Electric Friends: A Gary Numan Podcast

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: Please 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: 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: Please 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: Clips used: Please get in touch on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

In this interview special episode, I speak to the legend that is Chris Payne! Chris joined Tubeway Army back in 1979 just before 'Are Friends Electric' was released, and stayed with Gary's band for the albums Replicas, The Pleasure Principle and Telekon, and continued performing with Gary's live band for the rest of the 1980s. He also co-wrote Visage's 'Fade to Grey', and has been a prolific composer and conductor of classical, cinematic and medieval music over the past few decades. In the interview, Chris speaks about first meeting and auditioning for Gary, his musical background, his time as part of Dramatis, reuniting with Gary and much more. He also answers YOUR questions! Thank you to Chris for giving up your time for this interview, it was awesome speaking to you at such length. Clips used:

"Move from my window, leave me alone..." In this episode, we look back at the Telekon album track 'Remind Me to Smile' from 1980. The electropop banger is still a live favourite, but it wasn't released a single. Or was it? We take a look at how Gary's struggles with fame and fandom influenced the song, his strange experience with hardcore fans back then and more. Clips used: Please get in touch on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

Gary Numan's 1986 album Strange Charm was not a happy one for him, and while it might be a forgotten LP compared to others, it still has a lot of... well... charm. Its second single 'I Can't Stop' was a bombastic radio friendly track that deserved more radio attention at the time, and it was the first vinyl single I bought 10+ years after its release. This episode delves into the song's history, and the making of the Strange Charm album, including Radio 1's gaslighting of Gary, why the music video was "terrible" according to Gary, and more. Clips used: Please get in touch on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

"This is not love, this is not even worth a point of view..." In 1980, Gary Numan released one of his greatest singles, the top 10 hit 'I Die: You Die'. At the time it was a non-album single, but was later included on the Telekon album, alongside We Are Glass. The episode delves into: Clips used: Please get in touch on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

As voted for by you, this episode is all about Gary Numan's 1984 album Berserker, and in particular its title track and lead single. The episode delves into its inspirations, from '60s sci-fi books to 1984's biggest hit single, and Gary's own fantastical ideas. It also looks at the album and tour's striking blue and white imagery, Gary's turn to sampling and its disappointing lack of airplay and chart success. Clips used: Please get in touch on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

By the late 2000s, Gary Numan had become a father to three girls, and his career had been better than ever. However, for various reasons, he found himself with serious bouts of depression. This depression led to the writing of his next album, 2013's Splinter. One such track that tackled the themes of depression and life apathy, was the epic 'Here in the Black'. This episode looks back on that song, including its inspiration, what Gary was going through at the time, live versions and more. Clips used: This episode deals with issues of depression. If you are suffering from depression, you are not alone. Depression is a common and treatable condition that affects millions of people around the world. There are many ways to cope with depression, such as seeking professional help, talking to someone you trust, engaging in activities that make you happy, and practising self-care. Other places you can reach out for help include: [The Samaritans]: A UK-based charity that offers confidential emotional support to anyone in distress or suicidal. You can call them 24/7 at 116 123 or email them at jo@samaritans.org.[Mind]: A UK-based mental health charity that provides information and advice on various mental health issues, including depression. You can visit their website to find local services, helplines, and online support groups.[NHS]: The UK’s National Health Service that offers free and confidential health care and advice. You can visit their website to learn more about depression, its symptoms, causes, and treatments. You can also find self-help guides, online tools, and apps to help you cope with depression.[Beyond Blue]: An Australian organisation that aims to reduce the stigma and impact of depression and anxiety. You can visit their website to access online forums, webinars, podcasts, and personal stories. You can also call them 24/7 at 1300 22 4636 or chat with them online.[National Suicide Prevention Lifeline]: A US-based network of crisis centres that provides free and confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. You can call them 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 or chat with them online.

