Gary Numan joins Noise11 for an in-depth conversation about his remarkable career, the success of Intruder, and how he rebuilt his career after what he describes as being “dead and buried” by the early 1990s.
In this candid interview, Numan reflects on more than 40 years in music, discussing the challenges of longevity in an industry obsessed with the next new thing. He explains how support from artists such as Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, Fear Factory and others helped introduce his music to a new generation, while emphasising that strong songwriting was ultimately what allowed his resurgence to take hold.
Numan also discusses the creative pressure behind making records, revealing that success brings its own anxieties and that every album begins with a fear that the songwriting magic might disappear.
The conversation explores the environmental themes behind Intruder, including climate change, humanity’s relationship with the planet and how the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly fitted into an album concept he had already developed before the outbreak. Numan explains the inspiration behind songs such as ‘The Gift’ and why he believes climate change is one of the defining issues of modern times.
Elsewhere, Gary talks about collaborating with his daughter Persia on the song ‘A Black Sun’, the surprising stories behind classic hits ‘Are ‘Friends’ Electric?’ and ‘Cars’, and why he credits luck as much as talent for many of his career-defining moments.
He also reflects on stepping away from fame at the height of his success, living with Asperger’s syndrome, maintaining perspective throughout decades of highs and lows, and why family remains at the centre of everything he does.
Simple Minds and Gary Numan Dates:
13 February 2027, Perth, RAC Arena
16 February 2027, Adelaide, Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena
18 February 2027, Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena
20 February 2027, Sydney, Qudos Bank Arena
21 February 2027, Brisbane, Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Ticketing details: Tickets available through Destroy All Lines.
Watch the full Noise11 interview with Gary Numan.
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