GORILLAZ
Unlike most pop acts of our day, Gorilaz isn’t afraid of venturing into dark waters, purposely eschewing feel good rhythms and positive reinforcement that concert goers expect on a good night out with mates.
Instead, Damon Albarn decides to dabble in the dark arts, making heads spins with opening refrains questioning our existence in a “Planet of the Apes” type fashion such as “anyone there” and ‘the last living souls”. It’s straight mental head trip stuff. Tonight’s set began with “M1A1” with the bass at full strength and a robust chorus of gospel and soul singers. Albarn and others were in a straight he power rock trio formation the band undertook at the beginning of the set, bringing some normalcy to an otherwise blur of anime and bombast. Oh yeah, they were wearing black surgical basks maintaining the mask of performer.
Formed nearly 20 years ago, by Damon Albarn and friends the release of “Gorillaz” was groundbreaking for the decision to perform behind a screen. At times, some even wondered if there was a band back there. Albarn gave a nod to these early days, and perhaps showed a bit of regret, saying “this is really the first time Gorillaz has performed in Japan. Back in 2001, we played in a factory behind a screen.” Now he says things are much more real, including the buzz of riding a bullet train and suddenly appearing on stage in front of a huge crowd.
Gorillaz made use of the big screen for guest vocalists such as Vince Staples in “Ascention”, and Popcaan in “Saturnz Barz”. Tonight’s set was a mix of new and old classics, gradually picking up in intensity as Albarn had a few trips out to the audience. And their were guest vocalists and dancers, ranging from flaming queens in Sex Murder Party (Zebra Katz)and later the gospel divas at the back of the stage would have their chance.
And then the encores “Stylo”, “Kids With Guns”, “Clint Eastwood” and everyone was straight jamming with “Damon Dayz”.
M1A1
Ascention（VTR: Vince Staples）
Last Living Soul
Saturnz Barz（VTR: Popcaan）
Tomorrow Comes Today
Rhinestone Eyes
Sleeping Power
19/2000
On Melancholy Hill
Busted And Blue
El Manana
Strobelite (with Peven Everett)
Andromeda (VTR: D.R.A.M)
Sex Murder Paty (with Jamie Principle & Zebra Katz)
Out Of Body（with Zebra Katz & Michelle) (VTR: Kilo Kish)
Dare (with Petra & Rebecca) (VTR: Shaun Ryder from Happy Mondays)
We Got The Power (VTR: Jehnny Beth from Savages)
-Encole-
Stylo（with Peven Everett）
Kids With Guns
Clint Eastwood
Don’t Get Lost In Heaven
Damon Dayz
