Gary Numan Digest Thu, 10 Jul 97 Volume 1 : Issue 346 Today's Topics: Bitter Moon Correction Dowse the flames?/Thanks Markus!/Survey Q Fan Definition Part III Gary Numan Digest V1 #345 (2 msgs) General chit chat Kinsmen New Wave City San Franciso - Numan Night numan vinyl/poster auction Personal ramblings Questions and Opinions. Random - The Internet Remixes Random Price ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: Mon, 07 Jul 97 11:12:00 PDT From: Plant Dominic - Admin Subject: To: "'numan@cs.uwp.edu'" > Date: Sat, 5 Jul 1997 20:36:20 -0400 (EDT) > From: LarryTCJ@aol.com > Subject: On being a fan > When I first read Dominic Plant's assurtions that he was still a fan even > though he thought that the only good albums since Telekon was that of . Berserker, I thought that he was right out. Point to note only good albums does not exclude good songs on bad albums, take note. > Indeed, how could he really consider himself a fan of Gary's music. Let's face it, fan is really sort for > fanatic. Now being fanatical about anything is not really something that one > should strive for in the first place. Okay, so Dominic doesn't really like > anything but P.P., Tele, and Berserker, does that mean that he is not a fan? > would have to agree that he likes the music a lot on those particular > albums but I really can't say that he is a fan of Gary and his music. Quote from latest Digest >>>> > "The lowest point in the career is 1992 with the album 'Machine&Soul', which > is neither liked by the fans nor by Numan himself" If being a fan(atic) means an obligation to like EVERYTHING then can I take it that all the "fans" who didn't like Machine & Soul were immediately expunged from the Fan club base and had to go around ringing bells as they were no longer clean purists and so acceptable to the Fanatics who bought the album on the basis of it being a Numan product the master has spoken, he doesn't even like it himself but hey I'm a fan must buy must buy urge. Give me a break no one is perfect all the time not even ...... dare I say it Gary. Some brilliant songs like Absolution and Child with a Ghost and This is new love (from a bad album) were brilliant. Did all fans ( other than the few who bought M&S stop being fans ) and have to humbly reapply as fans after the void has dissipated ? Oh how cruel the true ardent fans are to the rest of use mortals, especially if it is more than one Album you dislike. Woe is me. BTW I am also a Cure Fan, and they produce some fantastic unbelievable good music, that I will never part with, but hey they churn out some rubbish too. So lighten up a little. Their last Album was very poor, but there are 3 unbelievable good songs on it, but I would not count it as a Great Album, Disintegration has 12 songs on it and I can't think of one bad one on it. Now just because the newest album is not as good as the previous few, doesn't mean I'm going to stop being a fan, wouldn't that be shallow of me if I did, are you calling on me to be shallow and stop being a fan, because he Gary the messiah now only produces a few good songs rather than a few good albums. What if I like Exile, will all be forgiven and can I be a Fanatic again ? please please, let me be a fanatic, you have to, you have to, take me to your leader, where do I get the uniform ! I remember I was vapour, I remember I was just like you I promise even If Gary does a duet with Pavoroti I will buy it both the original and the remix version and even the dance version and I will like it I tell you I will like it! Am I back am I in. > Corrosion, I was beside myself with excitement on all the old tracks he > performed. It made me want to see him live even more than before. And I > didn't think that was possible! If you truly like everything Gary produces no matter what style he adopts then you might as well not be a Fan, if Gary turns to Regge or Soul or Ska, will you still be beside yourself listening to that ? if yes then why not be into that now by some other artist and forget about being a Gary Numan fan. Things that I liked and helped me to be a fan were that Gary was different and did thing others didn't and if they did he did them better. However if he changes style too often then he starts doing the same as others and overlaps where does the uniqueness go ? Again a Quote > "At the album 'Dance' (1981) he experimented, produced tracks of 9 minutes length, inserted funk elements > > and reaches only a middle commercial success " Oh God no, the fan base dissipated again, woe are we all that we did not worship the word and all that was God, I mean good. I had no idea my fan status would expire if I didn't keep taking the releases, if only someone had said. How do Classical