Live Review: Gary Numan / Raven – Electric Ballroom, London 14.04.2023


Michael Hundertmark

A Trio run of special sold out shows took place at the iconic Electric Ballroom in Camden marking t the 998, 988 and 1000 shows from Gary Numan and will go down in history for the long standing illustrious career from the godfather of synth pop. Special guest for the shows was Raven Numan his daughter which was her first live concerts.

This is a milestone Gary Numan’s achievement from his beginnings in the late 70’s, slowly carving a sonic language of his own, sounding like nothing else, with his whirling and buzzing synthesisers which served as the foundation of his musical communication and is performed to a fine tuning and perfection. In 1980 Gary Numan topped the album charts with his studio album ‘Telekon’ and the singles ‘We Are Glass’ and ‘I Die. You Die’ but decided to retire from touring in 1981 after a series of shows at Wembley Arena but was short lived!

Kicking off the evening entertainment was the live debut from ‘Raven Numan’, his daughter taking to the stage in a professional manner. Singing alongside her was her sister Persia in a distinctive gothic manner with harmonic singing and edgy, sliding guitar backing! Both Raven and Persia have both sung alongside as backing vocals for Gary Numan’s latest album ‘Intruder’ and you can see the talent emerging and talent taken from her father’s influence.

After the short exhilarating set from Raven, Gary Numan takes to the stage. The response from the audience is immense with the devoted ‘Numanoids’ chanting in a devoted manner!

With a wash of Green strobe lights, synths and shrieking guitars riffs, ‘Resurrection’ was played out. But arguably the highlight of the evening was the catchy ‘Cars’, sounding as fresh as ever with Numan being on top form giving the fans a night to remember. On occasions, he swings wildly behind his guitar stand as being lost in his music. ‘The gift’ leans for to the darker side of his and the crowd are liking this!

From the very first instrumental notes played on stage to the rendition of ‘Are Friends’ electric’ encore, there is a familiarity in every impeccable song played to be a memorable night for fans. Gary Numan stayed fully committed to his decades of songs performing to Old and new fans alike, who had stood queuing in an orderly fashion around the block way before the show start time.

Gary Numan Set List, Electric Ballroom, London:

Intro / Resurrection

Down in The Park

That’s Too Bad

Rip

M.E

Bed of Thorns

Films

Crazier

Exile

Everyday I Die

Ghost Nation

The Chosen

Cars

Is This World Not Enough

My Jesus

The Gift

My Name is Ruin

A Prayer for the Unborn

Encore:

Me! I Disconnect From You

Are Friends Electric

Previous Track: Ardz - Needing You
Next Premiere: 'Up And Down' - We get a first look at the new video for the new single from Benny J. Ward (Rinehearts)

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