Gary Numan speaks of delight after Q award win

Gary Numan said he was “very flattered and very proud” to be receiving the Innovation In Sound accolade at this year’s Q Awards.

Innovator Gary Numan had a string of hits in the 1980s. Picture: PA

The 57-year-old, who was one of the key players in the 1980s synth-pop movement, became a pioneer of commercial electronic music with a series of hits including Are ‘Friends’ Electric? and Cars.

He first rose to prominence with his band, Tubeway Army, before going solo. His albums include The Pleasure Principle, Replicas and Telekon.

He said “Sound is the thing that has always excited me the most, it’s why discovering electronic music a lifetime ago was such a life-changing moment for me.

“I create sounds, noises, and then try to turn those noises into music, and that can be a challenge. To be recognised as innovative in that is really quite special.”

Having taken place annually since 1990, the Q Awards – run by the monthly music magazine – will be hosted by Absolute Radio’s Christian O’Connell. The ceremony takes place today.

Other winners of the Innovation In Sound prize include Jean Michel Jarre, Underworld, Mark Ronson, Sonic Youth, Massive Attack, Sigur Ros, The Prodigy and Muse.

Winners at last year’s awards ceremony included Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran, Jamie xx, Kasabian, Pink Floyd and Culture Club.