Gary Numan on surviving 40 years of ups and downs in the music industry

Gary Numan is considered as one of the pioneers of electronic music. Over his 40-year career he has sold over millions of records. (Subscribe: bit.ly/C4_News_Subscribe)
His new album 'Intruder' explores climate change from the planet’s point of view.
Krishnan speaks to Gary about what saved his music career, his experiences with depression and how the best day of his life is yet to come.
Warning: Contains strong language
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[@lori55555]

He’s an absolute genius, and I love that he doesn’t even realize it

[@79110]

Right???

[@clairemarshallsounddesign2110]

He's honest, gentle, talented .. I could listen to him all day!

[@JJONNYREPP]

Gary Numan on His Crippling Debt and Depression after His Career Declined | Good Morning Britain 22.2.23 1805pm by the looks of it he's got a stunner of a missus. i mean you'd rather come home to that than some stony faced old harridan who keeps grubbing about after his royalties... ahahahah... jeeeez. i am sure they'll say it's all relative but if the tale is true some young nubile fan tracked him down and said they're gonna get wed..ahahaha. i mean, hes got no troubles - at all. and he can be certain the old numanoids out there still listen to his music. so he hasn't been forgotten.... get a grip, man... rest easy. depression is imposed by another. simple.

[@cfneal1459]

maybe so, I skip around, see what I can find, but he lost me HERE -- 0:45 PS I'm currently reading STATE OF FEAR and next, APOCALYPSE NEVER

[@JJONNYREPP]

@@cfneal1459 Comments on ‘Gary Numan on surviving 40 years of ups and downs in the music industry’ 0857am 21.4.23 the numaonoids never did rise up with mick at their head, then? shame. it might have been fun to watch folk forcibly removed to stand in underground train depots as commuters walked hurriedly by or have them stand in motorway service stations eyeing anybody with long hair suspiciously... a long list of the dos and donts of numanoid culture might work well as a jovial aside and could morph not a dystopian sci fi tome... good luck!!

[@monotion83]

I've got depressions sometimes, too. But they happen mostly when some days have been sh***y. That's quite different.

[@79110]

I just discovered him!!!! I’m obsessed

[@persephone6896]

I wish this podcast carried on for another 2 hours. It feels like a talk with a close friend. Thé interviewer is fantastic, knows how to hold space

[@JimTarranYoga]

so agree

[@NotthatRossKemp]

This bloke is an absolute legend. Can't say I disagree with his sentiment at the end of the interview either!

[@cfneal1459]

Thank you for pointing this out. He's expressing what almost the entirety of mankind is feeling, as TRANSITION toward evil nears final phase. Jesus warned against offending little ones.

[@videosuperhighway7655]

@@cfneal1459yeah he is talking truth we are heading towards a dark future.

[@djmortimer2978]

I think Krishnan handled this interview really well too. He asked some really interesting questions and was very respectful of what Gary had to say.

[@colinwright4139]

His best interview. Properly engaged with Gary

[@j.dmetalhead7517]

As ever Gary was open and bluntly honest in this interview. Especially at the end.... BRUTALY HONEST! Love the new album long may he carry on.

[@curtmillholland1565]

Like most people I love music. But I've never really cared about seeing it live (radio and streaming is just fine). Gary Numan is the exception - I've never missed a show when he's come to my town and I'll be there again when he comes back

[@waynenorthspacebuoy3529]

He looks so young ... I recon he's found the fountain of youth.

[@timhope2787]

Life long fan of this great person, I saw him yesterday in London and although it wasn't the time or place to act like the crazed fan he still acknowledged me and said hi. Thank you Gary! ...Tim Hope.

[@edwardtruman8327]

The best interview I have ever seen from Gary Numan. But as a life long fan, I already know what a legend he is.

[@WilkinsonX]

I’ve never heard Gary speak before, but I can already tell I love him as he begins the interview with “I don’t have any real hope for the survival of humanity, but maybe our extinction is for the best”.

[@rottageeni]

i absolutely love this dude. i wish everyone would be this brutally honest.