music fanatics survive without expiring , without new releases to reaffirm their fanatic status ? > So, Dominic, you do indeed really enjoy Gary's music on those albums, > (playing them over and over at 4 hours at a time), but that doesn't really > make you a fanatic of Gary's music. If listening to the music 4 hours per day is not fanatical what is ? how many minutes short was I ? I just knew that going down for dinner at ten at night having been home since six was flippant of me. > At least it doesn't in my book. And your book is the book, the good and holy book of all that is true, and from which only you can decide, you see in my book I am the one who can decide and I decided that I am, what edition have you got ? mine is a first! In any case I thought I had made it clear that I was a Fan of the Image, the Lyrics and in a good few cases the Music ( when it was produced well and mostly when it was synth based ) and to an extent of this personality that helped him against all sorts of odds and bad press to survive. Now if he produces a few bad albums and even by his own admission he has done so that then in your book outweighs all the above. Take out a new book, turn over a new leaf So are there specific criteria for being a fanatic, must you have the first album ( I did tape and vinyl ) does being a member of the Fan Club from the first issue count (because I was only dropping out when unemployment made cash a scarce commodity ), does doing a Gary Numan lookalike image for concert count ( because I did ), does buying singles and albums on which Gary guested, because he guested count, because I did, does buying an Album which I disliked just because I thought one song on it was perfection count, because I did, does wearing a red/blue tie to work ( do you remember them, were you a fan back then ) count, because I did, does wearing a triangle badge on you suit lapel count, because I did ? or Is all that counts the opinion of another fan who thinks he knows best, now that is fanatic, but not in a good way. Warmest regards, Dominic. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 6 Jul 1997 23:16:13 +0100 From: dhughes@globalnet.co.uk (David J. Hughes) Subject: Bitter Moon To: numan@cs.uwp.edu Hello all, >Did anyone catch the Roman Polanski film 'Bitter Moon' on UK Channel 4 late >Friday night? It's not such a great film (it has that prat Hugh Grant in it >for one thing), but interestingly there is a short spell of Numan music in >the middle...or is there? We watched this utter bilge until the halfway mark and, as far as I'm aware, there was no Numan music in the film. I'm assuming you're talking about the 'Dance' which was performed for Peter Coyote's amusement. Personally I found the whole thing a childish pervy trip and would rather watch an hour of Willie E. Coyote than Mr. Coyote's butt doing more bedroom gymnastics. >Finally, you might be interested to know that Numan-comtempory and synth >pioneer John Foxx has a new album out soon called Shifting City and he has >a sampler song, The Noise, on Future Music magazine's August cover CD. You can get this CD via Voiceprint (http://webworlds.net/the-wilderness/) or via Extreme Voice, the Ultravox Fan site Web: http://www.ultravox.org.uk) Cheers David T-Bass UK : Electronic Music T-Bass Design : Graphic Design Web Site : http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~dhughes/tbass.html email : dhughes@globalnet.co.uk ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 08 Jul 1997 08:50:19 +0000 (GMT) From: Andy Subject: Correction To: numan@cs.uwp.edu Sorry for being an anorak, but Matt Sharp is in Weezer and The Rentals...And Blur still have quite floppy hair!! :) Urm, Underdog is black.. :) Well, Gary uses samle CDs for his loops and slows them down... To be honest, P&P is the only thing I heard by Gravity Kills, and to me it sounds like Industrial-Lite...OK, a few thrash metal guitars, but nothing on NIN Ive got a signed copy if you want it... <1994's "Absolution" by Amanda Ghost - a decidely dull rendition IMO of one of Gary's most moving works (despite the cliched lyrics).> Well, I bought the original Absolution but sold it again cos I didnt like it much, so Ive forgotten what the original goes...Anyway, I heard the Random version, and loved it, and was kinda disapointed to hear the Numan version when he lipsynched to it on Day time TV last week...I think its one of the songs that was greatly improved on in Random... Yup, I think we all bought it and I think we all thought the same !!!! Managed to exchange it as an unwanted birthday present at HMV !! Incidentally, Gary Numan's latest TV appearances seem to have been Richard and Judy, Light Lunch, Jack Docherty, and Noel Edmonds... Armchair critic time, but if he wants to be seen as anything other than an 80s retro thing, what is he doing on these programmes ? It would be better to have no appearances than on these badlky targetted programmes... Anyway, thats that Incidentally, my band is playing on Saturday 12th July at The Bull and Gate, Kentish Town, London at 830. We're going to be playing under a different name for this one, so we've chosen to be "Mean Street" Sad or what ? Come along if youre in London and at a loose end ! Andy ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 06 Jul 1997 03:28:06 -0800 From: Alyssa Jaraba Subject: Dowse the flames?/Thanks Markus!/Survey Q To: Gary Numan Hrmmmmmm....ths mailing list seems to be rather quickly deteriorating into the Dominic and Nick show....while I agree that their comments can be quite inflammatory, perhaps for the good of the digest (and this is only my suggestion, don't point the flamethrowers at me, please!), we could move the continuing discussions on the matter to direct email between the two conversation sparkers and those who still have anything left ot say to them before we scare off some of our newer subscribers. After all, we're supposed to be writing about Gary and his music here, and while responding to another poster is often necessary, the continued defending and attacking of individual opinions over a period of several digests seem to stray far off the point. Yes, I know, I'm one of those who almost always responds to everyone, but since it's obvious that neither Dominic or Nick are likely to alter their viewpoints and there have been several rebuttals and re-rebuttals of each point already, maybe we should just call this one a stalemate, eh? I would really like to add a huge thank you to Markus for translating and posting the ZILLO article and review...THANK YOU! =) You made it possible for us non-German reading Numanoids to get something we otherwise would have been outa luck on. I did get to read the Interview, but had no idea there even WAS an accompanying article. And now a survey question, hope you all don't mind. I apologize if this question has already been done to death, but I'd like to find out in order to post the results on My Shadow In Vain: What is your favorite Numan album cover/tour image? To keep the newsletter from getting cluttered, please email your response to me at madhouse_@earthlink.net. I'll let you know the results as soon as they're in. Thanks alot and keep the peace, Numanoids! Lyssa -- Tearin it up..I'm living on empty... The Madhouse http://home.earthlink.net/~madhouse_/ Home of The Madhouse, Cry of the Celts, My Shadow In Vain, The Octopi Pit, and Selah's Cool Mac CyberPunk Central http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Corridor/6115 Home of the CyberPunk Cafe ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 07 Jul 1997 01:57:52 +0000 From: Michael & BethAnn Damrath Subject: Fan Definition Part III To: Gary Numan Ah, Dominic, I hardly know where to begin... >> Dominic, perhaps you need to look up the dictionary definition of the >> term 'fan'. Merriam-Webster defines a fan as "an ardent admirer or >> enthusiast (as of a celebrity or a pursuit)". > > Your point being ? did the dictionary say anything about mindless > zombie who couldn't disconnect, when things went wrong ? Let me start by defining MY particular brand of admiration for the man to which this digest is devoted. I consider Gary Numan a pioneer. An insightful musical and lyrical genius. Is everything he has ever recorded proof of this? No. Just about 80-90% of it. I could list to you a handful of his songs I don't like at all. Would I ardently purchase a square of his used toilet paper? No. My point was that you seem to be a music lover (a very good thing) who took a liking to a brief two year period in one particular artist's 20 year career. My point was that, in my opinion, that doesn't meet my criteria for fandom. > if you do not agree with me then simply refer to Gary's own Email > earlier where he gave his album sales figures, the consumer speaks > through purchases, if sales drop significantly as they did then a lot > of them must agree that things are going off the TRACKS ! First of all, what do sales figures have to do with the quality of an artists music? A scanning of top-40 charts on both sides of the Atlantic leaves me with the impression that the average consumer wouldn't know musical genius if it bit them on the ass. That the buyers of Michael and Janet Jackson, Snoop Doggy Dog, and Kenny G records don't like Gary's music suprises me not in the least. > Excuse me right back Dad, my opinion is not the same as my > interpretation, time for a dictionary check again ! So if we take > this one step further then in the Art world only one interpretation > can be put on a painting and when all those well paid critics express > what they get from a painting they are all wrong as the painting had > only one true interpretation and well hell if the Artist died without > telling anyone then the painting has no interpretation and never can > have, sigh I hope my interpretation of what you are saying is not > wrong as there can be only one :) No, excuse me, Dom old bean. You referred to your interpretation of Gary's love song 'You Walk In My Soul' as being 'sad' and 'lonely'. You interpreted the lyrics and tune to have that meaning. To the author (and in my OPINION it is quite evident in the printed lyrics included in the CD) the song is about love, joy, tender feelings and devotion. Also your metaphor of the interpreted painting is a little flawed. Is your painting a Matisse or a Jackson Pollack? :) If you are referring to an abstract of a dead artist, you are probably right. If you are referring to a realistic depiction of a vase of sunflowers with a accompanying paragraph explanation by the artist himself, you are not. > Then again I would describe you as a Fan either, a Fascist a Worshiper > or some such but certainly not a Fan, not if being a Fan means total > intolerance of others opinions when they differ from your own, jumping > to mostly wrong conclusions and failing to see any imperfection in > anything the messiah does, that's a fan ? spookey. Oooooh Them's fightin words. I certainly am not a Fascist. I respect your opinion. It seems to me that this is the very forum that I am expected to use to take issue with your expressed opinions with some of my own. As I stated earlier, I do not believe Gary Numan is perfect. He has made many mistakes, some of them even in his music. :) Do I worship him? Not at all. But I do hold his music quite dear. It has been virtually the soundtrack of my adult life. Not one or two recordings, but all of it. I do very much respect your opinion, Dominic. Please express yourself here as you see fit. I will always enjoy reading your posts in this digest, no matter whether or not I agree with you. You can rest assured, however, if you or anyone expresses an opinion here, I or anyone else can and will express their rebuttals. That's what this digest in here for, isn't it? Best regards, Mike Damrath damrat@earthlink.net http://home.earthlink.net/~damrat ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 7 Jul 1997 10:01:26 +0100 From: Matthew Tamea Subject: Gary Numan Digest V1 #345 To: "'Numannews'" >Did anyone catch the Roman Polanski film 'Bitter Moon' on UK Channel 4 late >Friday night? It's not such a great film (it has that prat Hugh Grant in it >for one thing), but interestingly there is a short spell of Numan music in >the middle...or is there? I taped it (not that I'm a filthy perve or anything! :-) ) so I'll have a look at it. I can't say I've noticed it before as I've seen the film a few times and took particular note at the scene you describe (can't imagine why!!). Matthew ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 8 Jul 1997 10:04:48 +0100 From: Matthew Tamea Subject: Gary Numan Digest V1 #345 To: "'Numannews'" >>Did anyone catch the Roman Polanski film 'Bitter Moon' on UK Channel 4 late >>Friday night? It's not such a great film (it has that prat Hugh Grant in it >>for one thing), but interestingly there is a short spell of Numan music in >>the middle...or is there? > >I taped it (not that I'm a filthy perve or anything! :-) ) so I'll have a look at it. I can't say I've noticed >it before as I've seen the film a few times and took particular note at the scene you describe (can't >imagine why!!). Well I watched it this morning on fast forward. It wasn't the scene I thought it was, and yes you're right, it is almost EXACTLY like Magic. In fact it is the same, even down to the very subtle bassline, but sounds like Gaz sampled a short loop of it as this version has other stuff over the top in parts. So are you gonna put it to Gary or shall I?!?!? Matthew ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 07 Jul 97 12:44:00 PDT From: Tina Freeman Subject: General chit chat To: digest Hoorah someone who likes Random and even likes posh ( Derek L ) i was beginning to think i was the only one. I have a suggestion for Ashley Pomeroy why dont you send your copy of Random to Julian Ashcroft on the Isle of man since you obviously wont be listening to it anymore. A general comment to all those who think that Gary's popularity is wanning:- U2 cancelled at least one gig in the states because of low ticket sales and David Bowie has done the same in Florence Italy ,whats happening is that all