The past several months have been extraordinarily difficult for musician Gary Numan and his family. Following the sudden death of his brother in November, Numan is now facing a new challenge as his wife, Gemma, is recovering from spinal surgery that has left her with partial paralysis in her left arm.
Gemma Numan, 57, shared the news with fans on Instagram, describing the outcome of a multi-level discectomy – a procedure to remove damaged or herniated discs – as “not glamorous” and “how s**t it is.” She revealed that she has lost function in her left arm following the surgery, which took place in the UK. The couple, who have been married since 1997, currently reside in Los Angeles, but Gemma underwent the procedure in the UK and has been unable to return home since September of last year.
“Gutted!” Gemma wrote in her post. “I miss my animals so much it makes me feel sick! Gary has looked after me here in the UK the whole time.” She also expressed gratitude to her loved ones for their support, adding, “It couldn’t have happened without you!” This was Gemma’s third operation since August, with another still to come.
The news comes just months after Gary Numan publicly grieved the unexpected passing of his younger brother, John. Numan broke down in tears during a performance in Birmingham, informing the audience he had received “the worst news ever.” He later shared on social media that his brother had died shortly after they said goodbye following a show in Leeds. “He had spent the evening with me at my Telekon show, catching up, swapping stories, telling me about his newly found love of reading,” Numan wrote. He described the heartbreak of learning of his brother’s death and the lingering regret of not knowing his brother had collapsed just yards from their tour bus.
While paralysis is a known, though rare, risk associated with discectomy procedures, the news is undoubtedly a significant blow for Gemma Numan and her family. A multi-level discectomy is performed to alleviate pressure on nerves in the spine caused by damaged discs. The surgery aims to relieve pain and improve function, but complications can occur. Gemma’s experience highlights the unpredictable nature of even routine surgical procedures.
The couple are parents to three daughters: Persia, Raven, and Echo. Gemma’s inability to return to Los Angeles since September underscores the challenges she faces in her recovery, being separated from her daughters and pets. Gary Numan has remained by her side throughout her treatment in the UK, providing support and care.
Numan, a pioneer of electronic music known for hits like “Cars” and “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?”, has maintained a dedicated following throughout his career. The recent personal tragedies have clearly impacted the artist, as evidenced by his emotional on-stage breakdown in November. The outpouring of support from fans following both his brother’s death and now his wife’s health struggles demonstrates the deep connection he has forged with his audience.
Gemma Numan’s candidness about her experience, particularly her rejection of any notion of glamour surrounding her health battle, resonates with a growing desire for authenticity in public discussions about illness and recovery. Her willingness to share the raw reality of her situation offers a counterpoint to often idealized portrayals of health challenges.
As Gemma continues her recovery and prepares for another surgery, the Numan family faces an uncertain future. The combined weight of grief and health struggles presents a formidable challenge, but their resilience and the support of their loved ones offer a glimmer of hope during this difficult time. The family has not yet indicated when Gemma might be able to return to Los Angeles or what the long-term prognosis for her recovery may be.
