Back in 2022, Gary Numan stated that he really didn’t expect his comeback to take 41 years. Maybe four, he suggested with a laugh. Of course, Numan never quite left the spotlight – the ‘comeback’ in question only refers to his return to big stadiums. And in particular a return to Wembley – something of a symbolic and anxiety-ridden journey for Numan; coming full circle after previously announcing his farewell from live shows at the capital’s stadium in 1981.

Numan at the Agra Hall in Liepzig, June 2022. Photo by Stefan Bollmann, Wikimedia Commons.

Glastonbury at last

Fast-forward again to 2025, and Numan needn’t look back now. Fresh off the back of a stellar Glastonbury debut aged 67, he’ll be embarking on both a US and UK tour starting in the autumn.

But this – amazingly first ever – Glasto appearance wasn’t just a novelty because of how late in his life it happened. In fact, the turnout at the Park Stage to see the new-wave singer points towards a prevalence and relevance that can never fade.

Gothic icon?

At any of his new shows, you’ll find a crowd plenty full of silver hair, but balanced equally with plenty of young heads. Who, in fitting fashion, might also still have a deliberate silverish look in their hair.

Numan’s place as a goth artist has always been a touchy subject in the goth community. He came from humble, working-class roots, and his handling of fame was almost punk-like.

But his popularity amongst the masses and the unapologetic pop-appeal of tracks like Cars left him on the gothic side-lines for many years, in spite of his undeniable role in pioneering dark, electronic sounds. Even in a forum from 1999, Google users still bickered over the subject.

As a pretty avid Numan fan, I could dispute this by simply referencing the fact that he tried to sign gothic icons Depeche Mode after seeing them in 1979, as told to Amoeba in 2013. But now, to the kids of today, his status is totally undisputed anyway.

One TikTok video by silver dance creator Lunie Moon depicts her dancing expressively and enigmatically to Numan’s M.E. One young user in the comments stated: ‘I see my future and it’s bright.’

@luniemoon Post punk dystopia Sunday vibes. #garynuman #danceimprovisation #kitchendance #80smusic #dancelife #fitcheck ♬ M.E. – Gary Numan

Numanoids: the Numanites and Numanarti

The fairly recent introduction of TikTok and Instagram reels has been pivotal in younger people discovering his music. During the pandemic, the shared boredom of lockdown saw younger users form communities and shared meaning after becoming inspired by the lives, oral histories, or even just the vibe of certain older users, such as Lunie (above).

The masses of this content resulted in certain elements of goth and other subcultures becoming absorbed into an all-encompassing subculture, umbrella term, and stylised hegemony of ‘alternative’, or simply known as ‘alt’ – where it is often used as a self-describing label.

The fact that Numan has prevailed as a key alternative idol probably says enough about his relevance in goth and popular culture. Cars has been used in over 50,000 videos on TikTok, and features on 15,000 Instagram reels along with plenty more of his tracks hitting the thousands on both platforms.

Furthermore, there’s also the hugely popular samples of Numan out there, such as the use of not one – but two – samples in Basement Jaxx’ Where’s Your Head At. Such uses (honourable shoutout to the Suga Babes’ Freak Like Me) demonstrate how beloved and important his music is to all generations.

M.E’ is used in Where’s Your Head At‘s bassline and ‘This Wreckage’ for the bridge, for those interested.

On a fan level, one user calls Are Friends Electric a ‘retro banger’, whilst comments under videos of Numan posted by his daughters Raven and Persia state how much of a ‘flex’ it is to have him as a father, or call Numan an icon.

@ravennuman uh what the hellyberry #garynuman #fyp ♬ original sound – FreshOutTheCrate

@debussywoman Since dads song is trending rn @Gary Numan #garynuman #fypviralシ #fypシ ♬ original sound – FreshOutTheCrate

It’s clear that Numanoids are no longer just the hardcore fans that stuck with Numan throughout his live hiatus the (the -oids). They are now those who continued to be inspired by Numan, either abstractly as fans, or by creating work derivative of his gritty synth sounds (the –arti). The amount of eighties-reminiscent tracks and an ‘edgy’ wave is monumental, and truly dominates pop music at the moment.

