The Pleasure Principle was published in 1979, not in 1980.

Posted by Florian on Tuesday, 10/29/2013 @ 09:53am

Thanks again, Florian.

Posted by FRL on Tuesday, 10/29/2013 @ 10:12am

Almost 5+ years later, and Gary Numan is still tops for me as far as electronic music goes. I retract my admittedly shallow "Godfather of Electronica" statement, as I've gotten deeper into synthpop, house, hi-NRG, electro, and other related genres since then (In my defense, I was just beginning to really dive into electronic music then). I now obviously recognize Kraftwerk, Brian Eno, Wendy Carlos, etc. as being the vanguard in electronic music and inspiring subsequent movements, including my much-loved synthpop. :)

That all said, I think Gary Numan does play a pretty significant role in shaping electronic music. His Tubeway Army work, while obviously operating out of the punk/post-punk (the latter of which was more synth-friendly, generally speaking) mold, does point toward the synthpop explosion of 1979-1984 (give or take a couple years). Just from listening at Replicas, I can hear some crucial links between Numan's TWA period and his solo peak, especially the very futuristic-sounding and slightly poppier tracks like Praying to the Aliens and When the Machines Rock. He did wield significant influence over the likes of Afrika Bambaataa, Devo, the Prodigy, Marilyn Manson, and Nine Inch Nails, to name a few major names. His triple threat of Replicas, The Pleasure Principle, and Telekon all helped synthpop become a viable genre, commercially and critically. Numan also received a boost critcally this year with his receiving the Moog Innovation Award at this year's Moogfest.

There are some choice quotes here that illustrate the influence Numan has had on his contemporaries and disciples: https://www.atpfestival.com/artist/garynuman

Posted by Zach on Sunday, 09/18/2016 @ 00:49am

A true genius

Posted by DanO on Tuesday, 01/28/2020 @ 12:49pm

Gary as we know was successful in the late 70s early 80s, however he has had a wider success since 1992, Sacrifice was a life changing album for Numan, with exile and the much lorded Pure delighting his Career.
The lsdtvtwo albums have reached high chart numbers and a number 1 EP as well 'The Fallen'
Gary has continued to change and innovate throughout his career not only acquiring a Moog award, but also an Ivan Novello award to music.
Kraftwerk were ground breaking, but then so was Jean Michel Jarre.
Numan however gave success to the masses and fired up a genre that was just faltering along.
His world wide success on it's own should be enough for recognition in the hall of fame.
His last two tours were sell outs, and an awe inspiring concert at the Albert Hall in London was just spectacular with a full orchestra and choir.
So if anyone thinks he doesn't deserve entry to the Hall of Fame, then your not thinking straight.
Have Depeche Mode had a UK number 1, have any single members had an amazing career, even Yazoo, and Erasure haven't had Numans success or longevity. So why do they get in?

Posted by Martin Hickmott on Sunday, 11/8/2020 @ 08:47am

Just saw Gary Numan at Webster Hall in NYC on the Intruder tour. Then I heard Dolly Parton has DECLINED the nomination. No disrespect toward her - she is a legend and a music icon IN COUNTRY MUSIC not rock. And it was really classy of her to decline on that basis so thankyou Ms Parton for this act of class.

HOWEVER - if she was being considered - why is Gary Numan not in consideration. Its not a genre bias - his early music was highly influential on many many band - NIN, Foo Fighters, Manson - look at how many times his music has been covered or been in film scores.

And the bottom line here - his music since the early 2000's especially Savage Songs (2017) and Intruder (2022) are very very clearly edgy and hard. Influential, longevity, chameleon, and still making kick ass music. What is the Hall waiting for - Numan Numan Numan!!!!!!!

Posted by Darwin Zwar on Wednesday, 03/16/2022 @ 13:21pm

Numan is an undervalued and under appreciated artist who has stood the test of time for nearly 45 years. His music keeps getting better with time. I know it because I've been a fan since 1979. Numan's career success doesn't need RR HOF induction to validate his significant contribution to and influence in music. His music will live forever. The RR HOF is reserved for those who must have RR HOF status to validate their careers. Numan is not one of them!

Posted by David Robles on Thursday, 05/4/2023 @ 15:01pm