The return of "THE DIGEST ASKS GARY" is here. It seems like an eternity since we last had a session but I only missed one month. A delay has been caused this month by server problems which kept me off line for more than a week. I apologise for missing last month and will try to keep up in future. Though judging by what has come in so far this month, every two months may be a preferable frequency.

Despite this being two months worth, there are fewer questions than normal. This is due to the fact fewer were sent but also my newly initiated policy of only forwarding questions that are sent with the correct subject line and with the pertinent personal info. Some questions here don't quite meet that standard as they had been manually transferred into my Gary's Qs mailbox before I got tired of doing it.

Past Q & A sessions are at Joey Lindstrom's World Wide Webb site in the Confession section.

Instructions to ask Gary questions are at the end of the Q&As. Enjoy!

I have been a fan since 1979 when I first heard "We are so Fragile" on a
Duke box in a pool hall when I was in College.  My favourite Albums were
"The Pleasure Principle" & "Telekon"  which I played each day when home
from Work for about 4 hours at a time week after week.  The only great
Album since was Berserker.  I bought tickets to the farwell gig at Wembely
but didnt have the courage to go. and gave the tickets away to a Numanfan
I found in the Fan club magazine.  Some years later I went to
Hammersmith in typical Berserker style a few years late, but went
anyway.

I have some Questions.

Q1.  Years ago Gary suggested doing an EP for the Fans. This never
     happened, however would he consider doing an EP now even if
     it was for general release, the theme of the EP being Love songs,
     Such as "This is new Love", "Love needs no Disguise", "You walk
     in my Soul" (and the other few, the names of which escape me) ?
     I think it would make a nice item!  Also a comment I think the words
     of "You walk in my Soul" are excellent but the music is completely
     wrong, it needs a soft, sad, lonely  sound along the lines of Complex
     and if it ends up on such an EP please please do it with such a soft
     sad sound.

A1.  A little sad to read that you only think I've made one great album
     since 1980, I'm a little surprised that you still consider yourself a fan.
     Also, I don't mean to be rude but, I find your comments about the music on
     'You Walk In My Soul', how can I put this, lacking in understanding. 'You
     Walk In My Soul' is not a sad song, it is not about being lonely, it's
     theme is very positive and it sounds the way it does because that's what I
     wanted. As it's my song I would suggest that I'm the best person to decide
     if it came out the way I intended, and it most definitely did. You may
     think that you could have produced it better, and you could well be right,
     but I can assure you that, in it's current form, it is not 'completely
     wrong'.

     I was also a little disappointed to see that you didn't know the names of
     more than 3 of my love songs, or ballads as I call them. In fact one of
     those, 'Love Needs No Disguise' isn't a Numan song at all and the second,
     'This Is New Love', isn't actually a ballad (or love song).


Q2.  I have not had a fan club magazine in ages, have they been stopped
     or is my renewal form long since missing ?

A2.  It would probably be better to write to the Fan Club about this as I
     don't run the Fan Club and the information you require will be held at the
     Fan Club office. I live about 75 miles away from that office.


Q3.  I checked out the Cure on the Internet (being a Cure fan) and
     found a site (official?) which had Fans info as an item. Any chance of a
     Fan base being a part of the Official Numan Site along the lines of the
     PenPal page of the Fan Magazine ?

A3.  You don't actually explain what you mean by 'Fans info as an item' nor
     is it clear what you mean by 'a Fan base being part of' NuWorld so I can't
     answer this question easily. Are you suggesting a simple pen pal address
     page? If so the chances of such a thing on NuWorld are minimal. It would
     eat ever more deeply into the time I have to get all my work done and I
     really think that this sort of contact idea is best left to the Digest
     and/or any of the other fan based web sites. Unfortunately I work flat out
     seven days a week to keep my career going and I don't always have the time
     to adopt some of the suggestions that are sent to me, even if they are
good
     ones. I have no idea if this is a good idea or not for NuWorld but it may
     be something that some of the other sites are interested in.

Regards,
Dominic.

