Gary Numan 'Are Friends Electric?' AllSaints Basement Sessions

[@SHellmund]

This song changed my life when i was eleven years old. This version rules very much

[@Walmers27]

Yes. Same age for me. Heard nothing like it before.

[@hazelgibbons7831]

This is without doubt the absolute best version I have ever heard. Utterley stunning. The acoustics are sublime.

[@2112jonr]

Brilliant aint' it? Get to appreciate it more and more with every single listen.

[@lasercorn2399]

Gary Numan is one of the most criminally overlooked, underappreciated musicians in history.

[@liselottefrejdig1112]

A Swedish magazine called him "poor man's Bowie" in the 70's.. But I didn't care..

[@nutster9000]

Currently reading his autobiography. Always loved him, but never realised how long it took for him to get any decent recognition. There was so much jealousy for his initial success it's unreal. This version & his similar performance with Little Boots are amazing.

[@elainemullen9538]

I agree - Yet his legacy and influence (NIN and more) are tremendous!

[@professorpauls7362]

A SYNTHEISISER GENIUS AND TALENTED PILOT !🕊

[@777blueray]

I totally agree!!!

[@IncongruousJones]

The dynamic contrasts and tempo shifts make this version a whole new level of fantastic. It's like meeting an old friend decades later, only to discover depths to that friend you didn't realize existed. In other words, I liked it, very much.

[@coldshadow9222]

The sound engineers mixing this did an amazing job.

[@2112jonr]

They did. Few of us probably appreciate the challenges in capturing the wide dynamics of a rare song such as this.

[@philmanson2991]

The greatest rock star no one knows except for one song.

[@stevenvanravesteyn3647]

In cars

[@paulgray6366]

im speechless...loved the original when i was young but then seemed to fade away ,then came accross this and was blown away...made me look up his recent stuff...which is just amazing...seriously! after watching this i brought some of his latest albums and i just cant leave them alone.. one of the few 80's artist that has got better with age..his voice! so strong now and with much harder music..perfect. soo emotional ,put a tear in my eye hearing something i enjoyed from my youth making such a great comeback....thanks gary.

[@neillpw78]

I can't stop listening to it!! I'm hooked. Someone help me pleeeeease

[@felwolfje]

I agree :-)

[@stevenhoog1]

So much to choose from his Exile is not able to be ejected from any CD player. It’s seems sacrilegious. Every song is a 💯

[@flemwad]

@@stevenhoog1 YES!!!! Exile is as timeless as it is genius. Numan is a national treasure.

[@greghall7796]

I’m totally with you - this is brilliance at its best - a classic “remake” of a classic song

[@Hansprivate]

This is my favorite version of this song. It's amazing how NUman can make a song that's nearly 40 years old seem fresh and new.

[@jameshisself9324]

If all of the Blade Runner fans understood the connection between Gary Numan, Philip K. Dick and that movie he would have ten times the fan base. A groundbreaking sound with tremendous storytelling, he was ahead of his time and still is.

[@monsterinhead214]

I'm curious. Please tell.

[@jameshisself9324]

@@monsterinhead214 You would be better served to do the research. Gary talks about the influence the books had on him, and the songs seem to obviously reflect that. I would suggest watching interviews he has had where he was talking about Tubeway Army and the older songs.

[@monsterinhead214]

@@jameshisself9324 fair enough. thanks.

[@adriancox8134]

We know the connection, ❤

[@elleovenden]

Purely ethereal version of one of my favourite classic songs from my 70s childhood…

[@jamesslick4790]

I was 17 when the original (Tubeway Army) version came out (1979), and Yes, it got decent radio airplay here in Pittsburgh ,Pennsylvania (USA). Pittsburgh being AHEAD of the US on SOME things, yet remaining 10 year behind on most, LOL. I was SHOCKED by it, It WAS a NEW sound!, And perhaps the best thing I heard at that point since the Moody Blues at that point. THIS version kicked it into ANOTHER realm!

[@lyndraski4152]

Thank you Gary Numan. Beautiful.

[@carstenpetercurrier-elbert4800]

My god! It is such a long time ago. But this brings everything back.