[@rottageeni]

i love how bad he thinks his singing skills are,,, my own RAGING self-confidence issues would do the exact same if i was also an _actually_ great singer with an uniquely amazing sound which scratches a place in my brain like _no one else_ does

[@rottageeni]

also woah. ive never seen anyone radiate so much emotion in an interview like he did in that last topic, shows how genuinely open he is :0 i love neurodivergents

[@rottageeni]

ps. super happy i found out abt him now when i'm in the start of finding out i'm on the spectrum too. It's cool to have role model who's also had a massive impact on the topic you're currently hyperfixated on :,)

[@5chevin5]

As always Gary is as real and humble as can be. I cant recommend enough his autobiography (R)Evolution on Audible, which he narrates. He reads the chapter about his mothers passing with so much pain in his voice I was crying like a baby as a drove down the California coast.

[@lidder1973]

He seems a very down to earth guy, my older brother idolised him when he was 18, this is actually a really good listen

[@roguemoon4599]

Gary is a super nice genuine man who will go down in music history as a true music pioneer.

[@5150cappie]

I think Gary transmits from his own station on his own frequency and he is a serious poet, artist, and obviously thoughtful human. Loved Gary since 1980 - glad we're still lapping the sun.🙂

[@RonnieT44]

He comes across as very articulate and a thoroughly decent guy!! Proper talented bloke!!

[@TheKmonta]

I love Gary Numan. I have loved his music since the 70s. Even though his music is not happy topics, he is a happy person, because he is REAL. He has no ego, just humble, honest, sincere and real. I love that about him. I love that he uses his talent to communicate what matters to him. He is so refreshing to listen to....wonderful human being. Thanks for posting this interview.

[@Good.London]

Gary is a great guy and musician, will always be remembered in the history of music.

[@marclatham409]

Fantastic speech at the end, absolutely fantastic, and so true...GO ON GARY, WE NEED MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOU....

[@cadetmouse]

I met him briefly at a Ramstein show, and he was a nice fella... Never forgotten that moment. Ramstein and Gaz...

[@te9591]

That's awesome.

[@clairelouise335]

Been a fan of Gary Numan since 1979 and I'm so thrilled that he is still producing amazing music and touring. The new album is awesome, thanks for still giving us your time and talent. I never imagined when I saw that first TOTP performance in 79 that I would still be like a kid at Christmas 40 odd years later waiting for the next album or tour xx

[@pluijm2]

This guy seems to be such an honest and true person. And I really like his music. About his end comments: you're right man. It's disgusting keep your hands off children.

[@mattlehnardt783]

ahd OH YEAH, Gary Numan has one of the most emotionally penetrating, incredible voices in music. There are a handful of greats, who weren't just good singers, but they were great artists, who would share and connect with us. Gary is one.

[@nicolastacey8188]

What a legend!! I was late to the “Gary Numan music party” but now just don’t know how I didn’t have his albums sooner. I also totally agree with his heart felt honestly, well said. Looking forward to the tour, it will be the first time I have seen him live, really looking forward to it.

[@67artemis67]

This was such an honest, generous, and intimate conversation. I thought I was a huge fan before, but this has taken me to another level.

[@robertpetre9378]

I can’t wait to see Gary Numan next year at the Brighton centre.

[@tugliife]

I have ALWAYS loved Gary. That ending though made me love, respect, and appreciate him so much more!

[@kentborges5114]

Gary is getting better ! He is amazing to see live !

[@stevewhite8543]

Wow, one of the best interviews I’ve ever seen Gary do. Make you realize what incredibly compassionate, and intelligent person I always thought he was. Especially at the end with that last question. I completely agree with him always have. Let’s make that a law. Thank You

[@auroman302]

The best interview that I have ever seen of Gary Numan, period!

[@alanmarsdenful]

I would have to say, that is probably the best interview i have ever seen with Gary.......100% agree with the last answer as well......

[@djmortimer2978]

Great interview. I always admire how forthright Gary is and how much effort he puts into his answers. Really interesting man!

[@quedecree]

Great interview! It's rare that I'll be interested and entertained for 40 minutes straight. Thanks!

