Electric Friends: A Gary Numan Podcast

Tom Eames

Celebrating the music of electronic pioneer Gary Numan, track-by-track. Each episode delves into a different Gary Numan song from various albums and eras in a non-linear journey. read less

Our Editor's Take

Electric Friends: A Gary Numan Podcast is a passion project that enshrines the legacy of the new wave legend. Gary Numan is an influential musician who has made music since the 1970s. He led the band Tubeway Army as lead singer and guitarist. The podcast borrows its name from the band's popular single, "Are Friend's Electric?" Many listeners may know Numan through his top hit song, "Cars."

Gary Numan superfan Tom Eames hosts the Electric Friends: A Gary Numan Podcast. Eames has attended many of Numan's live shows. He has gained extensive knowledge of Numan's discography and background. Eames uses the podcast to explore Numan's songs at random one-by-one. Besides being Tubeway Army's frontman, Numan wrote and acted as the producer. After two albums, the band changed its name to Numan's. Since then, Gary Numan has released over 20 albums.

Eames talks in detail about one of Numan's tracks in each podcast episode. These songs span Numan's entire expansive career. Eames talks at length about the writing and production. Episodes share clips from the song and others like it. Eames also interviewed Gary Numan in 2017. He often uses clips from that interview to explore themes.

Guests join Eames on the podcast. The host speaks with Gary Numan impersonator Chris Fielding. Fielding describes his passion for Numan's work. He fronts the tribute band Tubeway Days and shares their covers with listeners. Thereza Bazar from the 80s pop duo Dollar comes on the show. She talks about her career and working with Numan. Eames later speaks with one of Numan's own band members, Chris Payne.

Numan established an iconic style with his music and persona on stage. His music explores themes like God, religion, and science fiction. He incorporates many influences into his music and blends genres with effortless ease. The vast diversity of Numan's career helps make Electric Friends: A Gary Numan Podcast a fascinating listen for new and old fans. The podcastreleases episodes about once or twice a month. Episodes range in length between ten minutes to over an hour.

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Episodes

Rrussell Bell interview
30-09-2024
Rrussell Bell interview
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.
Bill Sharpe interview
12-07-2024
Bill Sharpe interview
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 processesThe unreleased demos he made with Gary after Automatic - could they ever be released?How Shakatak came aboutHis friendship with John PeelClips used:Shakatak - Steppin'Shakatak - Easier Said than Done (TOTP)Sharpe & Numan - Change Your MindSharpe & Numan - New Thing from London TownSharpe & Numan - No More LiesShakatak - 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.
Andy Gray interview
12-03-2024
Andy Gray interview
For this interview special of Electric Friends, I’m speaking to Andy Gray, one of the most sought-after DJs, songwriters, producers and composers of the last few decades.Andy made a name for himself in the early 90s in the growing dance music scene, with his remixes and work with his group Amoeba Assassin, and for his work with Paul Oakenfold’s Perfecto label. He has gone on to produce or remix music by a wide range of artists such as The Human League, Tori Amos, New ORder, Tears for Fears, Moby, U2, John Foxx and many more.He is also a prolific film and TV soundtrack composer, on projects such as Swordfish, Get Carter and Hunters, and he also composed and produced the iconic Big Brother theme in the UK.He has also had a long association with Gary Numan, whom he counts as a good friend. He has collaborated and remixed Gary’s music many times, including appearances on the Hybrid, Jagged and Dead Son Rising albums. In particular, he remixed the brilliant version of A Prayer for the Unborn, which we hear at pretty much every Gary Numan gig today.I caught up with Andy to talk about his career, how Gary’s music inspired him as a youth, and what his experiences of working with Gary have been, and what we can look forward to in the future. Clips used:Tubeway Army - Are Friends Electric?Amoeba Assassin - RollercoasterThe Human League - Tell Me WhenElementfour - Big Brother ThemeGary Numan - Listen to My Voice (Andy Gray remix)Gary Numan - A Prayer for the Unborn (Andy Gray remix)Gary Numan - Are Friends Electric (Andy Gray remix)Gary Numan - AncientsAndy Gray & Gary Numan - For YouPlease get in touch on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, or email at numanpodcast@gmail.com.
Here in the Black
15-10-2023
Here in the Black
By the late 2000s, Gary Numan had become a father to three girls, and his career had been better than ever. However, for various reasons, he found himself with serious bouts of depression.This depression led to the writing of his next album, 2013's Splinter. One such track that tackled the themes of depression and life apathy, was the epic 'Here in the Black'.This episode looks back on that song, including its inspiration, what Gary was going through at the time, live versions and more.Clips used:Gary Numan - 'Here in the Black'Gary Numan - 'Lost'Gary Numan - 'My Last Day'Gary Numan - (R)Evolution (audiobook)Gary Numan - 'Here in the Black (live)' with the Skaparis OrchestraThis episode deals with issues of depression. If you are suffering from depression, you are not alone. Depression is a common and treatable condition that affects millions of people around the world. There are many ways to cope with depression, such as seeking professional help, talking to someone you trust, engaging in activities that make you happy, and practising self-care. Other places you can reach out for help include:[The Samaritans]: A UK-based charity that offers confidential emotional support to anyone in distress or suicidal. You can call them 24/7 at 116 123 or email them at jo@samaritans.org.[Mind]: A UK-based mental health charity that provides information and advice on various mental health issues, including depression. You can visit their website to find local services, helplines, and online support groups.[NHS]: The UK’s National Health Service that offers free and confidential health care and advice. You can visit their website to learn more about depression, its symptoms, causes, and treatments. You can also find self-help guides, online tools, and apps to help you cope with depression.[Beyond Blue]: An Australian organisation that aims to reduce the stigma and impact of depression and anxiety. You can visit their website to access online forums, webinars, podcasts, and personal stories. You can also call them 24/7 at 1300 22 4636 or chat with them online.[National Suicide Prevention Lifeline]: A US-based network of crisis centres that provides free and confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. You can call them 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 or chat with them online.