Hi Gary,

 Its been a while (a few months anyway).  First let me say Thank you
 for the extra copy of "Dark Light" you let me keep. I gave to a friend
 of mine who works at a local college radio station and he plays "cuts"
 from it every night he's on (usually Friday nights). The response has
 been very positive and he and I are now working on the possibility of
 getting some songs played on a Boston radio station, 98.5; they air a
 very popular show called "Back to the 80s" every Friday night and we
 thought it would be great if we could get them to play some of your
 newer stuff as well.

Q4.  Do you have a problem with any of this?  Is there any legal matters
     we should be concerned with?  I don't want to try with the radio
     station if you were to have any problems with it.  We all just want to
     do our part to get your music heard.

A4.  I don't honestly know what the legal situation is with something like
     this. I thought that radio stations were required by law to fill out
     certain forms with details of what they played so that PRS monies were sent
     on but I don't really know the ins and outs of it. A radio station playing
     my stuff certainly wouldn't get any hassle from me.


Q5.  A while ago, after the unfortunate flying accidents involving some
     of your friends, you mentioned you were going to take some time to
     think of things, I beleive to think about your future with flying.
     What ever came of that?  Did you decide to take "Curly's" advice in "City
     Slickers"; you know "the secret to life is 1 thing" and concentrate
     even more on music, or are you still going to keep flying at the same pace?

A5.  I've decided to stay flying but the rise in musical work has meant that
     I've had to pull out of all display flying for this year at least. The
     aeroplane is still up for sale as well.

Someone recently asked a question about Paul Gardner and you
mentioned that "you could'nt get over the waste of his death" so I
thought I would mention a funny little "thing" that I hear from time
to time.  The two musicians that mainly influenced my Bass playing are
Geddy Lee (from Rush) and Paul.  When I do shows (or did shows) around
Boston, I would hang out with other musician types afterwards and the
question of influences would always come up, and I would say, yeah
they're Geddy and Paul.  Everyone knows Geddy but most people would
say "Paul who??". I'd say "you know, the bass player for Gary Numan"
and almost always the response is ... they think a bit and say "Oh yeah
he was really good wasn't he".  So maybe his death was a waste, but his
life certainly wasn't.

Oh yeah .. the question ...

Q6.  Your style of music changed after Telekon (at least in my opinion it
     did) and that time coincides with Paul going out on his own (I say that
     since he only worked on one song on "Dance: Nighttalk" and nothing else
     until "Stormtrooper in drag").  How much of an influence did he have on
     your musical style and arrangements?  I'm sure we must have had some since
     he played with you from the beginning.

A6.  Any one that plays well has a bearing on what you do but I tend to
     think that another bass player would have played different things in
     exactly the same songs with the same arrangements. No offence to Paul, I
     think his contribution was impressive and important to all the songs that
     he played on, it's just that I was never in any doubt in those days about
     where the music was going.


Q7.  Since I mentioned him in the previous question I was wondering if
     my favorite solo artist has an opinion of my favorite group, i.e. RUSH.
     Have you ever met them? What do think of their music?  To me, they
     remind me of you since they got where they are today on their own
     terms, and with very little radio play.

A7.  I've never met them and, to be truthful, I can't recall ever hearing a
     RUSH song but I guess I must have. I'll find some RUSH stuff and have a
     listen.


Q8.  and finally .. I was just reading that you may come to the states
     and play after all (hurray!!!), and you might play in Boston (double
     hurray!!!).  Any chance that people like myself who have followed you
     for a while can get a chance to meet you before or after the show?  See
     that, you don't even confirm a record deal yet and people are asking
     favors already ... geeeeze!!

A8.  Hhmmm, where to start. The man that was representing me in America has
     gone missing. I've had no contact for a month and he doesn't answer my
     e-mails. I therefore have no idea what's happening with the record deal
     search or with the U.S.tour. I could say I'm disappointed with this turn of
     events but that dosn't come close to painting the true picture. Stabbed
     through the heart with an axe would be closer to how let down I feel.
     Still, I"ve had similar disappointments before and so I just step back and
     start again. It does show the danger of announcing news though doesn't it?
     I want to keep you all informed as to what's going on, but what's going on
     changes so drastically from day to day I sometimes wonder whether I should
     ever say anything at all.


Oh BTW, how's that record deal coming?  JUST KIDDING.  Good Luck!!

