Gorillaz

Gorillaz are a virtual band from Essex, England, formed in 1998 and active since 1999. The project is created by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, and it is built around fictional members 2-D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle and Russel Hobbs. Over time, the lineup also includes Paula Cracker, Del Tha Ghost Rapper, DJ D-Zire, Cyborg Noodle and Ace.

Music and concept

The band combines alternative dance, alternative rock, art pop, electronic, electronica and electropop, with wider influences from hip hop, dub, punk and world music. Albarn is the only permanent musical contributor, while the project works with a large number of guest artists. Its fictional world appears through music videos, interviews, comic-style artwork and animated content.

Albums and releases

The debut album, Gorillaz, arrives in 2001 and becomes a commercial success, led by the single “Clint Eastwood”. Demon Days follows in 2005 and produces further major singles including “Feel Good Inc.”, “Dare”, “Dirty Harry” and “El Manana”. Plastic Beach appears in 2010 and focuses on environmental themes with a larger group of collaborators. Later that year, The Fall is recorded largely on a portable device during a tour.

Humanz is released in 2017 after a seven-year hiatus and features many guest contributors. The Now Now appears in 2018 with fewer collaborators and a stronger emphasis on Albarn’s vocals. In 2020, the band launches Song Machine, a web series of episodic singles with videos, which leads to Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez. Cracker Island follows in 2023. The Mountain is released in 2026 and draws on Indian music and culture.

Live performance and awards

Gorillaz perform in different formats, including early shows with the musicians hidden behind screens and animated visuals, and later tours with a fully visible live band. The project receives a Grammy Award, MTV Video Music Awards, an NME Award and several MTV Europe Music Awards, along with multiple Brit Award nominations.

Development of the project

The concept begins as a commentary on contemporary popular music and media culture. Recording for the debut album runs from 1998 to 2000. After the success of Demon Days, the project explores darker material and limits live appearances to staged concerts. Later releases, including remix albums, compilations and multimedia projects, expand the fictional universe. Remi Kabaka Jr, who has previously voiced Russel Hobbs, becomes a permanent producer in 2015. After a hiatus beginning in 2012, Albarn and Hewlett resume work in the mid-2010s, and the project continues to combine music, visual art and narrative elements.