131014|title=Gary Numan Overcomes 'Panic' to Cut New Album|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=14 October 2013|author=Chiu, David|access-date=10 July 2017|archive-date=24 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724011231/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/gary-numan-overcomes-panic-to-cut-new-album-20131014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/nov/03/gary-numan-on-my-radar|title=Gary Numan's cultural highlights|work=[[The Guardian]]|last=Harper|first=Leah|date=3 November 2013|access-date=10 July 2017|archive-date=16 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816235456/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/nov/03/gary-numan-on-my-radar|url-status=live}}</ref>|[[New wave music|new wave]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/6281331/gary-numan-scoring-film-from-inside|title='80s New Wave Icon Gary Numan Returns to Film Scoring for the First Time in 23 Years|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=13 October 2014|access-date=10 July 2017|author=Gallo, Phil}}</ref>|[[electronica]]<ref name="fastcompany"/><ref name="FarOutGuide">{{cite magazine|last=Wardle|first=Drew|date=8 March 2021|title=Six definitive songs: The ultimate beginner's guide to Gary Numan|url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/six-definitive-songs-the-ultimate-beginners-guide-to-gary-numan/|magazine=[[Far Out (website)|Far Out]]|___location=UK|access-date=26 January 2022}}</ref><ref name="EnfieldGodfather">{{cite news|last1=Wakefield|first1=Rachel|title=Gary Numan: godfather of electronica|url=https://www.enfieldindependent.co.uk/leisure/music/7998812.gary-numan-godfather-of-electronica/|access-date=27 January 2023|work=Enfield Independent|agency=Gannet|publisher=[[Newsquest|Newsquest Media Group, Ltd.]]|date=8 April 2010|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127034514/https://www.enfieldindependent.co.uk/leisure/music/7998812.gary-numan-godfather-of-electronica/|url-status=live}}</ref>|[[dark wave]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/mqvz4s/gary-numan-rides-the-darkwave-back-from-exile|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218061301/https://www.mtv.com/news/mqvz4s/gary-numan-rides-the-darkwave-back-from-exile|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 December 2023|title=Gary Numan Rides The Darkwave Back From 'Exile'|last=Walker|first=Johnny|date=4 November 1998|publisher=[[MTV News]]|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>|[[gothic rock]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2011/12/15/143769678/gary-numan-on-world-cafe|title=Gary Numan on World Cafe|date=15 December 2011|publisher=[[NPR]]|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>|[[industrial rock]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2014-03-14/sxsw-live-shot-gary-numan/|title=SXSW Live Shot: Gary Numan|work=[[The Austin Chronicle]]|date=14 March 2014|access-date=10 July 2017|last=Whittaker|first=Richard|archive-date=17 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817033955/https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2014-03-14/sxsw-live-shot-gary-numan/|url-status=live}}</ref>|[[electronic rock]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-gary-numan-electro-rock-20131017-story.html|title=Out of the shadows with Gary Numan|first=Steve|last=Appleford|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=28 October 2013|access-date=14 May 2019|archive-date=14 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514083855/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-gary-numan-electro-rock-20131017-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>|[[post-punk]]<ref name="fastcompany"/>}}
| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|guitar|keyboards|synthesizer}}<!--- If you think an instrument should be listed or removed, a discussion to reach consensus is needed first per: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Infobox_musical_artist#instrument--->
| works = [[Gary Numan discography|Discography]]
| label = {{hlist|[[Atco Records|Atco]]|[[Beggars Banquet Records|Beggars Banquet]]|Numa|NBR|[[Illegal Records|Illegal]]|[[I.R.S. Records|I.R.S.]]|[[Eagle Records|Eagle]]|Machine Music Ltd.|Jagged Halo|[[Cooking Vinyl]]|[[Metropolis Records|Metropolis]]|[[Cleopatra Records|Cleopatra]]|Mortal|[[Bertelsmann Music Group|BMG]]}}
| past_member_of = {{hlist|[[Tubeway Army]]|[[Sharpe & Numan]]}}<!--Please do not add to this list without first discussing your proposal on the talk page. -->
}}
| website = {{URL|garynuman.com}}
}}
'''Gary Anthony James Webb''' (born 8 March 1958), known professionally as '''Gary Numan''', is an English singer, songwriter and musician. He entered the music industry as frontman of the [[New wave music|new wave]] band [[Tubeway Army]]. After releasing two studio albums with the band, he released his debut solo studio album ''[[The Pleasure Principle (album)|The Pleasure Principle]]'' in 1979, topping the [[UK Albums Chart]]. His commercial popularity peaked in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits including "[[Are "Friends" Electric?|Are 'Friends' Electric?]]" and "[[Cars (song)|Cars]]" (both of which reached number one on the [[UK singles chart]]). Numan maintains a [[cult following]]. He has sold over 10 million records.
Numan is regarded as a pioneer of [[electronic music]]. He developed a signature sound consisting of heavy synthesizer [[Hook (music)|hooks]] fed through guitar [[Effects unit|effects pedals]], and is also known for his distinctive voice and [[Androgyny|androgynous]] "android" persona. He received an [[Ivor Novello Awards|Ivor Novello Award]], the Inspiration Award, from the [[The Ivors Academy|British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors]] in 2017. In June 2025 Numan made his debut at the [[Glastonbury Festival 2025|Glastonbury Festival]].
== Early life ==
Gary Anthony James Webb<ref name=RG2003>{{Cite book|last=Buckley|first=Peter|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7ctjc6UWCm4C&pg=PA735|title=The Rough Guide to Rock|date=2003|publisher=Rough Guides|isbn=978-1-84353-105-0|page=735|language=en|access-date=21 January 2021|archive-date=4 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230704160252/https://books.google.com/books?id=7ctjc6UWCm4C&pg=PA735|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="AllMusicBio">{{cite web|last1=Huey|first1=Steve|title=Gary Numan Biography & History|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/gary-numan-mn0000183858/biography|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806215508/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/gary-numan-mn0000183858/biography|url-status=live}}</ref> was born on 8 March 1958 in [[Hammersmith]], [[West London]].<ref name="FoleyIMDBBio">{{cite web|last1=Foley|first1=Adrian|title=Gary Numan – Biography|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0637885/bio|publisher=[[IMDb]]|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127025626/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0637885/bio|url-status=live}}</ref> His father was a [[British Airways]] bus driver based at [[Heathrow Airport]].<ref name="Rees Crampton|1991|p=366">{{cite book|last1=Rees|first1=Dafydd|last2=Crampton|first2=Luke|title=Rock Movers and Shakers: An A to Z of the People Who Made Rock Happen|date=1991|publisher=[[ABC-Clio]]|isbn=978-0874366617|page=366}}</ref> He was seven when his family adopted his cousin (father's nephew) John,<ref>Gary Numan ''(R)evolution: The Autobiography'', Constable 2020, Chapter One</ref> who would become a musician and play in Numan's backing band. He was educated at Town Farm Junior School in [[Stanwell]], [[Surrey]]; [[Spelthorne College|Ashford County Grammar School]]; and [[Upton Court Grammar School|Slough Grammar School]],<ref name="BBCSlough">{{cite web|last1=Peach|first1=Andrew|title=80 things Slough has given the world80 things Slough has given the world|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06krygp/p06l21w3|publisher=[[BBC Radio Berkshire]]|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=13 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413151951/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06krygp/p06l21w3|url-status=live}}</ref> followed by [[Brooklands College|Brooklands Technical College]] in [[Weybridge]], Surrey.<ref name="Loud&Quiet">{{cite web|title=While the other kids were at school, Gary Numan was looking at planes and practising his moves in the mirror|url=https://www.loudandquiet.com/short/gary-numans-teenager-sweet-16/|website=[[Loud and Quiet]]|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=19 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119020923/https://www.loudandquiet.com/short/gary-numans-teenager-sweet-16/|url-status=live}}</ref> He joined the [[Air Training Corps]] as a teenager and briefly held various jobs including Heathrow Airport bus driver, forklift truck driver, air conditioning ventilator fitter, and accounts clerk.<ref name="NJ1015">{{cite web|last1=Allen|first1=Craig|title=Meet Gary Numan|url=https://nj1015.com/meet-gary-numan-photosvideos/|website=[[WKXW|New Jersey 101.5]]|date=22 March 2014|publisher=Townsquare Media, Inc.|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=19 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619205912/https://nj1015.com/meet-gary-numan-photosvideos/|url-status=live}}</ref>
When Numan was 15, his father bought him a [[Gibson (guitar company)|Gibson]] [[Gibson Les Paul|Les Paul]] guitar, which became his most treasured possession.<ref name=Webber>{{cite news|last=Webber|first=Richard|title=Gary Numan: I had so much cash, all I wanted to do was spend|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/fameandfortune/9028387/Gary-Numan-I-had-so-much-cash-all-I-wanted-to-do-was-spend.html|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]|access-date=24 July 2012|date=22 January 2012|archive-date=30 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530012619/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/fameandfortune/9028387/Gary-Numan-I-had-so-much-cash-all-I-wanted-to-do-was-spend.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He briefly played in various bands and looked through advertisements in ''[[Melody Maker]]'' for bands to join. He claims to have unsuccessfully auditioned as guitarist for the then-unknown band [[the Jam]]<ref name="RevolutionBook">{{cite book|author-link=Gary Numan|title=(R)evolution: The Autobiography|publisher=[[Little, Brown Book Group]]|publication-place=London, England, UK|date=22 October 2020|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6Y6KEAAAQBAJ|isbn=978-1472134622|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127025626/https://books.google.com/books?id=6Y6KEAAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> before joining Mean Street and the Lasers, where he met [[Paul Gardiner]].<ref name="VinylDistrict">{{cite web|last1=Neff|first1=Joseph|title=Graded on a Curve: Gary Numan, Replicas, The Pleasure Principle, Telekon|url=http://www.thevinyldistrict.com/storefront/2015/12/graded-on-a-curve-gary-numan-replicas-the-pleasure-principle-telekon/|website=The Vinyl District|date=10 December 2015|publisher=Mom & Pop Shop Media|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=19 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619070539/https://www.thevinyldistrict.com/storefront/2015/12/graded-on-a-curve-gary-numan-replicas-the-pleasure-principle-telekon/|url-status=live}}</ref> The latter band would soon become [[Tubeway Army]], with his uncle Jess Lidyard on drums and Gardiner on bass. The band signed a [[recording contract]] with [[Beggars Banquet Records]].<ref name="BeggarsSigned1978">{{cite web|title=Numan, Gary – Replicas – The First Recordings|url=https://archive.beggars.com/numan-gary-replicas-first/|website=The Arkive|publisher=Beggars Group|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=4 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504172724/https://archive.beggars.com/numan-gary-replicas-first/|url-status=live}}</ref> His initial pseudonym was Valerian, probably in reference to the hero in French science fiction comic series ''[[Valérian and Laureline]]''.<ref>Steve Malins (1999). ''The Plan'' 1999 reissue liner notes</ref> He later picked the surname Numan from an advertisement in the [[yellow pages]] for a plumber whose surname was Neumann.<ref name="SynthBritannia"/>
== Music career ==
=== 1977–1981: Tubeway Army and the "Machine Trilogy" ===
Numan came to prominence in the 1970s as lead vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and record producer for [[Tubeway Army]]. After adopting a [[punk rock]]-style they signed a recording contract with [[Beggars Banquet Records]] and released their debut single "[[That's Too Bad]]" in February 1978, an attempt at making commercial punk music.<ref>Stephen Webbon & Gary Numan (1985). "Complete Gary Numan UK Discography". ''[[Record Collector]]'' (December 1985, No. 76): p.14</ref> It was followed by the recording of an album's worth of [[Demo (music)|demo tapes]] in March 1978 (later released in 1984 as ''[[The Plan (Tubeway Army album)|The Plan]]''),<ref name="BeggarsThePlan">{{cite web|title=Numan, Gary + Tubeway Army The Plan|url=https://archive.beggars.com/numan-gary-tubeway-army-theplan/|website=The Arkive|publisher=Beggars Group|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=11 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511034555/https://archive.beggars.com/numan-gary-tubeway-army-theplan/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BeggarsSigned1978" /> and a second single, "[[Bombers (Tubeway Army song)|Bombers]]", which like the first single did not chart.<ref name="BombersLyrics">{{cite web|title=Gary Numan – Bombers Lyrics|url=https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/4686293/Gary+Numan/Bombers|website=Lyrics.com|publisher=Stands4, LLC.|access-date=26 January 2023|archive-date=26 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126223358/https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/4686293/Gary+Numan/Bombers|url-status=live}}</ref> The two singles were released again as a gatefold doublepack in 1979, and in 1983 a re-release of "That's Too Bad" reached No. 97 on the [[UK singles chart]].<ref name="toobadchart">{{cite web|title=That's too bad – full Official Chart History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/gary-numan-and-the-tubeway-army-thats-too-bad|access-date=26 January 2023|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|archive-date=29 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629162313/https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/gary-numan-and-the-tubeway-army-thats-too-bad|url-status=live}}</ref>
