Gary Numan talks 'Savage', Asperger's and the song that saved his marriage

Gary Numan talks to Nihal Arthanayake and Angellica Bell about his latest album 'Savage (Songs from a Broken World)'.
He also talks about how he manages his Asperger's Syndrome, and how his decision to write a record saved his marriage.
To hear more from Gary, download the Headliners podcast: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06201p8

[@retroc6450]

I'm proud to be a Numanoid.

[@kevcatnip7589]

you wear a no 7 badge ??? on your collar

[@garyeaton6172]

R3troC64 me too

[@Lichfeldian--Suttonian]

This man is so honest about his life. He and Gemma are survivors and a massive example of sticking together through the bad times. So many don’t and just walk away! My respect for this great man has gone right up beyond the clouds!

[@Moved2NewPh0ne]

Same here!

[@hannahpatrick1103]

Gary is a very honest and humble man, he's a legend, back on top where he belongs............ Glad this interview is on here, many thanks 🎸👍

[@DivestedConfessions]

Agreed.

[@DesmoDreams]

Yes, he always comes across as a very likeable chap. Strange he was such a raving Thatcherite in the 80's. I guess he was very young then though. We all make mistakes.

[@Xogroroth666]

I so love to meet him... I'd love to take a look in his head, speak of things that are never asked, his views on certain matters, ... One of the reasons I really love this man, is his tranquillity, I think it would be SUCH a pleasure to REALLY talk to him. To have a real conversation that is devoid of music....

[@gammonsandwich1756]

What a thoroughly honest, decent, good man. That's getting harder and harder to find these days, respect due for staying true, Gary.

[@SuperNolaguy]

"I can't write happy music" ❤️❤️❤️

[@HarryWebb46]

Gary Numan is a Electronic pioneer of immense significance!

[@debbee5771]

wow as a late diagnosed autistic myself, this is fascinating. He is one of my childhood heroes and so much he says resonates like the counting with eye contact. amazing

[@SuperNolaguy]

I'm diagnosed Asperger's/HDLD since early childhood and was able to meet and speak with him at length when I attended his show in 1980 and he has been a inspiration ever since after giving me the great advice he did.

[@StephenSternGoth]

Me three any income suggestions

[@groundskeeperwille]

I can listen to Gary Human talk all day, he's one of the most interesting people in music. And Yes, he is a Legend.

[@sandyotelli8886]

The most brillant with Danny Elfman💜👍💎💒💐🐈🐴🐦🔦👽💪🐨🐼⚓🎹🎷🎶🎻🎤🎵😄

[@Scratiznutz]

Me too. Nothing pretentious, very humble, fiercely honest and exceptionally down to earth. One of music's finest still doing what many could only dream of.

[@lgd1974]

Gary Numan isn't human. He's a Zombie. A Phoenix. He's the Million Dollar Man. He's Lazarus. Rebirthed, and career risen again. Better. Stronger. More Alive. For someone 60 at the time of this interview, he's extraordinary.

[@SilverfoxJB]

Dude's a legend, so honest and down to earth.

[@aestheticaltwat]

As a person with Aspergers, Gary Numan is an icon to me. EDIT: I’ve just realised Gary’s on about ShittyFlute, it genuinely is the funniest thing ever!

[@mattyboywalker9094]

I have Aspergers too and ADHD never ever be ashmesd to ask for help or hide away or be ashmed to be who you are embrace who you are enjoy life live it be proud don't ever ever ever let anyone bring you down if they don't understand stuff them

[@onlyme219]

I've gone down the rabbit hole today watching Gary on interviews and what a nice humble honest man he is

[@shanefitzpatrick5811]

For some strange reason I,m quite emotional watching and listening to Gary doing this interview ,he,s so honest and the way he talked about his kids and wife. Always loved Gary Numan from Pleasure Principle.

[@michaelcostello579]

What a great and honest guy

[@jedionboard1233]

I recently got back into listening to Gary;s music,,, the last 3 " industrial , eastern , electric style " music,, is just amazing,,, love the Skaparis orchestra versions too,,, wonderful. Gary is so down to earth,,, and his daughters are a true credit to Gary an gemma.

[@tarron3237]

What a great, respectful interview. Honest. Enlighting.

[@GunterDierickx]

My kids are 17 and 21. They discovered the new album and are fans now...

[@roycarder6179]

Gunter Dierickx if they like Gary they will like Kraftwerk ...tell them to listen to Aerodynamic...by Kraftwerk .