[@seankelly378]

40 years straight as well

[@Wishful-Thinking]

Well! we can all preach to others but cover our backs by saying we have an important message but are terrible messengers. Total cop out and hypocrisy of the highest order. Do as I say but not as I do pretty much sums up the woke society we live in today. I like Numan but I really do wish pop / rock stars would shut the f**k up when it comes the moralising preaching towards others.

[@t8283287]

Excellent interview Gary, every time I hear you talk I hold you in higher esteem.

[@AlexDeLarge77]

That ending made me love Gary even more. Yes that was dark but I agree with him totally. That was the truth and a level of honesty I truly appreciate.

[@julieyates405]

What a lovely interview! It's brilliant to see Gary showing his talents to the world and how talented Persia is. Sending love to Gemma and the girls from Julie and Tyler in Sussex xx

[@ginger-jc7ti]

Gary's honesty is so refreshing, he's such a nice bloke. Met him in hmv Leeds in 2002. Awesome, been a fan since afe

[@muesli4597]

What a proper geezer. With so many people that feel it’s ok to lie, it’s a breath of fresh air to watch this. I think the DJ mentioned was Peter Powell with the "bubbling up" thing. Thank you Gemma for your efforts.

[@lindaellen808]

Loved how he met his wife, being a great fan of his ,no other story in rock like it ,fantastic success.

[@tiahare6286]

Totally brilliant man, spent over £150 to get the vinyls I had back in the 70,s again. You can’t beat vinyl sound

[@videosuperhighway7655]

Man this dude is so cool we need more people like him in the world.

[@svh4853]

Gary is just one of the best at what he did and does…Just so important for electronic music then and now…And married electronic and guitars…His sound and voice are distinct….He was bashed by the the English press…But that just made him the legend he is… Gary should just except that he is special…

[@traceyjane4288]

having ASD has been a real gift to Gary even though it can be very tough i should know but it makes him who he is a music legend !

[@andrewhudson3723]

A music legend since the 70's.

[@mlewis1965]

That was one of the best interviews I’ve ever seen! Thank you! All respect to Gary! Love you brother. ps: Great answer to the final question...agree 1000%

[@kenreeve6549]

What an absolute pleasure to see this interview is , clear dialogue and spoken from the heart , thank you both of you ,,inspirational and so constructive .10/10

[@donaldscholl8790]

I love this interview! It's not too often a famous musician is totally honest in an interview. I have been a fan since 1980. I just saw him at the North Park Observatory in San Diego. I was totally blown away how good the concert was. I'm definitely going to see him again as soon as the opportunity presents itself. Rock on Gary!

[@wendyhandley9463]

The honesty to the questions posed, absolutely so refreshing, Im even more an admirer of Gary after this interview, great questions and from a great interviewer. Thank you to all

[@pinkchilldivestmentor]

Great interview! Proud to have met Gary three times. He’s a doll very warm and sweet.

[@andrewsaint6581]

Brilliant interview. I've always considered Gary to be an honourable man and have been lucky enough to be a fan and care about him and the music for over forty years.

[@Scyber_Official]

Excellent interview. I'm and electronic musician/producer & have known the name Gary Numan for years but I never really paid any attention or listened to his music - besides 'Cars' - until this past week when I found out he'll be performing in my city for the first time in about 25 years!

[@MrNuman81]

Brilliant interview Gary such a legend

[@charliemcgrain]

What a really great guy. So impressed with his honesty modesty and talent. Thanks for all the great work, Mr. Numan.

[@nigelcarren]

Now I have not met Gary Numan, but I am willing to bet this was an honest interview! I have the sense that Gary Numan is not a persona that has been invented for the stage, I have always had the sense that the Gary Numan we see here is Gary Numan. Bless him. 🏆🇬🇧

[@mattlehnardt783]

Hes so himself. refreshingly honest and humbly flies in the face of slick formula pop manufacturing - the direction the herds have run. he's still standing alone off in the other direction where people used to express something authentic in their music.

[@ianparker500]

I love the honesty in Gary. He has come a long way. i remember cycling with my friend to his parents house in Wraysbury and climbing the fence. We used to knock on the door. i once saw his black Ferrari on the drive with the plate GN4. great times.

