Gary Numan Superfan – Frank Hentschke

Gary Numan Superfan When did you become a Superfan of Gary Numan and why do you like him?
I became a superfan in around 1993 when Gary was on a creative low. I bought a cheap CD compilation called Electric Dreams which included Cars and Are ‘Friends’ Electric?. I was unaware of his work before that because he wasn’t that big in the German charts. I was very impressed by his use of analogue synths and that unique voice.

As a fan of dystopian novels, I was amazed by Gary’s mysterious lyrics and ever-changing album cover images from 1979 to 1984 that seemed to come straight from sci-fi movies. This was quite unusual. I was still in school and everybody was listening to Eurodisco, techno or grunge.

What items do you have in your collection?
I’ve got everything from records and CDs to posters and clippings from vintage magazines, T-shirts, tour programmes and a 1980 Teletour scarf.

How much have you spent on your collection?
I couldn’t begin to guess, but it must be several thousand euros.

Have you ever met Gary or his band?
Yes, several times. I was lucky enough to be asked to do a telephone interview with Gary while working for a synth-pop fanzine in the 90s. Since then, I’ve often met Gary and his band prior to his concerts at meet-and-greets.

Do you have a favourite item in your collection?
I adore the 1980 tour scarf and the poster of a Japanese fashion advert that he did in the early 80s, which he signed for me.

If you could ask Gary one question, what would it be?
Being an atheist like Gary, I would ask him if he might sign an issue of the Bible for me next time (just kidding!).