For this episode, I look back at Gary Numan's Dance album opener - the haunting 9+ minute track, Slowcar to China.

From its real-life inspirations and other theories to the album's sound as a whole, it's time to head back to 1981 and for one Gary's best ever LPs.

"Take that smile off your face, wipe that tear from your eye, don't say you're sorry for me".

For this episode, we look back at Paul Gardiner's solo single 'Stormtrooper in Drag', co-written with Gary Numan and with Gary on lead vocals.

The underrated track about drug use and loneliness showcased the lost potential of the late Paul Gardiner, and gave Numan fans a look at what was to come on the Dance album, as well as some fresh music after his farewell concerts in 1981.

I look back at Paul's other tracks, Gary's reaction to his death aged just 25, the song's cover versions and lyrics meaning.

Please get in touch on YouTube, X, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

In this latest interview special of Electric Friends, I speak to a legend in Gary Numan's music history: Rrussell Bell.

In case you didn’t know - Rrussell is a prolific musician, composer and comedy writer. After graduating in Physics at London University, he joined Tubeway Army in 1979 - first appearing on record on 1980’s We Are Glass. He would then spend the next 10 years recording with Gary and touring the world in his band. He would then go on to form the band Dramatis alongside Chris Payne, Ced Sharpley and Denis Haines.

Also a seasoned session player, he is also an award winning jingle writer, worked as a musical director for BSB, and has worked on many film and TV projects. This includes acting, stand-up comedy and script-writing for people such as Craig Charles and Keith Allen. He released his first EP Like a Human in 2019.

Rrussell very kindly agreed to be on the show, and I hope you enjoy this special interview!

Please get in touch on YouTube, X, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

Tom invites Rrussell Bell, a prolific musician and former member of Gary Numan's band, to share his experiences and insights from his extensive career. Rrussell reflects on his early days in the entertainment world, growing up in a family of performers, and how that shaped his artistic journey. He discusses his transition from an aspiring guitarist to joining Tubeway Army, highlighting the challenges and excitement of auditioning for Gary Numan. The conversation delves into memorable moments from their tours, including the immense popularity of Numan in the late '70s and the exhilarating atmosphere of live performances. Rrussell also touches on his diverse career beyond music, including writing jingles and comedy, and hints at upcoming projects with Dramatis, emphasizing his enduring passion for creating music.

Takeaways:

• Rrussell Bell discusses his early life growing up in a family of entertainers, including trapeze artists and comedians.
• He shares how he first became a fan of Gary Numan after seeing him perform on television during the 1970s.
• Bell highlights the unique experience of touring with Gary Numan, recalling the excitement and challenges of live performances.
• The recording process for albums with Numan involved a collaborative effort, allowing band members to contribute creatively.
• Bell reflects on the bittersweet feelings surrounding the end of Numan's career during the Wembley gigs, leading to the formation of Jamatis.
• His diverse career spans music, comedy writing, and jingles, showcasing his multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.

"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 numanpodcast@gmail.com.

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 numanpodcast@gmail.com.

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.

"I don't suppose you ever laughed at me"

For this episode of Electric Friends, I look back at Gary Numan's 1985 album The Fury, and in particular its lead single 'Your Fascination'.

Including:

• How Gary continued his funk/industrial style from Berserker
• How radio continued to ignore him despite being a funky banger
• How he turned to co-producers and took on a new songwriting technique for the album
• Its music video co-starring his then-girlfriend
• Theories to what the song is about

Clips used:

• Gary Numan - Your Fascination
• Gary Numan - Miracles
• Gary Numan - Tricks
• Retrosound - PPG Wave Soundscapes II
• Gary Numan - Revolution (audiobook)

Please get in touch on YouTube, X, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

"We're in the building where they make us grow, and I'm frightened by the liquid engineers, like you."

For this episode, I look back at one of Gary Numan's best-known and best-loved songs, 'Metal', from 1979's The Pleasure Principle.

The track was the first song on the album with lyrics, and was inspired by the writings of Philip K Dick, about a machine with a desire to be human.

The perfect synthpop track was never a single, but it became one of Gary Numan's most-performed songs, and was later covered and sampled by a number of artists, most notably by Trent Reznor's Nine Inch Nails.

The episode looks at:

• What 'Metal' is all about
• Its somewhat forgotten music video
• Why it was never released as a single
• The various live versions
• When Gary performed it with Nine Inch Nails in 2009

Clips used:

• Gary Numan - Metal
• The Beach Boys - Do It Again
• Gary Numan - Metal (live, 1979)
• Gary Numan - Metal (live, 1986)
• Gary Numan - Metal (live, 2018)
• Gary Numan - Metal 98
• Gary Numan - Moral
• Gary Numan - Revolution (audiobook)
• Tubeway Army - The Crazies
• Tubeway Army - We Have a Technical
• Nine Inch Nails - Metal
• Nine Inch Nails - Metal (live, 2009)
• Planet Funk - Who Said
• Afrika Bambaataa - Metal
• Nouvelle Vague - Metal
• Poppy - Metal

Please get in touch on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.

For the latest interview special of Electric Friends, I speak to Gary Numan's brother John Webb, aka Donovan Silver.

Donovan opens up about his close bond with older brother Gary, what it was like growing up with him and the first time he joined Tubeway Army on stage as a 12-year-old.

He also speaks about joining the band full-time as a teenager and their various tours, as well as working alongside Queen legend Roger Taylor on drums.

Donovan also gives a fascinating account of his impressive aviation career, as well as his return to music, including his most recent album Alpha.

Clips used:

• Gary Numan - (R)Evolution (audiobook)
• Tubeway Army live at the Roxy - Boys (1977)
• Gary Numan - Remind Me to Smile (live, 1983)
• Gary Numan - Crash
• John Webb - The Experiment of Love
• Donovan Silver - Alpha
• Tubeway Army - Me! I Disconnect from You

Please get in touch on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.