[@jimlemons9231]

Gary is a personal hero of mine, great interview and cool content.

[@phixi0n]

Great interview, very good questions from Krishnan and very frank answers from Gary.

[@davidmg1925]

were they?? (good questions)

[@Bananadiva1]

I absolutely love this man. He makes brilliant music and he's so down to Earth and charismatic. When he talks about his depression and mood swings it sounds every much like EUPD.

[@KAZ132]

What a wonderful Genuine Man Gary is... Honest and Genuine and passionate about life and his music.... Brilliant interview... And his words at the end of the interview I completely agree with him... ❤️🇬🇧

[@wolflover968alphamale8]

It's so RARE to listen to a musician speak out about what he did at the end of the interview, especially when he says what he would do. I believe most of us share the same viewpoint about what should be done about pedophiles...therapy has never worked, government programs/assistance has never worked. I like Gary's honesty and conviction, because I, like others, parent and non-parent alike, would like to see the scourge of pedophilia wiped out forever. Like many things, pedophilia is a choice, not genetic. I don't feel sorry for pedophiles at all. Just like rapists and murderers, pedophiles CHOOSE to think and do what they do. No one is forcing them to do it. They alone choose. Stop blaming society, music, videogames, etc., each of us is responsible for our actions. We CHOOSE to be decent or deplorable. ((mic drop)). :3

[@stevecorbishley9390]

I love the fact that Gary is so self depreciating about himself in a way that is endearing and genuine. also his conversation about mental health, aspergers etc. normalizes it and no doubt will be inspiring to others. on top of that he is a fantastic artist that has influenced so much of contemporary music from hip hop to industrial and his material now, not least Intruder, shows him at the top of his game after a massive journey of more downs that ups. the UK music industry is now starting to recognize his work, eg the Ivor Novello award, and finally the music journos recognize his ability rather than (as was) put him down relentlessly. Top man and top top interview by Krishnan Guru-Murthy

[@HippieHaze73]

Great interview! Really interesting. I love Gary's new album and i totally agree with his answer to Krishnans last question. I feel exactly the same.

maaaan do Gary Numan more interviews.🤘🔥🎶 daaamn the ending 👏👏👏

[@__Reena_P]

I love Gary’s thought process. He is so humble, which makes him very endearing. Love his music…it’s genius!!! Fascinating interview!

[@erchie01]

Brilliant, really enjoyed that, well done Gary and thank you Krishnan.

[@rettenthetetlen8759]

He's just as much of a legend as David Bowie. But he didn't got that much popularity. Still love him on this very day.

[@arranwalk]

Amazing interview. First time I think I've seen this interviewer, and he's good at keeping the pace and using Gary's responses for the segues.

[@theechothief5594]

30:58 the most adorable Gary Numan moment ever.

[@chriswalinski8919]

I just love the honesty. I give him so much credit. Can’t wait to see him in NYC at Webster Hall 2023.

[@damnyankeefl]

Gary writing original melodies people like is a massive talent but keep your mindset It works

[@iqnill]

You don't often hear people who actually have *something* to say. Could have listened to this conversation for hours. Thank you.

[@NJBellyDanceEvents]

He is amazing soul full of true feels, talent, ideas n incredible art! #GaryNuman

[@paulj5129]

WOW!!! The last question??? I have always thought Gary incredible since i purchased "Are friends" in 1979. I didn't think I could respect him more but his final statement here is epic. HE IS A GOD! x

[@barryb90]

Crazy that he wrote 'Are friends electric?' without knowing to write music. So many catchy iconic "keyboard riffs" in it.