Tubeway Army's eponymous, [[New wave music|new wave]]-oriented [[Tubeway Army (album)|debut studio album]], released in November 1978, sold out its limited run and introduced Numan's fascination with [[dystopia]]n science fiction and synthesizers.<ref name="Europopmusic">{{cite web|title=Part 6: "Are friends electric? "|url=http://www.europopmusic.eu/Newsletters/History_electronic_music_part_6.html|access-date=24 July 2012|work=The history of electronic music within European pop?"|publisher=Europopmusic|archive-date=29 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201229082352/http://www.europopmusic.eu/Newsletters/History_electronic_music_part_6.html|url-status=live}}</ref> During the recording of the album Numan found a [[Moog synthesizer]] left behind in the studio and the transition towards an electronic sound began.<ref>Steve Malins (1998). ''Tubeway Army'' 1998 reissued CD liner notes</ref> Though the band's third single, the dark-themed and slow-paced "[[Down in the Park]]" (1979), did not appear on the charts, it became one of Numan's most enduring and oft-covered songs. It was featured with other contemporary hits on the soundtrack for the American drama film ''[[Times Square (1980 film)|Times Square]]'' (1980),<ref name="Forbes">{{cite web|last1=Chiu|first1=David|title='Times Square': A Forgotten Punk And New Wave Movie Soundtrack Turns 40|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidchiu/2020/09/29/times-square-a-forgotten-punk-and-new-wave-movie-soundtrack-turns-40/|website=[[Forbes]]|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=13 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213082911/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidchiu/2020/09/29/times-square-a-forgotten-punk-and-new-wave-movie-soundtrack-turns-40/|url-status=live}}</ref> and a live version of the song appeared in the British concert film ''[[Urgh! A Music War]]'' (1982).<ref name="AltPressUrghMusicWar">{{cite web|last1=Pettigrew|first1=Jason|title=10 CLASSIC '80S UNDERGROUND MOMENTS FROM THE MOVIE 'URGH! A MUSIC WAR'|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/list/classic-80s-underground-moments-from-urgh-a-music-war-movie/|website=[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]|publisher=Alternative Press, Inc.|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=8 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208040510/https://www.altpress.com/features/list/classic-80s-underground-moments-from-urgh-a-music-war-movie/|url-status=live}}</ref> Following exposure in a television advertisement for [[Lee Cooper]] jeans with the jingle "Don't Be a Dummy",<ref name=Europopmusic /> Tubeway Army released the single "[[Are "Friends" Electric?|Are 'Friends' Electric?]]" in May 1979.<ref name="GuardianInterview">{{cite news|last1=Simpson|first1=Dave|title=Gary Numan and Mary Vango: how we made Are 'Friends' Electric?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/feb/18/how-we-made-are-friends-electric-gary-numan|access-date=14 December 2020|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=18 February 2014|archive-date=11 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211105109/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/feb/18/how-we-made-are-friends-electric-gary-numan|url-status=live}}</ref> After a modest start at the lower reaches of the [[UK singles chart]] at No. 71, it steadily climbed to No. 1 at the end of June and remained on that position for four consecutive weeks. In July its parent studio album ''[[Replicas (album)|Replicas]]'' also reached No. 1 on the albums chart.<ref name="replicasChart">{{cite web|title=replicas – full Official Chart History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/replicas/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=26 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127025631/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/replicas/|url-status=live}}</ref>
At this point Numan was recording his next studio album with a new backing band, having recruited keyboardist [[Chris Payne (musician)|Chris Payne]] and drummer [[Cedric Sharpley]].<ref name="bb">[https://archive.beggars.com/numan-gary-the-pleasure-principle-first/ Gary Numan The Pleasure Principle – The First Recordings] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501144518/https://archive.beggars.com/numan-gary-the-pleasure-principle-first/ |date=1 May 2021 }} Beggars Arkive</ref><ref name="ad">{{cite web|url=http://www.theartsdesk.com/new-music/theartsdesk-qa-musician-gary-numan|title=Q&A: Musician Gary Numan|last=Green|first=Thomas H|date=19 May 2012|website=[[The Arts Desk]]|access-date=12 August 2017}}</ref> At the peak of success, Numan opted to premiere four songs in a [[John Peel]] session in June 1979 rather than promoting the current album and the Tubeway Army group name was dropped.<ref name="bb" />
In September "[[Cars (song)|Cars]]" reached No. 1 in the UK.<ref name="CarsChart">{{cite web|title=cars – full Official Chart History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/cars/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=26 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127031143/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/cars/|url-status=live}}</ref> The single found success in North American charts where "Cars" spent 2 weeks at No. 1 on the Canadian ''[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]]'' charts,<ref name="RPMCars1">{{cite web|title=Image : RPM Weekly|url=https://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/028020/f4/nlc008388.0189a.gif|website=Library and Archives Canada|publisher=[[Government of Canada]]|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307065239/http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/028020/f4/nlc008388.0189a.gif|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="RPMCars2">{{cite web|title=Image : RPM Weekly|url=https://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/028020/f4/nlc008388.0194a.gif|website=Library and Archives Canada|publisher=Government of Canada|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=9 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309002046/http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/028020/f4/nlc008388.0194a.gif|url-status=live}}</ref> and reached No. 9 in the US in 1980.<ref name="CarsBillboardNo4">{{cite magazine|title=Gary Numan Chart History|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/gary-numan/chart-history/hsi/|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=14 December 2020}}</ref> "Cars" and the 1979 studio album ''[[The Pleasure Principle (album)|The Pleasure Principle]]'' were both released under Numan's own stage name. The album reached No. 1 in the UK,<ref name="PPChart">{{cite web|title=the pleasure principle – full Official Chart History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/the-pleasure-principle/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=26 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127025636/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/the-pleasure-principle/|url-status=live}}</ref> and a sell-out tour (The Touring Principle) followed; the [[Concert film|concert video]] it spawned is often cited as the first full-length commercial music video release.<ref name="Encyclotronic">{{cite web|title=The Touring Principle '79 – Gary Numan|url=https://encyclotronic.com/movies/concerts/the-touring-principle-79-gary-numan-r79/|website=Encyclotronic|publisher=Invision Community|access-date=14 December 2020}}{{Dead link|date=January 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> ''The Pleasure Principle'' was a rock album with no guitars; instead, Numan used synthesizers connected to [[effects unit]]s to achieve a distorted, phased, metallic tone. A second single from the album, "[[Complex (song)|Complex]]", made it to No. 6 on the [[UK singles chart]].<ref name="ComplexChart">{{cite web|title=complex – full Official Chart History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/complex/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=26 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127025634/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/complex/|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Gary Numan playing.jpg|thumb|upright=.8|left|Numan performing in 1980]]
In 1980, Numan topped the UK Albums Chart for a third time with ''[[Telekon]]'',<ref name="TelekonChart">{{cite web|title=telekon – full Official Chart History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/telekon/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=26 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127025626/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/telekon/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the singles "[[We Are Glass]]" and "[[I Die: You Die]]", released prior to the album, reaching No. 5 and No. 6 on the UK charts.<ref name="NumanUKChartsOverview" /> "[[This Wreckage]]", the only single taken from the original album release, entered the UK top 20 in December that year.<ref name="NumanUKChartsOverview" /> ''Telekon'', the final studio album that Numan retrospectively termed the "Machine" section of his career,<ref>Gary Numan (1981). ''Living Ornaments '79/'80'': LP Liner notes</ref> reintroduced guitars to Numan's music and featured a wider range of synthesizers. The same year he embarked on his second major tour ("The Teletour") with a more elaborate stage show than The Touring Principle the previous year. In April 1981, Numan decided to retire from touring following his upcoming series of concerts at [[Wembley Arena]],<ref name="EarlyRetire">{{cite web|last1=BANG Showbiz|title=Gary Numan Regrets Early Retiring|url=https://www.msn.com/en-gb/entertainment/music/gary-numan-regrets-early-retiring/ar-AA10mnNL|publisher=[[MSN]]|access-date=26 January 2023|archive-date=26 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126223357/https://www.msn.com/en-gb/entertainment/music/gary-numan-regrets-early-retiring/ar-AA10mnNL|url-status=live}}</ref> where he was supported by the Canadian experimental musician [[Nash the Slash]]<ref name="NashElectricityClub">{{cite web|last1=Roper|first1=Stephen|title=NASH THE SLASH: And You Thought You Were Normal|url=http://www.electricityclub.co.uk/nash-the-slash-and-you-thought-you-were-normal/|website=The Electricity Club|date=25 November 2018|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=4 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204164404/http://www.electricityclub.co.uk/nash-the-slash-and-you-thought-you-were-normal/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Shock (troupe)|Shock]], a rock/mime/burlesque troupe whose members included [[Barbie Wilde]], [[Tik and Tok]], and [[Carole Caplin]].<ref name="TikTokHistory">{{cite web|title=TIK & TOK – HISTORY|url=http://www.tikandtok.com/history.htm|website=Official Tik and Tok Website|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=13 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213205134/http://www.tikandtok.com/history.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Living Ornaments '79 and '80]]'', a live two album boxed set from the 1979 and 1980 tours, was released at this time, reaching No. 2 in the UK charts.<ref name="LivOrn7980Chart">{{cite web|title=living ornaments 1979 1980 – full Official Chart History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/living-ornaments-1979-1980/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=26 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127025629/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/living-ornaments-1979-1980/|url-status=live}}</ref> Both albums, also individually released as ''[[Living Ornaments '79]]'' and ''[[Living Ornaments '80]]'' also charted.<ref name="Orn79Chart">{{cite web|title=living ornament 1979 – full Official Chart History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/living-ornament-1979/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=26 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127025632/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/living-ornament-1979/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Orn80Chart">{{cite web|title=living ornament 1980 – full Official Chart History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/living-ornament-1980/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=26 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127025626/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/living-ornament-1980/|url-status=live}}</ref> The decision to retire would be short-lived.<ref name="GuardianComeback">{{cite news|last1=Simpson|first1=Dave|title=Gary Numan: 'I thought my comeback would take four years – not 41!'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/aug/04/gary-numan-comeback-tubeway-army-death-threats-synth-pop-superstar|website=[[The Guardian]]|date=4 August 2022|access-date=26 January 2023|archive-date=27 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227200605/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/aug/04/gary-numan-comeback-tubeway-army-death-threats-synth-pop-superstar|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 1981–1983: New musical directions ===
Departing from the pure [[electropop]] that he had been associated with, Numan began experimenting with [[jazz]], [[funk]], and ethereal, rhythmic pop. His first studio album after his farewell concerts was ''[[Dance (Gary Numan album)|Dance]]'' (1981). The album charted at No. 3 on the [[UK Albums Chart|UK charts]], with an eight-week chart run and produced one hit single ("[[She's Got Claws]]"), which reached No. 6.<ref name="ClawsChart">{{cite web|title=she's got claws – full Official Chart History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/she%27s-got-claws/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127025628/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/she%27s-got-claws/|url-status=live}}</ref> The album featured several distinguished guest players; [[Mick Karn]] (bass guitar; saxophone) and [[Rob Dean]] (guitar) of [[Japan (band)|Japan]], [[Roger Mason (musician)|Roger Mason]] (keyboards) of [[Models (band)|Models]], and [[Roger Taylor (Queen drummer)|Roger Taylor]] (drums) of [[Queen (band)|Queen]].<ref name="Discogs.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/Gary-Numan-Dance/release/1212792|title=Gary Numan – Dance (Vinyl, LP, Album)|year=1981|publisher=[[Discogs]]|access-date=14 October 2015|archive-date=16 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016072757/http://www.discogs.com/Gary-Numan-Dance/release/1212792|url-status=live}}</ref>
