Gorillaz broke music industry norms as a virtual band blending animation, genre-bending sound, and wild storylines. Discover what sets them apart from traditional bands.
Gorillaz
Gorillaz is the world’s first major virtual band, created in 1998 by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett.
The band’s four animated members—2-D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel Hobbs—each have elaborate fictional backstories, including zombie fighting and devilish deals.
Gorillaz music spans genres from hip-hop and rock to electronic and pop, often featuring high-profile collaborators from across the music world.
Damon Albarn is the only permanent musical member, while the band’s visuals and story come from Hewlett.
Noodle, the guitarist, originally arrived in a FedEx crate from Japan and quickly wowed the group with her musical prowess.
The band’s fictional universe includes bizarre adventures—like escaping from prison, fighting pirates, and channeling spirits—told through music videos, interviews, and comics.
Murdoc Niccals, the band’s bassist, is said to have made a deal with the devil for rock star success.
Their 2001 self-titled debut album went platinum and introduced animated music videos, which set a new standard for music storytelling.
The hit single “Clint Eastwood” blends hip-hop, electronic, and reggae stylings, showcasing the group’s genre-bending sound.
Gorillaz has released six studio albums, including Demon Days and Plastic Beach, each exploring unique musical landscapes and visual styles.
The band has won numerous awards, including a Grammy and multiple MTV Video Music Awards for their innovative videos.
Gorillaz often releases exclusive multimedia content like games, books, and toys, deepening fans’ engagement with their virtual world.
People say that ghosts of dead hip-hop artists possess Russel Hobbs, the virtual drummer, giving Gorillaz a supernatural edge.
Hewlett and Albarn’s collaboration was conceived as a satire of manufactured pop bands, which they found dominating late-1990s music.
Fans know Gorillaz for their live shows, where holographic or animated projections of the band perform alongside real-life musicians.
