When Gary Numan and Tubeway Army reach Number One on the UK singles chart in 1979 with Are ‘Friends’ Electric? the thought of Numan still being successful nearly fifty years hence seemed a remote one.

His songs are seldom played on the classic hits radio stations today and the prospect of seeing him on one of the eighties package tours is something Numan has resolutely avoided - his loyal fanbase means he can tour independently with ease.

Whilst he remains massively underrated by many, Numan has influenced rock acts ranging from Nine Inch Nails to Marilyn Manson and the Foo Fighters. Those rock undertones have now been successfully blended into his own songs as witnessed when Numan and his band arrived at the Piece Hall in Halifax in front of one of the largest audiences on his current tour.

The often cinematic and dramatic atmosphere that his songs create seemed perfectly at home within the confines of the historic venue that was also complimented by a stunning and impressive light show that equalled those of the rock acts he has influenced over the years.

As his customary with his concerts, Numan never spoke to the audience between his songs, the only time he chose to address his fans at the end of the evening, instead his music did the talking.

Whilst during the early part of his stage career when Numan stood resolutely in one spot, he now glides the stage - often using many of the rock star poses that are associated with the acts he has inspired. Whilst each song is now given a more heavier treatment, his trademark shrill synthesiser sound could still be heard in the background throughout.

The eighteen-song set was perfectly balanced with a nod to his last album,Jagged, which continued his foray into dark and industrial rock which contrasted well with his big hits, Cars, I Die: You Die and his concluding track, Are ‘Friends’ Electric?.

Almost fifty years on, Numan remained enigmatic, engaged and entertaining as Halifax was shaken and stunned with a commanding performance. Numan was never fashionable in the first wave of his success; nearly half a century onwards, his music, though, has worn well.