Image courtesy of Ed Fielding from http://www.numan.co.uk/
Wulfrun Hall became quite overwhelming, as the distinctive Numan look-a-likes flooded the venue in full attire, black dyed hair (sewn-in/wigs) and make-up as far as the eye could see. While many other devoted fans basked in dedication, wearing previous tour t-shirts dating well before Gary’s last decade of performances.
And the eagerly awaited man himself caused quite a stir before even gracing us with a presence, as chants of ‘Numan’ greeted the legend, replicating the onset of a football match.
The Atmospheric Resurrection came first, delving into the depths of a hellish land, ripped apart by creepy/cold jutters and drones, which dazed the crowd into a continuous trippy sway.
When The Sky Bleeds, He Will Come exhaled a darker breath, with tribal beats thudding throughout the body, steeped against frozen, alien vocals.
“Something, falling from heaven, looks like a nightmare, coming to haunt me”, sings Numan, portraying his crystal clear atheism views through thrill-riding exuberance.
Though, Down In The Park was obviously the song to be on everybody’s lips.
With a new heavier edge, the iconic track had rocketed way beyond the early synth pop days, shredding in between the fans who’ve been a part of Numan’s alternative-world since the beginning.
The sweat continued to build up in the Numanoids, as they drained themselves for the industrial dance beats of The Fall, marching them into a chaotic artificial frenzy, forced open through a stand out guitar crunch.
The Gary Numan cult certainly doesn’t fall short of celebrating the groundbreaking synth pioneer, but instead, live in his shadow.
And 33 years on, Gary is still exceeding his own talent through unique otherworldly showmanship that can never truly be echoed.
Words: Ross Cotton
Area Culture Guide 