Gorillaz

Gorillaz is a musical project created in 1998 by Damon Albarn of Britpop band Blur and British cartoonist Jamie Hewlett, co-creator of the comic book Tank Girl. In the mainstream and commercial outlets it is known as a "virtual band" because for their image and promotion, instead of displaying the musicians of the band, it has used a group of comic book characters. The "virtual band" is composed of four animated members: 2D (lead vocalist, keyboard), Murdoc Niccals (bass guitar), Noodle (guitar and occasional vocals) and Russel Hobbs (drums and percussion).

NEWS: Gorillaz New Album For Free On Christmas Day Brought to you by RIU

Gorillaz are planning to release their new album as a free download on Christmas Day. As previously reported, The animated band (fronted by Damon Albarn of Blur) have been giving away free Gorillaz downloads every day through their online advent calendar. It has been confirmed that the Advert calendar will conclude with a new free album download on Christmas day.

NEWS: Gorillaz Superfast Switcheroo Brought to you by RIU

The animated supergroup make a last minute decision to cancel the release of Superfast Jellyfish.

GIG: Gorillaz At Vector Arena Brought to you by RIU

Damon Albarn's cartoon supergroup Gorillaz will play the Vector Arena, Auckland on Tuesday 21st December. Gorillaz recently headlined Friday night at Glastonbury in the UK filling in for U2 that were forced to pull out because of lead singer Bono's back injury. Gorillaz were joined on the pyramid stage by Paul Simonon and Mick Jones of The Clash almongst many others.

NEWS: Damon Albarn Defends Gorillaz Glastonbury Set Brought to you by RIU

Damon Albarn has taken responsibility for the poor reviews his band Gorillaz received following their Glastonbury headline slot. The cartoon hip-hop band stepped in at the last minute to replace U2, whose singer, Bono, had injured his back. Reviews of the show were mixed, with the crowd noticeably thinning during their Pyramid stage set. Speaking to Radio 1's Newsbeat, Albarn said the show had lacked "human interaction".

GIG: Gorillaz At Vector Official Release Brought to you by RIU

The cat’s out of the bag and it’s no longer a secret. Yes, the rumours were true… on Thursday 22nd August, Chugg Entertainment confirmed that Gorillaz will be making their first ever trip to Australasia for their arena tour in December 2010. As part of their Plastic Beach world tour, Gorillaz will be playing 20 shows across North America and 10 nights in Europe before going to Asia for the first time ever, and then heading south for the winter where their journey will conclude with a string of dynamic shows in Australia and New Zealand.

NEWS: Gorillaz Host Online Advent Calendar Brought to you by RIU

Gorillaz have posted an interactive advent calendar online. The cartoon outfit have been getting in the mood for Christmas by giving away digital content since December 1 on Gorillaz.com. The band's website reads "Greetings! Gorillaz's little elves have been busy preparing a daily feast of Gorillaz gift ephemera for your jolly enjoyment."

REVIEW: Gorillaz Live At The Vector Arena, Auckland Brought to you by RIU

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 resited 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 said that that this could be the last performance that Gorillaz do.

NEWS: Damon Albarn Will Be On The Stage With His New Opera Brought to you by RIU

Damon Albarn wrote his opera 'Doctor Dee' because of a "strong emotional connection" to the character. The former Blur frontman has prepared the re-enactment of the life of 16th century scientist John Dee, because he feels his contribution to society has been overlooked, but despite the setting of the play it will not use traditionaldress.

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