Win Tickets ($70): Gary Numan @ Revolution Hall | w/ A Place To Bury Strangers
We are giving away a pair of tickets to Gary Numan @ Revolution Hall on May 16. To win, comment below on this post why you’d like to attend. Winner will be drawn and emailed May 8.
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From our sponsors:
Gary Numan
May 16 2023
Doors 7PM, Show 8PM | $35 | 21+
More info: event.etix.com
Revolution Hall
1300 SE Stark St., Portland, OR
May, 1979. It’s an ordinary Thursday evening, which means it’s time for Top of the Pops. Amidst a zeitgeist of punk and disco, the show suddenly appears to be interrupted by a transmission from the future. A luminous synth riff echoes out, a beat drives on and upsteps an otherworldly figure – part robot, part alien – to deliver an enigmatic lyric depicting some kind of android existence in a dystopian future. It’s Gary Numan fronting Tubeway Army for their breakthrough hit ‘Are ‘Friends’ Electric?’.
Of the millions that are watching, few would’ve recognised that this moment foreshadows the shape of music to come, from synth-pop to industrial and alt-pop. That, however, can’t stop it igniting the imagination of an audience that would swell into a devoted following.
Fast-forward to January, 2021. Numan’s latest single ‘Intruder’ pulsates ominously as if it’s soundtracking an imminent threat. As austere synths loom like shadows and industrial beats are detonated, the beguiling hook towers like a beacon in the darkness. It’s visionary and venomous, with a narrative that imagines the Earth growing angry at mankind’s actions, and more than willing to fight back. In the accompanying video, Numan looks even more out of time than he did back in 1979, like an intergalactic refugee fighting for his own existence.
Those two songs show how Numan has consistently fought against the grain to stick resolutely to his creative vision. In a career that spans over forty years, the music evolves and the themes change. But fans remain fascinated by Numan for the very fact that he’s so uncompromising.
Any story charting four decades will be a mixed blessing of momentous highs and meagre lows. The achievements are remarkable for someone who never made any concessions to mainstream success. Seven Top 10 singles, including ‘Are ‘Friends’ Electric?’ and the debut solo hit ‘Cars’; seven Top 10 albums, three of which topped the charts; and huge critical acclaim, most notably with the Inspiration Award at the prestigious Ivor Novellos.
Naturally, there were times when Numan was very much not in vogue. Sure, there would be ripples of rediscovery but there were years when his increasingly conceptual albums were primarily embraced by hardcore fans. He wasn’t troubling the charts, but audiences were still flocking to see him perform – almost every UK tour would include a sold-out show at the 5000 capacity Hammersmith Apollo.
Gradually, though, praise from Nine Inch Nails, Prince and David Bowie led to a reappraisal of his work. And that has been magnified in recent years with Kanye West, Lady Gaga and Dave Grohil citing him as an influence.
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Gary Numan’s music reminds me of a mix of David Bowie meets Nine Inch Nails. I would love to see this legendary musician in person and take a friend who has never been to Revolution Hall before, plus free tickets will give me some extra cash to spend on drinks and concert merchandise at the show.
This would be quite the show. Liked his stuff in the 80’s and can’t wait to hear his current music. Tickets please…..
He had great songs in the 80’s ! This would be a fun show to see, please
Who doesn’t love a show that would make u feel sain
I will be the youngest person there please let me win
Gary Numan is amazing live!!! I would love to have the opportunity to see him again especially as the show is at the Revolution Hall!
Life has been crazy lately and I would love to have a night of loud bright fun. And I love Gary.
I am ready to visit Mr. Numan’s strange land. Especially on your tab.
Whoop whoop
I dream of wires.
Love Gary Numan. Love A Place to Bury Strangers. Love free tickets from PDX Pipeline for this show <3
Would love to see Gary Numan live. Have been listening to his music 30+ yrs onaccounta I’m old! Hooray. Thx!!
This would be unbelievable!
This would be my little goth dream show 🥺 the last couple years have been tough financially and I haven’t gotten to see any shows. This would make my whole year!
A chance to see the godfather, no, wait the forefather of industrial music? We are NOT worthy!!!
Yes, please and thank you!
Gary Numan is an art rock legend. Most people just know his hit “Cars”, but he has so much material that is way better than that song. His song “Metal” is my personal favorite, and I would love to see him perform it live at one of the best venues in Portland, Revolution Hall.
Blast from the past!
Hi. And yay!
Here in my car…
I would love to see Gary perform!!
Some folks are able to stand the test of time.
Still remember when I bought the 45 since for “cars” back in 1979. Bought the lp pleasure principle a couple of months ago, and that material still holds up , as well as everything he has done since!!!
Fantastic band- great performer! Of course I want in! Please!
Can I park my car in Revolution Hall for the show?
I’ve heard his live show is great. I’d love to see it!
I remember my dad used to play “The Pleasure Principle” when I was a kid. I’ve never seen him and I think it’d be a great way to relive some memories while also checking out his newer music.
Would love the chance to see Gary Numan for the first time, plus APTBS is always incredible live. Their show at mississippi last year was crazy good!
Gary Numan changed music forever and had a big impact on many of the bands that I love. It would be amazing to see him live!
We’ve always wanted to see Gary Numan, just never had the chance!!
I’m not very familiar with this dude but from what I’ve listened to and researched, they seem right up my alley and this would be an assume welcome home show for me.
Here in my car
I feel safest of all
I can lock all my doors
It’s the only way to live in cars
Its simply crazy how relevant this song is today !
I cant afford to go. Please gift me tickets or I will be living in a van down by the river if I have to buy them !
This would be great to see!
He’s known as a one hit wonder in this country, but he’s pretty big in England with lots of hit songs and top 10 hits. Top notch performer with a great band!
Burying strangers in cars.
Wow, blast from the past. Should be a great night of music.
I would love to take a friend so they can witness what makes Portland… Portland.