"Now it's all over for sure, I'll walk back home..." In 1981, Gary Numan said goodbye to his fans with his epic Wembley shows, which was meant to be his retirement from live performance (thankfully, it wasn't). The year before, he had recorded 'Please Push No More', a piano-synth ballad that dealt with his feelings about fame, fans and critics. This episode tells the story of that song, and the emotional goodbye, and how he soon regretted his decision. Clips used: Please get in touch on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

For this interview special of Electric Friends, I caught up with a genuine pop legend: Dollar's Thereza Bazar! Ahead of her UK tour, I spoke to Thereza about her amazing career, working with Trevor Horn, her upcoming projects, and of course... what it was like working with Gary Numan. Thereza sang on Gary Numan's 1982 tracks 'Noise Noise' and 'Bridge? What Bridge?', later included on re-releases of the I, Assassin album. Thereza reveals how she met Gary, and what it was like being in the studio with him at the height of both of their careers. Clips used:

In 2000, Gary Numan released his most industrial album yet, Pure. Well received by critics and fans, it was arguably his best LP for nearly two decades. However, its lead single wasn't released until nearly two years later. And it was a surprising success, sending Gary back into the charts. This episode reflects on the Pure era and the lead single 'Rip', the most unlikely top 40 hit. Clips used: Please get in touch on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

For this episode of Electric Friends, I catch up with Tubeway Days singer and Gary Numan impersonator Chris Fielding. I first saw Chris Fielding when he appeared as Gary on Stars in their Eyes back in 1998, and was amazed at how close he looked and sounded like him. Fast forward to 2020, and Chris joined the lineup of the excellent Gary Numan tribute band Tubeway Days. Specialising in the 1979-81 era of Numan, the band and Chris sound exactly like the real thing and are a must-see for all Numan fans. Chris talks about his love of Gary Numan growing up, how he got into impersonations and performing, what the Stars in their Eyes experience was like, meeting Gary, and what's coming up next for the band. You will also hear snippets of Tubeway Days' excellent covers of Gary Numan songs, including 'Cars', 'Down in the Park', 'Remind me to Smile' and more. A big thank you to Chris Fielding for his time and for a brilliant interview, and to Steve Guard for arranging.

On Replicas, Gary Numan and Tubeway Army kicked it off with this incredibly catchy piece of synthpop/new wave/post-punk brilliance: Me! I Disconnect from You. This episode delves into the meaning behind the song, its sci-fi influence, the various remixes, live versions and covers, and more. Clips used: Please get in touch on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

"They say that I'm all over, I don't know..." In 1988, Gary Numan released his first album under the IRS Records label, and despite good reviews and an improvement on previous albums, Metal Rhythm didn't get him back in the charts. Taking on a Robert Palmer-style hard rock meets electronic album, the LP featured the lead single 'New Anger', about his irritation over his critics at the time. This episode delves into the making of the album, how it was made and how Gary feels about it now. Clips used: Please get in touch on Twitter (@numanpodcast) or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

"You're my assassin but you can't see the crime..." For this episode, let's look back at what would prove to be Gary Numan's final ever top 10 single, from 1982's I, Assassin. A song about an ex-girlfriend, and a track that has everything (funk, synthpop and jazz), it's one of Gary Numan's most intriguing singles. Please get in touch on Twitter (@numanpodcast) or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

"I turned off the pain, like I turned off you all, now there's only m.e." For this episode, we look back at the fantastic sci-fi themed Pleasure Principle track, M.E.. Based on a story from Gary Numan about the last machine on Earth, we look at its inspiration, covers, remixes and more. Clips used: Please get in touch on Twitter (@numanpodcast) or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

"Young men need love special." In this episode, we look back at the quirky yet hugely popular fan favourite track, Jo the Waiter, from Tubeway Army's self-titled debut album in 1978. From the person who inspired the song to its various live versions, let's tackle the folk-style track ahead of Gary's acoustic tour later this year. Clips used: Please get in touch on Twitter (@numanpodcast) or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

"Do you fall like dust on a ruin? Empty and dead like the life you are losing." For this episode, we go back to 2011 and Gary Numan's album Dead Son Rising, for its lead single 'The Fall'. Intended as an 'outtakes' album to fill the gap between Jagged and Splinter, it ended up being its own fully-fledged album thanks to the persistence of producer Ade Fenton. This episode focuses on the lead single, including: Clips used: