David Bowie and Gary Numan: A Look at Their Musical Influence and Legacy

David Bowie and Gary Numan, two of the most influential artists of the late 20th century, both made waves in the music industry with their unique and innovative sounds. While Bowie is often regarded as a pioneering figure, many music historians and fans alike have debated whether Numan was indeed a "natural successor" to Bowie's legacy. This article delves into their relationship, influence, and the enduring legacy of their works.

David Bowie and Gary Numan: A Shared Vision

During the late 1970s, Gary Numan emerged as a significant force in the music scene with his innovative synthesized sound and futuristic themes. Numan's music was often compared to that of David Bowie, not just due to shared aesthetic qualities, but also in terms of their shared vision for the future of rock music.

Both artists were pioneers in blending rock with electronic elements, and their music often blurred the lines between genres. Bowie recognized Numan as a significant influence and acknowledged him as a natural successor to his style. In a 1980 interview, Bowie expressed his admiration for Numan's work, stating, "He's a natural successor because the whole idea of pop stars and performers is something he is a master of, and he’s taken it to a new level."

Surmounting Differences: Bowie, Gary Numan, and Bill Nelson

While Bowie saw Numan as a natural continuation of his own artistic vision, others in the industry including fans and fellow musicians have offered different perspectives. For instance, Chris Parson, a UK music historian, notes that Numan was influenced by equal parts Bowie and Bill Nelson. Nelson, known for his distinctive image and style, was considered a precursor to Bowie's aesthetic. Both Numan and Nelson were often seen as copies of Bowie in image and style, though their individual contributions to music were significant yet often underrated.

Unlike Numan, Bill Nelson was seen as more intricately tied to Bowie's style, with his appearance and music often drawing direct comparisons to the former. Both Nelson and Numan were unjustly maligned for their relative fame and influence, with their legacies perhaps overshadowed by the more celebrated Bowie.

The Gary Numan Controversy

One of the most notorious and debated aspects of the relationship between Bowie and Numan is the infamous "Gary Numan is an art d**k" incident. In this notorious statement, Bowie infamously criticized Numan's future-focused lyrics, perceiving them as too pessimistic and pulpy. Some believe that Bowie's comment was a misunderstanding, or a misinterpretation of Numan's lyrical themes. A closer look at their works reveals a distinct difference in their perspectives on the future.

For example, Bowie's "Diamond Dogs" takes a much more cynical and violent view of the future, while Numan's "Replicas" presents a more dystopian but hopeful vision. The sonic differences also highlight their distinct approaches. Bowie's music often had a more polished and sophisticated sound, while Numan's early work still carried traces of punk energy, though his later work was more inspired by electronic experimentation from "Heroes" and the Berlin albums.

Legacy and Impact

Despite the controversies and differing artistic visions, both David Bowie and Gary Numan had a profound impact on music, particularly in the realm of synth-pop and new wave. Bowie's pioneering spirit helped pave the way for artists like Numan, who would go on to influence countless musicians in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Numan's music drew more from earlier parts of Bowie's catalog, particularly in the rock and electronic fusion of "Heroes," while the Berlin albums proved to be more influential for Numan's later work. Numan's synths were more inspired by Kraftwerk, and when contextualized, he appeared less like a mimic of Bowie and more as a unique voice in his own right.

Conclusion

While the relationship between David Bowie and Gary Numan has its ups and downs, both artists made significant contributions to the world of music. Their shared vision for blending rock with electronic elements and their unique perspectives on the future for music continue to resonate with fans and musicians today. Despite Bowie's controversial comments, Numan's influence on synth-pop and new wave cannot be overstated, and the debate around their legacy is a fascinating glimpse into the complex relationships between musical influences.