Gary Numan - Live - Nottingham Rock City 21/9/16 - Truly Outstanding

Facebook revelations moments before taking to the stage in Nottingham that these current run of ‘classic’ shows could well be the last ‘retro’ ones added that little extra to a packed, hot and palpably excited Rock City. Recognising his own mortality, it seems there just isn’t enough time. Nostalgia running out of time…who’d have thought. 

For now we rejoice in the trinity of late 70’s early 80s albums The Pleasure Principle, Replicas and Telekon, the latter’s colour themes informing many of the crowds wardrobe decisions. However with Gary dressed in black with a shock of jet black hair, arms aloft, bathing in the adulation, grinning from ear to ear it’s the haunting synth call of Replicas title song which launches the set. The urgency of the guitars, “and I screamed You and You” hollered back emphasised the transition all these songs have gone through. Like many of the early songs, themes of isolation and me vs the world are abundant, yet in late 2016 we are witness to the mutual love and shared experience of singer and fan during songs such as Down In The Park and Me! I Disconnect from You. Are Friends Electric remains such an iconic song ..surely the only song about a relationship with a robotic prostitute.. is now a joyous bouncing mutual celebration of being alone. Not sure how that works but it does, the refrain sung back with gusto.. 

The home run of this set sees the chart friendly big hitters come out to great effect Down In The Park / We Are Glass / Friends / Cars / I Die You Die / We Are So Fragile are all in guitar heavy 2016 mode but only serve to emphasise, if needed, what a remarkable and lasting effect this man has on the worlds music scene. On the live scene, unlike many of his contemporaries Numan is genuinely enjoying this renaissance, his heartfelt thanks and genuine shows of joy and emotion are regular, too many others go through the motions but Gary lives and breathes every note. Cars for example belies its millionth* (possible exaggeration) live outing and has the delivery and enthusiasm of a first outing.


My Shadow in Vain closes a superb set, “Here am I, I really don't feel quite sane” me neither Gary but if this is what it feels like, I for one, want more and wont care. 






Supporting were ISpeakMachine, who are vocalist and self proclaimed synth-nerd Tara Busch and filmmaker Maf Lewis. Combining film and live soundtrack together with original tracks and notable covers (Sound of Silence and , like you have never heard before Ticket To Ride). Reminding me of late 70’s Human League and BBC Tomorrows world Moog workshop in equal parts it was strange, but one I would repeat. The environment perhaps didn’t do this full justice but check out www.ispeakmachine.com for a taste.