It’s been nearly 17 years since Gorillaz played Manhattan’s iconic Madison Square Garden. But, this past Tuesday, September 29, history was made, blending theatre, cinema and the roots of a concert all into one. From the dynamic animations, engagement from lead vocalist Damon Albarn, and the call outs of special guests and singers it was a whirl of high-energy. A show New Yorkers could not miss.
From a technical stand point, Gorillaz is specifically unusual, considering the band itself is primarily virtual. It was created back in 1998 by British Singer, Damon Albarn, known for his role in Blur, and Graphic Designer, Jamie Hewlett. Gorillaz has become known for their experimental sound spanning across a multitude of genres including rock, alternative, hip-hop, electronic and pop. Listeners follow the storyline of digital members 2-D (Lead-Singer), Murdoc Niccals (Bass), Russel Hobbs (Drums) and Noodle (Guitar). Their backstory develops across albums, including their latest, The Mountain.
The night started off high with a crowd-pleasing performance by rapper-singer Little Simz. Her music, classified as British Hip-Hop stems from collaborations throughout the years and lyricism that portrays the unleashing of personal power. Audience members clapped their hands in time to her chants. To Little Simz, opening up for Gorillaz felt like a full circle moment. Especially considering the last time she opened for the group was in Europe back in 2017. Lights flashed behind her as depictions of city landscapes and silhouettes danced across the screen.
At the end of Little Simz’s set, digital curtains replaced the screen’s imagery. Text displaying “Gorillaz” materialized and fans turned on their phone’s flashlight in earnest, awaiting the band’s presence.
Finally, around 10pm, the curtains opened. Audience members appeared transfixed as an animated short film for “The Mountain” took place on the screen. Created by Hewlett, the film depicts the animated members traveling through a rainforest, encountering all sorts of people and animals. As the song shifted to “The Happy Dictator” a flourish of musicians, alongside Albarn, entered stage left. While Albarn sang the main vocals, he was accompanied by wooden flutes, electronic harmonies and lyrics singing, “Oh what a happy land we live in.”
The night continued on with favorites such as “Rhinestone Eyes,” “Let Me Out,” “Demon Days” and “Kids With Guns.” To make it even more memorable, special guests like Pusha T, the Harlem Choir and Bootie Brown joined the stage. MSG was electric, a slew of vocals, trumpet players, and rappers, all in tandem as the crowd clapped along. Even Little Simz reappeared, joining the group to “Garage Palace.”
Plus, Damon Albarn’s stage presence was infectious. He frequently called out his love for New York and ran out into the crowd to hug fans. Cameras zoomed in on listeners dressed in similar outfits as Albarn, fictional characters and the Teletubbies. At one point, he began to chant “Knicks in Five,” urging forth a chorus of gleeful shouts.
Right before Gorillaz launched into their number one hit, “Feel Good Inc,” Albarn was joined on stage by De La Soul. Pointing at different sections of the venue, De La Soul beckoned watchers to say hi to each other. According to him, the song required the participation of everyone, especially when it came time for the chorus. The crowd laughed in time with De La Soul, waving hands across the air.
Once “Feel Good Inc.” fizzled out, Gorillaz concluded the show with another favorite, “Clint Eastwood” featuring Del The Funky Homeosapien. Animations gleaming across the stage’s screen as the digital curtains drew to a close. Cheering erupted across MSG as all performers reappeared, bowing alongside Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett.
Gorillaz-Madison Square Garden-September 29, 2026
Setlist: The Mountain, The Happy Dictator, Tranz, Last Living Souls, Tomorrow Comes Today, 19-2000, Rhinestone Eyes, The Moon Cave, On Melancholy Hill, Orange County, Casablanca, Delirium, Andromeda, Garage Palace, She’s My Collar, Broken, Stylo, Let Me Out, Kids With Guns, The Sad God, Don’t Get Lost in Heaven, Demon Days.
Encore: The Cloud of Unknowing, Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach, Rock the House, Dirty Harry, Feel Good Inc, Clint Eastwood.
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