Hi Gary.

We have actually met once.  You were just about to fly off to another airshow
from Biggin Hill and i persuaded your girlfriend (i think?) to take a photo
of us standing next to your harvard.  A great moment in my life but here are
my questions:-

Q9.  Are you still flying and can we see you at any airshows in the future?

A9.  I am still flying but I won't be at any airshows this year.


Q10. What ever happened to your white Harvard as i saw it in bit's a few
     years ago at Duxford?

A10. It was probably undergoing routine maintainence. In fact, depending on
     when you saw it, it may have been going through the two year rebuild. It's
     painted black now by the way.

Gary:

Thanks for all your music and participation in this Q & A.  I must tell you
first off, I support you 100% in your decision to hold back 'Exile."  You do
not have to apologize to me or any of us fans as far as I am concerned.  You
gotts do what is right for you and that's it.  Now to my question.

I know that you are trying to secure a U.S deal for "Exile."  In doing so,
the record company plays a big role in the single selection.  I have
downloaded your Exile samples from your Website and have to say that "Dead
Heaven" sounds like the best song I have heard from you in years.  This song
sounds right on time in terms of the industry and some new singles we are
hearing here in the states (Trent Reznor's, current "New Drug" and Depeche
Mode's new single).

Q11. What do you think the chances are for "Dead heaven" to be issued as a
     single?

A11. As I've not been able to get a deal for 'Exile' anywhere I don't
     really know if I'll put out a single at all from 'Exile'. If I do go for a
     single it will only be in the UK anyway as I don't have any overseas deals.
     I hope desperately that this situation changes but we are going ahead with
     our own plans now anyway, very much a Plan B situation however, and we wait
     to see what develops.


Q12. If not Dead Heaven, what song from "Exile" are you going to lobby and
     support for the first single?  Do you think the record label will have a
     complete say in this without your or your fans input?

A12. If I had secured a deal I would have gone for 'Dead Heaven' or
     'Dominion Day'.


Thanks again for all the great music.  You are an inspiration.  Good Luck
Mate!

Dear Gary,

The London Times article is incredibly exciting!   I went out and picked up a
copy from the local Newsland store---however at $6 a pop, I decided not to
buy them out. It was a very positive interview, I was very glad to see that.

Q13. Anyway, with that two page coverage with photographs, has there been any
     cross over in the states.  For example, has the New York Times perked up
     their ears and called for an interview yet?

A13. Not as yet. The new interest in me here in the UK is quite amazing, I
     did FHM magazine yesterday, a big spread in The Guardian is coming out
     soon, and there is more to come. I've been doing interviews with people in
     the U.S. as you may already know but also in Canada and soon in Australia
     and South Africa, so it's all going to help the fight.


And many congratulations on your engagement, break my heart -- it's ok  ;- )

First, I would like to Thank You Gary for producing great Music for the
past 18 years of My Life!!!!!!You are by Far One of the best(if not the
best) Musicians out there.  This year I finally joined the Fan club, and
i've been reading alot of what some fans have been pushing you to do. I
strongly agree with you, 100% about making this EXILE CD, The BEST NUMAN
CD TO THIS DAY.  I beleive this is it, although I have only heard a few
seconds of a few new tracks. The fans that want you to rush I beleive are
thinking about themselfs, and not what a positive outcome this could mean
to you, and FANS themselfs, including myself! I've been waiting a long
time, to see you back on the road.  Also to see your GREAT MUSIC BACK ON
THE HMV  RECORD SHELVES!! All I can say is keep up the hard work, because
I'm sure it isn't easy outhere, but you are by far A PROFESSIONAL in the
Music Industry!!!

I have two questions

Q14. I saw that Toronto is on the list of cities you might be touring in
     July, I beleive that Montreal,would also be a good city to tour.  Look at
     bands like Dead can Dance, they never get air play but there shows have
     been sold out the past couple of years that they have played in Montreal.
     The venues are max. 1500.  I think you can fill out at least 1500 easily in
     Montreal, so do you think Montreal is a possibility?

A14. I am honestly happy to play anywhere but where I go, at least to begin
     with, is very much under the guidance of promoters and agents who, until I
     learn the situation myself, will send me to where they think is best to
     build up my profile. At the moment I just hope I get to play somewhere,
     anywhere, over there.


