Gorillaz are 25 years old. What began in 2000 as a playful side project for Damon Albarn between Blur albums—hidden behind Jamie Hewlett’s animated comic-book visuals—has now surpassed Blur in popularity almost everywhere except Britain. The number of young fans in the audience speaks to Gorillaz’s ability to stay fresh, serving as an ever-evolving outlet for Albarn’s restless creativity.
To celebrate, Gorillaz are hosting an immersive exhibition called House of Kong and a series of four shows, each dedicated to a different era. This second night revisits 2005’s Demon Days. Co-produced by Danger Mouse, the album remains the most fully realized version of the Gorillaz vision: thematically sharp (tackling innocence and violence) and musically cohesive (featuring rappers and hip-hop adjacent artists). Dressed like a trendy vicar, Albarn acts as both frontman and gracious host, though the original lineup of guest vocalists has inevitably changed. The late MF DOOM and absent Shaun Ryder appear only on screen, while Skye Edwards steps in for Martina Topley-Bird on “All Alone.” Thankfully, some classic collaborators remain: Bootie Brown bursts into “Dirty Harry” like a firework in red and white, and De La Soul bring energy and laughter to “Feel Good Inc.”
But the goal isn’t just to recreate the past. Beneath Hewlett’s chaotic videos, the band, choir, and string quartet give the songs new weight and intensity. “O Green World” builds to a thrilling climax, and the album’s title track swells magnificently. As stained-glass visuals fill the screen and the London Community Gospel Choir chants the healing refrain—“To the sun”—Albarn’s vicar outfit suddenly feels perfectly fitting. An encore of three newer B-sides, though admirably tight, feels a bit underwhelming. The night closes on a reflective note with “Hong Kong,” featuring guzheng master Qing Du, ending not with a bang but a thoughtful, melancholy question.
Then again, Demon Days was never really a party album. Created during the Bush and Blair years, it was described as “the world in a state of night,” drawing from horror soundtracks and the uneasy protest-pop of bands like the Specials. The show opens with a montage of war-torn newsreels and periodically bathes the crowd in hellish red light. For obvious reasons, the album’s haunting critique of humanity’s destructive impulses—toward both people and the planet—still feels painfully relevant tonight. The demon days are here again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Gorillaz
1 What is Gorillaz
Gorillaz is a virtual band created by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett The band consists of animated characters but the music is performed by real artists with Albarn as the main creative force
2 Who are the members of Gorillaz
The animated members are 2D Murdoc Niccals Noodle and Russel Hobbs Damon Albarn writes and performs most of the music while Jamie Hewlett designs the characters and visuals
3 Why is Gorillaz still popular after 25 years
Their music blends multiple genres they collaborate with diverse artists and their storytelling and visuals keep evolving making them feel fresh and relevant
4 What are some of Gorillazs biggest hits
Some wellknown songs include Clint Eastwood Feel Good Inc DARE On Melancholy Hill and Stylo
5 How do Gorillaz release new music or albums
They release albums EPs and singles like any band but often accompany them with animated music videos online content and interactive experiences
6 Are Gorillaz just a gimmick or is the music taken seriously
The music is highly respectedtheyve won Grammy Awards and critical acclaim for their innovation and genreblending style
7 Do Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett still work on Gorillaz
Yes both are still actively involved Albarn leads the music and Hewlett oversees the art and character development
8 How can I get into Gorillaz if Im new to them
Start with their greatest hits or albums like Demon Days or Plastic Beach Watch their music videos to enjoy the full animated experience
9 Have Gorillaz toured or performed live
Yes they perform live with a mix of screens showing animations and real musicians on stage Damon Albarn usually sings live with guest performers
10 What makes Gorillaz different from other bands
Their virtual identity allows creative freedom in music and storytelling without the limits of a traditional band image
