Gary Numan shares his musical vision at the Slowdown

Gary Numan told his musical story, from the apocalyptic world of his current work to the aliens and androids from his past, as he brought his Second Savage Tour to Omaha's Slowdown on Sept. 27.

The English synth-pop pioneer's most recent album, "Savage," imagines a world ravaged by climate change. The singer played several tracks off the album, including "My Name is Ruin," and from its predecessor, "Splinter (Songs from a Broken World)," opening song "Everything Comes Down to This" among them.

Photos two and three by Alexandra Andersen. 

The newer songs blended perfectly with the old. Numan played some of his biggest tracks, including "Metal" and "Down in the Park" early in the set, and the concert built from there. As Numan waved his arms like a mad conductor to the synth strains of the Tubeway Army classic, the crowd knew they were in for something good.

Backed by an energetic band and an incredible light show, Numan spun through his greatest moments, the giant hit "Cars" played about mid-set, "Me! I Disconnect from You," and "Are 'Friends' Electric?" to close out the main set. Electrifying, of course.

Photos one and three by Christopher Windle.

Though Numan is rightfully proud of his recent work, he knows he has to play his biggest songs for fans new and old, even if someone might only know them from TV commercials that have little to do with the song's subject matter.

One can tell that Numan's audience means a lot to him. When he spoke the words, "You see, it meant everything to me" from "Are 'Friends' Electric?," it seemed very much directed toward the crowd.

They were there for it all, the man, the machines, and the vision. And Numan delivered.

Photo by Alexandra Andersen.