News : Gary Numan Opens Up About His Painful Encounter With David Bowie

Electronic music trailblazer Gary Numan has spoken about a difficult memory involving his musical hero David Bowie. During a recent appearance on the popular podcast 'I’m ADHD! No You’re Not', presented by comedian Paul Whitehouse and neuroscientist Dr. Mine Conkbayir, Numan described what he called a "horrible" moment when he was asked to leave by the Starman.

The moment dates back to 1980 during filming for the Kenny Everett Christmas Special. At the time, Numan was quickly gaining attention thanks to his breakthrough single "Cars," and had been invited to observe Bowie recording a segment. “I go along with a friend of mine... I’d only been famous ten minutes,” Numan remembered. But the experience quickly took a different turn. “Bowie’s seen you and he doesn’t want you here you’ve gotta get out,” the director reportedly told him. “I got thrown out... I wasn’t even on the special.”

Numan said the experience had a deep emotional impact. “It took away all of that hero worship,” he told the hosts. “It just made me realize that he was human... if you are human, then you are just like me. So therefore, yeah, it’s not as special as I thought it was.”

Looking back now, Numan believes the situation may have been influenced by competition within the industry. “He probably saw me as a threat... I think there was a level of insecurity in him as his career wasn't quite what it had been. He’s probably panicking about that. I’ve come along and I’m the talk of the town for a moment.”

Even though Numan described the experience as "vitriolic" and claimed it also involved Mick Jagger "ganging up" on him, he says he does not hold onto any resentment. “It doesn’t bother me. It hasn't ever since. It’s just an interesting story to talk about now.”

'I’m ADHD! No You’re Not' can be streamed on all major podcast services every Thursday.