Gorillaz turnz twenty: See how the real life creators are celebrating

In 2001, Gorillaz hit the music scene and instantly became a worldwide sensation. Twenty years later, the band celebrates two decades of their animated alternative/electronic career. Our favorite cartoon band members can be seen partying it up in Gorillaz’s twenty-year video special!

Besides commemorating twenty years of addictive dance music, Gorillaz is also planning on releasing a new album. Let’s take a look at Gorillaz’s birthday special and what the real life creators have planned for us next!

Gorillaz release anniversary video on YouTube

In honor of twenty years since their debut, the band uploaded a thirty-second video featuring the beloved raunchy animated band members. The iconic members 2-D, Noodle, Murdoc Niccals, and Russel Hobbs are chaotically presented throughout the short clip as their wild selves. 

The video is captioned, “Gorillaz turnz 20. 20 yearz in 30 seconds. When did YOU first hear Gorillaz?” Of course, the comment section is flooded by fans reminiscing their first memory of the legendary British virtual band.

Most memories from fans are dating back to childhood. One user commented, “I first listened to Gorillaz when I was in 1st grade and ‘Demon Days’ came on the radio.” Apparently, we’ve been rapping every word of “Feel Good Inc.” before we could even read.

You can tell two decades have passed when reading this comment: “I first heard Gorillaz when they used Feel Good Inc in the Apple commercials for the iPod, with the dancing black silhouettes!” We honestly completely forgot about Apple’s iPod . . .

Although Gorillaz now turns twenty years old, their style & music remains fresher than ever. It seems that their edgy style back in 2001 has come full circle with today’s modern taste. The band is truly making a comeback as Gen Z either returns to their childhood favorite band or are discovering the cartoon musicians for the first time.

Real life creators reveal new album is on the way

Damon Albarn, Gorillaz’s lead singer & songwriter, recently discussed a new album from the veteran band. Albarn, who is also the frontman for the rock band Blur, has definitely been busy. The singer has not only been making music for both Gorillaz & Blur, but also is releasing his own solo album, The Nearer The Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flows.

Despite being extremely occupied by all his musical endeavors, Albarn has revealed that the band has been working on new music. Albarn reported, “I’ve been working on carnival-themed music with Gorillaz with a lot of people from west London.”

The real life frontman has also disclosed that the upcoming album will be returning to Gorillaz’s roots. Albarn detailed, “We’re really going back to the spirit of the first record.” We agree this is what every Gorillaz fan wants to hear.

The history & success of Gorillaz

Their first self-titled record was released in 2001 and became an instant hit. The unconventional album reached number three on the U.K. charts. It became a universal sensation and even earned them a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as “Most Successful Virtual Band”. 

Yet, why did the Blur frontman who successfully released the hit track “Song 2” want to make a new group? It’s been explained that Albarn had found comfort in hiding himself behind the animated group. As a semi-anonymous member, Albarn disclosed that he felt free to experiment with an entirely new music style. 

Through Gorillaz’s apocalyptic cartoon rebels, Albarn was able to release unique trip-hop, dance, punk, rap tunes. We all are grateful to the historic motley gang Noodle, 2-D, Russel Hobbs, and Murdoc Niccals for hitting the scene back in 2001 and allowing Albarn to experiment with his music style.

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When did you first hear about Gorillaz? What’s your all-time favorite song? Let us know in the comments below!