[@HughRogers609]

Lots of accomplished musicians don't read or write music. Keith Richards is just one example. But they know chords and music theory - how chords and notes work together. You can put chords together by ear without writing them down. "Electric" was just 4 chords repeating. He said he doesn't want to learn too much and trust his ear, but his ear understands music by having listened to it, rather than studying it's components. Both approaches allow you to break rules when you understand them

[@alancameron6937]

Sugababes covered it

[@californiadreaming9216]

Wow! Wow! Been a fan of Gary Numan since early 80s. To this very day I consider his song M.E. to be, believe it or not, one of the greatest songs of all time. This is the very first, and only, Gary Numan interview I've ever heard. Hearing about his career, challenges and struggles was just incredible. Gary: you are, for me, the absolute and only GRANDFATHER OF ELECTRONICA. Long may you run. Peace and love from Canada.

[@starcrib]

Excellent : he is sublimely good in this interview. Terrific- 🌿👋🏻

[@Scoobadal]

Re affirmed my love of gary Numan for 40 years since a teenager now ,moreso as an articulate, thinking, caring hugely creative genius and loving family man

[@johnpomfret5146]

The best 47min watch in a long time 😊 I was an hardent fan of Garys from 1979 right up to the last gig i went to which was The Fury tour in 85 at Manchester Apollo. I used to go to as many gigs as i could, it didn’t matter where it was but had to be in the UK If you read this Gary i wish you all the best!

[@pmvallonegmailcom]

Yet another fantastic interview by Gary, they get better as the years go by. Really well handled by Krishnan and got me thinking. For those of us who had Gary as someone to look up to when we were young which helped us though our early and difficult years I do think we defo backed the right person. Thank goodness he is still alive and kicking (no Simple Minds pun intended!). Happy Christmas all.

[@jimrford]

Great interview, really enjoyed it.

[@arthurmatthews9321]

they say you should never have heroes because they will just let you down . but gary never lets you down.

[@magnuswikell6803]

Aware since 1981 and pathetic devoted since 1984: thanks for another great video, Gary. True and honest, as always.

[@stemoulton699]

Fantastic, open, honest and admiring.

[@alisonkovacs9519]

Im so glad i went to see gorgeous gary at rock city in nottinghham it was my very first time seeing him i have fallen so in love with him he is so wonderful and so awesome

[@rollandjoeseph]

Thanks Gary for sharing your experiences and being so genuine of a person about it ,the more i watch and listen to you in interviews, reminds me alot of myself . I relate to alot of what you talk about regarding making music, tthoughts on aging, the planet , depression and it gives me comfort knowing im not alone. .

[@neilparry14]

One of the best interviews with Gary I’ve seen, and I’ve seen a few!

[@polly6336]

So interesting. Thanks Gary and Krish!

[@ezeztztztz]

Wow,wasn't expecting that at the end,that really shocked me.

[@brownekevable]

brilliant interview, thank you

[@gothicpagan.666]

Probably the best interview on Ch4

[@jesserichardson4900]

Fascinating interview & 100 percent correct on that last question

[@MyClarissa21]

I agree with Gemma she is so write . Even if you don’t have confidence you are unique We are unique and we are beautiful snd special snd we should be happy with ourselves

[@speculesgorgoth4055]

I didn't notice Gary until my name is ruin. Persias vocals hit just right and she's young and beautiful. His music is the best it has ever been now. If you haven't seen it watch Gary with Persia at their home. It's amazing

[@Twinthumps]

Excellent interview. Just seen the Numan show since Living Ornaments tour🙏🏻

[@jeff88701]

Brilliant interview Gary’s at the top of the tree 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@johnskerlec9663]

As a fan of Gary's music from the start. This is brilliant. God bless you Gary, thanks, keep making music.

[@tomsparks2294]

First heard Tubeway Army back in something like 1979 or 80 and have always loved the music. I have been watching many of Gary's videos lately. Thanks for being you Gary and long life to you

[@gw2031]

I used to worry why I didn't feel the emotions that others did when I was young ,I thought there was something wrong with me but as Gary says as you get older you slowly catch up ,now I can cry at the drop of a hat watching any cruelty to animals or when I realise how cold I was to x girlfriends ,I never meant to be like that I just didn't know I was doing it.

[@jackperlmutter5957]

Always a pleasure to listen listen to Mr. Numan, a lovely person

[@monotion83]

No matter what others think. I understand Gary here. Many people deserved to be judged or cursed. The world needs a new/fresh start again. Thx for the interview