With his former backing band, Chris Payne (keyboards; viola), Russell Bell (guitar), and Ced Sharpley (drums) now reformed as the [[synth-pop]] band [[Dramatis]], Numan contributed lead vocals to the minor hit "[[Love Needs No Disguise]]" from the studio album ''[[For Future Reference]]'' (1981)<ref name="DiscogsLoveNeedsNoDisguise">{{cite web|title=Gary Numan and Dramatis – Love Needs No Disguise (1981, Vinyl)|url=https://www.discogs.com/Gary-Numan-And-Dramatis-Love-Needs-No-Disguise/release/55494|publisher=Discogs|date=5 December 1981|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=20 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120033924/https://www.discogs.com/Gary-Numan-And-Dramatis-Love-Needs-No-Disguise/release/55494|url-status=live}}</ref> and lent lead vocals to the first single released by his long-term bassist [[Paul Gardiner]], "[[Stormtrooper in Drag]]", which also made the charts.<ref name="StormtrooperUKCharts">{{cite web|title=Stormtrooper in Drag|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/stormtrooper-in-drag/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101010155/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/stormtrooper-in-drag/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Numan's success began to wane as he was outsold by [[the Human League]], [[Duran Duran]], [[Depeche Mode]], and his prior support act, [[Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark]] (OMD). With each new studio album, Numan would take on a particular persona, but none seemed to catch audiences' attention like he had been able to in 1979.<ref name=Lester />
Numan's fourth solo studio album ''[[I, Assassin]]'' (1982) produced the top 10 hit "[[We Take Mystery (To Bed)]]", as well as the top 20 singles "[[Music for Chameleons (song)|Music for Chameleons]]" and "White Boys and Heroes", the album peaking at No. 8 with a six-week chart run.<ref name="IAssassinChart">{{cite web|title=I, Assassin – full Official Chart History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/i,-assassin/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127025630/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/i,-assassin/|url-status=live}}</ref> The heavily percussive funk style made several tracks from the album, such as the 12" version of "[[Music for Chameleons (song)|Music for Chameleons]]" and a special remix of "White Boys and Heroes", unexpected successes in the American club scene<ref>[https://archive.beggars.com/numan-gary-i-assassin/ Gary Numan, I, Assassin | The Arkive] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502010727/https://archive.beggars.com/numan-gary-i-assassin/ |date=2 May 2021 }} Beggars Banquet</ref> and in October 1982 he embarked on a US tour.<ref>[http://www.nureference.co.uk/Tour%201982%20I,%20Assassin%20Tour%20US.htm I, Assassin Tour US 1982] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501173312/http://www.nureference.co.uk/Tour%201982%20I,%20Assassin%20Tour%20US.htm |date=1 May 2021 }} nureference.co.uk</ref>
''[[Warriors (Gary Numan album)|Warriors]]'' (1983) further developed Numan's jazz-influenced style and featured contributions from [[avant-garde music|avant-garde]] musician [[Bill Nelson (musician)|Bill Nelson]] of [[Be-Bop Deluxe]] (who fell out with Numan during recording and chose to be uncredited as the album's co-producer),<ref name="PrayingtotheAliens">{{cite book|title=Praying to the Aliens|date=30 September 1998|publisher=[[Gardners Books]]|___location=Eastbourne, England|isbn=0233993371|edition=2}}</ref> and saxophonist [[Dick Morrissey]] (who also performed on ''[[The Fury (album)|The Fury]]'', ''[[Strange Charm]]'' and ''[[Outland (Gary Numan album)|Outland]]'').<ref name="DMorrisseyAllMusic">{{cite web|last1=Ankey|first1=Jason|title=Dick Morrissey|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/dick-morrissey-mn0000256519/credits|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413025631/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/dick-morrissey-mn0000256519/credits|url-status=live}}</ref> The album peaked at No. 12, produced two hit singles including the top 20 title-track and, like ''I, Assassin'', spent six weeks in the charts.<ref name="OutlandCharts">{{cite web|title=Outland – full Official Chart History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/outland/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127025628/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/outland/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Warriors'' was the last album Numan recorded for Beggars Banquet Records, and was supported by a 40-date UK tour (again with support from robotic mime and music duo Tik and Tok).<ref name="WarriorsPoster">{{cite web|title=Poster Publicity & Display Ltd.|url=http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1169259/poster-publicity-display-ltd/|website=Search the Collections|year=1983|publisher=[[Victoria and Albert Museum]]|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=19 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619011540/https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1169259/poster-publicity-display-ltd/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 1984–1993: Record label foundation, collaborations, and career downturn ===
Numan subsequently issued a series of albums and singles on his own record label, Numa Records. The first studio album released, 1984's ''[[Berserker (Gary Numan album)|Berserker]]'', was Numan's first foray into music computers and [[Sampler (musical instrument)|samplers]] (in this case, the [[PPG Wave]]).<ref name="FourCulture">{{cite web|last1=Stanton|first1=Mike|title=For The Love Of... Gary Numan|url=https://fourculture.com/for-the-love-of-gary-numan/|website=FourCulture Magazine|date=19 December 2018|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107235733/https://fourculture.com/for-the-love-of-gary-numan/|url-status=live}}</ref> The album was accompanied by a new, blue-and-white colour scheme and visual (including Numan himself, with blue hair), as well as a tour, a live album, video, [[extended play]] (EP), and the title track as a single. The track charted within the UK top 40.<ref name="BerserkerCharts">{{cite web|title=Berserker – full Official Chart History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/berserker/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127025632/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/berserker/|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite this, the album divided critics and fans, and ultimately performed poorly, stalling at No. 32 on the UK chart. Numan cites many reasons for this, including distribution issues.<ref name="CWInterview">{{cite interview|last=Numan|first=Gary|subject-link=Gary Numan|interviewer=Marc Rovira|title=Cold Warning DVD Extra|year=2007|publisher=Mortal Records|___location=UK|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64rbiqbslB4&t=6731s|access-date=26 January 2022}}</ref>
A collaboration with [[Bill Sharpe (musician)|Bill Sharpe]] (of [[Shakatak]]) as [[Sharpe & Numan]], in 1985, was more successful; in March of that year, the single "[[Change Your Mind (Sharpe & Numan song)|Change Your Mind]]" reached No. 17 on the [[UK singles chart]].<ref name="SharpeNumanUKChartsOverview">{{cite web|title=SHARPE & NUMAN full Official Chart History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/22295/sharpe-and-numan/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=14 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114212439/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/22295/sharpe-and-numan/|url-status=live}}</ref> A few months later, the live album ''[[White Noise (Gary Numan album)|White Noise]]'' (recorded during the Berserker Tour) and a live EP with tracks taken from it (titled ''The Live EP'') reached No. 29<ref name="WNCharts">{{cite web|title=White Noise – full Official Chart History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/white%20noise/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127025627/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/white%20noise/|url-status=live}}</ref> and 27<ref name="LiveEPChart">{{cite web|title=The Live EP – full Official Record History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/the-live-ep/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127025628/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/the-live-ep/|url-status=live}}</ref> on the charts, respectively.
[[File:Gary Numan photo shoot Manchester Apollo 9th October 1985 photograph Gary Hodge.jpg|thumb|257x257px|Andre Csillag taking group photos of the band for the Official Fury Tour book; [[O2 Apollo Manchester|Manchester Apollo]], 1985]]
Numan's next studio album, ''[[The Fury (album)|The Fury]]'' (1985), charted slightly higher than ''Berserker'', breaking the top 30. Again, the album heralded a change of image, this time featuring Numan in a white suit and red bow tie. However, for the first time in his career, none of the three initial singles released from the album ("Your Fascination", "Call Out the Dogs" and "Miracles") managed to reach the top 40, barely entering the top 50 on the UK charts.<ref name="NumanUKChartsOverview">{{cite web|title=Gary Numan|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/17942/gary-numan/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=3 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103213154/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/17942/gary-numan/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The following year, Numan scored two top-30 UK singles, with "[[This Is Love (Gary Numan song)|This Is Love]]" in April 1986, and "[[I Can't Stop (Gary Numan song)|I Can't Stop]]" in June that year; the subsequent studio album, ''[[Strange Charm]]'', was released later that year, but only spent two weeks on the albums chart, where it peaked at No. 59. In November of that year, a version of the song "I Still Remember", from the previous studio album, was released as a [[Charity record|charity single]], but stalled at No. 74 on the singles chart.<ref name="ISRChart">{{cite web|title=I Still Remember – full Official Chart History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/i-still-remember/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127025632/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/i-still-remember/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Further collaborations with Bill Sharpe spawned two more Sharpe & Numan hits with "[[New Thing from London Town]]", peaking at No. 52 in 1986, and "No More Lies" at No. 35 in 1988.<ref name="SharpeNumanUKChartsOverview"/> In 1987, Numan performed lead vocals for three singles by [[Radio Heart (band)|Radio Heart]], a project of brothers Hugh and David Nicholson (formerly of [[Marmalade (band)|Marmalade]] and [[Blue (Scottish band)|Blue]]), which charted with varying success ("Radio Heart", No. 35, "London Times", No. 48; "All Across the Nation", No. 81 in the UK).<ref name="RadioHeartUKChartsOverview">{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/24040/radio-heart-featuring-gary-numan/|title=Radio Heart {{!}} full Official Chart History {{!}} Official Charts Company|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=8 June 2018|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141638/http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/24040/radio-heart-featuring-gary-numan/|url-status=live}}</ref> A studio album was also released, credited to "Radio Heart featuring Gary Numan", with Numan only appearing on three tracks; the record failed to chart. Also in 1987, Numan's old label, Beggars Banquet, released the double disc compilation album ''[[Exhibition (album)|Exhibition]]'', which reached No. 43 on the UK Albums Chart,<ref name="NumanUKChartsOverview" /> and a remix of "Cars". The remix, titled "Cars (E Reg Model)", charted at No. 16,<ref name="CarsERegCharts">{{cite web|title=cars ('e' reg model) – full Official Charts History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/cars-%28%27e%27-reg-model%29/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127025630/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/cars-%28%27e%27-reg-model%29/|url-status=live}}</ref> marking Numan's final Top 20 hit (until the same song was re-released in 1996).
Numa Records, which had been launched during a flurry of idealistic excitement, folded after the release of Numan's eighth solo studio album ''Strange Charm'' (1986). Numan would reopen the record label in 1992, yet it was again shuttered in 1996.<ref name="NumaRecordsReleases">{{cite web|title=Numa Records Ltd. Label Releases|url=https://www.discogs.com/label/477955-Numa-Records-Ltd|publisher=Discogs|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=7 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407154815/https://www.discogs.com/label/477955-Numa-Records-Ltd|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to Numa Records' commercial failure, Numan's own amassed fortune (since the late 1970s), which he estimated to be around £4.5 million, was drained. He then signed a recording contract with [[I.R.S. Records]] for the release of his final studio album of the 1980s, ''[[Metal Rhythm]]'' (1988), which also sold relatively poorly. For its American release, the record label edited the album's title to ''New Anger'' after the [[lead single]]'s title, and also changed the album cover's colour from black to blue and remixed several of its tracks, against Numan's wishes.<ref name="FirstAveBio">{{cite web|title=Gary Numan|url=https://first-avenue.com/performer/gary-numan/|website=First Avenue|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=27 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027065412/https://first-avenue.com/performer/gary-numan/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 1989, Sharpe & Numan's sole studio album ''[[Automatic (Sharpe & Numan album)|Automatic]]'' was released through [[Polydor Records]], though this too failed to garner much commercial success, briefly entering the charts for just one week at No. 59, eleven spots lower than ''Metal Rhythm'', which had been released nine months prior.<ref name="SharpeNumanUKChartsOverview" /> "I'm on Automatic" was the only single to be released from ''Automatic''; it reached No. 44 on the UK singles chart.<ref name="Strong">Strong, Martin C.: "The Great Alternative Discography", 1999, [[Canongate Books|Canongate]], {{ISBN|0-86241-913-1}}</ref> Its disappointing sales led to plans for a second Sharpe + Numan studio album being abandoned.
