LIVE REVIEW: Gorillaz @ Co-Op Live, Manchester

Lucy Thomas
a few seconds ago
2 min read

On Friday night, Gorillaz kicked off their ‘The Mountain’ tour at Manchester’s Co-op Live. In what can only be described as a striking, immersive spectacle, Damon Albarn lead the virtual band through a masterclass performance. Every single inch of the stage was utilised by the extensive, diverse array of live instruments, and the on-screen graphics truly transported the audience into their virtual world. Overall, the finely-honed stagecraft and attention to detail was omnipresent from start to finish.

The set kicked off with the eponymous track ‘The Mountain’. This oriental interlude added an instant layer of intrigue, creating the perfect sense of anticipation and transported fans into their latest era from the get-go. This then transitioned into the album’s lead single ‘The Happy Dictator’, where the anticipation eased and the audience erupted into a sea of energy and sheer enjoyment.

It was clear that the set was carefully crafted to showcase their new album, whilst still leaving room for fan-favourites. Stand out moments in this regard were most definitely ‘Rhinestone Eyes’ and ‘On Melancholy Hill’. When performed, these songs ignited the crowd with a relentless nostalgic flame that couldn’t be extinguished, as fans truly came to life taking in every moment.

The sense of community and diversity that ‘The Mountain’ conveys so strongly remained unfiltered throughout the entire set. Albarn took a moment to show appreciation for the band and to “sense all one community is the message” before performing ‘New Genius (Brother)’ (a song off their debut). This is a commendable testament to their artistic ethos, proving how important this sense of camaraderie is during their live performances.

The night featured several special guest appearances, most notably the iconic Posdnuos of De La Soul, who was brought out to perform ‘Feel Good Inc.’. Dubbed as a ‘living legend’ by Damon Albarn, this collaboration proved to be a hit and the connection between the stage and the fans was omnipotent. It is clear that the legacy and impact of Gorillaz is still as powerful as ever.

‘Clint Eastwood’ brought this incredible set to a close as fans took over the first verse. From engaging graphics to stunning production, the show was an exhibition of Gorillaz’s unique but profoundly effective concept. The show was a true experience that is sure to be engrained into the memories of the crowd for the foreseeable.