Classic Pop Presents Magazine: Gary Numan

In the latest special edition of Classic PopPresents we survey the illustrious near 50-year career of the world’s first synth-pop superstar, Gary Numan. Not only did he pioneer a future-facing sound that harnessed the power of synthesizers, but he was also behind the UK’s first proper synth-pop No.1, Are “Friends” Electric?, followed by a succession of UK No.1 albums via his colossal 'Machine' trilogy.

In this issue, we speak to the man himself in an exclusive interview in which he discusses his career as a whole, taking in the past, surveying the present and letting us in on the theme and direction of his upcoming new album. There’s also an archive interview with Gary, first published on the release of his 2021 album, Intruder, his second in a row to return him to the UK Top Five.

Inside, we speak exclusively to Numan’s longtime band member Chris Payne of his time working with Gary; Ultravox’s Billy Currie, who remembers the first UK seismic leg of The Touring Principle Tour; Gary’s right hand man and regular producer Ade Fenton; and Raven Numan, an upcoming talent following in her father’s footsteps.

Elsewhere, we revisit all of Numan's studio albums from Tubeway Army and that infamous 'Machine' trilogy through the wilderness years and on to his glorious rebirth via industrial electronica, we examine his many fruitful collaborations, plus we deliver our usual Top 40 definitive tracks – and plenty more besides!