In 1991, Numan ventured into film-scoring by co-composing the music for the American science fiction horror film ''[[The Unborn (1991 film)|The Unborn]]'' with Michael R. Smith<ref name="BillboardUnborn">{{cite magazine|last1=Gallo|first1=Phil|title=Exclusive: Gary Numan's 'From Inside' Score Set for Release|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6258947/gary-numan-from-inside-score-release|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=19 September 2014|access-date=15 December 2020}}</ref> (the score was later released as the 1995 album ''Human'').<ref name="DiscogsHuman">{{cite web|title=Gary Numan and Michael R Smith* – Human Releases|url=https://www.discogs.com/Gary-Numan-and-Michael-R-Smith-Human/master/70003|publisher=Discogs|year=1995|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=18 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218071141/https://www.discogs.com/Gary-Numan-and-Michael-R-Smith-Human/master/70003|url-status=live}}</ref> After ''[[Outland (Gary Numan album)|Outland]]'' (1991), another critical and commercial disappointment and his second and last studio album with I.R.S., Numan reactivated Numa Records, under which he would release his next two studio albums. His first Numa Records release, ''[[Machine and Soul|Machine + Soul]]'' (1992), is considered by many, including Numan himself, to be a career low point, released primarily to pay off debt. After the poor reception of the album, Numan considered leaving the music industry entirely.<ref name="pollard">"Interview: Gary Numan" by [[Nick Pollard]], ''Audio Addict'', November 2011. [https://web.archive.org/web/20141221060108/http://npollard.wordpress.com/2012/09/25/interview-gary-numan/ archived at Archive.org]</ref> In 1993, he released a single "Cars ('93 Sprint)", a techno remix of "Cars". That same year, he supported [[Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark|OMD]] (who had opened for him in 1979) on their concert tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.classicpopmag.com/2023/11/omd-albums/|title=Album by Album – OMD|last=Lindores|first=Mark|date=15 November 2023|website=[[Classic Pop (magazine)|Classic Pop]]|access-date=15 November 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115204227/https://www.classicpopmag.com/2023/11/omd-albums/|archive-date=15 November 2023}}</ref>
=== 1994–2001: New musical direction and critical acclaim ===
[[File:MrGaryNuman.jpg|thumb|upright=.8|Numan performing in 2007]]
By 1994, Numan decided to stop attempting to crack the pop market and concentrate instead on exploring more personal themes, including his vocal [[atheism]] further (these themes had occasionally been explored on previous studio albums).<ref name="SonicBoom">{{cite web|title=Interview: Gary Numan – 5/16/98|url=https://sonic-boom.com/interview/gary.numan.interview.html|website=Sonic-Boom Magazine|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=3 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203180710/https://sonic-boom.com/interview/gary.numan.interview.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His future wife Gemma encouraged him to strip away the influences of the more recent years. Numan thus sought a grittier, more [[Industrial music|industrial]] tone for his songwriting on his twelfth solo studio album ''[[Sacrifice (Gary Numan album)|Sacrifice]],'' on which, for the first time, he played almost all the instruments himself. [[Nine Inch Nails]] (NIN), who were influenced by Numan's music, and other bands with industrial tendencies were contemporaneously becoming famous, and ''Sacrifice'' received critical acclaim.<ref name="NumanOnReznor" /> According to Numan, the influence was mutual.<ref name="NumanOnReznor">{{cite news|last1=Numan|first1=Gary|title=Gary Numan on Trent Reznor|url=https://www.electronicbeats.net/mr-style-icon-gary-numan-on-trent-reznor/|access-date=15 December 2020|work=[[Electronic Beats]]|publisher=[[Deutsche Telekom]]|date=April 2012|archive-date=2 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202092513/https://www.electronicbeats.net/mr-style-icon-gary-numan-on-trent-reznor/|url-status=live}}</ref> He cites 1994's "[[Closer (Nine Inch Nails song)|Closer]]" as his favourite Nine Inch Nails song,<ref name="PostPunk2018Interview">{{cite web|last1=Blackmarquis|first1=Phil|title=Brave New World – An Interview with Gary Numan|url=https://post-punk.com/brave-new-world-an-interview-with-gary-numan/|website=Post-Punk.com|date=9 March 2018|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=22 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622045824/https://post-punk.com/brave-new-world-an-interview-with-gary-numan/|url-status=live}}</ref> and has said that 1989's "[[Head Like a Hole]]" has "the best chorus ever".<ref>{{cite AV media|people=Gary Numan|date=8 October 2013|title=Gary Numan – What's in My Bag?|format=MP4|language=English|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxuIOC0LJVY&ab_channel=Amoeba|access-date=26 January 2023|time=07:42|___location=Hollywood, CA, USA|publisher=[[Amoeba Music|Amoeba Records]]|id=cxuIOC0LJVY|quote='...the best chorus ever.'}}</ref> [[Depeche Mode]]'s eighth studio album ''[[Songs of Faith and Devotion]]'' (1993) that came out during the recording of ''Sacrifice'' became a massive influence on Numan that both musically and lyrically inspired his new, darker direction.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thequietus.com/interviews/bakers-dozen/gary-numan-favourite-albums/8/|title=Music for a Chameleon: Gary Numan's 13 Favourite Albums. Depeche Mode Songs of Faith and Devotion|author=Marszalek, Julian|publisher=[[The Quietus]]|date=6 December 2012}}</ref>
''Sacrifice'' was the final studio album that Numan made before shutting down Numa Records permanently. His next two studio albums, ''[[Exile (Gary Numan album)|Exile]]'' (1997) and ''[[Pure (Gary Numan album)|Pure]]'' (2000), were well received and significantly helped to restore his critical reputation, as did the double-CD [[Album#Tribute_or_cover|tribute album]] dedicated to Numan, ''[[Random (album)|Random]]'' (1997). ''Random'' was released shortly before ''Exile'' and featured artists, such as [[Blur (band)|Blur]]'s [[Damon Albarn]], [[EMF (band)|EMF]], [[Jesus Jones]], [[the Orb]], [[Moloko]] and [[Pop Will Eat Itself]], who had been influenced by Numan. Numan toured the US in support of ''Exile'', his first stateside concerts since the early 1980s.<ref name="Lester" />
=== 2002–2008: Further works and return to chart success ===
In 2002, Numan enjoyed chart success once again with the single "Rip", reaching No. 29 on the UK singles chart,<ref name="RipCharts">{{cite web|title=rip – full Official Charts History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/rip/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127031140/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/rip/|url-status=live}}</ref> and again in 2003 with the Gary Numan vs Rico single "Crazier", which reached No. 13 in the UK charts.<ref name="CrazierUKCharts">{{cite web|title=GARY NUMAN VS RICO full Official Chart History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/565/gary-numan-vs-rico/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=20 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620211046/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/565/gary-numan-vs-rico/|url-status=live}}</ref> Rico also worked on the 2003 remix album ''[[Hybrid (Gary Numan album)|Hybrid]]'' which featured reworkings of older songs in a more contemporary industrial style as well as new material. Other artists and producers who contributed on these remixes included [[Curve (band)|Curve]], [[Flood (producer)|Flood]], [[Andy Gray (musician)|Andy Gray]], [[Alan Moulder]], New Disease, and Sulpher. 2003 saw Numan performing the lead vocals on "Pray for You", the single from [[Plump DJs]]' second studio album ''Eargasm'', which reached No. 89 on the UK Top 100 Chart.<ref name="PlumpChart">{{cite web|title=pray for you – full Official Chart History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/pray-for-you/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=26 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127012419/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/pray-for-you/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2005, Numan took control of his own business affairs again with the launch of his recording label, Mortal Records.<ref name="TelegraphJan12">{{cite news|last1=Webber|first1=Richard|title=Gary Numan: I had so much cash, all I wanted to do was spend|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/fameandfortune/9028387/Gary-Numan-I-had-so-much-cash-all-I-wanted-to-do-was-spend.html|access-date=26 January 2023|work=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]|publisher=Telegraph Media Group, Ltd.|date=22 January 2012|archive-date=7 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407154814/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/fameandfortune/9028387/Gary-Numan-I-had-so-much-cash-all-I-wanted-to-do-was-spend.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 13 March 2006, Numan's fifteenth solo studio album, ''[[Jagged]]'', was released. An album launch gig took place at [[O2 Forum Kentish Town|The Forum]] in [[Kentish Town]], London on 18 March followed by UK, European and US tours in support of the release. Numan also launched a ''Jagged'' website to showcase the album, and made plans to have his 1981 farewell concert (previously released as ''Micromusic'' on [[VHS]]) issued on DVD by November 2006 as well as releasing the DVD version of the ''Jagged'' album launch gig. Numan undertook a brief ''Telekon'' 'Classic Album' tour in the UK in December 2006, performing at [[Rock City (venue)|Rock City]], the [[O2 Forum Kentish Town|Kentish Town Forum]] and [[Manchester Academy|Club Academy]].<ref name="Archives06">{{cite web|title=Gary Numan's 2006 Concert & Tour History|url=https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/gary-numan?year=2006|website=Concert Archives|access-date=26 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127010918/https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/gary-numan?year=2006|url-status=live}}</ref>
Numan contributed lead vocals to four tracks on the April 2007 release of the debut solo studio album by Ade Fenton, ''Artificial Perfect'', on his new industrial and electronic label, Submission, including "The Leather Sea", "Slide Away", "Recall", and the first single to be taken from the album, "Healing". The second single to be released in the UK was "The Leather Sea" on 30 July 2007, which charted.<ref name="LeatherSeaUKCharts">{{cite web|title=the leather sea full Official Chart History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/the-leather-sea/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=7 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207012341/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/the-leather-sea/|url-status=live}}</ref>
He sold out a 15-date UK and Ireland tour in spring 2008, during which he performed his 1979 number-one studio album ''Replicas'' in its entirety, and all the Replicas-era music including [[A-side and B-side|B-sides]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=26872_0_2_0_C|title=Gary Numan to perform album 'Replicas' live|publisher=Side-line.com|date=2 November 2007|access-date=15 May 2011|archive-date=9 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609062336/http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=26872_0_2_0_C|url-status=live}}</ref> The successful tour reflected the resurging popularity of [[electropop]] in the UK<ref>{{cite news|last1=Youngs|first1=Ian|title=BBC Sound of 2009: Little Boots|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7817603.stm|access-date=26 January 2023|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=9 January 2009|archive-date=19 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019062117/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7817603.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> and coincided with his 50th birthday and 30th anniversary of the original release of ''[[Replicas (album)|Replicas]]''.<ref name="Argus08">{{cite news|last1=Hall|first1=Duncan|title=Gary Numan: Replicas Tour, Dome Concert Hall, Brighton, 12 March|url=https://www.theargus.co.uk/leisure/music/2101378.gary-numan-replicas-tour-dome-concert-hall-brighton-march-12/|access-date=26 January 2023|work=[[The Argus (Brighton)|The Argus]]|agency=Gannet|publisher=Newsquest Media Group, Ltd.|date=7 March 2008|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127010917/https://www.theargus.co.uk/leisure/music/2101378.gary-numan-replicas-tour-dome-concert-hall-brighton-march-12/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In November 2007, Numan confirmed via his website that work on a new studio album, with the working title of ''Splinter'', would be under way throughout 2008, after finishing an alternate version of ''Jagged'' (called ''Jagged Edge'') and the CD of unreleased songs from his previous three studio albums (released in 2011 as ''[[Dead Son Rising]]''<ref name="DiscogsDSR">{{cite web|title=Gary Numan – Dead Son Rising (2011, CD)|url=https://www.discogs.com/es/release/3123266-Gary-Numan-Dead-Son-Rising|publisher=Discogs|date=15 September 2011|access-date=26 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127010918/https://www.discogs.com/es/release/3123266-Gary-Numan-Dead-Son-Rising|url-status=live}}</ref>). Numan released his subsequent album, ''[[Splinter (Songs from a Broken Mind)]]'', in 2013.<ref name="DiscogsSplinter">{{cite web|title=Gary Numan – Splinter (Songs From a Broken Mind) – Releases|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/606900-Gary-Numan-Splinter-Songs-From-A-Broken-Mind|publisher=Discogs|access-date=26 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127010921/https://www.discogs.com/master/606900-Gary-Numan-Splinter-Songs-From-A-Broken-Mind|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 2009–2019 ===
[[File:Gary Numan at SXSW 2014--58 (15845377015).jpg|thumb|upright=.8|right|Numan performing at [[South by Southwest]] (SXSW) in [[Austin, Texas]], 2014]]
[[File:Gary Numan 2019 Cardiff Tramshed Colour.jpg|alt=Gary Numan performing in 2019|thumb|Numan performing at [[Tramshed, Cardiff|Cardiff Tramshed]], 3 October 2019|285x285px]]
Numan was set to perform a small number of American live dates in April 2010, including a [[Coachella]] festival appearance in [[Indio, California]], but had to cancel because air travel in Europe was halted by the [[2010 eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull|Icelandic volcanic ash cloud]]. As a result, the tour was not only postponed but expanded, and his Pleasure Principle 30th Anniversary Tour's American and Mexican dates began on 17 October 2010, at Firestone Live in [[Orlando, Florida]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/gary-numan-will/|title=Gary Numan will perform 'Pleasure Principle' on tour (dates)|date=29 June 2010|website=[[BrooklynVegan]]|access-date=5 June 2021|archive-date=4 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604225239/https://www.brooklynvegan.com/gary-numan-will/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Numan toured Australia in May 2011 performing his studio album ''The Pleasure Principle'' in its entirety to celebrate its thirtieth anniversary. Joining him on tour was Australian electronic band [[Severed Heads]], coming out of retirement especially for the shows.<ref>{{cite news|first=Selenna|last=Nieva|title=Gary Numan to tour Australia|url=http://valleyarm.com/featured-artist/gary-numan-to-tour-australia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110423113808/http://valleyarm.com/featured-artist/gary-numan-to-tour-australia|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 April 2011|publisher=[[Valleyarm]]|date=18 April 2011|access-date=19 April 2011}}</ref>
