Backstage at Gorillaz’ epic, one-off stadium show: ‘The vibe is ridiculous’

Backstage at Gorillaz' Epic, One-Off Stadium Show: "The Vibe is Ridiculous"

Backstage at Gorillaz epic one off stadium - On a Friday evening at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Damon Albarn appeared to have abandoned his usual composure. Rehearsing for Gorillaz' inaugural stadium performance—a vibrant fusion of music and visuals featuring an eclectic array of performers—Albarn was caught off guard by the scene unfolding around him. As the band launched into "Dirty Harry," the stadium’s LED screens flickered to life, displaying a cartoon choir that echoed the track’s refrain, "all I do is dance." Albarn, visibly amused, leapt off the stage to observe, his grin widening as he spotted Argentine rapper Trueno striding through the venue. A brief embrace followed, but the band continued without him, leaving Albarn to realize his absence only after nearly a decade of missing the performance.

Collaborative Chaos

The backstage area buzzed with a kaleidoscope of talent, spanning 15 countries and over 30 musicians. "The vibe is ridiculous," remarked South African singer Moonchild Sanelly. "Damon is open, he’s cool, and he has the humility. Everybody whose art he admires, he brings them along for the ride. Even when he’s zenned out, I’ll go sit next to him, just so we can breathe each other’s air." Kara Jackson, a folk artist and poet, likened the group to a Southern extended family. "It’s kind of like coming from the South, where I’m from in the States. You have cousins, but they’re not really your blood cousins—just people you’ve called your mum’s best friend your aunt for years."

Behind the Scenes

Ambient energy filled the stadium’s corridors as artists mingled in a global tapestry of styles. Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara conversed in her traditional Wassoulou attire, while Johnny Marr meandered past in a Mancunian parka. Sparks, the American alt-pop duo, arrived in a black BMW, unloading their stage outfits—a pink polka-dot suit for Russell and funeral-themed garb for Ron. Twenty minutes later, they joined the rehearsals, alongside Shaun Ryder, who infused his role in "Dare!" with dramatic flair. "We’re an unusual group, aren’t we?" Johnny Marr mused. "I don’t think there’s anything quite like it. Not in my experience, anyway."

Canteen Chronicles

At the canteen, a fusion of flavors and cultures unfolded. Syrian and African musicians shared plates of honey-glazed lime chicken and roast sea bass with Posdnuos from De La Soul and sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar. UK rapper Bashy praised the food, recalling his 2010 tour with Gorillaz. "The catering here is top notch, man," he said. "When we went on that tour, I put on so much weight that, when I came home, I had to hit the gym hard."

Documentary in the Works

Jamie Hewlett, the visionary behind Gorillaz' cartoon personas since 1998, roamed the stadium with a camera crew, capturing the essence of this singular event. His documentary aims to showcase the synergy between human musicians and their animated counterparts, requiring meticulous planning for each scene. "The aim is to reveal what it takes to put on a show like this," Hewlett explained. "We have artists filming themselves getting on planes from different parts of the world, then everyone converging here in Tottenham. It’s about the journey, the arrival, the performance, and the aftermath—when only empty beer cups remain."

Legacy and Message

Though Gorillaz began as a whimsical experiment, its 28-year journey has become a cultural phenomenon. "We weren’t meant to last this long," Hewlett admitted. "We had no idea it’d keep going. I think it’s lasted because of the collaborations and the cartoons. You attract new generations through the visuals, and then your nine-year-old kid might discover Bobby Womack or Mark E Smith." Yet, the project carries deeper significance. "The message is more urgent than ever," Hewlett said. "I’m surprised that’s the case, because I thought all of the (prejudice) was gone. It seems to be coming back. I find it repugnant and hateful, and I can’t stand it."