[@heartbreakandmotorjive1867]

How badass is Gary Numan? I don't think I've ever heard an artist play a song from when they were younger and thought this is better, but this might be it. Gary sounds amazing and the band is killing it!

[@rockygreat4606]

he is my muse

[@davidsmith6355]

Answer: Very badass. I agree with you. I thought this track was unique and groundbreaking in its day, and this reinvention of it is amazing. Its so hard to do that. Would like to hear the stones try to rework jumping jack flash or brown sugar with the same level of creativity lol, not gonna happen, is it... 🙂

[@spoton7683]

AMEN to all other appreciative comments... O... M... F... G... A stone cold CLASSIC - SUPERBLY reinterpreted... EVERYTHING about this song, treatment and setting is... Just... 🙇🙏🏼🙇 - Deserves / DEMANDS to be played LOUDERER!!! 🔈🔉🔊

[@danscott3880]

Agreed.

[@matthewhardcastle9595]

but it's even better than the first time that he sang it on the top of the pops

[@roseanni693]

This is a reason why Music makes me live!!!

[@benhoffman5984]

Wish I had a pill to forget this. Just to listen to it fresh every time.

[@bounceybouncey7128]

Timeless. And Gary is such a lovely bloke in real life. Thank you for the years Gary.

[@Conn30Mtenor]

and he struggles with that. His aspergers makes it difficult but he overcomes it. Lovely and strong.

[@SteveMerritt]

What a beautifully reimagined version of a true masterpiece!

[@richarddeturner]

It gave me chills when i was a child and this re-imagined version does it again but to a factor of 10

[@grahamnaylor6697]

Christ almighty words cant describe how hauntingly beautiful this track is the atmosphere is. As good as the original maybe but for Gary to carry it like this is a tribute to his genius

[@SuperDonnaMO]

Who's here in 2020? So relevant right now.

[@IndigoDisco]

@@SuperDonnaMO 2022!

[@2112jonr]

December 2023 :-)))))))))))))@@SuperDonnaMO

[@jamesslick4790]

Jan '24!@@2112jonr

[@Steven36571]

2024 👌

[@stuartvorster4911]

1979, Kimberley. South Africa listening to this record that someone left there after a garage party.....instant Numan fan! Thanks Gary - your reach was probably bigger than you thought! This version is incredible. What a gift this Man has been

[@jonmeans2637]

I love the way he changes up the sound on alot of his older songs. He is an amazing artist who continues to make excellent music

[@Terren69]

Hear hear!

[@ANT96-x8d]

😱 Are you saying that if Leonardo Da Vinci was able to time travel to this generation, he should walk inside a museum, take down the Mona Lisa, a painting that millions of people know and love, and just because he discovers photoshop, he should be able to add a big mustache in the middle of his masterpiece?

[@kdl1066]

@@ANT96-x8d no

[@JeHa1967]

Jon Means thats true

[@timothyricketts3635]

That he is😃😃😃

[@jamesnewman4351]

Blown away by it back in the 70s.. blown away by it when this version came out...still listening to it now and still f**king blown away!!! We love you Gary!

[@timothybell5698]

Truly this song has matured like a fine wine.

[@Wolf4wdadventures.576]

Unbelievable, loved the original, this is insane. Beautiful synth... Gary at his best.. just beautiful.

[@donbrashsux]

Yes it’s amazing and timeless

[@tmck2000]

Definitely my FAVOURITE version 😎

[@mwsaab9]

Come here every few months. One of my all time fav songs - aged very well!!

[@PukiePie]

Thank you Mr Numan

[@oddpodd701]

Out-fucking-standing. Gary Numan is the sole reason I started to listen to electronic music way back in 79. I moved on to house and dance later, but still adore those early pioneers of which Mr Numan is a legend. This gave me chills. Thank you sir, you changed my life.

[@monsterinhead214]

ya me too

[@KillerBill1953]

I never get tired of listening to this, however Gary presents it. Lovely version.

[@2112jonr]

Go and book a ticket to see this man live when lockdowns are over. Musicians need to be supported as much as we need their music. And this man is really, really good live. :-) x

[@martinharris5017]

Amen to that!

