Gary Numan

Gary Numan's future-forward fusion of electronic and New Wave music pioneered the acceptance and adoption of synthesizers in mainstream pop.

London-born Numan first surfaced in the electronic punk band Tubeway Army, the first band to top the UK pop chart with a synthesizer-based single, 1979's "Are 'Friends' Electric?" Numan abandoned the Tubeway Army banner to release his debut solo LP, 1979's The Pleasure Principle; its lead single, "Cars," was an international hit.

Beyond its embrace of synthesizers, Numan's music is characterized by atmospheric soundscapes and science-fiction themes. His lyrics often explore themes relating to technology, isolation and dystopian society, and his influence can be heard in the work of many electronic and alternative artists.