"There's no point in lying saying I am doing really, really well because I'm not; I'm cult level"

Gary Numan’s reflection is a candid acknowledgment of his real standing within the music industry. By rejecting the temptation to embellish his success, he demonstrates self-awareness and humility. Rather than following the path taken by many artists, claiming widespread popularity or a thriving mainstream career, he admits openly that his influence is largely confined to a smaller, devoted following. When Numan says “I’m cult level,” he is referring to the status assigned to artists who enjoy deep and enthusiastic support from a specific subset of listeners, even if they aren’t dominating the charts or featuring prominently in popular culture.

Cult status is often defined by intense loyalty and admiration from fans, typically arising when an artist’s work resonates deeply with a particular audience, but perhaps remains too niche or unconventional to achieve universal commercial appeal. For Numan, being “cult level” is an honest acknowledgment of the reality that, despite the lack of mass-market success, his music continues to have lasting cultural significance. He recognizes that enduring influence and a committed audience can be just as meaningful as broader fame, but he also doesn’t pretend this level of success is equivalent to mainstream recognition. This distinction reveals both a practical understanding of his career trajectory and an appreciation for the unique place he occupies.

There’s a vulnerable edge to Numan’s transparency. Admitting that he’s not doing “really, really well” shatters illusions of constant celebrity and financial abundance, ideals often attached to life as a musician. It also counters the pressure many artists feel to overstate their success, giving permission for a more nuanced, authentic portrayal of their journeys. Implicit in his words is both an acceptance of reality and perhaps a subtle pride: being cult level, while not synonymous with commercial superstardom, signifies genuine artistic impact and a legacy that persists beyond fleeting trends. Through his honesty, Numan not only grounds himself but also extends solidarity to those navigating the complex spectrum between obscurity and fame.