During the formation of Gary Numan’s 20th album, Splinter (Songs From a Broken Mind), he went through phases of writer’s block, depression, and lack of “self-confidence.” (See title.) But Gary Numan can’t be depressed. I mean, he helped impregnate new-wave music. He’s a pioneer. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world have been roller-skating to his hits since 1978, specifically to “Cars.” I guess Numan is human after all—the discovery of his mild Asperger’s syndrome, and trouble interacting with people, make more sense in that context. According to Prince, “There are still people trying to work out what a genius Gary Numan is.” One of those people is Trent Reznor. Wait, you want to say something, too, Trent? Okay. What impresses you about Gary Numan? “I’ve always been impressed by the way Gary Numan found his own voice,” says Reznor. “It was unusual, but it was unmistakably him and boldly him. I see myself doing what I learned from him.” If Trent Reznor is doing some Gary Numan, we should all probably be doing it. Numan spoke from his home in Los Angeles. He and his wife moved there from London two years ago.
Mr. Numan, when I was growing up, I roller-skated to your music for eight years without stopping. What’s new?
I’m glad I could provide your ears and your skates with some fuel then. What’s new is I’m about to go cage diving with great white sharks for a week. I’ve always wanted to do it. After that, it’s a rehearsal period, then I’m heading back out on the road for a tour…
Gary Numan plays the Neptune Theatre tonight. Click here for more info!
