Gary Numan at the Wonder Ballroom

Before The Cure. Before Depeche Mode. Before Nine Inch Nails. One man, frequently credited with pioneering the techno movement, altered the musical landscape. A British national, imported in the late 70’s and probably best known for his hit single “Cars,” Gary Numan has been writing and performing all around the world.

It’s easy to sit back and perhaps throw around the “one hit wonder” moniker when thinking of Gary, but his fans would be quick to jump to his defense pointing out that he has had several singles break into the top 20 charts. And his fan base is strong. Here in Portland, Gary performed to a sold-out and very enthusiastic gathering of Numanoids. Opening for him on this tour is a Brooklyn band called Me Not You.

In nearly complete darkness, Me Not You performed a short set of passionate songs which reminded me of the Divinyls of the late 80’s – early 90’s. Lead singer Nikki Taylor, shrouded in darkness was so sultry, it left us all wanting to touch ourselves. Nikki stated that Me Not You hails from Brooklyn saying that “Portland and Brooklyn must be sister cities, cuz we’re definitely feeling ya”.

When Gary came on stage, he was all smiles as he took in the Wonder Ballroom and the sold out crowd of Portland’s finest. In stark contrast to the openers, Gary brought with him the luminary equivalent of the sun and jammed it all into the comfy confines of the Wonder Ballroom. The “Wonder” turned into a 17-song dance party beginning with “Ghost Nation.” Twelve songs into the set, Gary played “My Name Is Ruin,” and it became clear to us that touring is a family affair, with daughter Persia joining him for the chorus. After “My Name Is Ruin,” Gary played his hit song “Cars.” The Portland crowd seemed to thin out just a bit afterward, sensing that the show was in the final stretch, but Gary played two more before the customary encore. With lights turned back up, Gary and the band all came back out to express their gratitude, share some smiles, and give the fans a couple more. The show closed out with “Are Friends Electric.”

Gary is making his way across the US with tickets still available in several of the major cities.