Gorillaz at Copper Box Arena

Damon Albarn and gang blast the roof off the Copper Box arena in Stratford, East London. Starting their sold-out four-night residency, the British group perform their eponymously titled debut album in full alongside some B-sides and remix album G-sides.

The visuals take us on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, with several cultural icons displayed on screen, from Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys, to Nirvana, Celine Dion and The Prodigy, all of which revert to static before a huge roar erupts in the hall, as the band take centre stage. M1 A1 is a hard and fast track that does not let up, complete with screams of a feral nature. Albarn plays the melodica during Tomorrow Comes Today, while the distinct illustrations consisting of fictional characters 2-D, Murdoc Niccals, Russel Hobbs and Noodle, fashioned by co-band creator Jamie Hewlett, reveal a rainy London scene. Hit single Clint Eastwood exemplifies the quality of tonight’s set, bass-heavy and often drowning out the vocals, accompanied by frequent technical sound issues. The lead singer is in high spirits, fist-bumping the air and keeping to the beat, during which the dozen artists on stage also maintain their energy throughout. The overall live experience would have been enhanced if there were screens on either side, as even the centre front row seats are set apart from the stage, creating a distance, so you have to strain to see all the action.

Short and sweet Punk is enjoyable, the audience clearly having fun. There are a number of tracks that are performed tonight after several years – some from as early as 2002. Highlight tunes Sound Check (Gravity) and Rock The House – the latter of which contains bongo drums with live trumpet, and pre-recorded rap verses on top – garner loud cheers, reinforcing the band’s ability to play across an array of genres, while there is a wholesome sense of community during 19-2000, anthemic and uplifting.

The gentle pacing of Starshine is a calming reprieve in an otherwise bass and drum-driven set, while Dracula is an iridescent gem, Gorillaz finishing off strongly with a Clint Eastwood reprise, live with Sweetie Erie bringing the house down, a solid ending to a set riddled with unfortunate false starts and sound issues.

Selina Begum
Photos: Courtesy of Gorillaz

For further information and future events, visit Gorillaz’s website here.

Watch the video for Clint Eastwood here: