On The Dial: Gary Numan Still "Sings" About "Cars"

As one of the early pioneers of synth-pop music, Gary Numan is well known for his 1979 hit single “Cars”.  For those familiar with this song, the distinctive warbling howl of the analog synthesizers you hear right from the first note reminds you immediately of this song.  Then on to the soaring sustained high string note that pins the pieces of the song together.  You may have also heard it somewhere like in a commercial or in a movie soundtrack.  For a refresher, you can listen and watch it here.

Numan has mentioned in other interviews the lyrics to the song “Cars” was inspired by a road-rage incident he experienced meanwhile the instrumentation was composed while he was experimenting with a bass guitar.

What does all of this have to do with Victory & Reseda?  Well, Numan and his band were in Minneapolis, MN on September 11, 2022 performing at First Avenue for the last show of his tour in support of his latest album, “Intruder”.  And it was the last performance by his drummer of over 20 years. Yes, he is still making music with 23 studio albums and almost as many live albums.  Though has largely shed his stiff robotic persona from his early ears, he has transformed into a much heavier, raw industrial sound and presence.  

I had an opportunity to briefly chat with Numan in person at the concert’s Meet & Greet and ask him about what cars he currently owns.  Being on the road doesn’t lend much time to enjoy vehicles he owns Gary admits. He mentioned owning a Fisker Karma recently but had sold it.  He and his family currently own an RV, but Gary mentioned he is planning on selling it.  His wife Gemma is enjoying a black Jeep Wrangler.  As far as vehicle for him, Numan said a Jaguar F-Type recently caught his eye and will be looking into one of those when he returns to his home in Los Angeles after the tour.  

We think he would look quite sporting while he’s “Here in my Jaguar…”.

All photos by George Torline