Gary Numan, godfather of electro-pop and huge musical influence in the last three decades, was celebrating at the excellent, thankfully re-opened York Barbican.

Straight from his Mojo Inspiration Award he headlined DV8 Fest, a York-based festival celebrating alternative music and the goth scene.

Luxury Stranger was a smart choice for support act.

With plangent bass, harmonised guitar, heavy drum beats and a 1980s aesthetic, they powered through a confident and vibrant set.

The atmosphere was ebullient as Numan, with two synth players and guitarist, launched into an industrial Down In Ihe Park. Twirling the microphone stand over his head like a weapon, Numan’s theatrical charisma and verve never faltered while his ethereal voice hypnotised the crowd.

Exhibiting more industrial, heavier elements of his oeuvre, the set was relentless and matched throughout by an exciting, energetic lighting design. The euphoric cacophony came mostly from the albums Pure and Jagged with Rip, Haunted and the heart-breaking A Prayer For The Unborn being real highlights.

With little time to catch breath, his performance’s energy, dynamism and passion was infectious. Classic tracks Metal, Noise Noise, I Die You Die and the eternally popular Cars and “Are Friends Electric sounded surprisingly innovative and energised.

He clearly enjoys playing them even after 30 years.

Not just looking back, new songs The Fall, When the Sky Bleeds and the spectacular Everything Comes Down To This demonstrated how Numan has so much more to offer.

If you were not a Numanoid before the gig, you certainly were afterwards.