80s music icon Gary Numan has revealed he is now “90 per cent deaf” after years of performing. The 68-year-old, who rose to fame as frontman of Tubeway Army before launching a hugely successful solo career, admitted his hearing has been severely damaged after more than five decades in music. Speaking on the I’m ADHD! No You’re Not podcast with Paul Whitehouse and Dr. Mine Conkbayir, Gary opened up about the devastating impact of years performing on stage.
He said: “I’m 90 percent deaf. I’ve got hearing aids on… little things there”. The chart-topping star, best known for hits including Cars and Are ‘Friends’ Electric?, explained that the damage has built up over time — largely due to blasting amplifiers at full volume throughout his career. Gary’s experience is far from unique. According to the Hearing Health Foundation, musicians are four times more likely to develop noise-induced hearing loss compared to the general public, with prolonged exposure to loud sound taking a serious toll.
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They are also 57 per cent more likely to develop tinnitus. The revelation comes during an already difficult period for the singer, who has continued touring despite personal tragedy.
In November, Gary announced the sudden death of his younger brother John, who collapsed from a heart attack moments after saying goodbye to him.
Since then, the star has been performing while dealing with grief — something he has spoken about candidly. At the same time, he has been watching his daughter Raven take on her first ever tour.
Gary has praised the 22-year-old for stepping up during what he described as an “almost impossible” situation. Sharing a message on Instagram, he said: “I would also like to say how proud I am of @ravennuman Raven.”
He added: “With all the shock and emotion of my brother passing I’ve noticed Raven’s success has been pushed to the side somewhat and I’ve barely mentioned her incredible performances throughout this tour.”
Gary went on to describe the realities of touring at the start of a music career.
He said: “This is her first ever tour and that in itself is no easy thing. She’s traveling in a van with her band, staying in (mostly) low end motels every night, long drives each day. Doing it for real, not in tour bus luxury with her parents.”
Gary also revealed how impressed he has been watching her perform.
He said: “A tower of strength to me as I’m struggling, at the same time dealing quietly with her own pain and yet still doing her shows flawlessly night after night.”
Reflecting on her resilience, he added: “When I think back to me at her age (also touring Telekon strangely enough in 1980) I had none of the strength and resilience she has shown these last few weeks.”
He concluded: “Despite all the emotional turmoil this tour has seen she has delivered, along with her amazing band, quality performances every night.
“Most nights, before I shed a tear or two of sadness for my brother, I’ve already shed a tear or two of pride watching Raven. And so the world keeps turning. @ravennuman”.