[@quasarsphere]

I'm 46. I've known OF Gary Numan for over 30 years. Two days ago I actually started LISTENING to his stuff, and now I'm a fan.

[@alanawillroth967]

Gary is such a good guy....💛💛💛💛💛

[@alanawillroth967]

May Gary live to 120 and look back on 60 and smile 💛

[@theartyyvonnemixedmediaart7259]

What a lovely man. I was lucky to meet him in Glasgow while selling a ticket of his for the show and discuss Aspergers with him and how his music helped me as a young aspie, autistic person. I have several photos with him! The number counting is something I do and did very much as a child. My kids all inherited my traits, eldest is aspie and other son has tics, mild Tourette’s which overlap with aspergers or ASD as it’s called now ( Autism Spectrum Disorder) according to the changes in diagnosis dsm 5 diagnostic manual of 2013. My son and I were diagnosed under the old dsm4 manual way back in time!

[@elderguy]

You know during this pandemic I have been listening to all my faves from the last 55 years and I have always liked Gary Numan . I have been blown away by his interviews. I never realized what an intelligent and well spoken man he is. Savage is really good and is right up there with his greatest work . I shared this with my daughter who had heard Cars but didn't know anything about Gary Numan. She found his music fascinating and couldn't get over how long he has been in the business. He deserves all the success in the world ☺️.

[@dannythomson5145]

So happy this man is back at thetop where he belongs. I'm 57 now and remember going to see himat Glasgow Apollo on his first tour. What an Awesome sound, inspiringgthen and even now. Keep upthe good work Gary.

[@judithwatson6859]

Me too!! He has always been brilliant, but he's one of the few I can think of straight away who has not only embraced his past, but has harnessed the future, ending in near symbiotic perfection. I echo your sentiments wholly! :)

[@headron66]

@danny Thomson. I was there too, I’m 57. Went toWembley for his retirement gig, broke my heart then he returned. Thankfully. Take care❤️🖤❤️🖤

[@headron66]

@@judithwatson6859 @judith watson Me too🖤❤️🖤❤️

[@Wimmles_Emily]

I was born in 2006 and I love all of Gary's music

[@avydazoic3864]

odd human is Sidney 2007 for me

[@markdobell2677]

Gary!!! Best Album Yet!!! CONGRATULATIONS MATE!!!

[@Theluckyonesss]

The male host is such a huge fan. Great interview. I dont think I would be able to hold my fan boy freak out as good as the host lol. I am also high functioning ADHD with mild dyslexia.

[@StoneShards]

Gary is a genuine human being. The immediacy with which he experiences his humanity is heartwarming. He's wrestling with issues that deserve focus: how to be a good dad; and how to stay in love. These are huge, key life issues, and his articulated thoughts about them are brilliantly clear and incisive. He's an admirable character.

[@lynnmoore611]

Gary Numan doesn’t even know how spiritual he is...obviously draws on that deeply in his latest music in Splinter and Savage.... that’s the strength and depth in them ❤️

[@Nubianette]

What a sweet person! Adore him!

[@TheLMC323]

What a wonderful icon, Gary is!

[@AmandaMoore253]

You have got to love him. ❤️ Such an honest, funny & amazing guy. Great interview, very interesting. Love it! x 💞

[@ohare100]

I have been a fan of Gary Numan and tubeway army for years.. just watched loads of videos the past couple of days and I can't believe how honest he really is about his life Style. He is not afraid to speak out how he feels about him and family good luck Gary brilliant interview!!! You legend!!!

[@headron66]

Isn’t it strange to think the ‘robotic’ Gary Numan turns out to be the most humble, emotional guy! Numanoid forever ❤️🖤❤️🖤

[@rwhicken]

Thank you Gary - as a 15 yr London Boy - working out which was up - your music and style shone a super cool beacon on my teenage years - I was vicariously cool thanks to you (at least I felt that way) - God bless - Rob :-)

[@bradbudd9988]

Such a great guy and a legend! So happy that he's doing so well and making music. I love the new album and Persia is amazing vocally with her dad in ruined. I hope she does more music with him in the future thank you Gary for such great music over the years.

[@everythingquads]

I can never get enough of Gary Newman interviews. He is so genuine and humble, absolute star. And he still makes cutting edge music.

[@Evermoregreen23451]

Gary is such a nice guy, down to earth and very humble.

[@2000stephenellis]

I love Gary Numan as a musician and as a person ! he is an inspiration to us all with his down to earth honest personality . i wish him nothing but the acclaim he deserves ,

[@nicolavanrhyn1726]

There is such a need for honesty about mental health. This man's talent is exceptional and I have a lot of respect for him.

