I met Gemma, my wife, when she was 12. She had a schoolgirl crush on me and her dad had arranged for her to meet me. Later, she started coming to my concerts, but I only got to know her well after her mother died. I rang to see how she was, and that's how it started.

In this quote, Gary Numan reflects on the early stages of his relationship with his wife, Gemma. He mentions meeting her when she was only 12, and how she initially had a schoolgirl crush on him, which was encouraged by her father who arranged for them to meet. This sets the stage for an unusual beginning to their relationship, where the connection was initially more about admiration from afar rather than a deep personal bond.

Numan also mentions that after Gemma began attending his concerts, he didn’t truly get to know her until after her mother died. This marks a pivotal moment in their relationship. When her mother passed away, Numan reached out to her to see how she was doing, which led to a deeper connection between them. This suggests that their relationship evolved from a distant acquaintance into something more meaningful and personal, sparked by compassion and mutual support.

The statement highlights how personal experiences, such as the loss of a loved one, can serve as the catalyst for closer relationships. Numan’s gesture of calling to check on Gemma in her time of grief demonstrates his empathy and care, which led to their emotional connection. It shows how sometimes the foundations of a strong relationship are built not on initial attraction or admiration, but on shared experiences and emotional support.

Originating from Numan’s personal life, the quote illustrates how relationships can develop unexpectedly and evolve over time. It also speaks to the idea that true connections are often rooted in more meaningful moments, such as showing care and concern for another person’s well-being during challenging times. Numan’s story offers a reflection on how love can grow from the most unpredictable beginnings, leading to lasting bonds.