Numan lent his vocals to the track "My Machines" on the American [[experimental rock]] band [[Battles (band)|Battles]]'s second studio album ''[[Gloss Drop]]'' (2011).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Savage|first=Mark|date=6 May 2011|title=6Music News – Battles: Gloss Drop|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/news/20110506_battles.shtml|url-status=unfit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110507212229/http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/news/20110506_battles.shtml|archive-date=7 May 2011|access-date=5 January 2024|publisher=[[BBC]]}}</ref> He was chosen by Battles to perform at the [[All Tomorrow's Parties (festival)|ATP Nightmare Before Christmas]] festival that they co-curated in December 2011 in [[Minehead]], England.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.atpfestival.com/events/nightmare2011.php|title=ATP Nightmare Before Christmas|publisher=Atpfestival.com|access-date=8 August 2011|archive-date=5 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605080208/http://www.atpfestival.com/events/nightmare2011.php|url-status=live}}</ref> Numan's sixteenth solo studio album ''[[Dead Son Rising]]'' was released on 16 September 2011, which had a full UK tour split in two-halves, 15–21 September and 7–11 December.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1 September 2011|title=Legendary new wave pioneer Gary Numan returns with 'Dead Son Rising'|url=https://www.magneticmag.com/2011/09/legendary-new-wave-pioneer-gary-numan-returns-with-dead-son-rising/|access-date=6 April 2023|newspaper=Magnetic Magazine|archive-date=6 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406161235/https://www.magneticmag.com/2011/09/legendary-new-wave-pioneer-gary-numan-returns-with-dead-son-rising/|url-status=live}}</ref> Both parts were supported by Welsh solo artist [[Jayce Lewis]]; in an interview during the tour Numan said Lewis was "one of the most popular" support acts he had toured with.<ref>{{cite web|date=18 November 2011|title=Interview: Part One: Gary Numan|url=http://www.new-reviews.co.uk/?p=5093|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426081745/http://www.new-reviews.co.uk/?p=5093|archive-date=26 April 2012|access-date=14 October 2015|publisher=New-reviews.co.uk}}</ref> Numan later published some of his tour diary online.<ref>{{cite web|last=Numan|first=Gary|date=5 January 2012|title=Tour Diary: Gary Numan|url=http://www.thestoolpigeon.co.uk/features/tour-diary-gary-numan.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202201149/http://www.thestoolpigeon.co.uk/features/tour-diary-gary-numan.html|archive-date=2 February 2012|access-date=6 April 2023|publisher=[[The Stool Pigeon (newspaper)|The Stool Pigeon]]}}</ref>
Numan provided narration for Cuban-American musician [[Aurelio Voltaire]]'s fifth short film in his ''ChimeraScope'' series, ''Odokuro'' in 2011,<ref name="OdokuroCast">{{cite web|title=Odokuro (2011) – Full Cast & Crew|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2042617/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_cl_sm|publisher=[[IMDb]]|access-date=26 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127010918/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2042617/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_cl_sm|url-status=live}}</ref> which won 12 awards and was shown as a selection at numerous film festivals between 2011 and 2013.<ref name="OdokuroYT">{{cite web|last1=Voltaire|first1=Aurelio|title=ODOKURO by Aurelio Voltaire – (Full Movie – Official)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naEpKfY7PGQ&ab_channel=TheLairofVoltaire|via=[[YouTube]]|date=11 December 2012|publisher=[[Google]]|access-date=26 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127010921/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naEpKfY7PGQ&ab_channel=TheLairofVoltaire|url-status=live}}</ref>
Numan's seventeenth solo studio album ''[[Splinter (Songs from a Broken Mind)]]'', was released on 14 October 2013. It reached the UK Top 20, his first album to do so for 30 years. It was promoted by an extensive US, Canada, UK and Ireland tour which continued in 2014 to include Israel, New Zealand, Australia and Europe. A further US leg took place in late 2014.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6281331/gary-numan-scoring-film-from-inside|title=Gary Numan Film Score for From Inside|date=13 October 2014|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=15 April 2020}}</ref>
In June 2014, Numan collaborated with [[Jayce Lewis]] on the track "Redesign" which originally featured on Lewis's Protafield studio album ''Nemesis'' The same album was re-released as a ''Special Edition'' under Lewis's solo name in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/news/140452/|title=The guitarguitar Interview: Jayce Lewis | guitarguitar|website=www.guitarguitar.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/numanofficial/status/527163702328315904|title=Gary Numan on Twitter: "I did a guest vocal on a track called Redesign for Jayce Lewis's Protafield project recently".|via=Twitter|date=28 October 2014|access-date=14 October 2015|archive-date=16 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016072757/https://twitter.com/numanofficial/status/527163702328315904|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=December 2024}} Numan provided lead vocals for the song "Long Way Down", composed by [[Masafumi Takada]] with lyrics written by Rich Dickerson, for the survival horror video game ''[[The Evil Within]]'',<ref name="LongWayDownYT">{{cite web|last1=Tokarev|first1=Sergey|title=The Evil Within Soundtrack – Long Way Down (End Credits Theme OST w/ Lyrics)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8iZA9gTvV8&ab_channel=SergeyTokarev|via=YouTube|date=8 November 2015|publisher=Google|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127010919/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8iZA9gTvV8&ab_channel=SergeyTokarev|url-status=live}}</ref> which was released on 14 October 2014.<ref name="BethesdaTweet">{{Cite tweet|author-link=Bethesda Softworks|user=bethesda|number=1448302572163538945|date=13 October 2021|title=...@TheEvilWithin launched on 14 October...|language=English|retweet=TheEvilWithin|access-date=26 January 2023|link=https://twitter.com/bethesda/status/1448302572163538945}}</ref> Numan performed a sold-out, one-off live show in London in November 2014 at the [[Hammersmith Apollo]] supported by the English [[post-punk]] band [[Gang of Four (band)|Gang of Four]].<ref name="Apollo">{{cite web|title=Gary Numan – Eventim Apollo|url=https://www.eventimapollo.com/events/detail/gary-numan|website=Eventim Apollo|publisher=[[Anschutz Entertainment Group|AEG Live]]|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127010922/https://www.eventimapollo.com/events/detail/gary-numan|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Numan collaborated with the industrial pop band VOWWS for "Losing Myself in You"<ref name="VowsAmazon">{{cite web|author=Amazon Editorial Reviews|title=The Vows – Losing Myself in You|url=https://www.amazon.com/Losing-Myself-feat-Gary-Numan/dp/B00VH6SA1M|website=[[Amazon Music]]|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127010921/https://www.amazon.com/Losing-Myself-feat-Gary-Numan/dp/B00VH6SA1M|url-status=live}}</ref> on their debut studio album<ref name="VowwsSun">{{cite web|author=Amazon Editorial Reviews|title=Vowws – The Great Sun|url=https://www.amazon.com/Great-Sun-Vowws/dp/B0155PJKQE|website=Amazon Music|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127010917/https://www.amazon.com/Great-Sun-Vowws/dp/B0155PJKQE|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Great Sun''.
On 6 May 2016, Numan was one of several collaborators on [[Jean-Michel Jarre]]'s eighteenth studio album ''[[Electronica 2: The Heart of Noise]]'', with the track "Here for You", co-written by Jarre and Numan.<ref name="ReleaseJarre">{{cite web|last1=Carlson|first1=Johan|title=Jean-Michel Jarre Readies 'Electronica 2'...|url=https://www.releasemagazine.net/jean-michel-jarre-readies-electronica-2-with-pet-shop-boys-yello-primal-scream-gary-numan-and-many-more/|website=[[Release Magazine]]|publisher=Release Musik & Media|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127010923/https://www.releasemagazine.net/jean-michel-jarre-readies-electronica-2-with-pet-shop-boys-yello-primal-scream-gary-numan-and-many-more/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 10 May 2016, Numan was named the recipient of the 2016 Moog Innovation Award by [[Moog Music]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Billboard Staff|title=Gary Numan Wins 2016 Moog Innovation Award|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7358154/gary-numan-2016-moog-innovation-award|magazine=Billboard|date=10 May 2016|access-date=10 May 2016}}</ref> On 18 May 2017, Numan received an [[Ivor Novello Awards|Ivor Novello]] Inspiration Award from the [[The Ivors Academy|British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Ivors archive: a legacy of musical excellence |url=https://ivorsacademy.com/awards/the-ivors/archive/?ay=2017 |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=The Ivors Academy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.musicweek.com/publishing/read/all-the-winners-from-the-62nd-ivor-novello-awards/068521|title=All the winners from the 62nd Ivor Novello Awards|last=James|first=Hanley|date=18 May 2017|work=[[Music Week]]|access-date=9 July 2017|language=en|archive-date=21 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521032438/http://www.musicweek.com/publishing/read/all-the-winners-from-the-62nd-ivor-novello-awards/068521|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://theivors.com/winners-announced-ivor-novello-awards-2017/ "Winners Announced for the Ivor Novello Awards 2017"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231212227/http://theivors.com/winners-announced-ivor-novello-awards-2017/ |date=31 December 2017 }}. [[Ivor Novello Awards|The Ivors]]. Retrieved 31 December 2017</ref><ref name="ABCNovelloAward">{{cite web|title=Bill Withers, Gary Numan among honorees at UK's prestigious Ivor Novello Awards|url=http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2017/5/18/bill-withers-gary-numan-among-honorees-at-uks-prestigious-iv.html|website=[[ABC News Radio]]|publisher=ABC Audio|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=20 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220155413/http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2017/5/18/bill-withers-gary-numan-among-honorees-at-uks-prestigious-iv.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In 2017, Numan released the single "My Name Is Ruin" and went on a European tour September. Numan's eighteenth solo studio album ''[[Savage (Songs from a Broken World)]]'' was released on 15 September and charted at number two in the UK.<ref name="SavageCharts">{{cite web|title=savage (songs from a broken world) – full Official Charts History|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/savage-(songs-from-a-broken-world)/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127025630/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/savage-(songs-from-a-broken-world)/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/gary-numan-on-staying-relevant-in-a-broken-world/28252/|title=Gary Numan on Staying Relevant in a Broken World|first=Rutger|last=Rosenborg • •|date=12 November 2017|access-date=21 August 2022|archive-date=21 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821084124/https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/gary-numan-on-staying-relevant-in-a-broken-world/28252/|url-status=live}}</ref> He was the winner of the 2017 T3 tech legends award.<ref name="Newton">{{cite news|last1=Newton|first1=Thomas|title=Swipe: The 'Oscars of Tech' and Gary Numan|url=http://news.sky.com/video/digi-170812fr-swipe-mobile-22092017m2t-11048243|access-date=23 September 2017|publisher=Sky News|date=22 September 2017|archive-date=24 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924001518/http://news.sky.com/video/digi-170812fr-swipe-mobile-22092017m2t-11048243|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theoaklandpress.com/arts-and-entertainment/20171129/gary-numan-at-saint-andrews-3-things-to-know|title=Gary Numan at Saint Andrews, 3 Things To Know|access-date=2 December 2017|archive-date=2 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202203209/http://www.theoaklandpress.com/arts-and-entertainment/20171129/gary-numan-at-saint-andrews-3-things-to-know|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 24 September 2018, Numan's tour bus hit and killed an elderly man in [[Cleveland]], [[Ohio]], US.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/cleveland-metro/man-hit-killed-by-tour-bus-in-downtown-cleveland|title=Man hit, killed by musician Gary Numan's tour bus in downtown Cleveland|date=24 September 2018|access-date=24 September 2018|archive-date=24 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924211043/https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/cleveland-metro/man-hit-killed-by-tour-bus-in-downtown-cleveland|url-status=live}}</ref> The driver was not immediately charged. Numan was scheduled to appear at the [[House of Blues|Cleveland House of Blues]] that evening but cancelled the show for being "inappropriate" in light of the day's tragedy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/numanofficial/status/1044375829176700929|title=Twitter @numanofficial|access-date=24 September 2018|archive-date=25 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925172144/https://twitter.com/numanofficial/status/1044375829176700929|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=December 2024}}
=== 2020–present ===
Numan's nineteenth solo studio album ''[[Intruder (album)|Intruder]]'' was released on 21 May 2021. The title track was released earlier, on 11 January 2021. Numan discussed its genesis with writer [[Guy Mankowski]], who has a chapter on Numan's legacy in his book ''Albion's Secret History: Snapshots of England's Pop Rebels and Outsiders'', as part of an interview series on influential English artists for [[Collective Ink|Zer0 Books]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7ajmZqalTY|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330233938/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7ajmZqalTY|archive-date=30 March 2021|url-status=dead|title=How to Love a Machine with Gary Numan|via=YouTube|access-date=30 March 2021}}</ref>
Following his US Intruder tour in late 2021 and early 2022, Numan began a 17-venue UK tour between late April and late May 2022.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Skinner|first1=Tom|title=Check out Gary Numan's UK 'Intruder' tour dates for 2022|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/gary-numan-uk-tour-dates-2022-tickets-2944275|website=[[NME]]|date=19 May 2021|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519202142/https://www.nme.com/news/music/gary-numan-uk-tour-dates-2022-tickets-2944275|url-status=live}}</ref>
