Electric Friends: A Gary Numan Podcast

Catch up on the latest from the world of Gary Numan, including new TV shows, podcasts, radio specials, tour updates and more.

This episode looks back at Gary Numan's cover of 'On Broadway', made famous by The Drifters in 1963. Gary's live version in 1979 was an inspired synthpop reworking, featuring Ultravox star Billy Currie on keyboards.

In the first of a new series of bonus minisodes - here's your latest Gary Numan news update.Please get in touch at numanpodcast@gmail.com

Taking a look back at Gary Numan's triumphant Glastonbury Festival debut on Saturday.

For the 50th episode of Electric Friends, I have another special interview - with Gary Numan's eldest daughter, Raven Numan!Raven has released six excellent tracks in recent months, including 'My Reflection' and 'Just a Number', having worked with Gary's producer Ade Fenton.In this interview, Raven opens up about having a pop icon as her dad, following his footsteps into music, how music has helped with her mental health, her love of Nine Inch Nails, plans for her debut album and much more.

For this special episode of Electric Friends, I speak with Gary Numan's longtime friend, collaborator and producer - Ade Fenton.Ade has worked with Gary on all his albums since 2006's Jagged, and is currently working on Gary's latest album - with the reworks of Sacrifice, Exile and Pure coming soon.In the podcast, Ade discusses:How Numan's music first inspired him to get into the industryHow he first met Gary and the first tracks he worked onHow he deals with criticisms from some Numan fansWhat fans can expect for upcoming new releases from GaryWorking with Gary's daughter Raven on her first albumHis work on film soundtracks and whether Gary would ever do the sameMuch more!

Taking a look at Gary Numan's third single from I, Assassin - the moody 'White Boys and Heroes' featuring Pino Palladino's fretless bass and Wham-style music video.

Looking back at the fantastic bonus track from Tubeway Army's Replicas album: eight minutes of pure synthpop brilliance, later covered by Matt Sharp and Damon Albarn.

For this special episode, I asked you to rank your favourite Gary Numan albums from worst to best. Hundreds of you voted, and here I bring you the full countdown of 24 albums, including Gary's words about each LP.What will be number one? I won't give it away here, but do you agree?

For this episode, I look back at Gary Numan's Dance album opener - the haunting 9+ minute track, Slowcar to China.From its real-life inspirations and other theories to the album's sound as a whole, it's time to head back to 1981 and for one Gary's best ever LPs.

"Take that smile off your face, wipe that tear from your eye, don't say you're sorry for me".For this episode, we look back at Paul Gardiner's solo single 'Stormtrooper in Drag', co-written with Gary Numan and with Gary on lead vocals.The underrated track about drug use and loneliness showcased the lost potential of the late Paul Gardiner, and gave Numan fans a look at what was to come on the Dance album, as well as some fresh music after his farewell concerts in 1981.I look back at Paul's other tracks, Gary's reaction to his death aged just 25, the song's cover versions and lyrics meaning.Please get in touch on YouTube, X, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

In this latest interview special of Electric Friends, I speak to a legend in Gary Numan's music history: Rrussell Bell.In case you didn’t know - Rrussell is a prolific musician, composer and comedy writer. After graduating in Physics at London University, he joined Tubeway Army in 1979 - first appearing on record on 1980’s We Are Glass. He would then spend the next 10 years recording with Gary and touring the world in his band. He would then go on to form the band Dramatis alongside Chris Payne, Ced Sharpley and Denis Haines.Also a seasoned session player, he is also an award winning jingle writer, worked as a musical director for BSB, and has worked on many film and TV projects. This includes acting, stand-up comedy and script-writing for people such as Craig Charles and Keith Allen. He released his first EP Like a Human in 2019.Rrussell very kindly agreed to be on the show, and I hope you enjoy this special interview!Please get in touch on YouTube, X, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.Tom invites Rrussell Bell, a prolific musician and former member of Gary Numan's band, to share his experiences and insights from his extensive career. Rrussell reflects on his early days in the entertainment world, growing up in a family of performers, and how that shaped his artistic journey. He discusses his transition from an aspiring guitarist to joining Tubeway Army, highlighting the challenges and excitement of auditioning for Gary Numan. The conversation delves into memorable moments from their tours, including the immense popularity of Numan in the late '70s and the exhilarating atmosphere of live performances. Rrussell also touches on his diverse career beyond music, including writing jingles and comedy, and hints at upcoming projects with Dramatis, emphasizing his enduring passion for creating music.Takeaways: Rrussell Bell discusses his early life growing up in a family of entertainers, including trapeze artists and comedians. He shares how he first became a fan of Gary Numan after seeing him perform on television during the 1970s. Bell highlights the unique experience of touring with Gary Numan, recalling the excitement and challenges of live performances. The recording process for albums with Numan involved a collaborative effort, allowing band members to contribute creatively. Bell reflects on the bittersweet feelings surrounding the end of Numan's career during the Wembley gigs, leading to the formation of Jamatis. His diverse career spans music, comedy writing, and jingles, showcasing his multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.

