REVIEW: Gorillaz Live At The Vector Arena, Auckland

Having spent the past three months playing 35 shows around the world; Gorillaz ended their ‘Escape to Plastic Beach World Tour’ at the Vector. As Damon Albarn was introducing the various band members throughout the set, he resisted the urge to say goodbye but a lot of the hugs he was giving out looked pretty emotional. During a long break in the middle of the set, Damon announced that this could be the last Gorillaz show ever. And even if you don't believe that, it was amazing show to witness, they really played like it was their last show together and it was their last chance to party. The live spectacle of the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, plus the all-girl string section, swaying in time in matching sailor hats made the stage resemble the world's best dressed musical circus troupe. It was enough of a treat to see such quality support acts as Little Dragon and De Le Soul, but when Gorillaz took the stage with all guns - and giant neon sign - blazing, they completely blew us away.

The virtual band has released three studio albums in the 12 years that they have been together. Well, 13 if you count the one that is going to be released for free download via their online calendar. This may not seem like a lot but the amount of instantly recognisable singles that they played makes you realise that Gorillaz have been a hit machine since day one.
My highlights of the night were ‘Stylo’ which featured the fearsome live vocals of Bobby Womack and Bootie Brown, ‘El Mañana’ which is just a beautiful track that I had completely forgotten about, and ‘Tomorrow Comes Today’, the band’s very first single.

Little Dragon replaced Damon on lead vocals for ‘Empire Ants’ halfway through the set, Roses Gabor sang lead vocals for ‘Dare’ and Bootie Brown rapped on ‘Dirty Harry’. All of these collaborations allowed them to show off their fine array of talent, which of course included Paul Simonon and Mick Jones of the Clash, and with all the hugs and goodbyes, it was a bit of a love-in as well.

De La Soul joined the band on stage for ‘Feel Good Inc.’, absolutely nailing it with the longest loudest belly laughs ever.  The long encore also included ‘Clint Eastwood’ before ending with ’Demon Days’ with another moving solo from Bobby Womack.

It’s easy to get lost in the marketing of the Gorillaz outfit. There was a huge projection screen at the back of the stage that played Gorillaz music videos and various other animations throughout the set. My eyes kept being drawn to the virtual band rather than the real one. But strip all of this marketing away and at the core of the Gorillaz project is a really tight band, some really strong song writing and excellent production. Their show tonight was pure magic, a heady, ambitious trip into the musical stratosphere that left all the boundaries of genre far behind.

Review by David Apple and photography by Rimoni.