Numan performed at the [[Cruel World Festival]] in [[Pasadena, California]] on 20 May 2023.<ref name="Variety">{{cite web|last=Saperstein|first=Pat|url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/cruel-world-siouxsie-iggy-pop-lightning-evacuation-1235620652/|title=Siouxsie and Iggy Pop to Play Cruel World Festival Rain Date Sunday After Lightning Forces Evacuation|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=21 May 2023|access-date=22 May 2023|archive-date=21 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521175739/https://variety.com/2023/music/news/cruel-world-siouxsie-iggy-pop-lightning-evacuation-1235620652/|url-status=live}}</ref> After a nearby lightning storm led to an early evacuation, truncating [[Iggy Pop]]'s set and cancelling [[Siouxsie Sioux]]'s headlining set entirely, a second show was quickly announced for the following day,<ref name="Variety"/> with Siouxsie, Pop and Numan returning.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.laweekly.com/cruel-world-fest-continues-sunday-after-weather-related-evacuation/|last=Rocha|first=Isai|title=Cruel World Fest Continues Sunday After Abrupt Evacuation|website=[[LA Weekly]]|date=21 May 2023|access-date=22 May 2023|archive-date=22 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522011717/https://www.laweekly.com/cruel-world-fest-continues-sunday-after-weather-related-evacuation/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In October 2023, Numan performed a series of eight acoustic gigs, playing songs from his repertoire in a new way in smaller, intimate settings. Locations included [[Exhibition Park, Newcastle#Wylam_Brewery_in_the_Palace_of_Arts|Wylam Brewery]], [[Newcastle upon Tyne]], [[Manchester Cathedral]], and [[Church of St John-at-Hackney]] in London.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Eames|first1=Tom|title=Gary Numan announces first ever acoustic tour for autumn 2023|url=https://www.goldradiouk.com/news/music/gary-numan-acoustic-tour-2023/|website=Gold Radio|publisher=Global Radio|access-date=14 April 2023}}</ref>
In February 2024, Numan announced a UK tour to celebrate the 45th anniversary of his 1979 studio albums ''Replicas'' and ''The Pleasure Principle''. Including shows in [[Norwich]], [[Sheffield]], [[Glasgow]], Newcastle upon Tyne, Manchester, London, [[Bristol]], [[Cardiff]], [[Bournemouth]], [[Birmingham]] and [[Nottingham]] between 19 May and 1 June.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Johnson|first1=Laura|title=Gary Numan Announces The Pleasure Principles / Replicas 45th Anniversary UK Tour|url=https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/242838/9|website=Stereoboard|publisher=Eyedigit Limited|access-date=16 February 2024}}</ref>
In March 2025, he was featured on lead vocals on a track called "Polished Chrome (The Friend Pt. 1)" on a new studio album released by the German techno DJ [[Chris Liebing]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Bhanawat |first=Akshay |date=2018-09-07 |title=Chris Liebing's second album - Burn Slow, is out now! |url=https://themusicessentials.com/music/chris-liebing-burn-slow-album/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=Music + Essentials |language=en-GB}}</ref>
On 28 June 2025 Numan made his debut at the [[Glastonbury Festival 2025|Glastonbury Festival]], playing the Park Stage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/what-time-gary-numan-playing-31917821|title=Gary Numan at Glastonbury: Stage time, expected set list and clashes|first=Emily|last=Parker|date=28 June 2025|website=Manchester Evening News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002fctd|title=BBC Music - Glastonbury, 2025, Gary Numan|date=28 June 2025|website=BBC}}</ref>
== Artistry and image ==
In the late 1970s, Numan began developing his style. According to Numan, this was an unintentional result of [[acne]]; before an appearance on ''[[Top of the Pops]] (TOTP)'', "I had spots everywhere, so they slapped about half an inch of white make-up on me before I'd even walked in the door. And my eyes were like pissholes in the snow, so they put black on there. My so-called image fell into place an hour before going on the show."<ref name="Lester" /> His previously "wooden" stage presence was, in his words, a result of "incredible self-consciousness" and "incompetence – I didn't know to move on stage". He became enamoured by the idea of "being cold about everything, not letting emotions get to you, or presenting a front of not feeling", though his stage presence later became more intense and extroverted.<ref name="Lester" />
Initially, Numan used his invention of the mysterious fantasy character "Mach-man", a machine in human skin dressed all in black, which developed from short stories he wrote at school, as his [[Persona|stage persona]]. But this image was replaced in 1981 by a totally different "gangster"-look inspired by a television programme on 1930s eccentric millionaire [[Howard Hughes]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Cash of the Titan|last=Ellen|first=Mark|magazine=[[Smash Hits]]|date=17 September 1981|page=4-5}}</ref>
Later in the 1980s, Numan adopted a new visual image for each new studio album, such as the ''[[Mad Max]]''-influenced image for ''[[Warriors (Gary Numan album)|Warriors]]'' (1983),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.4.com/numan-gary-warriors/|title=Gary Numan Warriors|publisher=Beggars Banquet Archive}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> the white-skinned, white-clad "Iceman" with blue hair and make-up for the ''[[Berserker (Gary Numan album)|Berserker]]'' (1984) album and tour, the white suit and red bow-tie image for ''[[The Fury (album)|The Fury]]'' (1985),<ref>''Praying to the Aliens: An Autobiography'' by Gary Numan with Steve Malins. (1997, [[André Deutsch|André Deutsch Limited]]), p. 202</ref> and a ''[[Blade Runner]]'' (1982)-influenced image for ''[[Strange Charm]]'' (1986).<ref>''Praying to the Aliens: An Autobiography'' by Gary Numan with Steve Malins. (1997, André Deutsch Limited), p. 210</ref>
A prolific songwriter, Numan has as of 2021 written about 400 songs.<ref name="songwriter">{{cite web|url=https://www.songwriteruniverse.com/gary-numan-interview-2021.htm|title=Gary Numan Interview|publisher=songwriter universe.com|date=19 May 2021|access-date=6 July 2021|archive-date=13 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613090020/https://www.songwriteruniverse.com/gary-numan-interview-2021.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> His starting point is usually a piano to work out melodies and chord structures. Most of the songs on his early albums were written on a piano his parents had bought him: later in his career he has used a piano preset on the computer as a starting point.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/gary-numan-on-the-vagaries-of-musical-fashion-and-doing-it-all-in-the-box|title=Gary Numan on the vagaries of musical fashion and doing it all in the box|work=[[Future plc|MusicRadar]]|date=18 April 2018|access-date=6 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185641/https://www.musicradar.com/news/gary-numan-on-the-vagaries-of-musical-fashion-and-doing-it-all-in-the-box|url-status=live}}</ref> However, his biggest hit "[[Cars (song)|Cars]]" was unconventionally written on a bass guitar.<ref name="songwriter" />
Numan's recognisable vocals have become one of his trademarks, along with his [[Androgyny|androgynous]] "[[Android (robot)|android]]" stage persona.<ref name="Lester">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/dec/03/gary-numan-little-boots-feature|title=When Gary Numan met Little Boots|author=Paul Lester|date=3 December 2009|work=The Guardian|___location=UK|access-date=15 May 2011|archive-date=2 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202092510/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/dec/03/gary-numan-little-boots-feature|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Musical influences ==
In a 2012 interview, Numan spoke about the music that has had an influence on him over the years. As a teenager he was fan of [[T. Rex (band)|T. Rex]], [[David Bowie]] and [[Queen (band)|Queen]].<ref name="theq">{{cite web|url=https://thequietus.com/interviews/bakers-dozen/gary-numan-favourite-albums/|title=Music for a Chameleon: Gary Numan's 13 Favourite Albums|author=Marszalek, Julian|publisher=[[The Quietus]]|date=6 December 2012}}</ref> His band [[Tubeway Army]] started in the [[punk rock]]-vein in 1977, but Numan later said that the punk rock style was adopted with the sole intention to obtain a recording contract.<ref>Gary Numan, Tubeway Army ''The Plan'', Beggars Banquet 1984 liner notes.</ref> [[Ultravox]]'s third studio album ''[[Systems of Romance]]'' (1978) was the main influence behind Tubeway Army's transition into an electronic sound. Numan cited the album, and particularly the song "[[Slow Motion (Ultravox song)|Slow Motion]]", as the blueprint for what he wanted to achieve.<ref name="theq" /> Moving away from the commercially successful [[synth-pop]] on the 1979 studio albums ''[[Replicas (album)|Replicas]]'' and ''[[The Pleasure Principle (album)|The Pleasure Principle]]'' to a more introspective and partly [[Ambient music|ambient]] sound,<ref name="ast">{{Cite web|url=https://astralnoizeuk.com/2021/05/12/song-from-a-broken-world-a-look-at-the-tumultuous-musical-career-of-gary-numan/|title=Song From A Broken World: A look at the tumultuous musical career of Gary Numan|author=Wain, Stuart|publisher=astralnoizeuk.com|date=12 May 2021}}</ref> David Bowie's collaborations with [[Brian Eno]], the new wave band [[Japan (band)|Japan]] and [[Lou Reed]]'s third solo studio album ''[[Berlin (Lou Reed album)|Berlin]]'' (1973) has been cited as some of the influences that informed Numan's third solo studio album ''[[Dance (Gary Numan album)|Dance]]'' (1981).<ref>Steve Malins, Gary Numan ''Dance'', Beggars Banquet 1999 liner notes.</ref> At this point, [[jazz]] and [[funk]] influences became prominent in Numan's music, as on the single "[[She's Got Claws]]" and his fourth solo studio album ''[[I, Assassin]]'' (1982).<ref name="ast" /> His fifth solo studio album ''[[Warriors (Gary Numan album)|Warriors]]'' (1983) started as a collaboration with [[Bill Nelson (musician)|Bill Nelson]], guitarist in [[Be-Bop Deluxe]], which was another of Numan's favourite bands in the 1970s.<ref name="theq" /> Adopting a heavier, more aggressive sound, the production of his sixth solo studio album ''[[Berserker (Gary Numan album)|Berserker]]'' (1984) took influence from [[Trevor Horn]]'s production of [[Frankie Goes to Hollywood]].<ref>Steve Malins, Berserker ''The Numa Years'' Eagle Records 1998 liner notes</ref> Wanting to broaden his musical output, Numan's mid- to late 1980's releases featured a [[jazz-funk]] style,<ref name="ad" /> blending an industrial edge with funk and synth-pop sensibilities.<ref name="ast" /> Following the release of two commercially and critically unsuccessful pop and funk influenced studio albums in the early 1990s, Numan found new pivotal influences in [[Nine Inch Nails]] (NIN) and [[Depeche Mode]]'s eighth studio album ''[[Songs of Faith and Devotion]]'' (1993) that inspired him to move into a darker sound that became the trademark of his later career.<ref name="theq" />
==
[[File:Numan Oz Tour 2009 1.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Numan singing in Australia in 2009|Numan performing as part of his 2009 tour of Australia]]
Within the UK's burgeoning [[synth-pop]] scene, Numan was the first artist to achieve mainstream notoriety.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/10-british-synthpop-songs-1980|title=10 Key Tracks From the British Synthpop Boom of 1980|last=Mason|first=Adam|date=26 May 2020|website=[[PopMatters]]|access-date=28 July 2021|archive-date=28 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728221227/https://www.popmatters.com/10-british-synthpop-songs-1980|url-status=live}}</ref> His music and live performances met with censure from critics; he also faced condemnation from the [[Musicians' Union (United Kingdom)|Musicians' Union]] (MU), who said he was putting "proper" musicians out of work.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/i-stole-my-daughters-poem-for-my-new-album-40611016.html|title=I stole my daughter's poem for my new album|last=Wylie|first=Lorraine|date=5 July 2021|website=[[Belfast Telegraph]]|access-date=28 July 2021|archive-date=28 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728221218/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/i-stole-my-daughters-poem-for-my-new-album-40611016.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/qampa-gary-numan-26579543.html|title=Q&A: Gary Numan|last=Power|first=Ed|date=6 November 2009|website=[[Irish Independent]]|access-date=28 July 2021|archive-date=28 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728221216/https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/qampa-gary-numan-26579543.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Andy McCluskey]] of [[Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark|OMD]] observed "''nasty'', vitriolic journalism" directed at Numan, who was dismissed as "pretentious" and "pseudo-intellectual".<ref name="SynthBritannia"/> He nevertheless generated an army of fans calling themselves "Numanoids", providing him with a fanbase which maintained their support through the latter half of the 1980s, when his fortunes began to fall.<ref name="Lester" /><ref name="Discogs.com" /> He maintains a [[cult following]]<ref name="AllMusicBio" /> and has sold over 10 million records.<ref name="SynthBritannia">{{cite episode|title=Synth Britannia (Part One: Alienated Synthesists)|series=[[List of Britannia documentaries|Britannia]]|network=[[BBC Four]]|station=[[BBC|British Broadcasting Corporation]]|airdate=16 October 2009|minutes=41|quote=With sales totalling in excess of 10 million, Gary Numan...}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.3ammagazine.com/magazine/issue_5/articles/dec2000_musik_sans_frontieres.html|title=Innocence Bleeding|last=Abbate|first=Vincent|date=December 2000|website=[[3:AM Magazine]]|access-date=29 September 2020|archive-date=20 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620215948/https://www.3ammagazine.com/magazine/issue_5/articles/dec2000_musik_sans_frontieres.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Numan is considered a pioneer of [[electronic music]];<ref name="Yahoo">{{cite web|last1=Parker|first1=Lyndsey|title=Synth pioneer Gary Numan talks life after 'Cars': 'Around 2008–2009, I got dark'|url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/gary-numan-on-life-after-cars-around-20082009-i-got-dark-230804468.html|publisher=[[Yahoo|Yahoo Life]]|date=20 August 2019|access-date=5 January 2021|archive-date=7 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407154816/https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/gary-numan-on-life-after-cars-around-20082009-i-got-dark-230804468.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="PhoenixNewTimes">{{cite news|last1=Young|first1=Amy|title=Gary Numan: 'Nostalgia is Something I Dislike With a Passion'|url=https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/electronic-pioneer-gary-numan-isnt-here-for-80s-nostalgia-10758644|access-date=5 January 2021|work=[[Phoenix New Times]]|archive-date=2 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202162539/https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/electronic-pioneer-gary-numan-isnt-here-for-80s-nostalgia-10758644|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SherwinIndependent">{{cite news|last1=Sherwin|first1=Adam|title=Gary Numan interview: Pioneer of 'industrial music' on the nerves that almost ended his career|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/gary-numan-interview-pioneer-industrial-music-nerves-almost-ended-his-career-a6698766.html|access-date=5 January 2021|work=[[The Independent]]|date=18 October 2015|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112034719/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/gary-numan-interview-pioneer-industrial-music-nerves-almost-ended-his-career-a6698766.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Nightshift (magazine)|Nightshift]]'' identified Numan, and fellow late 1970s debutants OMD and [[the Human League]], as "the holy trinity of synth-pop".