But of course this in itself is still nothing new. Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor claimed to have listened to the track every day in the making of his band’s album Pretty Hate Machine. All roads lead back to Gary.

Even his daughters clearly find their father cool, both during and after growing up. All three have featured on stage multiple times in the past few years. Raven and Persia – his eldest and middle children – even had their own spotlight as artists during his Glastonbury show. Raven performed one of her own songs, which she co-wrote with her father, entitled Nothing’s What It Seems, while Persia contributed backing vocals to the song My Name Is Ruin.

I can tell you now, there’s not a whole host of dads out there who can wear that badge.

The new sound: he’s gone electric again

Numan’s new work brilliantly reflects both his own evolution and his absorption (or at the least recognition) of the changing world around him. His 2021 album, Intruder (which hit No.2 in the UK charts) features heavy use of guitars combined with industrial soundscapes. Whilst these sonics are distinctively him, and certainly resemble his 1980 album Telekon, it meets the ears as cinematic, eerie, and brooding. A fresh and fitting feel for the 2020s.

The future of Numan’s music will likely continue to reflect this mutual influence, where the new world and younger generations around him affect him as much as he might affect them. Speaking to BBC 6 Music, out of all his back catalogue he was most excited to play the new, unreleased song titled Nothing’s What it Seems, which he wrote with Raven.

@bbc6music Synth-pop legend @garynuman makes his Glasto debut a family affair. Listen on @bbcsounds | Watch on #bbciplayer ♬ original sound – BBC Radio 6 Music

Catch him while you can

Off the back of the US tour, and starting off with a show at the 02 Academy in Glasgow and finishing at Liverpool’s 02 this November, there’s plenty of opportunities along the way to catch Numan performing the classics with an extra chance to catch his inevitable next sound.

Find Gary Numan tour dates

For those interested, the run up to Numan’s Wembley homecoming is documented in the documentary Gary Numan: Resurrection, and you can fill in the other gaps with his 2017 autobiography ‘(R)EVOLUTION’.

Numan’s new album A Perfect Circle: Live is out now.

Finn Norris

Finn is a writer and musician. He has written on internet culture, technology, and reviewed music, film, and television. When not frantically tapping away he can be found kicking back with the simpler things: coffee, cats, and football.

The post Gary Numan, Gen Z and beyond: why all ages are tuning in appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Whether you’re having a party, a gathering, or simply lounging solo in the sun, we’ve put together a few of our favourite essentials and luxuries to help you make the most of your outdoor space.

From handy barbecue tools to smart shade solutions, there’s something for everyone – and it won’t break the bank – especially on Amazon Prime Day.

Ninja Woodfire Electric Barbecue and Smoker

Normally, the idea of an electric barbecue might make you shudder in fear of how unsafe and impractical they are. But we simply can’t say enough good things about this one. Unlike others on the market we’ve faffed around with, the entire device is incredibly easy to use, as well as being much more compact and portable than the rest. It’s easy enough to store inside on a rainy day, but if you forget, or are totally mad, it’s weatherproof – so you can get barbecuing on even the gloomiest days a British summer has to offer.

The smoking function only requires a handful of tiny wood chips and uses a fan to circulate heat and smoke, making it more efficient than many ‘actual’ barbecues. And, on top of grilling and smoking, it also has an air fry, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate function, removing the need for dashing back and forth between kitchen and garden.

Shop the Ninja smoker here 

Parasols

A parasol is a great way to unlock a new corner of your garden you thought too ugly to use, or to help turn your scorching patio area into the cool space it was destined to be. Amazon has a plethora of reasonably priced options in a variety of colours and patterns, and all require little setup – as well as being mostly under 50 pounds.