[@DudeSilad]

He's far rockier than people imagine. Just about all his earlier songs have been given a revamp. And they sound amazing.

[@edwardtupper6374]

I mean clearly lock down has been good to us

[@ashleygreen3933]

He is so damn good live hell yeah

[@greghall7796]

So beautifully stated

[@markymali]

How to bring a song up to date without wrecking it.. Excellent!!

[@geoffpoole483]

Usually a new version of a song is too heavily reliant upon production, but here it's the musicians who've reworked the song, making a great song even greater.

[@johnnyf99music74]

well yes, but how can you wreck your own song? And if you do, tough beans to the critics. I mean, if you cant reinterpret your own creation, then what the hell was it in the first place? And what have you become?

[@josephmiller7356]

Quite Right Mark 👍.

[@arlichar11]

i think this is aweful... ... is like if morrisey sang it lol the original was perfect

[@T2NDC]

@andy morris it is crisp and forceful then gentle and delicate, i love it, so brilliant!!! this man is a genius always evolving but then this is the role of a true pioneer:) thanks for sharing this :):):)

[@starlord2112]

Kinell. Cheers mate from a 60 year old fan. This old track still moves me...

[@gavsky23]

Numan influenced Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) and then Reznor influenced Numan. You can hear the strains of NiN throughout this: all out then the piano...classic Reznor approach, I love it!

[@plunketgab8199]

gavsky23 i

[@raymcallister1309]

Absolutely on the money there gavsky23... This is simply splendid.

[@williamcarstensen302]

For sure! Don't forget Beck too🤘

[@jennieredd]

He even holds the mic like Reznor...

[@ikesours6558]

Numan has been very vocal about that. Hearing NIN reinvigorated his creativity.

[@carolinehynes5374]

Worth living for amazing. I really wish there was more like him. Amazing can't put into words. Love Caroline.. Dublin, Ireland

[@glennlawson5289]

Hi Caroline!😊 Glenn from Australia

[@AJeziorski1967]

Just the best version ever of a timeless classic. I’m a huge fan and can’t wait to see him on stage again.

[@briancabral9]

Some artists age and make fools of themself performing. Gary gets better with time like a fine wine that leaves you wanting more.

[@silverage682]

Correct !

[@electrohead391]

The guy is like a fine wine, just gets better with age!!!! Saw him in Liverpool earlier this year and was blown away!! 🤖🎹🎤🔊💣💥☠🍷👌🏻

[@allanfortytwo]

I was lucky enough to see Gary Numan in concert, 1979 in Vancouver. He was the best then, and he's even better now. I love how he's changed his style and rocks out to his music, but the classic sound is still there:)

[@sinah.maleki7635]

this man is a second to none genius, cant get enough of his music

[@paulriggs3437]

I think is probably the best version I have heard and seen of this superb 80's electronica

[@WARTV-dn5fk]

70’s 😊

[@TheGACKTfan]

He just gets better and better. I only knew the song cars but just recently I started to listen to his recent stuff and man I'm a fan now. I love how he made this song more gritty and dark.

[@neillpw78]

Seriously, I am so messed up by this version of the song. I keep on having to repeat play it because it's so fricking awesome!!!!!

[@mwsaab9]

Back again. Great interpretation of one of my favourite songs of all time. The setting, the production is perfection. Numan the android chameleon. The reinvention of an electronic evangelist.

[@andylec5879]

Just can't get enough of this version, his voice has matured and has acquired so much character. Awesome.

[@jagtarnashad5471]

Simply a masterpiece

[@paulainsworth1886]

Blows me away great version of an absolute classic

[@carlomazza731]

Hypnothic, true masterpiece. Capolavoro assoluto.

[@AndrewPaget-u7k]

I never tire of hearing this man ... A bloody genius and his back catalogue still sounds like the future ... All those that have followed him from the beginning will know what I mean as his music evokes so many memories.

[@angiepanjie]

Yes, great explanation! Know exactly what you mean. Still evokes that same futuristic, excited feeling I had when I was 14 and this song came out. All his music does in fact🙌

[@detlefeilers5531]

The master's energy after all these years - incredible 🤩

[@georgemanka]

This song has really stood the test of time.

