LIVE REVIEW
Gary Numan Concert Review: A Unique Night on the River Tyne
The Glasshouse, Gateshead 18th of July 2026
Photo: David Weddle
Photography: David Weddle @dweddlephotography
Artist: Gary Numan
Venue: Glasshouse - Gateshead
Date: 18th of July 2026
Words: David Weddle
Artist: Gary Numan
Venue: Glasshouse - Gateshead
Date: 18th of July 2026
Words: David Weddle
"Gary has mastered his craft over the decades and knows exactly how to make every stage he performs on feel massive."
Musical icon Gary Numan is back on the road this summer across the UK plus a couple of European dates. We were lucky enough to catch his show at Gateshead's Glasshouse; read on to find out what we thought.
It was hot and heavy on the floor as fans filled the venue's balconies and stairways, all hoping to get the best view of Gary and his band doing their thing. The purpose-built Sage One stage was undergoing work, so fans were in for a really unique experience in the concourse of The Glasshouse. The stage was constructed in the middle of the huge concourse that has not only balconies left and right; the fans were also able to access staircases on either side of the stage.
Adding to the already electrifying atmosphere that was building was the spectacular view looking out over the River Tyne and the skyline of Newcastle, which is a sight to behold.
A sea of diehard fans had already filled most of the floor in front of the venue as opening act Divine Shade took to the stage. The French neo-industrial rock duo was a great choice, heavy and easy to rock out to, and the guys really looked like they were living in the moment along with the crowd.
It was hot and heavy on the floor as fans filled the venue's balconies and stairways, all hoping to get the best view of Gary and his band doing their thing. The purpose-built Sage One stage was undergoing work, so fans were in for a really unique experience in the concourse of The Glasshouse. The stage was constructed in the middle of the huge concourse that has not only balconies left and right; the fans were also able to access staircases on either side of the stage.
Adding to the already electrifying atmosphere that was building was the spectacular view looking out over the River Tyne and the skyline of Newcastle, which is a sight to behold.
A sea of diehard fans had already filled most of the floor in front of the venue as opening act Divine Shade took to the stage. The French neo-industrial rock duo was a great choice, heavy and easy to rock out to, and the guys really looked like they were living in the moment along with the crowd.
Photos: David Weddle
As we waited for the main man, the smoke machines did their thing and filled the room; the sun was low in the sky, and the way the smoke caught the rays that streamed through the glass roof made for a rather spectacular experience. Down on the floor, things were heating up, and the place was well and truly packed with fans of all ages excitedly waiting for Gary Numan to get the party started.
The excitement hit fever pitch as he walked on stage, taking a moment to wave to the fans lining the balconies and the stairs before taking a look out at the crowd with a huge smile across his face. I wonder if he felt that atmosphere as well.
I think he must have, as his performance was as energetic and enthusiastic as ever. Gary has mastered his craft over the decades and knows exactly how to make every stage he performs on feel massive. Gary's tone is as reassuringly distinctive as it ever has been, handling the classics as well as the newer material alike. The lights, an integral part of any Gary Numan gig, were fantastic and made for a really immersive experience. I don't know how this tour will sound elsewhere as this venue, or rather the location inside is so big it would have been easy for the sound to have been lost, but it felt powerful and punchy, filling the massive curved glass roof of the concourse with apparent ease.
The excitement hit fever pitch as he walked on stage, taking a moment to wave to the fans lining the balconies and the stairs before taking a look out at the crowd with a huge smile across his face. I wonder if he felt that atmosphere as well.
I think he must have, as his performance was as energetic and enthusiastic as ever. Gary has mastered his craft over the decades and knows exactly how to make every stage he performs on feel massive. Gary's tone is as reassuringly distinctive as it ever has been, handling the classics as well as the newer material alike. The lights, an integral part of any Gary Numan gig, were fantastic and made for a really immersive experience. I don't know how this tour will sound elsewhere as this venue, or rather the location inside is so big it would have been easy for the sound to have been lost, but it felt powerful and punchy, filling the massive curved glass roof of the concourse with apparent ease.
Photo: David Weddle
With just a couple of songs shy of 20, the fans were treated to a really varied mix of old and new, starting with Halo, a track that is now twenty years old. Well, doesn't time fly, as they say?
It appears that Gary is keeping things interesting on the tour by mixing up the setlist every night. Gateshead was given a stunning rendition of Films as well as In A Dark Place, making the show, which made for a great gig for those there for just one night but also kept it fresh for fans lucky enough to be going to more than one show.
Despite the extensive set list, there was no sign of Cars or Are Friends Electric... Just joking. Of course they made it. Could you imagine a Gary Numan gig without those mega hits? Nope, neither could we. In fact, when we asked for fans' highlights Are Friends Electric was the track that Yulia on Instagram picked out. It just goes to show that these songs have earned their place on the set list and aren't just there for the sake of it.
Gary is an artist who helped to pioneer an entire genre of music and is still performing with energy and passion that is matched by his loyal fanbase, who, I am in no doubt, had a truly incredible night. If you are able to get to one of the remaining nights on this tour, you should definitely get yourself along. It is well worth it.
It appears that Gary is keeping things interesting on the tour by mixing up the setlist every night. Gateshead was given a stunning rendition of Films as well as In A Dark Place, making the show, which made for a great gig for those there for just one night but also kept it fresh for fans lucky enough to be going to more than one show.
Despite the extensive set list, there was no sign of Cars or Are Friends Electric... Just joking. Of course they made it. Could you imagine a Gary Numan gig without those mega hits? Nope, neither could we. In fact, when we asked for fans' highlights Are Friends Electric was the track that Yulia on Instagram picked out. It just goes to show that these songs have earned their place on the set list and aren't just there for the sake of it.
Gary is an artist who helped to pioneer an entire genre of music and is still performing with energy and passion that is matched by his loyal fanbase, who, I am in no doubt, had a truly incredible night. If you are able to get to one of the remaining nights on this tour, you should definitely get yourself along. It is well worth it.