but the few devoted fans are" growing up"and moving on its a fact of life that nobody can stay 20 forever. Sunday 6th July 1997 1:32pm (approx) Granda Studios Tour ,Manchester,England CARS played over the tannoy system LOUD. I really like that place. TF ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 9 Jul 1997 10:12:17 -0400 From: tthoman@cceb.upenn.edu (Terrence Thoman) Subject: Kinsmen To: numan@cs.uwp.edu I read on Matthew Holbrook's Nu-Zone page that Rik Mayall will be in the Kinsmen film. This is the first that I had heard his name mentioned in quite some time. I remember Rik from the insanely funny "The Young Ones" that aired on MTV way back when. Has anyone heard of any other "stars" that are associated with the project? I hope we'll get to see it here in the USA. Terrence ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 8 Jul 1997 15:22:12 PT From: "Mark Stanton, Industrial Design & Visualization" Subject: New Wave City San Franciso - Numan Night To: numan@cs.uwp.edu The New Wave City Gary Numan Night was great IMHO. DJ's Steve & Skip played several huge strings of Numan which is a pretty mind-blowing thing in an area where I have to be thankful for hearing "Cars" on the radio more than once a year. I saw someone there with a Numa shirt (was that you John M.C.?), and I saw someone dressed in Touring Principle gear. If you went to NWC that night, please e-mail me and tell me what you thought of it. Later, Mark (mark_s1@sfov1.verifone.com) ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 06 Jul 1997 07:51:36 -0400 From: Steve Lilly Subject: numan vinyl/poster auction To: numan@cs.uwp.edu The following are up for auction. Final bids are due by 12:01 AM Eastern US Time on Monday, July 28. Send bids to alniter@ix.netcom.com with "bid" in the subject line.I reserve the right to reject any bids as too low. Address any questions you have to the same email address. Thanx! ------------------------ VINYL-------------- 1) LIVING ORNAMENTS '79 and '80- The Beggars live box set, complete with merchandise order form! (Beggars BOX 1 UK) 2) SHE'S GOT CLAWS 12"- Title track + "I Sing Rain", "Exhibition". Picture sleeve with two great "Dance"-era closeups. (Beggars 62T UK) 3) 1978- EP of early stuff: Oh! Didn't I Say/Do You Need The Service?/That's Too Bad/O.D. Receiver/Bombers. Sleeve needs reglued, otherwise fine. (Beggars BEG 92E UK) 4)1978/1979 VOLUME TWO- Red Vinyl! Fadeout 1930/The Crazies/Only A Downstat/We Have a Technical (Beggars BEG123E UK) 5)1978/1979 VOLUME THREE- Blue Vinyl! The Monday Troop/Crime of Passion/The Life Machine/A Game Called Echo/Random/Oceans (Beggars BEG124E UK) 6)1978: THE PLAN- This Is My Life/My Shadow in Vain/Critics/Mean Street/Thoughts No. 2/Bombers/Basic J./Ice/Something's In the House/Friends/Check It/Steel and You (Beggars BEGA55 UK) --------------------------- POSTER--------- REPLICAS- 24 inches square, the REPLICAS cover with a 1" white border, ATCO logo in bottom right corner. No ad copy, just the cover! Border a bit crinkled with a small pinhole in each corner, but otherwise in great shape. Rolled, never been folded! VERY suitable for framing... ---------- That's it for now. all bids to alniter@ix.netcom.com Waiting for "Exile"- Steve Orlando, FL USA ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 06 Jul 1997 11:25:03 -0500 From: "Troy L. Walters" Subject: Personal ramblings To: Gary Numan Maybe it's the anticipation of 'Exile.' Maybe it's the disappointment of 'Random.' Maybe it's the fact that we are all individuals and listen to Gary's music for our own personal reasons. For me, as I've stated here before, I am unable to put into words the affect Gary's music has had on me. I can't explain why I would list "Cry the Clock Said" as a personal favorite -- especially since the words really mean nothing to me, but that music! I understand how most people transfer their attention from the music to the artist, assuming things about the artist that may or may not be true. I know very little of Gary (Webb) Numan the man, except what I have read. I do know that my cousin has met him in person and he has told me that Gary is an incredibly nice person. I tend to believe my cousin -- he introduced me to Gary's music. I am not interested in either politics nor religion, therefore the digest has been quite boring to me of late. Both subjects are, well, subjective. Different perspectives result in different opinions which result in different beliefs. This is all great, except there are people in this world who fixate on their personal belief -- seeing it as the one and only "truth." And to them, it may well be. It is quite futile to attempt to change that. However, a good discussion with someone with opposing beliefs can be quite enlightening. In the case of this Digest, that has not been the case. I have merely seen a series of flames shot back and forth -- no true discussion, simply arguments and childish behavior. Need I include the "IMHO" here? I would hope not. I am the poster of this message and take full responsibility for it's entire content -- therefore, anything stated herein would certainly be my opinion... humble or not. I enjoy reading others opinions on Gary's music -- and even the 'Random' covers. I rarely if ever agree with others perspectives, but can often see where they get their opinions from. I can read what they have to say and either agree or not, without feeling the need to flame them for their comments. It is better, more often than not, to simply dismiss your urge to respond to things that infuriate. It is more likely that you will come across as immature and childish. As for my feelings about Gary's music, I have expressed it best in a poem: "Listening... to Gary Numan" which I am currently putting to music. Music which I feel is influenced by Gary. If you were to hear it, you may not feel this to be so. Again, your prerogative, your perception. Personally, I couldn't find "Jo the Waiter" in the Orb's interpretation -- but how could I judge that? How could I know how that song has affected them? I can not. I simply choose to press the "skip" button. As far as Gary's personal life and beliefs are concerned, he has been rather closed mouth about it all for a number of years -- for which I do not blame him. It's no one's business but his. However, he does seem to be more willing to open up these days. Not that it matters, since we are from two very different worlds and the possibility of Gary and I ever becoming 'friends' (electric or otherwise) is slim to none! Gary is British, I am American. Gary flies, I detest flight (for my own personal reasons). It's amazing to me that people from such different worlds can relate through music. But, Gary has consistently produce music that has touched me to the very core of my existence -- which he never even gave a fragment of a thought in the process. Gary does what he does, and for the most part, I enjoy what it is that Gary does. It is that simple. I do not feel the need to crucify him if he does something I don't like. Or to flame someone else who says the enjoy the things I don't; or don't enjoy the things I do. How rediculous is that? Enough from me for now. I'm attempting to define my interest in the work of Gary Numan with my contribution to his web presence: SCAR -- In Recognition of Gary Numan http://www.accs.net/users/tlwalter/my_numan.htm if you care... Take care and enjoy, -- Troy L. Walters Indiana, USA tlwalter@accs.net http://www.accs.net/users/tlwalter -- Beware of the IDGAF Syndrome... © (c)(tm)™ ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 07 Jul 1997 10:55:19 -0400 From: ralphm@mindspring.com Subject: Questions and Opinions. To: numan@cs.uwp.edu I don't post often in fear of getting flamed or starting some argument that goes on forever and a day, but I just wanted to make a few remarks. I joined the Kraftwerk list and had stirred up some interest in Numan over there and have found that they flame and argue over there as much as this list. So to everyone who doesn't care for it, don't feel bad it's everywhere. I hate for this to be true since I like Numan and Kraftwerk, but didn't Gary say in a Q&A from the digest that he didn't care for Kraftwerk? (Maybe someone else remembers this or knows which Digest # it can be found in) I have the re-release of Trans-Europe Express from Cleopatra and in the notes it says "It was the savage automation of 'Showroom Dummies', the first of two singles to be lifted from the album, which provided Gary Numan with the role model that would ultimately take him to #1 across Europe". Is that even true? If Gary does not care for KW would he have still followed their footsteps to get started? Once again, I may be wrong in my recollection of what Gary had said, but I will go through the old Digests to try and find out if I'm right or wrong unless someone has it readily available. What's up with Kinsmen? I haven't heard any recent news about this. Anyone else? >From Michael Day's web site on the song 'Cars': >Although it never reached #1 in the US, it exposed Gary's music to most if not all >school age children in '79 and '80 in the United States. He was one of the first >musicians to use synthesized music sources. Just about everyone I have spoken to who is not a Numan fan (in the U.S.) and who were school age at that time said they remember 'Cars' from the Skating or Roller Rink. I do also. Anyone else experience this also? (I don't know