[@lappesjl1]

I realize the video is very old but, hats off to Mr. Numan, the Godfather of Synth Pop.

[@abelisraelcruzayuso4682]

this is fucking good.

[@richardparker387]

Always was 😀

[@Mike-su9rr]

@Paul Maillardet (

[@greghall7796]

Sorry dearly … take it one step higher - this is fucking brilliant

[@abelisraelcruzayuso4682]

@@greghall7796 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@greghall7796]

@@abelisraelcruzayuso4682 - cheers and thanks dearly 😊

[@thetiktokman]

I've seen about 40 of his live gigs & he just gets better all the time.

[@kiracore84]

Well, how many times do you gamely watch a recent performance by an old hero only to come away disappointed and saddened by the ravages of time? This is completely the opposite! A totally convincing update of an absolute classic, and a great performance! Good on you Gary! I'm almost weeping!

[@Johro66]

I can just put this on a loop and listen to it forever, it's emotional to me. But all good music is.

[@musixpression]

kiracore84 Agreed, it won't happen often.

[@2112jonr]

+kiracore84 Staggeringly good. I never dreamt the original could be better. Such a great, stands by itself track. Nothing like it.

[@darkstardavros]

Gary's always been good. He's never disappointed me yet. 😈

[@lysetteandel9225]

couldn't agree more kira

[@kim1570]

Hands down, the best 'hmm, I've never heard of this artiste but let me see who this Gary Numan chap is' random click in my life! Zero regrets. 7.28 minutes very well spent.

[@nsfeliz7825]

listen to the 1979 original

[@DigitalSapient]

It was hearing this song on Top of the Pops in Wales that actually lead me to study cultural anthropology and 40 years later remains inspiring.

[@maureenwagg5305]

Very impressive. He did the original justice and added depth to the song as well. Wow. Was not expecting to like this but I love it.

[@kylabotting]

This is bloody brilliant!

[@tronlab]

L̳̬̫͞͞e͉̬̰͉̰̞ͅg̥̬̭̪͔͓̭e͓̫͔͖͈̳̟̟͞n̶̖͚d̢̥̦̼͖̘̬̕͞!̵̣͉͎͍̦̯̙͞͝

[@deancook1775]

joydivisiongirl your bloody write dean from cromer norfolk

[@steverowlands338]

Fucking awe inspiring!!!! What a legend this guy is!!! I remember hearing "our friends electric" for the first time "Boom" that was music for me!! Can't believe 30+ years later i've just heard this version and i feel the same as i did then!!! A true musician!!!

[@1numanoid]

Are Friends Electric? 😁

[@mellofox]

I only just found this, years after it was uploaded. I was the same with the original, I saw it on TV and I was blown away too, it had an effect that has lasted decades and still wakes something up every time I hear it. But this... is another level. I love it.

[@ChrisSmith-bw1nt]

Is it 'our' or 'are' friends electric? Alway thought was'our'or is it...... The Mandela effect?

[@greghall7796]

Brilliantly stated mate - this is Gary at his talented best decades later - phenomenal

[@keirfarnum6811]

Chris Smith “Are”

[@Marinnnara]

This song fills me to the brim with just pure confidence and makes me feel like such a badass Everytime I hear ut

[@bigred4592]

brilliant mix of synth and live instruments....40 years and still going...way to go Gary!!

[@chriswilder1336]

Amazing. Gary's classic tunes have evolved beautifully

[@richarddietl3760]

This makes the song timeless

[@tvisforlossers]

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING. THIS SENT A CHILL DOWN MY SPINE. INCREDIBLE WORK BY AN INCREDIBLE & FORMIDABLE FORCE. THANK YOU Mr N And credit to the talent of the band around you. wonderful work lads!

[@bobblebardsley]

I've probably commented before, no idea how to find out in over 2,000 comments, but this is absolutely outstanding. I love this song, and this performance is next-level. I come back to it time after time after time. Love it.