"Lee Cooper!"For this episode of Electric Friends, I look back at one of Gary Numan's first ever projects - a TV advert jingle!Gary recorded a short track called 'Don't Be a Dummy' for Lee Cooper jeans, which became very popular in 1979, just before he found fame with 'Are Friends Electric?'.This episode delves into the making of the song, why Gary didn't record a full version, the cover single by John Du Cann, Gary's other advert attempts and more.Clips used:Tubeway Army/Gary Numan - 'Don't be a Dummy'Tubeway Army - 'Something's in the House'John Du Cann - 'Don't be a Dummy'Gary Numan - '7 Up'Gary Numan - 'Cars (Premier Mix)'Lee Cooper advert (Dummies to the Left)Please get in touch on YouTube, X, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

For this interview special, it’s with a bonafide music legend: Bill Sharpe.Bill Sharpe is a classically trained pianist and jazz rock musician, who once worked alongside John Peel at the BBC and Trevor Horn in an early band. In 1980, he co-founded the band Shakatak, who scored many big hits around the world with their brand of post-disco jazz-funk.In 1985, he teamed up with Gary Numan on what was meant to be a one-off single, but later turned into several songs, and a whole album - with 1989’s Automatic. He is a prolific songwriter and musician, who has collaborated with many other stars over the years, and is still performing with Shakatak today.In the episode, Bill discusses:How he came to work with Gary Numan and their writing processesThe unreleased demos he made with Gary after Automatic - could they ever be released?How Shakatak came aboutHis friendship with John PeelClips used:Shakatak - Steppin'Shakatak - Easier Said than Done (TOTP)Sharpe & Numan - Change Your MindSharpe & Numan - New Thing from London TownSharpe & Numan - No More LiesShakatak - Nightbirds (TOTP)Please get in touch on YouTube, X, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.Tom interviews Bill Sharpe, a member of the iconic band Shakatak, delving into his illustrious career and his unique collaboration with Gary Numan. The discussion highlights how their partnership began almost by chance when Sharpe was working on a solo album and reached out to Numan, leading to the creation of the hit "Change Your Mind." Sharpe reflects on his classical training and early influences in music, detailing the evolution of Shakatak and their rise to fame with hits like "Easier Said Than Done." The conversation reveals the challenges faced in the music industry, including the ups and downs of record label support, and the lasting impact of their work together. Listeners gain insight into Sharpe's passion for music, the dynamics of collaboration, and the joy of performing live, demonstrating that the spirit of creativity remains vibrant even after decades in the industry.Takeaways: Bill Sharp discusses his classical music background and journey into jazz and funk. The formation of Shakatak was influenced by diverse musical experiences and collaborations. Bill shares the serendipitous collaboration with Gary Numan that led to successful tracks. The creative process behind 'Change Your Mind' involved innovative studio techniques and remixing. Sharp reflects on the band's global success and their enduring appeal in the music industry. He expresses disappointment over the lack of promotion for the album they created together.

"I don't suppose you ever laughed at me"For this episode of Electric Friends, I look back at Gary Numan's 1985 album The Fury, and in particular its lead single 'Your Fascination'.Including:How Gary continued his funk/industrial style from BerserkerHow radio continued to ignore him despite being a funky bangerHow he turned to co-producers and took on a new songwriting technique for the albumIts music video co-starring his then-girlfriendTheories to what the song is aboutClips used:Gary Numan - Your FascinationGary Numan - MiraclesGary Numan - TricksRetrosound - PPG Wave Soundscapes IIGary Numan - Revolution (audiobook)Please get in touch on YouTube, X, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