<ref>{{cite magazine|date=June 2007|title=OMD: The New Theatre|magazine=[[Nightshift (magazine)|Nightshift]]|issue=143|page=10}}</ref> He has been credited as a key influence by fellow English musician [[Kim Wilde]] as she was working on her 1981 debut single "[[Kids in America]]" with her brother [[Ricky Wilde|Ricky]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Edwards|first=Briony|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-story-behind-the-song-kids-in-america-by-kim-wilde|title=The story behind the song: Kids in America by Kim Wilde | Louder|website=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Loudersound.com]]|date=20 February 2018|access-date=15 May 2020|archive-date=31 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731225159/https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-story-behind-the-song-kids-in-america-by-kim-wilde|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Curt Smith]] and [[Roland Orzabal]] of [[Tears for Fears]], another [[New wave music|new wave]] act of the 1980s, cited Numan's style as one that inspired them while recording their debut studio album ''[[The Hurting]]'' (1983).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/youneedtohearthis-tears-for-fears-the-hurting/|title=How We Wrote Our First Record: Tears For Fears revisit 'The Hurting'|website=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]|date=22 January 2014|access-date=15 May 2020|archive-date=24 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224064610/https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/6vma38/youneedtohearthis-tears-for-fears-the-hurting|url-status=live}}</ref> Since the 1990s Numan has been cited as a major influence by a variety of bands and artists from [[hip-hop]] to [[industrial rock]] and [[Britpop]], including [[Afrika Bambaataa]], [[Fear Factory]], [[Nine Inch Nails]],<ref>Keiran Suchak [https://www.thegryphon.co.uk/2015/10/29/35-years-of-gary-numan/ 35 Years of Gary Numan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415051501/https://www.thegryphon.co.uk/2015/10/29/35-years-of-gary-numan/ |date=15 April 2021 }} ''[[The Gryphon]]'' 29 October 2015</ref> [[Marilyn Manson (band)|Marilyn Manson]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://diffuser.fm/gary-numan-interview-2013/|title=Gary Numan Discusses Influencing NIN and Marilyn Manson + Making New Album 'Splinter (Songs From a Broken Mind)'|author=Epting, Chris|work=Diffuser.fm|date=16 October 2013|publisher=[[Townsquare Media]]|access-date=30 December 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826232954/http://diffuser.fm/gary-numan-interview-2013/|archive-date=26 August 2016}}</ref> [[Stephin Merritt]] of [[the Magnetic Fields]]<ref name="wac">{{Cite web|url=https://wearecult.rocks/gary-numans-telekon-at-40|title=Gary Numan's Telekon at 40|publisher=wearecult.rocks|author=Ange Chan|date=5 September 2020}}</ref> and [[Damon Albarn]] of [[Blur (band)|Blur]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/gary-numan-interview/amp|title=Gary Numan interview|work=[[GQ]]|date=23 October 2020|access-date=4 June 2023|archive-date=18 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718120400/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/gary-numan-interview/amp|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Prince (musician)|Prince]] was quoted saying: "There are still people trying to work out what a genius Gary Numan is."<ref name="wac" />
The American [[industrial metal]] band [[Fear Factory]] produced a cover version of "Cars" (featuring a prominent guest appearance by Numan himself) for the [[Optical disc packaging#Digipak|digipak]] version of their third studio album, ''[[Obsolete (album)|Obsolete]]'' (1999).<ref name="RevolverFearFactory">{{cite news|last1=Wiederhorn|first1=Jon|title=6 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT FEAR FACTORY'S 'OBSOLETE'|url=http://www.revolvermag.com/music/6-things-you-didnt-know-about-fear-factorys-obsolete|access-date=15 December 2020|work=[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]]|publisher=Project M Group LLC|date=28 July 2018|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417201647/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/6-things-you-didnt-know-about-fear-factorys-obsolete|url-status=live}}</ref> Numan had become acknowledged and respected by his peers, with such musicians as [[Dave Grohl]] (of the [[Foo Fighters]] and [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]]),<ref name="Quietus">{{cite news|last1=Marszalek|first1=Julian|title=Music for a Chameleon: Gary Numan's 13 Favourite Albums|url=http://thequietus.com/articles/10910-gary-numan-favourite-albums|access-date=15 December 2020|work=The Quietus|date=6 December 2012|archive-date=4 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230704150256/https://thequietus.com/articles/10910-gary-numan-favourite-albums|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="WalesOnline">{{cite web|author=Sally Williams|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/cardiff-news/2009/11/16/gary-numan-dave-grohl-is-very-nice-man-91466-25163264/|title=Gary Numan: 'Dave Grohl is very nice man'|publisher=[[Media Wales#WalesOnline|WalesOnline]]|date=16 November 2009|access-date=15 May 2011|archive-date=15 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015134845/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/cardiff-news/2009/11/16/gary-numan-dave-grohl-is-very-nice-man-91466-25163264/|url-status=live}}</ref> with whom he covered "Down in the Park" on the compilation album ''[[Songs in the Key of X: Music from and Inspired by the X-Files]]'' (1996),<ref name="DiscogsKeyofX">{{cite web|title=The X-Files – Songs in the Key of X|url=https://www.discogs.com/Various-The-X-Files-Songs-In-The-Key-Of-X/master/43593|publisher=Discogs|year=1996|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112033621/https://www.discogs.com/Various-The-X-Files-Songs-In-The-Key-Of-X/master/43593|url-status=live}}</ref>, [[Trent Reznor]]<ref name="FIB">{{cite web|last1=Tauber|first1=Sami|title=Gary Numan and His Reinvention|url=https://fashionindustrybroadcast.com/2019/12/10/gary-numan-and-his-reinvention/|website=Fashion Industry Broadcast|date=10 December 2019|publisher=Desire Groupe|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=1 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201082553/https://fashionindustrybroadcast.com/2019/12/10/gary-numan-and-his-reinvention/|url-status=live}}</ref> (of Nine Inch Nails, whose 2018 leg of the Cold and Black and Infinite tour concluded with a guest performance by Numan, who Reznor described as "vitally important and a huge inspiration"),<ref name="MetalYouTube">{{cite AV media|date=22 October 2009|title=NIN: "Metal" with Gary Numan|medium=YouTube|language=English|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehMqEXUspfs|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211106/ehMqEXUspfs|archive-date=6 November 2021|url-status=live|access-date=5 January 2020|format=MP4|time=00:35|___location=London, England|publisher= 9news.com.auInch Nails}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="BrooklynVeganNINTour">{{cite web|last1=Sacher|first1=Andrew|title=Nine Inch Nails wrapped up tour in LA w/ Gary Numan, Mike Garson & more|url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/nine-inch-nails-wrapped-up-tour-in-la-w-gary-numan-mike-garson-more/|website=BrooklynVegan|date=17 December 2018|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=1 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201082601/https://www.brooklynvegan.com/nine-inch-nails-wrapped-up-tour-in-la-w-gary-numan-mike-garson-more/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Marilyn Manson]]<ref name="CMJNMM">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RCoEAAAAMBAJ&q=marilyn+manson+gary+numan&pg=PA44|title=CMJ New Music Monthly|access-date=15 December 2020|publisher=[[CMJ|CMJ Holdings Corp.]]|date=May 1998|archive-date=4 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230704150254/https://books.google.com/books?id=RCoEAAAAMBAJ&q=marilyn+manson+gary+numan&pg=PA44|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="MTVManson">{{cite web|title=Marilyn Manson joins Gary Numan Onstage|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1431756/marilyn-manson-joins-gary-numan-onstage/|publisher=MTV News|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=1 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201082551/http://www.mtv.com/news/1431756/marilyn-manson-joins-gary-numan-onstage/|url-status=dead}}</ref> (who released his own cover version of "Down in the Park" as the B-side of his band's 1995 single ''[[Lunchbox (song)|Lunchbox]]'')<ref name="DiscogsManson">{{cite web|title=Marilyn Manson – Lunchbox (CD)|url=https://www.discogs.com/Marilyn-Manson-Lunchbox/release/2496163|publisher=Discogs|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=21 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210221002504/https://www.discogs.com/Marilyn-Manson-Lunchbox/release/2496163|url-status=live}}</ref> proclaiming his work an influence.
The English electronic music duo [[Basement Jaxx]] had a hit in 2002 with "[[Where's Your Head At]]",<ref name="BJBillboard">{{cite magazine|title=Basement Jaxx|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/basement-jaxx/chart-history/dsa/|magazine=Billboard|access-date=15 December 2020}}</ref> which relied on a sample of Numan's "M.E."—from ''The Pleasure Principle''—for its hook.<ref name="MusicOMHInterview">{{cite web|last1=Hubbard|first1=Michael|title=Interview: Gary Numan|url=https://www.musicomh.com/features/interviews/interview-gary-numan|publisher=[[MusicOMH]]|date=2 August 2002|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=18 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118095857/https://www.musicomh.com/features/interviews/interview-gary-numan|url-status=live}}</ref> Nine Inch Nails covered the song "[[Metal (song)|Metal]]" on ''[[The Fragile]]'' (1999) remix album ''[[Things Falling Apart]]'' (2000),<ref name="PitchforkNINReview">{{cite news|last1=Kearney|first1=Ryan|title=Nine Inch Nails:Things Falling Apart Album Review|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/5798-things-falling-apart/|access-date=15 December 2020|work=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|date=21 November 2000|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129202814/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/5798-things-falling-apart/|url-status=live}}</ref> as did [[Afrika Bambaataa]] (with Numan himself) on the studio album ''[[Dark Matter Moving at the Speed of Light]]''.<ref name="BambaataaDiscogs">{{cite web|title=Afrika Bambaataa Featuring Gary Numan – Metal (2004, Vinyl)|url=https://www.discogs.com/Afrika-Bambaataa-Featuring-Gary-Numan-Metal/release/335941|publisher=Discogs|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=19 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219090138/https://www.discogs.com/Afrika-Bambaataa-Featuring-Gary-Numan-Metal/release/335941|url-status=live}}</ref> "Cars" remains Numan's most enduring song; it was a hit again in 1987 (remixed by [[Zeus B. Held]])<ref name="ZeusBHeldDiscogs">{{cite web|title=Gary Numan – Cars (E-Reg Model)|url=https://www.discogs.com/Gary-Numan-Cars-E-Reg-Model/release/557067|publisher=Discogs|date=September 1987|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=19 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219130915/https://www.discogs.com/Gary-Numan-Cars-E-Reg-Model/release/557067|url-status=live}}</ref> and 1996, in the latter case thanks to an appearance in an advert for [[Carling Brewery|Carling]] beer.<ref name="IndependentCarling">{{cite news|last1=Barber|first1=Nicholas|title=A CASE OF BEER TODAY, GONE TOMORROW?|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/a-case-of-beer-today-gone-tomorrow-1344980.html|access-date=15 December 2020|work=The Independent|date=31 March 1996|archive-date=2 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102124216/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/a-case-of-beer-today-gone-tomorrow-1344980.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2000, the American DJ [[Armand van Helden]] sampled the track in his single "[[Koochy]]".<ref name="NMEKoochy">{{cite web|title=Koochy|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-nme-3334-338404|website=NME|date=12 September 2005|publisher=BandLab Technologies|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=13 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613063038/https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-nme-3334-338404|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2002, the English [[girl group]] the [[Sugababes]] scored a No. 1 with "[[Freak Like Me#Sugababes version|Freak Like Me]]", a [[Mashup (music)|mashup]] of [[Adina Howard]]'s "[[Freak Like Me]]" and "Are 'Friends' Electric?" by Numan's Tubeway Army.<ref name="UncutSugababes">{{cite web|title=See Gary Numan Get Freaky With Sugababes|url=https://www.uncut.co.uk/news/see-gary-numan-get-freaky-with-sugababes-63684/|website=[[Uncut (magazine)|Uncut]]|date=13 February 2007|publisher=BandLab Technologies|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=12 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612235435/https://www.uncut.co.uk/news/see-gary-numan-get-freaky-with-sugababes-63684/|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Personal life ==
From early in his career Numan was very close to his family. His father Tony was his [[Talent manager#Music managers|manager]] for many years, his musician brother John became a member of his backing band and his mother Beryl was also frequently involved doing various things behind the scenes, such as running Numan's [[fan club]] and managing the reception at his Rock City studio.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/the-managers/12488|title=The Managers: Tony Webb|author=Hrano, Mike|magazine=[[International Musician and Recording World]]|date=May 1985}}</ref>