Q15. Now by far SACRIFICE cd is the  best cd , you have produced to this
     day.  Congratulations, I love it love it, love it!!!!, now do you think if
     Exile  gets released you might reproduce, or push this cd as much as Exile
     maybe  re promote it, because it deserves that!!!!!!

A15. Thank you for the kind comments. Without a deal for 'Exile' I'm not
     able to push it at all which is why I was hanging on so long for a new
     deal. Without it I'm wasting my time outside the UK and I'm not doing much
     better in the UK. Still, can't wait for ever and so we'll have to wait and
     see about what I can do to try and push 'Exile'. 'Sacrifice' however is
     coming out in the U.S. this year albiet with a slightly different track
     listing and with special artwork. I have the details of this on the 'This
     Month' (May) section of NuWorld.

I know I wrote a book here, but thought I should atleast let the MAN know
he is One Great Musician, Artist, Name it Your the BEST!! No matter what
the outcome of Exile cd, I am And will always be a NUMANOID!!!
Thank you and like they say in Quebec MERDE!!! (Good Luck with the futur
plans Gary)!!!!!

Q16. How was your promotional trip to New York recently?  Was much
     accomplished with regard to a US record deal for you?

A16. It was very good promotionally but I didn't get a deal. I have a write
     up about it running in the 'Special' section of NuWorld.


Q17. During your recent trip to the US, did you meet with Trent Reznor (ala
     Nine Inch Nails)?  Rumour has it that you might have had Trent remix the
     Exile album.  Care to comment on that one?

A17. Having Trent Reznor working on the album would have been great. He
     has, apparently, taken a few copies of it to listen to but I don't know
     what's happened as my man in America has, as I've said, gone missing.


Best of luck with the new record deal, Gary!  I hope during your next visit
to the US, you stop by the mid-section (ie Chicago) as well!!  Count me as a
positive vote for a release of one of the shows during the 1996 Premier
Tour!!!  I can't get enough of your live music.  Your live music is simply
the best IMHO :-)))

Gary,

Q18. At what point in your recordings do you generally consider your mature
     period to have kicked in?  Do you see it as sudden or as a more gradual
     process?

A18. I see it as sudden actually and it began with 'Sacrifice' so it took
     me a long time to grow up. Maturity and me are only recently acquainted.

thanks

Hi Gary.

Recently myself and Phil Marsh (another Digest subsriber) started a
little project which involves recording very different sounding
versions of you songs.

However he wants to name it after one of your songs, and
I really want it to be called "Mrs Mop"

Q19. Could you possibly help us avoid a big fight, and write
     a new song for "Exile" called "Mrs Mop". This would
     leave us both happy, and give you your first single
     release from "Exile". I'm sure that somehow it could fit
     into the overall theme of the album (might need some
     tweaking though...)

A19. I'll start first thing tomoorow:-)


All the best for the next album Gary, and lets hope you
get the major deal you deserve.

Dear Gary,

Q20. Have you ever considered releasing your videos on Laserdisc?

A20. Not so far. Is there much of a market for laserdisc? My friend has one
     but I don't know anyone else that has. Making very small numbers of
     anything, like vinyl albums for instance, is hard to justify these days.
     I'll look into it as soon as I can and see what's involved.

Thank you for your time!

"Gary's Questions" is made possible by the kindness of Gary Numan and Derek Langsford whose job it is to give Gary some privacy while having a presence on the Digest.

To ask Gary a question, email it to:

Derek Langsford (dlangs@sunstroke.sdsu.edu)

With a subject line of:

Gary's Qs

Don't forget your name, town/city, state/county/province and country with your questions, even those I know where they live.

PLEASE FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS PRECISELY. THIS IS AN INTELLIGENCE TEST!!!! NEW POLICY --- QUESTIONS RECEIVED WITHOUT THE PERSONAL INFORMATION OR THE CORRECT SUBJECT LINE WILL NOT BE FORWARDED TO GARY!

I reserve the right to edit or return questions for rewording or withdrawal. No questions will be dropped without the author being given the opportunity to reword their question.

Have a nice day!