Shop parasols here

Outdoor storage box

One way you could get your garden ready is probably by making it presentable… Luckily, we share your mild-hoarder tendencies, and suggest getting a sleek storage box to chuck all those loose pots and gardening tools into. With the addition of a pillow, you could even turn one of these into a handy bench if you find yourself swarmed with guests.

This 270L model by Kater is weather resistant, and, as a bonus, is made up of 65 per cent recycled plastic.

Shop Kater’s storage box here 

Decorative trellis

A trellis isn’t just a gardener’s friend. Even without climbing plants, the right one on its own can add a subtle elegance to that one plain wall or fence you’ve never been sure how to spruce up. We’re in love with Selection’s bronze leaf design trellis, which comes in a pack of two to create some satisfying symmetry in your garden.

Shop the trelis here 

Keter cooling box table

Investing in a cooling box for your own garden might feel stupid – who needs a tiny fridge so close to the other one? But Keter’s cooling table adds another novelty which is hard to resist. Without any booze or ice added, the table weighs just under 6kg, so has a place anywhere and everywhere in your garden.

For extra ease, the raised table component can be adjusted up and down to give you a range of convenient heights (for when you’re reaching over carelessly from your deck chair). We’re a big fan of the stunning white and brown colour combo that’s bound to give your garden a ‘boujee’ feel.

Shop Keter’s table here

Read more: Landscaping and garden design – how to design the outdoors of your property

Mondeer hammock

It would be easy for us to recommend a plain bit of garden furniture. But if you’re looking to really relax in your garden this summer, why not turn to a hammock? It may make your inner child happy too…

Mondeer’s adjustable model supports up to 200kg and comes in five colours to match the vibe of your outdoor space.

Shop Mondeer’s hammock

Garden lightbulbs

Adding a touch of soft, warm lighting to your garden instantly turns the place into a cosy haven, with no further work required. Rather than retreat inside, you can now enjoy the cooler evenings in your own fairy land, thats now only part make-belief.

This set from Zuske is available in a variety of lengths to suit your specific needs, and can be powered by either the mains’ electricity or solar power. And don’t worry – the bulbs aren’t actually made out of glass.

Shop outdoor lightbulbs here

DIVCHI Garden archway

Much like a good trellis, an archway – even if it leads to no where – is another great way to add some charm and direction to your garden. They pair well with a small trail of slabs, and can be a great inspiration point, helping you to design your garden  around it as a centrepiece. You needn’t have to be a green-finger person to start growing on it either, just some sweet peas growing up it make all the difference.

For the same price, DIVCHI also sell a smaller obelisk shape to serve the same purpose.

Shop the DVICHI archway here

Basics zero gravity chair

We did say no basic furniture, but the comfortability of these Amazon brand chairs is hard to not talk about, and equally hard to pass up on. Nearly 50,000 other shoppers have given it just under 5 stars.

This price includes a set complete with 2 chairs (fit with their own drinks holders) and a small table. Although a tad less socially inclined than other options out there, these relaxed, reclined chairs are still a great upgrade for anyone’s garden.

Shop zero gravity chairs here

…A lawnmower

Saving the most boring til last, if you want to truly get your garden summer ready, a lawnmower is the most obvious but most necessary pick. Luckily, the excitement of having it bought to your door within 24 hours courtesy of Amazon can certainly make this a more bearable activity.

With plenty models £100 and under, Prime Day is the best time to seek a replacement on that rust-bucket in the shed, and finally get to grips with your lawn.

Shop all lawnmowers here

Finn Norris

Finn is a writer and musician. He has written on internet culture, technology, and reviewed music, film, and television. When not frantically tapping away he can be found kicking back with the simpler things: coffee, cats, and football.

The post Small buys to get your garden ready for a big summer appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Rights and fights in 2025

June may mark the official Pride Month in the UK and in fact globally, but in an age where Pride has become a global, marketable phenomenon it’s hard to miss the signs of celebration and awareness.

