A Question Of Faith

Jorja Fullerton's Story

My name is Jorja Fullerton and I have been a Numanoid since 1979. It was the beginning of my senior year at college that I too first heard Cars on the radio. Because of its uniqueness I instantly fell in love with the song (and to this day that opening musical "wawawawawawa.." still does something to me). It was so amazingly different than the other crap they played in the 70's. Because of it, I plunged head first into the, then new, new-wave scene. I immediately ran out to buy the Pleasure Principle, and within the next few weeks also bought Replicas and Tubeway Army. I have been a loyal fan ever since. I feel extremely lucky to have seen at least one live show at a small club in Cincinnati in 1982 (the I Assassin tour). I would really love to go to England to see Gary Numan tour, but once again, Reality gets in the way of my Dreams. I can only hope that (someday) he will grace America with his presence again.

What draws me to Numan's music is definitely two things.

  1. That unique voice. It has that wonderful rare quality that just rubs me the right way. Few possess it. Something that I can only describe to my friends as "the voice thing".
  2. The music. Soothing... intense... like a steamy cup of really good coffee. It's more than the way it sounds, it's the way it makes me FEEL. That ethereal synth music, the driving beat, the darkness, the emotion, it's what I crave after I come home from a particularly crappy day at work. IT IS MY SANITY! I gain a certain strength from Numan's music. It is almost...uplifting.

What I most admire is Gary's ability to not just survive, but to thrive in what at times to me seems like a cold and uncaring world. To never be afraid to try new things or ever stop trying. And as long as he wants to produce music (whatever HE wants), I will listen. Granted I'm not going to love everything, but who does with anything? I will always be grateful to Gary for being such an integral part of my life.

I too, like many fans, have been subjected to the constant ridicule from friends, family, and from well, everyone else for I know no other Numan fans. After 16 years I've pretty much learned how to ignore what other people say or think. They will never understand. They will never know the excitement, the sheer joy that comes from a Numan song. Let them be jealous.

It is not enough to say Gary Numan is "of our generation" for he is so many things to so many of us. I cannot imagine getting through life without his music. He does have the best and most loyal fans in the business. And yes, I agree, he has certainly earned our loyalty.

It is indeed an exciting time to be a Numan fan!

Jorja Fullerton
Philadelphia, PA, USA
p.whinnery@genie.com


What does it mean to you to be a Gary Numan fan? Send your story to Joey Lindstrom