[@budgietrousers8275]

Being a big Numan fan since 1979 and having met Gary many times over the years, I can say he is a genuine, honest, really nice guy.

[@ericfaith2810]

I, Assassin was one of my favorite albums. When I was a kid, my babysitter gave me a single of Cars to play on my record player.

[@SonOne68]

I've followed Numan for 40 years, seen and enjoyed many great interviews... this one was brilliant.

[@kevcatnip7589]

woa are karlio

[@alisonkovacs9871]

I'm gorgeous Garys lockdown fan love him so so much and his family seem nice too bless Gary and his family

[@dimievers5573]

in this great man you will see over the years the progressive learning curve of a typical aspie , how to deal with people , how to make music , how to act , how to move , how to be gary , wondering if what he does is interesting , insecurity , strength in weakness , weakness in strength , a great man if you get to know him , if you get that chance for him to open a door for you to let you in , easyer now then in the past , a life build up in sequences , like his music , all in specific order , all with a purpose and meaning , like his shows , organised in a specific composition ,as how the brain of an aspie works ,it needs structure , a line to follow , not lightly to be deviated from , always trying tho to be interesting in a standoffish sort of way, reinventing himself within his comfortzone . an awesome man , warm , kind and loving if you manage to get , fit and stay in the circle , if you manage to gather and keep the trust he needs , deserves , and offers , devistated if said trust , kindness and love is taken advantage of or abbused . no i do not claim to know gary , perhaps i am totally wrong , but in my life as a moderate ocd ,adhd and other spectrum afflicted person who like gary has learned to deal with these things and for that reason i think able to read and understand fellow spectrum dwellers i can honnestly say id love to meet him , hang out in a casual but yet standoffish way , not getting so close where it gets crowded or routine or made . you are fucking great gary , keep on doing what you are doing m8 !!

[@johnnytran7688]

Love you Gary. What a wonderful person!

[@davidkristian6606]

I have been a fan since the early 80s. I'm also on the Autism spectrum, and when I was a teen I didn't know about my condition or his, but Gary Numan's music resonated with me, especially the lyrics.

[@MotoXplor]

Brilliant man. Changed my life with his music. Bless you Gary!

[@MrWadstw]

Legend !! Unique and done wonders for UK music . Hail Numan

[@TheFtocFactor]

Best Numan interview I've seen. Love seeing the Asperges creeping in. For example, talking about the near plane accident. "What am I going to do when the plane hits the water? Dinghy's up the back. First one to get to it will likely survive." LOL

[@jessisanawkwarddinosaur03]

absolutely fantastic interview,got into Gary Numan very recently and hes such an interesting guy and honestly has really helped me understand my asperger's.Absolutely love his music especially his recent stuff but you can't beat the early Gary Numan though.

[@judithwatson6859]

I was 16 when Replicas came out, and I was smitten inmediately. Gary Numan is one person I would love to sit down and have a chat with-- he's such an amazing human being, and so bloody humble. This is a brilliant interview-- thank you so much for uploading this! 💛

[@corinnehowell9556]

Judith watson .. Yay..blessya for posting👏{θvθ}💟

[@judithwatson6859]

@@corinnehowell9556 Hiya, lovely... deadly interview, yeah? I'm well pleased ya watched it!! 💛

[@corinnehowell9556]

@@judithwatson6859 .. He's a real n honest person not like other's(i wrote on your post regarding other types of 🌟 s.!!) 😁:D💟

[@judithwatson6859]

@@corinnehowell9556 I know-- the bloke who introduced me to his music (way back when) finally got the chance to meet him, and said he was just the most marvellous and "real" person he'd spoken to in donkey's...and that includes non-musician "famous" sorts as well! He was just genuinely pleased to meet my friend. He sent me a photo of the two of them standing there together-- it was so cool! Left me quite pleased with the whole story. (I wish I could have been there too, but , ah well, lol)

[@corinnehowell9556]

@@judithwatson6859 .. That's so cool..a lot of "stars" are & have shown themselves to be above the rest of us.."holier than thou" attitudes do not make them any better than us.. I've met a few who upon meeting I've realized are so far up their own backside..that i now no longer admire.. Good to know that your friend now has a nice memory to reflect on..😉😁☺:D💟

[@toodlypip77]

Love that he talks about being an atheist & not worrying about God if his plane was about to crash, & then talking about his Mums battle with cancer & how he's 'hope to God' he could have the same strength as her if he ever had to face it.

