Gorillaz perform at the United Center in Chicago on Oct. 3, 2022.
Step right up and behold one of the greatest wonders of the musical universe. Part rock band, part pop collective – with hip-hop DNA and a funk-fueled soul – the band is 100 % unique. There is no one like them, it’s… the Gorillaz.
On Oct. 3, Gorillaz’s musical mastermind Damon Albarn served as the rock ringmaster at the United Center as he led fans through a rock and roll spectacular unlike any other. There were special guests, new songs and fan favorite sing-alongs. And, it all happened with Murdoc, 2-D, Noodle and Russel – the animated members of the Gorillaz – making video appearances throughout the night. Gorillaz co-creator Jamie Hewlett’s presence could be felt in them and Albarn was joined by an incredible live band that included bassist Seye Adelekan and lead guitarist Jeff Wootton among others.
The set started at a thousand miles an hour with “M1 A1” before Albarn came down onto the monitors to sing “Last Living Souls.” He went all the way up to the front rail – leaning into the crowd and taking a lucky fan’s phone to film a one-of-a-kind video – during the dance-party that was “Tranz.” Later, Albarn traveled deep into the GA audience during “19-2000,” getting up-close and personal with as many Gorillaz fans as possible.
Gorillaz perform at the United Center in Chicago on Oct. 3, 2022.
“Okay so here they come. Chi-Town’s finest ensemble, Hypnotic Brass. I’ve known these fine gentlemen for a long time,” said Albarn introducing the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble as guests on “Broken.” The evening’s opener EarthGang returned to the stage on the percussive “Opium” and Peven Everett wowed with his powerful vocals on “Strobelite.”
When he wasn’t in the crowd, Albarn spent a good portion of the night on the guitar. One of the evening’s stand-out moments came in the form of the brand new tune, “Skinny Ape,” which started out sweetly before turning into a noisy jam of a protest song with its climactic conclusion. He took to the keys on songs like “O Green World” and “Empire Ants” and the melodica made several appearances including on “Tomorrow Comes Today,” “New Genius (Brother)” and, of course, “Clint Eastwood” which came at the end of the evening’s setlist.
A Gorillaz live show is truly a singular experience. The songs, the band, the visuals, and Albarn’s incredible showmanship made this Monday night in October an unforgettable one.
Check out photos from Gorillaz’s Chicago stop below and click here to pick-up tickets to future tour dates. More information about upcoming shows at the United Center can be found at Unitedcenter.com.
Gorillaz’s new album Cracker Island is set to be released on Feb. 24 via Parlophone.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
