I made my way to Camden early so I could stake out the Electric Ballroom throughout the day to watch the growing crowd for Gary Numan. It looks like a small club from the outside, dark, and blends in with the other shops surrounding it and it was nice to see an epic line stretching along the road and around the corner so early in the day.
I continued my travels around Camden Lock and through to the stables. You can see why there are so many venues here with so much to offer. I head back to the Electric Ballroom to see the queue had got much larger. There were hard-ass staff on the door, taking absolutely no crap! And trust me there were a few fans who are old enough to know better, pushing through and giving it all the big show, to no avail.
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I loved seeing people dressed in the old 80s goth and romantic clothing (it felt like a warm memory of seeing my older sisters getting ready to go out for the evening), alongside middle-aged men who look like they teach geography, and a few youngsters. You couldn’t say it wasn’t a diverse crowd! I had the pleasure of chatting with a couple from Crewe who had seen Gary Numan countless times. They spoke about his not-so-great performances back in the day to his more recent tours which they enjoyed. I met a Gary Numan tribute performer who was so friendly and a super fan, I almost mistook him for the man himself!
First up was Raven Numan, Gary Numan’s two daughters with their young and very talented band. They made a nice and simple entrance, nothing too fancy but effective nonetheless. They have a very New World Order vibe with their electro-gothic romantic sounds, a slow and sleazy sound, just the right amount of dreamy lust. Their performance took me back to the 90s electro goth scene, being a teenager and all the nights I had at The Asylum alternative night club in Gillingham. Happy times and lots of amazing memories.
They have a shy presence to them as any new band would on their first few shows, and have been incredibly lucky to have been given this opportunity to tour at a higher level. I wasn’t overly keen on the sexist remarks and wolf whistles these professionals were having to endure, thought. It’s the 2020s, not the 1970s and that is no way to treat anyone! These girls only share the Numan name and maybe some electro sound, everything else is originally them and long may they continue. I look forward to hearing more from them in the future.
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After a short break and a quick set change, it was time for the main event. I haven’t seen Gary Numan before so I was very intrigued about how this would play out. He was warmly
welcomed when he appeared, with lots of love and arm swaying from the audience.
There was an almost experimental dance from one of the guitarists which was very effective in getting some old goth dance moves from a few ladies who were standing by one of the bars.
He came out to “Down in the Park” (originally by Gary’s first band Tubeway Army), the hauntingly beautiful first track with hypnotic movements from Gary as well as the women around me.
There was a nice steady hum from the crowd which makes a pleasant change from the gigs I normally go to. You can truly see why Gary Newman is the godfather of industrial metal. Four decades strong and this man is immortal. He hasn’t lost any of his charms from the late 70s; his banter with the crowd going down really well.
Featuring a well-placed light show and effects, considering the stage is very intimate, the stage and lighting crew have done an amazing job, even changing up the colours to a traffic light theme during “Cars”, including the original neon pyramid. We’re treated to some interpretive dance from the guitarist between tracks and when the pace slowed. There were nice crossovers and time changes, all smooth and well performed by Gary and his band.
We were treated to continuous energy throughout. What physicality to be able to withstand the heat of the lights and the power of performing and still put on an amazing show without breaking a sweat.
Congratulations, Mr Numan, and thank you for an epic 1000th show. It was a pleasure to have been a small part of it.
Review by Donna Richards
Photos by Bracken Hake
