Glasgow Apollo 20th September 1979 Review (New Musical Express 29th September 1979)

There is no denying that the knives were out for Numan very early on. In fact this review of Numan's first post Tubeway Army gig, the opening night of the 'Touring Principle' at Glasgow Apollo on 20th September 1979, says very little that would encourage a potential punter to see the show elsewhere on the tour. All the usual stock criticisms are present and correct, fully formed even at this career stage, from the wooden stage persona of the lead singer, to the accustations of Bowie plagarism. Gibson didn't go a bundle on the music either.

New Musical Express (29th September 1979)

A full set recording of this Glasgow debut can be found here.

Guildhall Preston 23rd September 1987

 

Many thanks to Mark for sharing this gig from the 'Exhibition Tour' of 1987. This is a full set recording as opposed to the Glasgow Radio Clyde broadcast posted some time ago. Thanks for the share, it's much appreciated. I saw him in Guildford at this time. The set is notable for the inclusion of 'The Sleeproom' and 'My Breathing', the strongest two tracks from the 'Strange Charm' album in my opinion.

FLAC: https://we.tl/t-DHe7itwGl7

Artwork: https://we.tl/t-ulJ5r3RhiB

Radio Interview September 1980

 

Here's a UK radio interview from the first week of September 1980 (based on the reference to the 'Teletour' kicking off on the coming Thursday in Birmingham (4th September)) and sorry, the radio station is unknown, with no pointers in the discussion. In a rather awkward interview, typical of the time, Gary opines on influences, critisism and the very recent decision to stop touring.

MP3: https://we.tl/t-aU6U3xXVgD

Bristol Hippodrome 12th September 1980

 

Listening to 'Like a B-Film' has put me in a 'Telekon' mood. Here is a noisy audience recording from Bristol on the original tour.

FLAC: https://we.tl/t-uZvZtvL8xv

Artwork: https://we.tl/t-sFAX5NLMAZ

Telekon 25th Anniversary Expanded Edition

 

By my own admission I can be quite cynical about reissues, but just sometimes, they come with something special. Numan is very prolific these days with releases beyond his studio album output. No problem with this, and I have to say that whilst these releases do not come cheap, the people in the Numan camp are very adept at putting together very desirable, brilliantly presented material.

Such is the case with the new 45th anniversary expanded edition of 'Telekon'. I have preordered the top of the range vinyl release and the CD version (force of habit that). Since ordering I have been listening to 'Like a B-Film' on heavy rotation! What a discovery! It is genuinely exiting to hear something completely new from 1980. I can only wonder about the decision making that left this track of the final cut of the original album. Whether as an album track or a B-side, 'Like a B-Film' was certainly good enough to see the light of day at the time.

Situations like this only ever make me wonder what else lies in the vaults in forgotten cannisters of studio tape. Remember how exciting it was back in '83/'84 to be presented with a wealth of 'unknown' material when the Tubeway Army E.P.s and 'The Plan' appeared. But for now, one track will suffice and its a good one!

Inked Again!

 

'Grey overcoat and he could be anyone

A random poll check, "Do you ever think of women?"

They broke him down into a torn old queen

Living somewhere between dead and dying.'

Gary Numan

21cm x 30cm linoprint

Black ink on cream card.

Gary Numan And Little Boots BBC 6 Music Session DVD

 

Here's one of those musical collaboration sessions that BBC 6 Music do so very well. This is some years old now but thoroughly enjoyable. I have two versions of this, One that I authoured myself and this one, which either came from Dime or Punktorrents. Many thanks to the original uploader! The audio of this is also currently on this site, just search under 2009 and it will come up.

DVD Image: https://we.tl/t-bZcQ3rVqkB

Artwork: https://we.tl/t-ujIve2eJ3B