He peaked in popularity in the early 80s, but his pioneering electronic music still influences artists as diverse as Kanye West, Nine Inch Nails and the Foo Fighters. Best known for his 80s hit, “Cars,” Gary Numan plays Bogarts on Friday, Sept. 14, with LA Alt Art Rockers Nightmare Air.
From West London, Numan first gained attention as singer, songwriter and producer for Tubeway Army. The band had limited success, but their dark-yet-quirky Down in the Park endures as a sort of emo-goth standard. It’s been covered by NIN, Foo Fighters and Marilyn Manson, to name a few. His first solo album, The Pleasure Principle, was released in 1979 and spawned his biggest hit, “Cars.” The song hit number one in the US and the UK. “Metal,” of the same album, didn’t chart, but setting a trend for Numan it has been heavily covered and sampled by many, including Africa Bambaataa. The concert video of the album is considered the first full-length video release. He’s released 18 albums since then, including 2017’s Savage. His style influenced bands like New Order, Pet Shop Boys and so many more.
Numan’s robotic stage presence endeared him to fans who dubbed themselves “Numanoids.” But it wasn’t a style choice, Numan admits to being painfully shy and the robotic presence was his way to get through a performance. Think of him as a less-frenetic, one-man Devo. Over the years, Numan has become a little more relaxed and engaging on stage and added some elements of jazz to his music.
Join Gary Numan as he brings his new stuff and an impressive legacy as an electronic pioneer to Bogarts on Friday, Sept. 14.
When: Friday, Sept. 14, 8 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: Bogarts
How much: $25
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