[@nigeltuddenham8338]

Gary has got better as time goes bloody brillant ❤❤❤❤

[@johnpearson230]

I still have the 7" single I bought in '79. This version is simply awesome.

[@stevenwhite5866]

I have to confess. Back in the day I wasn’t a fan. Having found this piece and watched others. New material. And some of his interviews, I’m a little closer to appreciating what a superbly talented and contemporary artist Gary is. Respect.

[@petejones879]

He's still brilliant live in fact better now than ever.. I saw him a few months ago.. I definitely recommend seeing his live act

[@sheryllmartin1799]

Can’t stop listening to this version it’s brilliant and I loved the original version he did but love this better

[@richardgray45]

Oh my days!! Stumbled on this version of a track that I thought could not be topped. But this is utter magic. Always ahead of his time Gary stays with the time. What a marvellous adaptable musician. Using classic sounds to recreate a futuristic song. Almost “Future to the back”.

[@wuzwoo3215]

Holy crap, this version is even better than the original!!! Love it!

[@jeremyreader4185]

With earphones on and volume turned up, bet you can't keep the goosebumps away, especially when band kicks in! An artist that has had a lot of negative unjust criticism. Superb new material too Gary, don't never give up. Legend.

[@scotty193]

Whats he going to give up for?.........He is revered by pretty much all in the music industry...I am a Metal head and love his work.

[@paulainsworth1886]

Scott am a metal head too but this song I can listen too on repeat 24/7 so many different mixes and versions only other song does same for me is John foxx underpass awesome up the metal heads

[@glennlawson5289]

In Gary I trust

[@scotty193]

I will give John Foxx a spin on your recommend.

[@nickthepostpunk5766]

Earphones on right now as I type!

[@calabiyou]

Lucky enough to have seen them two nights ago, great great concert.

[@Blondejam]

What an absolute BANGER!! Managed to see Gary in Bristol for the first time a couple of years ago! He did not disappoint!! Absolutely brilliant! Love it been a fave of mine since I was about 15 and this kills it!!!

[@michellereynolds1088]

This man and this song was decades before it's time

[@cylonraider1971]

I would love to see Gary Numan redo all his music like this one just amazing

[@brianp8586]

Panzer 666 Could you imagine Gary redoing the original songs this well? That'd be unreal.

[@SelenaSea]

Yes! I dream of wires...

[@olegbulyga303]

The only one person who can outperform himself it's you. In this case it's true. How magnificent original was in the end of 70's - how incredible Gary Numan perform it today...

[@ericswenson7971]

The perfect version of the perfect song.

[@2112jonr]

Agreed. Possibly the only rendition of any track I've heard, where the original artist creates a second version of his own, already one of a type, and brilliant track, then makes it ten times better a few decades later. What a brain. Perfection perfected. :D

[@vonier13]

2112jonr. Thank you, you are so right !!

[@stevenmoore8525]

No...........@@vonier13

[@stevenmoore8525]

@@vonier13 Blah blah blah blah bla

[@ataugusta]

Holy F#$& is this powerful…. Thank you Gary for reminding us ……

[@artinheaven4572]

Breath taking.

[@sunuman4454]

Absolutely brilliant. Just seen him on savage tour 4 times. Immense. X.

[@eddiemiller3702]

This is absolutely the work of a musical genius.

[@heidikuehn6352]

This a kick ass original of an original. If this doesn't blow you away, I pity you my friend.

[@steveprice5784]

The mans class,and this and down in the park sent shivers up my spine when I went to see him 2 years ago

[@happydazer9339]

😢❤😮I luv this song. Best wise wishes to the band and yeealls journeys😊

[@Ricalex67]

WTF? Just seen this for first time. Holy shit Gary, you bloody aced it yet again. God I could listen to this over and more....

[@daphnepeters193]

I first heard Gary when Are Friends Electric was released. I knew then it would be a chart topper, and became a great fan . I'm now 80 years old and just have to play this amazing version every day. Hope to see him in concert before I pop my clogs,god willing.

[@ronis9205]

I WAS HYPNOTIZED BY THIS VERSION...WOW!!!!