"We're in the building where they make us grow, and I'm frightened by the liquid engineers, like you."For this episode, I look back at one of Gary Numan's best-known and best-loved songs, 'Metal', from 1979's The Pleasure Principle.The track was the first song on the album with lyrics, and was inspired by the writings of Philip K Dick, about a machine with a desire to be human.The perfect synthpop track was never a single, but it became one of Gary Numan's most-performed songs, and was later covered and sampled by a number of artists, most notably by Trent Reznor's Nine Inch Nails.The episode looks at:What 'Metal' is all aboutIts somewhat forgotten music videoWhy it was never released as a singleThe various live versionsWhen Gary performed it with Nine Inch Nails in 2009Clips used:Gary Numan - MetalThe Beach Boys - Do It AgainGary Numan - Metal (live, 1979)Gary Numan - Metal (live, 1986)Gary Numan - Metal (live, 2018)Gary Numan - Metal 98Gary Numan - MoralGary Numan - Revolution (audiobook)Tubeway Army - The CraziesTubeway Army - We Have a TechnicalNine Inch Nails - MetalNine Inch Nails - Metal (live, 2009)Planet Funk - Who SaidAfrika Bambaataa - MetalNouvelle Vague - MetalPoppy - MetalPlease get in touch on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

For the latest interview special of Electric Friends, I speak to Gary Numan's brother John Webb, aka Donovan Silver.Donovan opens up about his close bond with older brother Gary, what it was like growing up with him and the first time he joined Tubeway Army on stage as a 12-year-old.He also speaks about joining the band full-time as a teenager and their various tours, as well as working alongside Queen legend Roger Taylor on drums.Donovan also gives a fascinating account of his impressive aviation career, as well as his return to music, including his most recent album Alpha.Clips used:Gary Numan - (R)Evolution (audiobook)Tubeway Army live at the Roxy - Boys (1977)Gary Numan - Remind Me to Smile (live, 1983)Gary Numan - CrashJohn Webb - The Experiment of LoveDonovan Silver - AlphaTubeway Army - Me! I Disconnect from YouPlease get in touch on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

"Stroll to the cafe, my God, how time flies..."For this episode, we travel way back to one of Gary Numan's first songs. 'My Shadow in Vain' was written before Tubeway Army even existed, and it went on to become one of his most performed songs ever.This episode delves into the different versions of the song, from its punk origins to the 2002 hard rock version. We also hear from Gary as he explains how Tubeway Army came to be, and the meaning behind the song.Clips used:Tubeway Army - My Shadow in VainTubeway Army - My Shadow in Vain (The Plan version)Gary Numan - (R)Evolution (audiobook)Tubeway Army - My Shadow in Vain (live, 1977)Tubeway Army - Something's in the HouseGary Numan - My Shadow in Vain (2002 version)Gary Numan - My Shadow in Vain (live, 1979)Gary Numan - My Shadow in Vain (live, 1984)Please get in touch on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

For this interview special of Electric Friends, I’m speaking to Andy Gray, one of the most sought-after DJs, songwriters, producers and composers of the last few decades.Andy made a name for himself in the early 90s in the growing dance music scene, with his remixes and work with his group Amoeba Assassin, and for his work with Paul Oakenfold’s Perfecto label. He has gone on to produce or remix music by a wide range of artists such as The Human League, Tori Amos, New ORder, Tears for Fears, Moby, U2, John Foxx and many more.He is also a prolific film and TV soundtrack composer, on projects such as Swordfish, Get Carter and Hunters, and he also composed and produced the iconic Big Brother theme in the UK.He has also had a long association with Gary Numan, whom he counts as a good friend. He has collaborated and remixed Gary’s music many times, including appearances on the Hybrid, Jagged and Dead Son Rising albums. In particular, he remixed the brilliant version of A Prayer for the Unborn, which we hear at pretty much every Gary Numan gig today.I caught up with Andy to talk about his career, how Gary’s music inspired him as a youth, and what his experiences of working with Gary have been, and what we can look forward to in the future. Clips used:Tubeway Army - Are Friends Electric?Amoeba Assassin - RollercoasterThe Human League - Tell Me WhenElementfour - Big Brother ThemeGary Numan - Listen to My Voice (Andy Gray remix)Gary Numan - A Prayer for the Unborn (Andy Gray remix)Gary Numan - Are Friends Electric (Andy Gray remix)Gary Numan - AncientsAndy Gray & Gary Numan - For YouPlease get in touch on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

"Kneel before my altar and drink the wine of slaughter"In 1997, Gary Numan followed his career-rebooting Sacrifice album with the critically-acclaimed Exile. It was the closest thing to a concept album that he had recorded, delving into a world where God and the Devil were the same.In this episode, I look back at perhaps its most well-known song, 'Dark'. Including:An exclusive clip of my interview with Gary back in 2017, talking about whether he would ever make film soundtracksIts use in the 1998 film Dark CityThe epic storyline of Exile and how it compares to SacrificeClips used:Gary Numan - DarkGary Numan - Dark (Andy Gray rework)Gary Numan - Innocence BleedingDark CityGary Numan - Dead HeavenPlease get in touch on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.