It’s a sign of how far we have come as a society, to see a Tesco logo integrated with rainbow colours, and even rural parish councils hosting their own parade.

Yet with this comes the accusations of ‘pink washing’, a term referring to where companies’ support for the LGBTQIA+ community is merely superficial. Or sometimes contrasted by their other (unethical) business partnerships.

Whatever the case, Pride is neither watered down nor chaos, even a handful of the countries’ largest events – Brighton, Birmingham, London and Manchester – released a joint statement barring all political parties. Business will continue as usual, both feisty and flamboyant.

So, what’s on?

June only marks the start and the official, international month of Pride. Around the country, thousands of cities, towns, and villages prepare themselves to participate in Pride celebrations that extend well into August. We hope that the guide below gives you a couple ideas on what to explore this summer and beyond.

Brighton Pride

When?

2-3 August 2025

Where?

The main parade begins in Hove Lawns by the seafront, travelling through the main parts of town (and past the Kemp Town street party before ending up at the top of London Road – next to the ‘Fabuloso’ festival at Preston Park.

Key events

Over the years Fabuloso (also known as Pride in the Park) has emerged as the place to be over the weekend,  boasting an impressive range of acts each year. 2025 will be headlined by Mariah Carey following past appearances by Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue, and more. The parade is one of the largest in Britain and takes you past the other the street party, where people take over and dance on the main roads amidst drag and DJ royalty. Plenty of family spaces and outposts are scattered along the route and open across the two days.

Things to note

It wouldn’t be a complete list of Pride events in Britain without referencing one of the largest LGBTQIA+ communities in the country, where I write from today. Brighton Pride itself has an equally rich history being one of the first Pride parades in the country – the 1973 march by the Sussex Gay Liberation followed London’s that happened the year before.

Brighton Pride, https://www.brighton-pride.org/

London Pride

When?

 5 July 2025

Where?

The main parade begins at Hyde Park Corner and finishes at Whitehall place. The route isn’t particularly long and goes past or nearby all of the main stages open later into the day.

Key events

During and after the parade there will be an electric range of music, speeches, poetry, drag, and more taking places across stages in all of the capital’s biggest parks and squares. The main stage will be set up in Trafalgar square and is bound to attract a huge crowd. Elsewhere, Dean Street will be home to a cabaret stage, and Soho and Leicester squares dedicated to lesbian, trans, and non-binary themes – just to name a few.

Things to note

Kicking off the summer on the 5 July, this tightly packed day of Pride is bound to carry over and amplify the energy of Pride month. Despite the hustle and bustle, it will be a safe day and offers something for everyone. For the first time ever there will be a dedicated family space in the Victoria and Embankment Gardens to make sure of this.

 London Pride, https://prideinlondon.org/

Read more: Pride. The kickass famous LGBTQ icons through history

Cornwall Pride

When?

28 June – 25 October 2025

Where?

Respective festivities in Falmouth, Liskeard, Isles of Scilly, Truro, Camborne, St Austell, Saltash, St Ives, Launceston, Bodmin, Bude, Penzance, Redruth, Newquay, Helston, Calstock

Key events

Every area will have its own march, accompanying events, and will be free to attend. Falmouth may be the centrepiece this year, it is tipped that the parade will be flying the world’s largest Pride flag through the seaside town’s streets. The flag appeared last year at Newquay Pride.

Things to note

The four months of Pride events offer ample opportunities to explore one of the most beautiful parts of England for visitors. That being said, the celebrations and protests are carefully catered by local communities and will carefully reflect a marrying of Cornish culture and Pride. Expect beautiful scenery matched with queer serenity across the county.

Cornwall Pride, https://cornwallpride.org/

Edinburgh Pride

When?

21 July 2025

Where?

The parade begins at the Scottish Parliament budling, next to Holyrood Park, and ends near the University of and Bistro Square, which will be home to the festival and Pride Village.

Key Events

Free entry into the music festival, and the parade that traverses through the city’s iconic and historic centre.