[@khorrumg]

I disagree.....Drumming is great, as are the synths...too many breaks in the song.....Your kitten is cute. I have a Persian

[@greghall7796]

So brilliantly stated - this is brilliant version

[@PLATINUM289]

Amazing simply amazing love the energy

[@9mmtotheMellon]

This guy was so ahead of his time, probably one of the most influential artists of the late 70's. Respect GN

[@stuartmitchell8944]

Dear Mr. Numam When I saw you on BBC 4 and you said you had grown into your teeth. Still loved the music. But this is bloody amazing. Wish you could have done this for my school reunion. Pure magic

[@CAnative64]

I recently watched the fantastic documentary, Synth Britannia, where Gary Numan was spoken about. Though the clips on his influence of synth pop music in Britain were short, they were impactful and extremely complimentary to be sure. As I watched, I was reminded on just how significant an affect he had on me and others who loved the music that was coming out of Britain at the time. - Seeing this brought that all back ... and more. This is FANTASTIC. Bravo, Gary Numan, and bravo to your mates playing with you in this video. Seriously got chills while watching this.

[@marksmith286]

Agreed about the documentary - it's here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inyUgWxpp56rm9U. Well worth a watch.

[@RedQueenCreative_Roxie]

@@marksmith286 this link leads to dead end (video has been pulled) but I have to hunt down this documentary.

[@marksmith286]

@@RedQueenCreative_Roxie kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z525nZ2jfZWsi9k

[@Guitarzzzzzzz173]

Wonderful reinvention of an already brilliant song.

[@Drstephenstokes]

There is before Gary and after Gary... For those of us who get it, we can listen over and over to this music throughout our lives, it never ever gets old, it is ALWAYS fresh, new and exciting. It provides the soundtrack to our lives and speaks to us with different voices at different times depending on what we need. The sound activates us, makes us sad, makes us vibrate and gives us pleasure. You cannot explain it to someone who has not been exposed (infected?). Unless you have spent hours on a Saturday night alone in front of a mirror in your parents basement with the lights off and a flashlight for a microphone screaming "Death Death Death Until The Sun Cries Morning", there is no need to go any further...

[@marcdemme1265]

I have literally grown up listening to Gary Numan the last 19 years. He really has made an impact in my life :)

[@aml3668]

I bought the Tubeway Army album soon after it came out. Soon after (well before the Dexy's of Come On Eileen” fame) I bought Dexy’s Midnight Runners’ album “Searching For the Young Soul Rebels”. These were profoundly different records in all ways except the very important one of being uniformly, transcendentally excellent, and completely lacking in what was then called “filler”. Timeless recordings. Gary Numan and Kevin Rowlands of Dexys were and are perfectionists who to this day produce unsurpassed versions of their best material. This is an absolutely magnificent version of “Are Friends Electric”. My musical Anglophilia continues unabated thanks to these artists in particular.

[@deancook1775]

Marc Demme very true mate

[@catsb9]

Dr. Stephen Stokes Thank you for your profound thoughts!

[@GabrielEtinzon]

Gary introduced me to Music. Before him it wasn't really there

[@RichardConnor1]

Wow... Phenomenal.

[@davidheath1791]

I just love this version.

[@greghall7796]

Cheers … ditto - this is a timeless classic remake

[@MsRedbelly]

Me too. I especially love the resigned way he delivers the spoken word bits. Wisdom born of experience. Plus he’s become harder in his music delivery, which doesn’t always happen with the passage of time. Awesome all ‘round. Now he just needs to tour Australia. I finally got to see the Cure play for 3 & a half hours a few years back. I’ll be content if I get to see Mr Numan & his great band.

[@bobbyminger]

A powerful and beautiful reworking of AFE. Superb.

[@Frieslandrail01]

When two genres (popwave and Metal) Crossing....This is what you get! This is PERFECT!!

[@defossard]

This is spectacular. Wow. I love Gary Numan.

[@craigjames1355]

Just now found this , what a great rescheduled version of this classic. Gary Newman you rock

[@tiffanyessex5646]

He is so brilliant and this is so amazing. He just keeps getting better and better I love him so much.💗🎶✨