Gary Numan plays Ace of Spades in Sacramento California April 2 2022

 

It was a beautiful Saturday night as I headed back to The Ace Of Spades in Sacramento, California. Tonight’s outing was electronic music legend Gary Numan. The house was packed tonight with a mixture of electronic, Industrial, Goth and post-punk fans. Gary Numan first rose to notoriety in the 80’s with the hit “Cars“. That track cemented him as an icon and pioneer in the electronic music scene eventually winning the 2016 Moog Innovation award.  Also, in 2017, he was awarded the Inspiration award from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors. Electronic music would not be what it is today without Numan.

 Opening for Gary Numan was I Speak Machine. I Speak Machines is the moniker for artist. Tara Busch and her laptop. She was new to me but, I quickly became a fan. The music was solid and her performance was on point. She worked the stage like a seasoned veteran, only returning to the laptop to start the next track. Her powerful vocals drew the crowd in and set the mood for the rest of the evening. I liked this set so much that, between sets, I went to the merch booth and picked up both of the CD’s she had available.

 

 

 

Gary Numan hit the stage with a vengeance starting with the title track to his new album Intruder. Through out his set, he interlaced all of my favorite Numan songs. The main highlight, for me, was a heavier, grittier version of the 80’s classic “Cars”. I love the original version,  however, this is now my favorite.  I want to go see him again just to hear this. It was really that amazing. Other highlights included “Down in the Park”, “Love Hurt Bleed”, “My Name is Ruin” and a cover of the Nine Inch Nails “Metal”.  The whole set was an onslaught of light and sound that was perfect in every way.  At 64 years old, he exhibited the energy of someone half his age and his vocals were strong and unwavering. The accompanying band set the visual stage as they flowed through the songs with style and grace. This was an experience to behold.

 If you can, catch a show on this tour. You will not be disappointed. 

 

 

 

Gary Numan set list

1). Intruder

2). Metal

3). The Promise

4). The Gift

5). Halo

6). Films

7). Ghost Nation

8). Love Hurt Bleed

9). Pray for the Pain You Serve

10). Bed of Thorns

11). Down in the Park

12). Cars

13). Here in the Black

14). My Name is Ruin

15). The Chosen

16). A Prayer for the Unborn

Encore

17). The Fall

18). Are Friends Electric

 

 

 

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