Gary Numan Brings Intense Vibes To The Underground

Electronic Music Pioneer Delivers In Charlotte

Greetings, fellow music lovers! As the saying goes, another day, another concert, and once again, Shutter 16 Magazine is on the scene bringing you all the facts and photos from your favorite artists and shows. Our most recent adventure has our Editor-in-Chief, Kris, out at The Underground Charlotte checking out all the hype behind the English musician and singer-songwriter, Gary Numan.

Whether it’s the dark, fierce industrial rhythms or the joy and elation of more classic synth-pop songs, Gary Numan does it all. Not only does he do it, but he also dominates it.

Fun Fact: In November and December 1981, Numan successfully flew around the world in his Piper PA-31 Navajo with co-pilot Bob Thompson.

His early forays into the music scene had him fronting the new wave band Tubeway Army, but it was the 1979 release of his debut solo album, The Pleasure Principle, that really saw things explode for him in a big way. The album would go on to reach number one in the UK charts, spawning the hit UK single “Cars” and the rest, as they say, is history.

Fun Fact: Gary’s army of fans often refer to themselves as “Numanoids.”

47 years later, and Numan is still at the top of his game. His live shows are an experience like no other, and for one night, lucky Charlotte music fans would be able to see and hear the legend in action.

Opening the show was the Los Angeles duo Tremours, featuring Lauren Andino on guitar, Moog, and vocals, and Glenn Fryatt on drums. Their set was a whirlwind of haunting rhythms and pulsating beats, providing the perfect start to a night of music that fans won’t soon forget.

Fun Fact: In 1996, Numan’s hit single “Cars” was used in an advertisement by Carling Premier Beer.

After a short break, it was the moment we all had been waiting for. The venue lights dimmed, and the band took the stage with Gary making his entrance to the shouts of “Gary! Gary!” from the fans up front.

Gary wasted no time blasting into “Halo” amid a wash of blue lights only interrupted by the occasional blast of blinding white flashes. It was only the first song, but it was clear from the start that Numan is in a class of his own. He moved around the small stage like someone possessed by the music, a look of potent ferocity on his face. His stage clothes dark and menacing to accompany the moods of the music.

His band was in top form throughout the set as they executed each note with not only skill but a passion unsurpassed by most. Guitarist Steve Harirs and bassist Tim Slade were dressed in black floor-length robe-like garments, faces painted with just the right amount of black here and there. They reminded me of Pinhead from the “Hellraiser” movies, minus, of course, all those pins.

Gary’s set was a great mix of old and new songs, with his hit single “Cars” and the blast from his Tubeway Army days, “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” 47 years into his career, and Numan is still performing like the legend he is.

Gary will be out on tour through mid-April here in North America, so you still have a chance to check out his dynamic live show up close and personal. Do not miss it!

Fun Fact: Gary Numan is considered part of the “holy trinity of synth-pop” along with OMD and the Human League.

See the Full Gallery of the Night Here!

If you captured any shots of the night, feel free to tag us on social media at Shutter 16 Magazine and throw in #Shutter16 and #TwitFromThePit for the world to see.