[@66Revolution]

What a fantastic interview with a genuine bloke who ordinary people like me can relate to.

[@BBCSounds]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@66Revolution]

@@BBCSounds I'm now subscribed to delve into your archives!

[@BBCSounds]

@@66Revolution Great to hear - delve away!

[@avi8r66]

I love the music that comes from this man. So glad he is still producing new music and touring.

[@jamesmclennan299]

What a fantastic interview.Open and honest.Top bloke is Gary Numan...Absolute legend in my eyes

[@TaSwavo]

I saw Gary with a free pass (my friends dad worked in an office with the keyboard player in the support band) - signed by Gary Webb. Was awesome even though nothing like what I was ever into before (I was a metal fan who loved a number of pop singers of the time - Kershaw, Jones, Bush, Wilde, etc.). The show was one of the most amazing I've seen in 35 years. Astounding I'd say. That would have been around 1985 (give or take) when at Uni in Manchester. My son loves Gary Numan - and I've never played him any. He's 20. He picked it up on his own. When I told him Persia was on the track today he said he thought it was Gary's voice put through some device... :D I bought Savage and the new album Intruder recently. Awesome. Love it more than I did the old stuff (I never did the middle stuff). My Name is Ruin would be a metal classic if not so electronica ;P

[@mrclaytron]

Gary is so modest and down to earth. He's an absolute inspiration to me on so many levels, and has been for a very long time. Really great video!

[@casinodelonge]

What a lovely, interesting listen. And re the family connection, his Uncle was the drummer in Tubeway Army.

[@celtictony]

Great Interview.. Great guy.. Met him a few times.. Looking forward to seeing him near the end of this year in Glasgow..

[@Rucky888]

Fascinating man, great musician

[@CarolH2O]

I appreciate him talking about his aspergers and the counting, the way he navigates eye contact...

[@Moved2NewPh0ne]

Gemma and Gary are so strong and beautiful together, i really admire both of them. ❤

[@stevenorris1416]

Come on Gary - 60 is the new 30!!

[@biancachristie]

Don’t you want to just go down the pub with him, have a couple of pints, and BS about life and music and whatever else? Plus he is so damn funny. I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling serious Covid alienation and Gary’s music has been so helpful. Watching and listening to him talk has been just as good

[@sparkyhartfield7777]

This is the most honest, open, revealing, and funniest Numan interviews I've ever seen!

[@chrisking2799]

Now, he has released Intruder and what I'm most excited about is that his best is yet to come. AND Intruder is BRILLIANT!

[@SilverLine269]

What an intelligent person. Thanks Gary

[@sbi168]

Numan is a legend. Ever since sacrifice he hasn't put a foot wrong. Great live and great albums.

[@brianp8586]

Unbelievable the challenges that some people have. Thanks for sharing Gary, you're an inspiration to the rest of us. Thanks for finding your way through.

[@julietterichards5214]

I love this man,s music it never gets old his gd at wot he does I have been a Gary numan fan for years have seen him in concert back in the 80is

[@robertthrossell4321]

The man's an absolute legend 😁

[@phillipbrown5980]

I was watchin Mind hunter on Netflix last weekend and during an episode the song M.E.was played at a pivotal point, another song rediscovered, I downloaded to spotify. 2 days later a colleague 30 years younger, heard me playing it and said he had downloaded it a week earlier. Demonstrates the timelessness of this maestro Mr Numan.

[@evalien]

Amazing guy, love how honest and sincerely he talks about live, the good and the bad.

[@jrd33]

Really excellent interview. Very interesting and everyone is on good form here.

[@suemorris55]

Loved this man forever... he's so talented... so blinking honest.... You look amazing Gary... GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR TOUR....

[@alisonkovacs9519]

Love gorgeous Gary numan so so much love him forever just wish I could of gone to see him right from the start so in love with him

[@iainbradford4254]

Great interviewers, letting Gary talk freely and he comes across as an honest guy who has been though it. Enjoyed his flying at airshows a few years back :-) and still enjoying the music now :-)

[@helensimpson2502]

My son is almost 16 and comes with me to see Gary now. He loves it.

[@californiadreaming9216]

"I've really never felt that I had talent." And M.E. I eat dust. We're all so run down. I'd call it my love but I'd only fade away. And I hate to fade alone. Now there's only...M.E. Why should I try? Why should I care? Oh no! Oh no! I've turned off the pain. Like I turned off you all. Now there's only...M.E. Gary you are some kind of a modest, humble person. I don't think you understand how deeply your music and songs are entrenched into the minds of your fans. You absolutely rock. You are a one-of-a-kind original. I lift my glass to the absolute GRANDFATHER OF ELECTRONICA. Peace and love from Canada.

