The idea for Gorillaz was born in the late 1990s when Albarn, the frontman of Blur, and Hewlett, the co-creator of Tank Girl, found themselves disillusioned with the manufactured nature of the music industry. Their response was to create a band that wasn’t bound by the limitations of reality—a group that could exist in an animated world and evolve beyond the constraints of traditional rock and pop acts. In 2001, they introduced the world to Gorillaz, a virtual band consisting of four fictional members: 2-D (vocals and keyboard), Murdoc Niccals (bass), Noodle (guitar), and Russel Hobbs (drums).
The band’s self-titled debut album was an instant success, propelled by the hit single Clint Eastwood. The song’s hypnotic mix of hip-hop, dub, and alternative rock, combined with a striking animated music video, immediately set Gorillaz apart from anything else in the music industry. The album established their signature sound—an eclectic blend of influences that would continue to evolve with each release.
Their 2005 follow-up, Demon Days, solidified Gorillaz as more than just a gimmick. Featuring collaborations with artists like De La Soul, MF DOOM, and Dennis Hopper, the album produced some of their most iconic tracks, including Feel Good Inc., DARE, and El Mañana. The dark, dystopian themes and cinematic visuals elevated the band’s mythology, making Gorillaz a fully realized multimedia project.
As the years went on, Gorillaz continued to reinvent themselves. Plastic Beach (2010) leaned into electronic and orchestral elements, featuring artists like Snoop Dogg, Lou Reed, and Bobby Womack. The album’s environmental themes reflected a growing concern for sustainability, while the lore of the Gorillaz universe expanded through intricate music videos and promotional material.
After a brief hiatus, the band returned with Humanz (2017), a politically charged album that reflected the turmoil of the modern world. With contributions from Vince Staples, Popcaan, and Grace Jones, it embraced a more club-oriented sound, while its follow-up, The Now Now (2018), returned to a more intimate and introspective tone.
Gorillaz remains a project in constant motion. In 2020, the band launched Song Machine, an episodic music release that showcased collaborations with artists like Robert Smith, Schoolboy Q, and Elton John. The concept blurred the lines between albums and streaming culture, embracing the modern music landscape while staying true to their genre-bending roots.
With each era, Gorillaz has continued to evolve both musically and visually, never content to remain stagnant. Their innovative approach to music, animation, and storytelling has cemented their status as one of the most unique and influential acts of the 21st century. Whether through their dystopian narratives, genre-defying sound, or groundbreaking visual style, Gorillaz proves that music can be more than just sound—it can be an entire world.