Gary Numan - Rock God !!!

Well, last night was quite simply one of the best gigs I've ever been to. The LCR @ UEA in Norwich is a small venue (approx 1500) but great acoustics and an excellent view of the stage from anywhere in the room. The support act, Rubicks were a brilliant little three piece who play anthemic indie rock with a driving New Order-esque beat. Well worth checking out. In fact, I've not seen a better support act in many years (save for Chaka Khan & Larry Graham at a Prince gig in the late 90's).

When Gaz took to the stage, the light show kicked in full time, and for something so simple it was very effective. A dozen LED strips, 6 either side of the stage provided the backdrop behind the drummer and two keyboard players, who were elevated about 6 foot off the stage. The keyboard guys were playing an Alesis QS8 each, one had a Virus Ti and the other some 61 key Roland but I could tell what. The Akai S5000's were clearly visible in the racks and they were both running Macbooks (presumably with Logic as a sequencer and host). Gary had a Les Paul and a Roland D50 along with his own Macbook. The line up was complete with a guitarist and bass player of the Nine Inch Nails ilk.

The set kicked off with "Replicas" which was awesome and a definite goosebump moment. "Me, I Disconnect From You" followed and we were off into a retrospective of this fine album which influenced so many. Every song was a modern reworking but retaining the essence and electronic passion of the originals. I have never heard powerful "analog" synths scream out so well. The set list comprised of the 16 tracks that went to make up Replicas and the B-Sides of the singles along with tracks fom the sessions that only made it on the album when it was re-released on CD. "Down In The Park" almost had me in tears, as did "I Nearly Married A Human".

Allegedly, when Numan wrote these songs 30 years ago, they were based on a concept he was eventually going to write a book about. It was the start of his "Machine" phase" and the images they painted were of this dark, sinister world where machines were taking over. The dark, Philip K. Dick influence of these songs has never been in question, but the imagery and power was never so obvious asit was last night.

Of course, "Are 'Friends' Electric" was saved till last and saw the whole venue literally take off.

The encore had them back on stage, with Gary coyly stating, "Well that's all the stuff I ever wrote for Replicas, so here's some treats for you". Almost instantly the place exploded as the band struck up "Cars", followed by "Everyday I Die" & "My Shadow In Vain".

And then he was gone.

I know this album is special to me and that I am biased but it was an incredible night with a man who is simply a great songwriter and performer. He struts the stage with his trademark arrogant demeanour, yet is affable and shy in between songs. It's like the music releases this being inside of him that is then hidden away when the music stops and the Aspergers takes over. That he can handle himself so well is encouragement to anyone who deals with this on a daily basis.

Rarely have I left a gig wishing to see it all again and that it never stop. On my trip home, I beat myself up for leaving it so long to see this guy, but was content that I had done so.

It'll be Gaz all the way in the car today as I travel up north on business.

Oh, and the T shirts were an affordable £15 a pop. Shame that the XXL size is still too small for me :(

P.S. The Replicas Redux album is a 2 disc affair, with Disc Two being a collection of early recordings of the Replicas songs. The 3rd CD of Remixes was limited to 3000 copies and was only available via Gary's website. I'm hoping mine turns up anyday now :)