[@barpsoon3031]

On long drives my 19yo daughter will whack on The Pleasure Principle. The first time she did this I thought how cool. I ask her did she remember her mother and I listening to it when she was a baby. Thinking I am fishing for credit she says ‘yeah right dad, it’s not because of that, it’s because it’s one of the best albums I have ever heard’. My job as a parent is done!

[@TheMarrowMan]

I was only about 2 or 3 When Gary started, but later in the 80's I liked his albums, Pleasure Principle etc, but his late 90's and early 00's albums are when his albums really hooked me, starting with "Jagged"

[@stevenhoog1]

I am so glad and grateful for you having the courage to be yourself. I’m inspired by your thoughts in your music. Good Man.

[@negativezero3107]

I hav the same things, and is great to have Gary say it so well, he has a real god handle on what is something a lot have, i do, it speaks to me, i have never really been able to say why, but he hits it

[@Lichfeldian--Suttonian]

Published on Vangelis’s birthday. Another electronic music pioneer!

[@sandyotelli8886]

Rupert Hine too!😄🎹👽🔦🎸🎤and Frank Tovey alias fad Gadget!🙏😇👻💜👍

[@LadyNuman]

I'm not Lady Numan for nothing!! I so admire Gary & Gemma as a couple. So proud of the girls! It all started with me at 11 years old hearing Cars for the first time, and taking the album out of the library over and over!

[@johnmjones1604]

I totally love this guy

[@bboutube7334]

What an amazing person. I’ve known and loved his music for decades but I never knew he was such a decent fellow!

[@hughiedavies6069]

Gary Numan sounds like a genuine guy, and his music has always been interesting, I came to Gary Numan late, but I'm about the same age as him. When he talked about counting it reminded me of a character in one of Richard brautigans books, it's called The Hawkline monster, really funny book. Respect to Gary, and I love his daughters name Persia 😌👍

[@ervingritzeriii1360]

I randomly found Gary because I loved his music, Love you bro moreover because you are real:)

[@robertdawson2743]

Really like Gary. He,s so humble, genuine about not only his success but his failures and his mental health issues. Not many very successful people or bands who are the genuine article. Another band who are really great people are Reef who are also just the nicest guys and have time for their fans. I,m seeing both Gary and Reef in 2022 with my wife. We have met the Reef lads on several occasions but I would really love to chat to Gary. I don't do Hero worship, I treat celebrities the way I want to be treated and you'll find celebrities will respond in kind with kindness and time for you.

[@ghostnation6950]

One of the best interviews i watched with gary a true legend

[@Grungefan2018]

Damn he is so insightful intelligent down to earth and a great family man. I have huge respect for Gary and I’m going to follow his career much better than I did after the 80’s. I’m a bit Embarrassed that I just wondered off and I didn’t really know much about him back in the day actually but this man is worth following. His recent concerts are amazing and the dude is in his 60’s ! Love his music and the fact that he is the person that he is just makes it so much more worth it. His family is really lucky and I’m so Happy for him that he is now able to enjoy his success and he has alot of love around him. He deserves it ..big time 😊

[@markkoop6593]

What a great human being. I was touched by his honesty. Incredible. And the music is great too!

[@maureenwagg5305]

Been a fan many years. Great album. I really connected with his comment on not being able to write happy music. I love his music. It's dark and very calming and comfortable.

[@stevo184]

Great interview from a great man

[@davidneal9368]

Nice 2 hear him back on top form. So underated.

[@forddriver8827]

Electronic visionary. Gary's first three albums are groundbreaking and still relevant today. Some of his latest work is incredible.

[@rosemarymills1671]

If Gary ever finishes his book, I'd really like to know about it! I can relate to a lot of what he says and would like to read about his experience!

[@wiseonwords]

Rosemary Mills - the book came out in October 2020.

[@ouethojlkjn]

Still love indulging in a back to back listen to "Telekon" on Vinyl. Nearly 45 years on and it sounds so immediate and current.

[@Silentsister]

Hello angel- thank you for having courage to be you. Definitely a part of the same tribe. Everything you said resonates with this house. Thank you for your music. I cried in the car today listening to Savage. It must be a musician thing. ;)

[@TheGoddessLillith]

What an amazing human.