Gary Numan joins Noise11 to discuss his return to Australia in 2027 with Simple Minds, his long connection with the Scottish band and the very different approach he takes to performing his classic songs alongside newer material.
Simple Minds supported Gary Numan in Europe around 1980, before their international breakthrough, and members later contributed handclaps to Numan’s Telekon. More than four decades later, the two acts will share the stage again in Australia.
Gary talks about why he refuses to build his career around nostalgia, explaining how songs including “Cars”, “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” and “Down In The Park” fit into his current live shows. He also discusses the process of reworking older material so it can sit naturally alongside songs from Savage (Songs From A Broken World) and Intruder.
The conversation turns to Gary’s next album, which he says will explore artificial intelligence and its potential impact on humanity. He explains why the record has taken so long to develop, the pressure he puts on himself to follow every album with something stronger, and why deadlines help him overcome the fear of starting a new record.
Gary also reflects on hearing artists such as Grace Jones, Nine Inch Nails, The Dead Weather, Jack White and Puscifer reinterpret his songs, and why those covers can feel strangely disconnected from his own sense of identity.
Away from music, Gary discusses his former career as an aerobatic pilot, why he eventually stopped flying, and how becoming a father fundamentally changed his priorities.
Watch the full Gary Numan Noise11 interview for an in-depth conversation about music, creativity, artificial intelligence, legacy, family, live performance and the future.
Simple Minds and Gary Numan 2027 Australian Tour
Saturday, 13 February 2027, Perth, RAC Arena
Tuesday, 16 February 2027, Adelaide, Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Thursday, 18 February 2027, Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena
Saturday, 20 February 2027, Sydney, Afterpay Arena
Sunday, 21 February 2027, Brisbane, Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Ticket Details
Tickets and further information are available through Destroy All Lines.
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