Gary Numan is planning to emigrate to America after watching the devastating riots unfold in his native Britain earlier this month (Aug11).
The civil unrest, which began in London after a police shooting, spread across the country as thugs attacked city centres, smashing windows, looting shops and setting buildings on fire.
The Cars hitmaker was disgusted by the violence and admits seeing the news coverage of the events was the final push he needed to finalise his plans to emigrate to the U.S.
He filed official papers last week (ends14Aug11) and he's looking forward to a new life in California with his wife Gemma and their three daughters if their application is approved.
Numan tells Britain's Daily Record, "We are trying to emigrate to America. We will know within the next month if we are successful.
"The other day my wife was walking down the High Street and a bunch of kids between 12 and 14 were telling her what they would like to do to her. She had my children with her. You've got to be kidding.
"Every village and town in England has a bunch of thugs running around in it. The riots were the nail in the coffin. I have been sitting on the application for the last two months, asking Gemma if she is absolutely sure because once it is done, it's done forever.
“The day after the riots, I got onto the lawyer and said, 'let's do it - get on with it'. I do love being English and I am not anti the country but I have got to think of the children.
"America clearly has its own problems, but Santa Monica is great. It has beautiful beaches and the Pacific ocean. There is not one bit of trouble and not one surly or aggressive person there.
“Everyone is friendly. You ask the teenagers there for directions and they are polite and helpful. Do that here and you are as likely to get stabbed as you are to get directions. The fact is the English are pretty miserable."
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