Gorillaz make their studio return this Friday with Humanz, their first album in seven years. But as of last night, a small pack of lucky fans in Brooklyn have already heard it—performed live, in full. (Minus the first track we heard, January's "Hallelujah Money," perhaps, Stereogum writes, "for contractual reasons per Damon Albarn’s banter.")
Gorillaz' Humanz concert went down at Rough Trade NYC, an intimate venue/record shop/bookstore. Since the album has featured artists on every song but one, a bunch of guests rolled through—De La Soul's Posdnuos, Peven Everett, Jamie Principle and Kali Uchis. Surprisingly the performance didn't feature the animated characters that anchor the iconic virtual band. Brooklyn Vegan writes that it wasn't the plan, but a last resort due to technical difficulties.
"A number of singers who contributed backing vocals on the record were situated in the stage right balcony and performed live with the band," Stereogum says, adding that the encore included old-school tracks “Last Living Soul," Kids With Guns” and the immortal “Clint Eastwood.” (For which they brought onstage a fan who was "tripping balls right now.")
Watch a bunch of clips:
Next, read Fuse's firsthand account of Gorillaz' immersive NYC pop-up experience, Spirit House, and watch Albarn hype up the comeback album way back in 2014:
