Gorillaz made their post-pandemic live return on Tuesday night (Aug. 10) at the O2 Arena in London with the help of some special guests. The Damon Albarn-led animated group took the stage for the first of two shows at the iconic arena for a free set for National Health Service workers and their families that served as a thank you for their service.
Roping in a long list of their recent Song Machine collaborators, the show included goth rock godhead Robert Smith of The Cure sitting in on the song “Strange Timez,” as well as New Order/Joy Division veteran Peter Hook for “Aries” and Slowthai and Slaves for “Momentary Bliss.” Other friends who sat in included “Désolé” guest Fatoumata Diawara, EarthGang on “Stylo,” Happy Mondays/Black Grape singer Shaun Ryder on “DARE,” De La Soul’s Posdnuos for “Feel Good Inc” and Little Simz for “Garage Palace” and “Clint Eastwood.”
According to the NME, the band also played a handful of new songs, including “Jimmy Jimmy” featuring AJ Tracey, “Meanwhile” with Jelani Blackman and “De Ja Vu” with dancehall singer Alicai Harley. Gorillaz will play their second O2 date on Wednesday night (Aug. 11).
Check out videos and photos from the show below.
