Electric Friends: A Gary Numan Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

"Lee Cooper!"

For this episode of Electric Friends, I look back at one of Gary Numan's first ever projects - a TV advert jingle!

Gary recorded a short track called 'Don't Be a Dummy' for Lee Cooper jeans, which became very popular in 1979, just before he found fame with 'Are Friends Electric?'.

This episode delves into the making of the song, why Gary didn't record a full version, the cover single by John Du Cann, Gary's other advert attempts and more.

Clips used:

• Tubeway Army/Gary Numan - 'Don't be a Dummy'
• Tubeway Army - 'Something's in the House'
• John Du Cann - 'Don't be a Dummy'
• Gary Numan - '7 Up'
• Gary Numan - 'Cars (Premier Mix)'
• Lee Cooper advert (Dummies to the Left)

Please get in touch on YouTube, X, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at [email protected].

For this interview special, it’s with a bonafide music legend: Bill Sharpe.

Bill Sharpe is a classically trained pianist and jazz rock musician, who once worked alongside John Peel at the BBC and Trevor Horn in an early band. In 1980, he co-founded the band Shakatak, who scored many big hits around the world with their brand of post-disco jazz-funk.

In 1985, he teamed up with Gary Numan on what was meant to be a one-off single, but later turned into several songs, and a whole album - with 1989’s Automatic. He is a prolific songwriter and musician, who has collaborated with many other stars over the years, and is still performing with Shakatak today.

In the episode, Bill discusses:

• How he came to work with Gary Numan and their writing processes
• The unreleased demos he made with Gary after Automatic - could they ever be released?
• How Shakatak came about
• His friendship with John Peel

Clips used:

• Shakatak - Steppin'
• Shakatak - Easier Said than Done (TOTP)
• Sharpe & Numan - Change Your Mind
• Sharpe & Numan - New Thing from London Town
• Sharpe & Numan - No More Lies
• Shakatak - Nightbirds (TOTP)

Please get in touch on YouTube, X, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at [email protected].

Tom interviews Bill Sharpe, a member of the iconic band Shakatak, delving into his illustrious career and his unique collaboration with Gary Numan. The discussion highlights how their partnership began almost by chance when Sharpe was working on a solo album and reached out to Numan, leading to the creation of the hit "Change Your Mind." Sharpe reflects on his classical training and early influences in music, detailing the evolution of Shakatak and their rise to fame with hits like "Easier Said Than Done." The conversation reveals the challenges faced in the music industry, including the ups and downs of record label support, and the lasting impact of their work together. Listeners gain insight into Sharpe's passion for music, the dynamics of collaboration, and the joy of performing live, demonstrating that the spirit of creativity remains vibrant even after decades in the industry.

Takeaways:

• Bill Sharp discusses his classical music background and journey into jazz and funk.
• The formation of Shakatak was influenced by diverse musical experiences and collaborations.
• Bill shares the serendipitous collaboration with Gary Numan that led to successful tracks.
• The creative process behind 'Change Your Mind' involved innovative studio techniques and remixing.
• Sharp reflects on the band's global success and their enduring appeal in the music industry.
• He expresses disappointment over the lack of promotion for the album they created together.

Gary Numan's 1986 album Strange Charm was not a happy one for him, and while it might be a forgotten LP compared to others, it still has a lot of... well... charm.

Its second single 'I Can't Stop' was a bombastic radio friendly track that deserved more radio attention at the time, and it was the first vinyl single I bought 10+ years after its release.

This episode delves into the song's history, and the making of the Strange Charm album, including Radio 1's gaslighting of Gary, why the music video was "terrible" according to Gary, and more.

Clips used:

• Gary Numan - 'I Can't Stop'
• Gary Numan - 'My Breathing'
• Radio 1 Chart Show, June 1986
• Gary Numan - 'Faces'
• Gary Numan - 'I Can't Stop (live, 1986)'
• Gary Numan - (R)Evolution (audiobook)

Please get in touch on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at [email protected].

"This is not love, this is not even worth a point of view..."

In 1980, Gary Numan released one of his greatest singles, the top 10 hit 'I Die: You Die'. At the time it was a non-album single, but was later included on the Telekon album, alongside We Are Glass.

The episode delves into:

• How the song was inspired by the press's hatred of him
• The various versions, mixes and covers
• How David Bowie got him thrown off the Kenny Everett Show

Clips used:

• Gary Numan - I Die You Die
• Gary Numan - (R)Evolution (audiobook)
• Radio 1 interview, 1980
• Radio 1 Chart Show, 1980
• Gary Numan - I Die You Die (alternate mix)
• Gary Numan - I Die You Die (The Kenny Everett Show)
• Gary Numan - I Die You Die (live in Sydney)
• Gary Numan - Down in the Park (piano version)
• The Magnetic Fields - I Die You Die
• Coldplay - Clocks

Please get in touch on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at [email protected].

As voted for by you, this episode is all about Gary Numan's 1984 album Berserker, and in particular its title track and lead single.

The episode delves into its inspirations, from '60s sci-fi books to 1984's biggest hit single, and Gary's own fantastical ideas.

