Gary Anthony James Webb (born 8 March 1958), better known as Gary Numan, is an English musician, singer, songwriter, composer, and record producer. He entered the music industry as the frontman of the new wave band Tubeway Army. After releasing two albums with the band, he released his debut solo album The Pleasure Principle in 1979, topping the UK Albums Chart. While his commercial popularity peaked in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits including “Are ‘Friends’ Electric ” (which spent 4 weeks at #1 on the UK Singles Chart) and “Cars” (which spent one week as number one on the UK charts and reached number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100), he maintains a cult following. He has sold over 10 million records.
Numan is considered a pioneer of electronic music, with his signature sound consisting of heavy synthesiser hooks fed through guitar effects pedals. He is also known for his distinctive voice and androgynous “android” persona. In 2017, he received an Ivor Novello Award, the Inspiration Award, from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors.
instruments played
Guitar
keyboards
Vocals
Associated Acts
Tubeway Army Dramatis Nine Inch Nails Paul Gardiner Sharpe & Numan The Wave Team Fear Factory Battles Jayce Lewis
Birth Name
Gary Anthony James Webb
Genres
Synth-pop new wave electronica industrial rock electronic rock
Labels
Atco Beggars Banquet Numa NBR Illegal I.R.S. Eagle Machine Music Ltd. Jagged Halo Cooking Vinyl Metropolis Cleopatra Mortal BMG
Occupations
Musician singer songwriter composer record producer
Website
Years Active
1975 present
Name
Gary Numan
Nationality
England