GARY NUMAN

Gary Numan ‎– Vinyl Boxset

Label: Beggars Banquet – BOX 1, Beggars Banquet – K68035
Format: 2 × Vinyl, LP, Albums, Stereo, Limited Edition Box Set
Country: UK & Europe
Released: April 1981

Description:

A landmark Gary Numan release, Living Ornaments '79 & '80 is one of the most celebrated live documents of the new wave/synth-pop era. This deluxe 2 × LP box set captures Numan at the peak of his early career, recorded during the historic Hammersmith Odeon concerts of September 1979 and 1980. These shows were pivotal moments in electronic and alternative music, showcasing Numan’s pioneering use of synthesisers, cold atmospherics, and futuristic stage presentation.

Originally issued in April 1981 as a limited edition set, the box brings together two complete live albums: Living Ornaments '79 and Living Ornaments '80. Both were highly sought-after at the time of release and remain essential listening for fans, presenting dramatically different eras of Numan’s early sound. The '79 recordings reflect the raw post-punk minimalism of Replicas and The Pleasure Principle, while the '80 performance introduces the darker, more textured sonic palette of Telekon. The contrast between the two makes the set especially valuable as a historical document of Numan’s rapid artistic evolution.

The set was originally packaged with a fold-out colour insert listing tour dates and artwork connected to the shows. It also included a reproduction of the full-page magazine advertisement from Sounds, issued at the time of release, highlighting Beggars Banquet’s promotional push behind the project. Each LP is housed in its own picture sleeve and inner bag, and the entire release is presented in a glossy 12" picture box bearing imagery from the period of both tours.

Living Ornaments '79 & '80 has long been regarded by collectors and Numan enthusiasts as one of the most important archival issues in his catalogue. It documents the theatricality, precision, and icy electronic aesthetic that made his late-70s and early-80s concerts legendary. For those exploring the roots of synth-pop and electronic rock, these recordings remain essential listening and an ideal entry point into Numan’s influential live work.

Track Listing:

Living Ornaments '79

A1 Airlane – 3:12
A2 Cars – 3:20
A3 We Are So Fragile – 2:33
A4 Films – 3:45
A5 Something's In The House – 4:08

B1 My Shadow In Vain – 2:50
B2 Conversation – 7:45
B3 The Dream Police – 4:12
B4 Metal – 3:25

Living Ornaments '80

C1 This Wreckage – 5:20
C2 I Die: You Die – 3:38
C3 M.E. – 4:27
C4 Everyday I Die – 4:22
C5 Down In The Park – 5:55

D1 Remind Me To Smile – 3:40
D2 The Joy Circuit – 5:47
D3 Tracks – 2:43
D4 Are ‘Friends’ Electric? – 5:30
D5 We Are Glass – 4:32

Additional Notes:

A key release for collectors of Gary Numan, Beggars Banquet, and early electronic live recordings. Represents one of the most complete and immersive documents of Numan’s early touring years, combining two distinct live eras in a beautifully presented box set.

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