British Dad Reacts. Gary Numan: Are Friends Electric

Gary Numan – Are ‘Friends’ Electric
#numan #electronic #music #tubewayarmy #postpunk #synthpop #electropop #newwave #1979 #70s #70smusic

This is a Gary Numan, Gary Webb an English musician, classic called Are 'Friends’ Electric. Although originally released in 1979 (45 years ago) under the band name Tubeway Army and was sold as a picture disc. With his distant, alien futuristic persona Numan rapidly became a star on his own and a pioneer of a new electronic sound.

At the time Numan was writing science fiction stories and, in his view, it seemed to fit with electronic music, and this song was a futuristic song about electronic prostitutes. They were in grey coats and would go around delivering services.

He was lucky enough to discover a MOOG synthesiser in the studio, and the sound of it changed his music, and music of an era.

He had troubles in his career particularly when his careered declined and he suffered a lot of bad press and debts. He did eventually marry one of his fans, Gemma O’Neill, and has written an autobiography, and is also a pilot.

Rare version, from 1979
   • Tubeway Army   Are Friends Electric  ...  
This is a live version with a full orchestra
   • Gary Numan & Skaparis Orchestra - Are...  
There is a great re-make of this song as part of the All Saints Basement Sessions
   • Gary Numan 'Are Friends Electric?'   ...  

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