"The new illustrated handbook of rock"
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Gary Numan
UK vocalist, instrumentalist Born Gary Anthony James Webb, London, March 8, 1958 Career: Joined first band The Lasers, a punk outfit, in keeping with times in 1976. By 1977, had assumed control, renaming band Tubeway Army, with trio format: Numan as front man (singer, writer, guitar, keyboards) with Paul Gardiner (bass) and Numan's uncle Jess Lidyard (drums). First single was "That's Too Bad", recorded later that year. Signed with small Beggar's Banquet label in 1978.
Gigged around London, with drummer Bob Simmonds replacing Lidyard, then Barry Benn replacing Simmonds; Sean Burke (guitar) added by mid-1978. Second single "Bombers" released, but Numan decided to disband group. Album's worth of demos (recorded before dissolution) impressed record company so much that these were released as debut LP in late 1978.
Early in 1979, Numan, Gardiner and Lidyard cut second and final Tubeway Army LP, Replicas, which included No.1 single Are Friends Electric? - as a result, LP topped UK chart. After this, Numan decided to record under own name, and next LP The Pleasure Principle also topped chart, as did extracted single Cars. Numan's heavily synthesized sound and unworldly material, this time augmented by Chris Payne (keyboards, viola), captured public's imagination. During autumn 1979, first tour as star with stage set of fluorescent tubes was huge success.
In 1980 toured Europe, North America, Japan and Australasia. Hit with three more Top 10 singles in UK, as well as releasing one of earliest rock video cassettes. Cracked US Top 10 with Cars single (although American success remained comparatively limited). UK success tailed off, and during 1981, while still scoring hits, Numan was obviously less fashionable.
By this time, drummer Cedric Sharpley (ex-Druid) had joined, replacing Lidyard. Halfway through year, Numan had decided to stop live work but two live LPs (issued separately and as boxed seemingly more interested in his flying hobby and gaining private pilot's licence.
Released new LP Dance and single She's Got Claws in 1981, with help from numerous guest musicians, including Mick Karn (Japan), Roger Taylor (Queen), and Canadian violinist (and Numan discovery) Nash the Slash. Wrote and produced hit single Stromtrooper In Drag for ex-colleague Paul Gardiner, as well as singing on hit single Love Needs No Disguise by Dramatis, a musical group composed of his ex-band (Russell Bell,guitar; Dennis Haines,keyboards; Chris Payne,keyboards and viola; Cedric Sharpley,drums).
Although success carried on into the 80s, only We Take Mystery 45 cracked Top 10, and US still remained diffident. Saw minor resurgence with The Fury LP, which spawned hit tracks This Is Love and I Can't Stop. Re-mix of Cars classic also charted during this period. Signed to Illegal after demise of own label for Metal Rhythm (1988), which prompted successful UK tour. Later albums Skin Mechanic and Outland were distributed by IRS.
Still an active flyer, Numan enjoys tinkering with and piloting World War II planes; however, he suffered aborted round-the-world attempt in 1981 when aircraft was grounded in India after violation of airspace regulations.