In 1997, Numan married Gemma O'Neill, a member of his fan club from [[Sidcup]], south-east London.<ref name="autogenerated1">[http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/entertainment/music/rock_and_pop/s/1036837_cars_star_numan_is_motoring_ Manchester Evening News] accessed 01/03/08 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019223457/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/entertainment/music/rock_and_pop/s/1036837_cars_star_numan_is_motoring_ |date=19 October 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/how-we-met-1240497.html|title=HOW WE MET – An Interview with GARY NUMAN AND GEMMA WEBB|work=The Independent|___location=UK|date=21 September 1997|access-date=15 May 2011|archive-date=24 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524071525/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/how-we-met-1240497.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They have three daughters.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/gary-numan-i-feel-dirty-and-in-need-of-a-shower-after-playing-old-songs-a3598611.html|title=Gary Numan feels dirty and in need of a shower after playing old songs|date=28 July 2017|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402225435/https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/gary-numan-i-feel-dirty-and-in-need-of-a-shower-after-playing-old-songs-a3598611.html|url-status=live}}</ref> One daughter, at the age of 11, contributed vocals to Numan's 2017 song "My Name Is Ruin" and appeared in its music video.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://garynuman.com/name-ruin-new-single-video-shoot/|title='My Name Is Ruin' New Single & Video Shoot – Gary Numan The official website|date=22 June 2017|access-date=10 August 2017|archive-date=10 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810210516/http://garynuman.com/name-ruin-new-single-video-shoot/|url-status=live}}</ref> Numan and his family lived in [[Essex]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/money/article/gary-numan-cars-yes-i-want-two-plus-a-boat-and-a-plane-6bvv9d7zn|title=Gary Numan: Cars? Yes, I want two . . . plus a boat and a plane|last=Membery|first=York|date=28 October 2018|work=[[The Sunday Times]]|access-date=27 September 2019|language=en|issn=0956-1382|archive-date=27 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927113249/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/gary-numan-cars-yes-i-want-two-plus-a-boat-and-a-plane-6bvv9d7zn|url-status=live}}</ref> then [[Heathfield and Waldron]] in [[East Sussex]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2012/dirt/real-estalker/electro-pop-pioneer-gary-numan-sells-u-k-country-house-and-decamps-to-santa-monica-ca-1201233356/|title=Electro-pop Pioneer Gary Numan Sells U.K. Country House and Decamps to Santa Monica (CA)|last1=David|first1=Mark|date=30 April 2012|magazine=Variety|language=en|access-date=27 September 2019|archive-date=27 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927113247/https://variety.com/2012/dirt/real-estalker/electro-pop-pioneer-gary-numan-sells-u-k-country-house-and-decamps-to-santa-monica-ca-1201233356/|url-status=live}}</ref> and in October 2012 moved to [[Santa Monica, California]], US.<ref>[http://www.garynuman.co.uk/clouds/news.html NuWorld News]. Retrieved 12 February 2007. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070104044732/http://www.garynuman.co.uk/clouds/news.html |date=4 January 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sfweekly.com/music/gary-numan-is-happy-and-living-in-california/|title=Gary Numan Is Happy and Living in California|last=Quick|first=Quentin|date=17 November 2017|work=[[SF Weekly]]|access-date=20 November 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=19 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119033331/http://www.sfweekly.com/music/gary-numan-is-happy-and-living-in-california/|url-status=live}}</ref>
At age 15, after a series of outbursts in which he would "smash things up, scream and shout, get in people's faces and break stuff", Numan was prescribed [[antidepressant]]s and [[anxiolytic]]s.<ref name=Lester /> In the 1990s, his wife suggested he had [[Asperger syndrome]]; after reading about the syndrome and taking a series of online tests, he agreed. It was discussed when he was younger, though he was not confident in the diagnostic criteria of the time.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news/numan-convinced-he-has-aspergers_1060637|work=Contact News|___location=US|title=Gary Numan – Numan Convinced He Has Asperger's|date=25 February 2008|access-date=21 December 2011|archive-date=6 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106195214/http://www.contactmusic.com/news/numan-convinced-he-has-aspergers_1060637|url-status=live}}</ref> Conversely, he said in an April 2018 interview with ''[[The Guardian]]'' that he had been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome at the age of 14.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/apr/28/gary-numan-eye-contact-is-something-i-find-incredibly-difficult|title=Gary Numan: 'Eye contact is something I find incredibly difficult' – This much I know|first=Michael|last=Segalov|date=28 April 2018|website=The Guardian|access-date=28 April 2018|archive-date=28 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428151133/https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/apr/28/gary-numan-eye-contact-is-something-i-find-incredibly-difficult|url-status=live}}</ref> In a 2001 interview, he said, "Polite conversation has never been one of my strong points. Just recently I actually found out that I'd got a mild form of Asperger's syndrome which basically means I have trouble interacting with people. For years, I couldn't understand why people thought I was arrogant, but now it all makes more sense."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/aspergers-syndrome-the-ballad-of-nikki-bacharach-431201.html|work=The Independent|___location=London|title=Asperger's syndrome: The ballad of Nikki Bacharach|date=8 January 2007|access-date=3 May 2010|first=Andrew|last=Buncombe|archive-date=24 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624113008/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/aspergers-syndrome-the-ballad-of-nikki-bacharach-431201.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Numan published his autobiography, ''Praying to the Aliens'', in 1997 (updated in 1998), in collaboration with Steve Malins, who also wrote the liner notes for most of the CD reissues of Numan's albums in the late 1990s, as well as executive producing the ''Hybrid'' album in 2003.<ref name="PrayingtotheAliens" /> An updated autobiography, ''(R)evolution: The Autobiography'', was published on 22 October 2020 and brings his career up to date from the earlier ''Praying to the Aliens''.<ref name="RevolutionBook" />
Numan is an [[Atheism|atheist]].<ref>{{cite web|date=25 November 2012|title=Gary Numan – Interviews – Fortean Times|url=http://www.forteantimes.com/features/interviews/4693/praying_to_the_aliens_gary_numan.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121125013432/http://www.forteantimes.com/features/interviews/4693/praying_to_the_aliens_gary_numan.html|archive-date=25 November 2012|access-date=19 May 2019}}</ref>
He was an outspoken supporter of the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative Party]] and [[Margaret Thatcher]] after her election as Prime Minister.<ref name="independent">[https://web.archive.org/web/20081227054651/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/gary-numan-numan-remains-604502.html Gary Numan: Numan remains]. ''[[The Independent]]''. Published 27 January 2003.</ref><ref name="skrufff">[http://www.threedworld.com.au/music/news/2006/Gary_Numan_on_Britains_new_Tories/ Gary Numan on Britain's New Tories], Skrufff.com, 7 February 2006. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206172110/http://www.threedworld.com.au/music/news/2006/Gary_Numan_on_Britains_new_Tories/|date=6 February 2009}}</ref> He later expressed regret for giving his public support, calling it "a noose around my neck".<ref name="Skruff1">{{cite web|last1=Skruff|first1=Jonty|title=Gary Numan Reserves Judgement on Britain's New Tories|url=https://www.higher-frequency.com/e_news/february06_i/06/4.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623093147/https://www.higher-frequency.com/e_news/february06_i/06/4.htm|archive-date=23 June 2021|access-date=22 December 2020|website=Higher Frequency}}</ref> He has previously said that he considers himself neither [[Left-wing politics|left-]] nor [[Right-wing politics|right-wing]] and that he did not support [[Tony Blair]] or [[David Cameron]].<ref name="skrufff" /> He also said, "I'm not [[Socialism|socialist]], I know that. I don't believe in sharing my money."<ref name="independent" /> Numan is not overly politically engaged and distances himself from political commentary.<ref name="independent" />
== Aviation career ==
Numan joined the Air Training Corps as a teenager, when he wanted to be either a pilot or a pop star. In 1978, he started learning to fly at [[Blackbushe Airport]], but the success of his music career in 1979 meant that obtaining his pilot's licence was delayed until 17 December 1980.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/443479/Who-d-have-thought-it-Gary-Numan-loves-taking-a-flight-of-fancy|title=Who'd have thought it…Gary Numan loves taking a flight of fancy|last=Numan|first=Gary|date=17 November 2013|website=[[Daily Express]]|language=en|access-date=27 September 2019|archive-date=27 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927124932/https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/443479/Who-d-have-thought-it-Gary-Numan-loves-taking-a-flight-of-fancy|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="numanme1">{{cite web|url=http://www.numanme.co.uk/numanme/Numanair.htm|title=Numanair|website=numanme.co.uk|access-date=27 September 2019|archive-date=27 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927124930/http://www.numanme.co.uk/numanme/Numanair.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> The following day; 18 December 1980, Numan bought his first aeroplane for £12,000; a [[Cessna 182 Skylane]]. On 1 July 1981, Numan founded Numanair, a small charter flight company operating from Blackbushe, and acquired a [[Cessna 210 Centurion]] (registered G-OILS) and a [[Piper PA-31 Navajo]] (registered G-NMAN). He also indulged his passion for motor racing in 1981 by sponsoring Mike Mackonochie who drove a [[Van Diemen]] RF81 in Numanair livery in the [[Formula Ford]] 1600 class.<ref name="numanme1"/>
In November and December 1981, Numan successfully flew around the world in his Piper PA-31 Navajo with co-pilot Bob Thompson on their second attempt. The first attempt, in the Cessna 210 Centurion, had ended in India with Numan and Thompson being arrested on suspicion of smuggling and spying.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/9386584/World-of-Gary-Numan-musician.html|title=World of Gary Numan, musician|last=Dehn|first=Georgia|journal=The Daily Telegraph|date=9 July 2012|access-date=27 September 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235|archive-date=27 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927124929/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/9386584/World-of-Gary-Numan-musician.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This aircraft was written off on 29 January 1982 when it ran out of fuel near [[Southampton]] and made a forced landing while Numan was a passenger.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/9386584/World-of-Gary-Numan-musician.html|title=World of Gary Numan, musician Singer Gary Numan talks to Georgia Dehn about his daily routine, flying around the world in his Piper Navajo and the importance of marriage|last=Dehn|first=Georgia|date=9 July 2012|website=The Telegraph|access-date=27 September 2019|archive-date=27 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927124929/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/9386584/World-of-Gary-Numan-musician.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=166739|title=Incident Cessna T210L G-OILS, 29 Jan 1982|last=Ranter|first=Harro|website=[[Flight Safety Foundation#Aviation Safety Network|aviation-safety.net]]|access-date=27 September 2019|archive-date=27 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927124947/https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=166739|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 1984, Numan bought a [[North American T-6 Texan|Harvard T-6]] trainer aircraft registered G-AZSC and had the aircraft painted to resemble a Japanese [[Mitsubishi A6M Zero|"Zero" fighter]]. He also gained a display pilot's licence and flew the machine on the UK air display circuit. He and friend Norman Lees, who also owned a Harvard, formed the Radial Pair, performing synchronised aerobatics from the 1992 air display season. Later they teamed up with other Harvard owners to fly up to five aircraft as the Harvard Formation Team<ref name="postcards-from-slough1">{{cite web|url=http://www.postcards-from-slough.co.uk/home/slough-s-famous-people/gary-numan/|title=Postcards from Slough – Gary Numan|website=postcards-from-slough.co.uk|language=en|access-date=27 September 2019|archive-date=27 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927170318/http://www.postcards-from-slough.co.uk/home/slough-s-famous-people/gary-numan/|url-status=live}}</ref> with Numan choreographing their aerobatic routines.<ref name="NumanHarvardT6">{{cite web|last1=Turner|first1=Luke|title=GARY NUMAN: A MAGNIFICENT MAN AND HIS FLYING MACHINES|url=https://www.t6harvard.com/uk-harvards/g-azsc/|website=T6 Harvard Ltd.|publisher=Sysgage|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127010917/https://www.t6harvard.com/uk-harvards/g-azsc/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Numan held licences for piston and turbine helicopters and had a fixed wing multi engined rating. He was an aerobatic flying instructor and was appointed by the [[Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom)|Civil Aviation Authority]] (CAA) as an air display pilot evaluator.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.numanme.co.uk/numanme/Radial-Pair-display-team.htm|title=Radial Pair display team|website=numanme.co.uk|access-date=27 September 2019|archive-date=27 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927200856/http://www.numanme.co.uk/numanme/Radial-Pair-display-team.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> Then in 2005, after several of his friends and colleagues were killed in unrelated flying accidents, he gave up flying. In an interview in 2009 he said "I loved going to air shows, you'd bond really tightly with your team mates – it's an extreme thing to be doing, and you trust your life to them. And then it ended. I'd turn up and not know anyone. It got depressing. I'd sit down in the pilot's tent and there'd be all these people I'd not recognise. You'd look forward to someone turning up to have a chat with them, and they'd be dead."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thequietus.com/articles/03240-gary-numan-interview-pilot-a-magnificant-man-and-his-flying-machines|title=Things I Have Learned {{!}} Gary Numan: A Magnificent Man And His Flying Machines|website=The Quietus|date=17 November 2009|language=en-us|access-date=27 September 2019|archive-date=4 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230704150302/https://thequietus.com/articles/03240-gary-numan-interview-pilot-a-magnificant-man-and-his-flying-machines|url-status=live}}</ref>
Numanair continued operating but after 31 years, with Numan and his family emigrating to the US, it was dissolved on 18 June 2013.<ref name="postcards-from-slough1"/>
==
{{Main|Gary Numan discography}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
*
*
: '''Solo'''
* ''[[The Pleasure Principle (album)|The Pleasure Principle]]'' (1979)
* ''[[Telekon]]'' (1980)
* ''[[Dance (Gary Numan album)|Dance]]'' (1981)
* ''[[I, Assassin]]'' (1982)
* ''[[Warriors (Gary Numan album)|Warriors]]'' (1983)
* ''[[Berserker (Gary Numan album)|Berserker]]'' (1984)
* ''[[The Fury (album)|The Fury]]'' (1985)
* ''[[Strange Charm]]'' (1986)
* ''[[Metal Rhythm]]'' (1988) <small>(''New Anger'' in the US)</small>
* ''[[Automatic (Sharpe & Numan album)|Automatic]]'' (1989) <small>(with [[Bill Sharpe (musician)|Bill Sharpe]] as [[Sharpe & Numan]])</small>
{{col-break}}
* ''[[Outland (Gary Numan album)|Outland]]'' (1991)
* ''[[Machine and Soul|Machine + Soul]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Sacrifice (Gary Numan album)|Sacrifice]]'' (1994) <small>(''Dawn'' in the US)</small>
* ''[[Exile (Gary Numan album)|Exile]]'' (1997)
* ''[[Pure (Gary Numan album)|Pure]]'' (2000)
* ''[[Jagged]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Dead Son Rising]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Splinter (Songs from a Broken Mind)]]'' (2013)
* ''[[Savage (Songs from a Broken World)]]'' (2017)
* ''[[Intruder (album)|Intruder]]'' (2021)
{{col-end}}
== See also ==
* [[List of one-hit wonders in the United States]]
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
==
* Paul Goodwin (2004). ''Electric Pioneer: An Armchair Guide
* ''[[British Hit Singles & Albums|The Guinness Book of British Hit Singles]]'', 7th Edition, {{ISBN|0851123392}}
==
{{Commons category}}
* {{official website|http://www.garynuman.co.uk}}
* {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=mn0000183858}}
* {{discogs artist}}
* {{IMDb name|id=0637885}}
{{Gary Numan}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Numan, Gary}}
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