Gary Numan

(R)Evolution CONSTABLE

The robot-turned-flesh recounts his rise, fall and rise again.

Four decades ago, as Are ‘Friends’ Electric? and then Cars – both phenomenal records – introduced a chilly, apparently unfeeling android of pop, we all believed Numan was distant, scary and scared. In 2020 he’s one of the most candid, funny, chatty guys in the game. And while a delight to talk to, he – importantly – knows that on stage you throw those big, starry, spectacular Messiah poses like there’s no tomorrow.

Complex? He sure is. The honest, vulnerable version seems to have written this autobiography, although the one who retains mystique has tapped him on the shoulder now and again and said: “Easy, tiger.” So it’s almost as confessional as you’d expect. Which is pretty darn confessional.

From supportive family to 21-year-old star with no guidance as to how to handle it, and as-yet-undiagnosed Asperger’s syndrome, his youth was dizzying. At 25 he thought it was all over: he was mocked, in debt, depressed. He married his biggest fan and his luck changed. Trent Reznor championed him, and by 2017 he had a No.2 album again. He’s rightly proud of clawing his way back. There’s also much on his adventures with aeroplanes, and his kids. The lovable alien. ■■■■■■■■■■