if skating was (is) popular in other areas of the world.) Plus besides 'Cars' being on the radio, the radio stations used to play the heck out of 'Metal' too. I just noticed Michael Day's E-Mail address and are you a Ham (Amateur Radio)? (KF9UG) I am, my call sign is KE4AIQ. I know to most people this sounds off topic, but I'll keep it on topic. Here goes. Does anyone else know if Gary is a Ham? The legitimacy of this question derives from that I have noticed a lot of pilots get Ham licenses. They do so much talking on the radio in an airplane and they have to learn stuff to do with radios that they go ahead and get their licenses. I know, where would he have the time. I'm sure he doesn't, but good grief, where does he find the time to do all the things he does now? Surely he can fit in another hobby. :-) Seriously, it is amazing that he does what he does now. I'll pose the Ham question to Gary if no-one knows for sure. Also, I'm ready for all the jokes and such about the word Ham from all non-Hams.:-) (Until I got into it I had never heard of Ham Radio either) Lastly, from the guy (me) who dared to ask Gary about his views on God/Religion in a past Q&A, I have a couple of comments. Don't be too hard on Michael Day. He simply expressed his views and then gave out a page where you could go for more info. I think this was about the best way to handle this. There's no need for a long drawn out argument about religion here. I feel you can say, 'I agree, I disagree' or throw out your opinion in the digest, but anything more can be done through private E-Mail. >Tina Freeman >Perhaps a little to much attention was paid to the anti-religion element of >exile and Gary did seem a little embarrassed when trying to explain this. Maybe too much attention and maybe not enough. Of course that one's up for grabs for everyone who saw it to decide on for themselves. Tina mentions that 'This Morning' is mainly watched by pensioners and mums. Religion sounds like more of the type of stuff they would be asking on that show anyhow. Of course I don't know since I've never seen the show. Wish I could have seen Gary's reaction for myself so I could form my own opinion. I wonder why he would have reacted that way. Someone that believes so strongly in something should not be embarrassed about it. Think about it. Take religion in this digest for example. Whichever side people were taking, they took it and they were right, anyone opposite was wrong, end of story, proud to say it. No embarrassment from those people. Does he think that openly speaking about anti-religion will cut his sales or cause him to lose fans. I doubt it, because folks who are Christians and are fans will still be fans, buy his albums, and go to concerts. If you lived the way a true Christian should you would rarely get to leave the house in fear of coming into contact with something that you shouldn't be seeing, doing, or hearing. Better cut off that Cable TV in your home. I think Gary's music is great, all the way from 'The Plan' to 'Exile' (what little I've heard of 'Exile'). Don't read too much into all this stuff religion, etc. There are two sides to everything. In the long run I'm sure Gary will make the right choice. He hasn't lasted this long by making a lot of bad decisions, a few maybe, said so himself, but I'm sure he will persevere in his music career.:-) Sorry for the long one. Like I said I don't post often, mostly because people like me in the U.S. and other Numan barren areas depend on folks from the U.K. to keep us up to date. Sincerely and cheerfully, Ralph Milam ralphm@mindspring.com Woodstock, Ga. USA ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 07 Jul 1997 08:52:21 PDT From: "William Wilson" Subject: Random - The Internet Remixes To: numan@cs.uwp.edu HI! ALL, Just a short note to say that I 'LOVE' the idea of a internet fans compilation tape of Gary's songs and call on other bands to follow suit and contact Klaus with their support,hope we can get this project up and running. take care all, William Wilson _______________________________________________________ Get Private Web-Based Email Free http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 7 Jul 1997 09:59:46 -0500 (CDT) From: Chris Schumann Subject: Random Price To: numan@cs.uwp.edu I also bought Random for US$12.99! I thought it was an exceptional deal. Here's catalog information for US fans still looking: Beggars Banquet BBQCD 195 UPC: 6 07618 01952 5 Made in USA That's right. This is NOT an import. I am a little disappointed in the packaging because the hinge is a piece of tape... ah well, you can't have everything. Chris Schumann ------------------------------ End of Gary Numan Digest ******************************