Tonight we are at the magnificent O2 Institute in Birmingham for New Wave legend Gary Numan. Known for his pioneering contributions to electronic music, Numan proved once again that his influence and talent have not waned over the decades. With a devoted following of both young and old, many of whom have stood in queue for hours, the venue fills quickly with both both bodies and the chant of "Nuuuuuman" echoing the hall.
There’s no support tonight, just pure Numan, who’s tour is commemorating the 45th anniversary of his debut solo album after breaking away from Tubeway Army, The Pleasure Principle.
Numan takes the stage with a warm welcome from the crowd, starting with Replicas before moving into M.E, those who are fans of Basement Jaxx will recognise this riff well. The lighting and stage design were exceptional, enhancing the atmosphere without overshadowing the music. Pulsating lights and dramatic shadows created a sense of immersion, drawing the audience deeper into Numan's unique soundscape.
The set tonight is almost a 50/50 split of tracks from 'The Pleasure Principle' and 'Replicas' (Tubeway Army). A real treat for those seeking nostalgia. The only downside of the evening was the overselling for the venue capacity. Many were crammed against the back wall, and as I exited the photo pit, it was near impossible to find a spot where anything was visible, so the rest of the show was an ears only experience for me.
The hits kept coming and coming, with tracks such as 'Down in the Park' and 'Metal'. It's a shame I couldn't see the full production that was accompanying at this time for the full experience, but nevertheless, the sound was on point.
Saving the most anticipated until last, the night concluded with the classic and iconic 'Cars' and 'Are Friends Electric?''. Many stated on social media after the show that Numan could have easily sold enough tickets in bigger venues, it just goes to show that after 45 years, Numan is still going strong.
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