Gary Numan
| Gary Numan | ||
|---|---|---|
| ||
| Background information | ||
| Birth name | Gary Anthony James Webb | |
| Born | March 8, 1958 (age 66) | |
| Years active | 1977–present | |
| Instrument(s) | guitar, vocals, keyboards | |
| Website | garynuman.com | |
Gary Numan is an English musician, songwriter, and producer. He came to prominence in the late 70s as a member of the new wave band Tubeway Army, and later found success as a solo artist with hit songs such as "Cars" and "Are 'Friends' Electric?"
Influence on Weezer
Gary Numan was an influence on several members of Weezer. Numan, along with the Cars and Devo, were influential in Weezer's use of Moog synthesizers, and was a primary influence on Matt Sharp's band the Rentals.
In 1992, Weezer covered the Gary Numan song "M.E.," with Pat Wilson on lead vocals.
In 2005, Weezer covered "Are 'Friends' Electric?" at a concert in Fresno, CA, with Brian Bell and Pat Wilson on lead vocals and Rivers Cuomo on synth. A recording of this performance was later released as a b-side to various single releases of "Pork and Beans" in 2008.
Influence on the Rentals
Numan is referenced by name in the song "Sweetness and Tenderness":
"I guess it's real simple
It's just like when Gary Numan says
You're just a viewer, cold and distant
You are just business, you're worthless".
In 1997, Sharp and Damon Albarn released a cover of the song "We Have a Technical" for the Gary Numan tribute album Random.
