Gary Numan

I didn’t have my picture taken with Gary because I wanted to be polite to the other autograph seekers at Waterloo Records. Being first in line (for once), I felt obligated to not be that asshole who gobbled up his brief window of time.

As much as I talk smack about SXSW due to it being a magnet for NYC, LA and other major cities’ jet trash (an accurate expression coined by a co-worker), I always make an effort to attend at least one Waterloo Records showcase. Waterloo is my number one store for new stuff, long-time friend Chip helps book the artists, it’s free and it is nice to take an afternoon off from work, ride the train downtown, enjoy Spring. The people watching is often amusing, especially the influx of Hipsters, ©Rappers and self-important members of the Industry, the latter you can usually spot with their badges representing which dying outlet they will be laid off from eventually.

This Spring the cool show was New Wave legend Gary Numan. Yes, yes, he’s still around and like many artists…he never went away. His sound has changed over the years as he has embraced Nine Inch Nails, Filter and Orgy. It took a few listens to gain an appreciation but I grew to like the new Gary. I have yet to pick up his catalog between The Pleasure Principle and the 2005 album I found through Alternative Classics to get a better idea about his sound’s evolution.

When I discovered Gary Numan was performing at Waterloo Records, I made sure I scheduled the time to see him.

Once I arrived at the store, I spotted Chip and kept him company in the nice weather. During the shows, Chip guards the small parking area next to Waterloo so the acts can get in/out quickly, load/unload their gear, etc. Besides keeping him company, I make sure he has plenty of water, assist should he need a little break and catch up since we’ve last talked. Gary cut it pretty close to show time. We kept waiting and looking for the car or van that would bring him. I also amused myself with a little game called, count the number of idiots on their phone while driving at a super-busy intersection. Result? 13. Roughly a quarter of the passing cars. All drivers were solo, mostly ladies.

Getting into the new Gary Numan sound paid off. I was familiar with his current appearance. He and his appeared under the wire via pedi-cab! I couldn’t stop laughing. It was amusing, not ridiculous. To me it demonstrated a concern for the environment and/or a willingness to help a cycling enthusiast make some money.

Well Gary hit the stage, did four numbers. Mostly newer material which I liked and played his crowd-pleasing hit “Cars.” He’s still got it! Especially when he took off on the keyboard solo.

For my brief face time, I was thrilled to see Gary Numan smiles and laughs when off the stage. I didn’t think he is all serious and somber all the time. You just get accustomed to the public persona musicians present in concerts or (if they’re aired) music videos. I thanked him for coming, let him know his sequence from Urrgh! A Music War remains a favorite performance of mine despite the giggling you hear from the audience in theaters. He smiled, said, yeah it’s kind of silly now. I followed up with “do you still have the cart?” Gary turned to his wife to ask and she said, “Yes, it’s at your dad’s place.” Awesome!