Things to Note

Edinburgh Pride is the longest running parade in Scotland – and 2025 will mark its 30th anniversary. Most of the parade route meanders through Edinburgh’s old town, making for an interesting contrast of colourful vibrancy and gothic tradition. During and after the parade you can expect a camp cohesion of Scottish style and sound with the infectious Pride celebrations.

Edinburgh Pride, https://www.prideedinburgh.org/

Belfast Pride

When?

18 – 27 July 2025

Where?

The main parade is on the 26^th and starts at Custom House Square and ends in Victoria Street, tracing its way around the city centre. Other Pride festivities that week and on the day and the rest will take place next to Donegall Quay.

Key Events

After the official parade the child friendly, alcohol- and smoke-free Pride village/market will be open next to the main festival.

Things to Note

Founded in 1991, Belfast’s Pride is another that has become a staple protest and celebration in contemporary queer history. In a city full of recent hurt and struggle, Belfast pride is one of the more politic and activist based events in Britain and this list. Indeed, this year’s theme of ‘NO GOING BACK’ also makes a bold statement that acknowledges the recent surge of hateful ideology, making sure feistiness is in both flair and fight.

Belfast Pride, https://belfastpride.com/

Leeds Pride

When?

19 – 20 July 2025

Where?

The parade begins at the town hall and finishes at ‘The Calls’ a river-side area in a different side of the city centre.

Key Events

All across the city there will be a mix open air and small venue parties such as the bottomless bunch Pride party at the iconic Drag Brunch venue.

Things to Note

Everything under the official Leeds Pride will be fully-free despite being one of the biggest Pride hotspots in the country. There will be optional wristband donations that offer perks and discounts on and off site, however. Wherever you find yourself it looks set to be a great party. Much like Manchester, Leeds has an already vast queer community, with an estimated 10 per cent of the population identifying as part of the LGTBTQIA+ community.

Leeds Pride, https://leedspride.com/

Cardiff/ Wales Pride

When?

21 – 22 June 2025

Where?

The parade will start and end near Cardiff’s castle, which is also the site for all official parties, resources, stalls, and the two-stage festival.

Key Events

A Pride Festival headlined by Ella Henderson and featuring popular Queen tribute act ‘Flash’. Outside of the usual Pride activities will be creative and slower-paced events, like the dog walk hosted by Rainbow Pooch Pride and cabaret workshops.

Things to Note

Cardiff Pride or Pride Cymru is biggest Pride celebration in Wales and indeed this corner of the nation. It has a brilliant attention to the intersection of disability and queer rights and is undeniably the most accessible in the country. Although the official Pride is just two days, readers may be interested in the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival between 13 – 19 October that also takes place in Cardiff later this year.

Pride Cymru, https://pridecymru.com/

Other Pride events throughout the UK

There are hundreds of other Pride events throughout the UK that scarcely get a mention. Here are just a few we found:

Northern Pride, Newcastle, 19-20 August: By no means small, but outside of Newcastle Pride itself, the organisation (Northern Pride) will be running a series of fringe events across the Northeast in the run-up.

Kendal Pride, Cumbria, 13-15 June: A small, rural pride celebration1 in the Yorkshire dales featuring open-air parties and a queer-led film festival.

Exmouth Pride, Devon, 21 June: Small parade followed by a rich selection of local music and comedy in the pretty, sea-surrounded Manor Gardens.

King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Pride, 16 August: Parade and party in East Anglia just off the beautiful River Great Ouse.

Whilst we’ve tried to highlight a geographical range here, we know there are plenty more parties and protests out there this year – please drop your details below in the comments, and we’ll add them to the article. Pride Month in the UK Pride Month in the UK Pride Month in the UK

Finn Norris

Finn is a writer and musician. He has written on internet culture, technology, and reviewed music, film, and television. When not frantically tapping away he can be found kicking back with the simpler things: coffee, cats, and football.

The post It’s Pride Month – exploring Pride Month in the UK appeared first on Silver Magazine.