Gorillaz

Gorillaz is a British virtual band created in 1998 by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett. Presented as four animated members—2-D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel Hobbs—the project blends music with a developing fictional universe expressed through animated videos, comics, and live performances. The members have backstories that are explored across albums and media, while real musicians contribute to their recordings.

The band's music blends diverse styles, including alternative rock, hip hop, electronic, pop, and trip-hop, and is known for collaborations with guest artists across genres. The debut album Gorillaz (2001) features the singles Clint Eastwood and 19-2000. Demon Days (2005) achieved widespread critical and commercial success, spawning Feel Good Inc. The follow-up Plastic Beach (2010) expanded their sound with orchestral textures and a wide range of guest appearances. The Fall (2010) was released as a digital album largely recorded on an iPad. Subsequent releases include Humanz (2017), The Now Now (2018), Song Machine: Season One (2020), and Cracker Island (2023), continuing the group’s collaborative approach.

Visuals and performances have been a defining aspect, with music videos noted for distinctive animation and direction. Live shows combine virtual stage imagery with real musicians, often featuring a rotating lineup of performers and guest artists, and sometimes using augmented reality elements and elaborate stage production.

Gorillaz have earned numerous awards and nominations across major ceremonies, and their multimedia approach has influenced a generation of artists by blurring the line between music, art, and storytelling. The project remains active, continuing to release new material and undertake tours that emphasize its hybrid of animation and music.