Gorillaz @ London Roundhouse – 30/04/10
Up till very recently the opportunity to see Gorillaz performing live has been a rare experience to say the least. In the past, some of the band’s live appearances have relied heavily on complicated setups and lots of electronic trickery. And then, if you managed to get into their show, chances are most of the band would be shrouded in darkness or silhouetted behind a screen.
So, in contrast to the band’s gigs of old, it’s difficult to imagine how they might forge a more honest, genuinely protonic live experience than the one exhibited tonight at the London Roundhouse. The masterminds behind the fictional foursome – Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett – have finally come to the conclusion that keeping things human is best. And what a revelation it was for all present.
Gorillaz @ Roundhouse by Aaron Lee
From the moment the orchestra entered in sailor-themed outfits it was clear that this was part gig, part theatrical performance. Gorillaz and almost all of their colossal collective were in residence, an impressive feat in itself. And with the likes of Paul Simonon, De La Soul and Bobby Womack alone, it’s not hard to see why a cosmopolitan crowd was drawn, such is the existential appeal of Gorillaz’ ensemble.
The sheer amount of special guests reminded you that Gorillaz is as much about its collaborators as it is about its illusive creators. Mos Def and Bobby Womack were the first to appear, laying down some electrifying vocals on ‘Stylo’. Womack poured everything he had into those herculean cries. He also produced the most moving performance of the night with his wistful, but illuminating, solo on ‘Cloud of Unknowing.’ The legendary soul artist, who only agreed to contribute to the band’s third album thanks to his daughter’s coaxing, was evidently moved by the audience’s reaction.
Gorillaz @ Roundhouse by Aaron Lee
Throughout the night artists came and went, and the whole thing began to meander into the most fantastic, uplifting carnival performance one has ever seen. Bashy and Kano erupted on stage, getting as close to the crowd as they dared. The comedic combination of De La Soul and Gruff Rhys was undeniably infectious on ‘Superfast Jellyfish’, while Mos Def chorused his way through the exhaustively layered ‘Sweepstakes’. Throughout the performance, a large screen behind the band displayed Jamie Hewlett’s spectacular visuals adding that extra pizzazz to the already stunning event.
The soft, unthreatening voice of Yukimi Nagano (Little Dragon) struggled to be heard at times over the drums and swirling electro on ‘Empire Ants’, but she managed a beautiful duet with Damon in the lounging calypso of ‘To Binge’, the two of them drawing closer to each other as the song went on. With so many contributing artists (did I mention Bootie Brown, Shaun Ryder and Rosie Wilson where there?) the potential for some of them to underperform was high. But amazingly this capable crew of musicians never stooped below excellence for an instant.
Gorillaz @ Roundhouse by Aaron Lee
Closing with crowd favourites ‘Feel Good Inc’ and ‘Clint Eastwood’, Gorillaz first London dates of 2010 were incredibly well received. It was a less technical affair, but one that still required military-like timing to pull off. Damon and company should be pleased they have finally struck a happy balance between the anonymity of Gorillaz’ studio albums and a newfound intimacy for the band’s live shows. Forget smoke and mirrors, because Gorillaz are as real as they need to be.
Aaron Lee (Words and photos)
Tags: bobby womack, damon albarn, de la soul, gorillaz, gruff rhys, jamie hewlett, little dragon, london, paul simonon, plastic beach, roundhouse
From the sounds of this review I missed out big time! Very jealous, just heard of a new arena tour they are doing and now you’ve sold it to me Aaron! I bet Womack is thanking his daughter now for getting him involved! Heard many good reviews on their live stuff, especially in Coachella! Great read, sounds like you experienced something special!