It also looks at the album and tour's striking blue and white imagery, Gary's turn to sampling and its disappointing lack of airplay and chart success.

Clips used:

• Gary Numan - Berserker
• Gary Numan - My Dying Machine
• Gary Numan - Berserker (live, 1984)
• Radio 1 Chart Show, November 1984

Please get in touch on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at [email protected].

By the late 2000s, Gary Numan had become a father to three girls, and his career had been better than ever. However, for various reasons, he found himself with serious bouts of depression.

This depression led to the writing of his next album, 2013's Splinter. One such track that tackled the themes of depression and life apathy, was the epic 'Here in the Black'.

This episode looks back on that song, including its inspiration, what Gary was going through at the time, live versions and more.

Clips used:

• Gary Numan - 'Here in the Black'
• Gary Numan - 'Lost'
• Gary Numan - 'My Last Day'
• Gary Numan - (R)Evolution (audiobook)
• Gary Numan - 'Here in the Black (live)' with the Skaparis Orchestra

This episode deals with issues of depression. If you are suffering from depression, you are not alone. Depression is a common and treatable condition that affects millions of people around the world. There are many ways to cope with depression, such as seeking professional help, talking to someone you trust, engaging in activities that make you happy, and practising self-care. Other places you can reach out for help include:

• [The Samaritans]: A UK-based charity that offers confidential emotional support to anyone in distress or suicidal. You can call them 24/7 at 116 123 or email them at [email protected].
• [Mind]: A UK-based mental health charity that provides information and advice on various mental health issues, including depression. You can visit their website to find local services, helplines, and online support groups.
• [NHS]: The UK’s National Health Service that offers free and confidential health care and advice. You can visit their website to learn more about depression, its symptoms, causes, and treatments. You can also find self-help guides, online tools, and apps to help you cope with depression.
• [Beyond Blue]: An Australian organisation that aims to reduce the stigma and impact of depression and anxiety. You can visit their website to access online forums, webinars, podcasts, and personal stories. You can also call them 24/7 at 1300 22 4636 or chat with them online.
• [National Suicide Prevention Lifeline]: A US-based network of crisis centres that provides free and confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. You can call them 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 or chat with them online.

"Now it's all over for sure, I'll walk back home..."

In 1981, Gary Numan said goodbye to his fans with his epic Wembley shows, which was meant to be his retirement from live performance (thankfully, it wasn't).

The year before, he had recorded 'Please Push No More', a piano-synth ballad that dealt with his feelings about fame, fans and critics.

This episode tells the story of that song, and the emotional goodbye, and how he soon regretted his decision.

Clips used:

• Gary Numan - Please Push No More
• Gary Numan - Telekon
• Gary Numan - Please Push No More (live, 1981)
• Gary Numan - Please Push No More (live, 2006)
• Gary Numan - (R)Evolution (audiobook)

Please get in touch on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at [email protected].

For this interview special of Electric Friends, I caught up with a genuine pop legend: Dollar's Thereza Bazar!

Ahead of her UK tour, I spoke to Thereza about her amazing career, working with Trevor Horn, her upcoming projects, and of course... what it was like working with Gary Numan.

Thereza sang on Gary Numan's 1982 tracks 'Noise Noise' and 'Bridge? What Bridge?', later included on re-releases of the I, Assassin album.

Thereza reveals how she met Gary, and what it was like being in the studio with him at the height of both of their careers.

Clips used:

• Dollar - Mirror Mirror
• Dollar - Hand Held in Black and White
• Dollar - Love's Gotta Hold on Me
• Dollar - Oh L'amour
• Gary Numan - Noise Noise

In 2000, Gary Numan released his most industrial album yet, Pure. Well received by critics and fans, it was arguably his best LP for nearly two decades.

However, its lead single wasn't released until nearly two years later. And it was a surprising success, sending Gary back into the charts.

This episode reflects on the Pure era and the lead single 'Rip', the most unlikely top 40 hit.

Clips used:

• Gary Numan - Rip
• Gary Numan - Pure
• Gary Numan - Rip (Andy Gray remix)
• BBC Radio 1 Chart Show (2002)
• Gary Numan - (R)Evolution (audiobook)

Please get in touch on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at [email protected].

For this episode of Electric Friends, I catch up with Tubeway Days singer and Gary Numan impersonator Chris Fielding.

I first saw Chris Fielding when he appeared as Gary on Stars in their Eyes back in 1998, and was amazed at how close he looked and sounded like him.

Fast forward to 2020, and Chris joined the lineup of the excellent Gary Numan tribute band Tubeway Days. Specialising in the 1979-81 era of Numan, the band and Chris sound exactly like the real thing and are a must-see for all Numan fans.

Chris talks about his love of Gary Numan growing up, how he got into impersonations and performing, what the Stars in their Eyes experience was like, meeting Gary, and what's coming up next for the band.

You will also hear snippets of Tubeway Days' excellent covers of Gary Numan songs, including 'Cars', 'Down in the Park', 'Remind me to Smile' and more.

A big thank you to Chris Fielding for his time and for a brilliant interview, and to Steve Guard for arranging.