Photo Gallery and Recap: Gorillaz at United Center

Brassneck | October 18, 2018

“The last time we played here was 2010,” Damon Albarn told an enthusiastic crowd at the United Center during the second to last night of The Gorillaz’ Now Now tour. Albarn and his 13-member ensemble turned the arena into a nightclub, where everyone from longtime followers to fans barely in their teens danced the night away.

Though Albarn & Co. are supporting their latest album, The Now Now, the night celebrated 20 years of the virtual band. The evolution of the group’s Jamie Hewlett-designed 2D animations to 3D graphics played across the screen while highlighting the absence of Murdoc – a Blackhawks jersey bearing his name taking his place.

The setlist spanned their entire catalog leaning heavily on 2005’s Demon Days and their latest release, though they made sure to play the best tracks from Humanz, Plastic Beach, and their 2001 debut.

The Fall represented with only one song, but it was a special one. “This is the first and last time we’ll play this song. Just something special for you,” he said before launching into “Shy Town,” inspired by our beloved city itself.

Albarn kept the energy going with special guests, including Peven Everett on “Strobelite” and “Stylo,” rapper Bootie Brown dropping his “Dirty Harry” verse, Jamie Principle on “Hollywood” and De La Soul for “Superfast Jellyfish” and “Feel Good Inc.,” which got roars of applause.

Well past 11 PM, Albarn kept the party moving with a six-song encore, which included fan-favorite “Clint Eastwood.” Del the Funky Homosapien didn’t show up, but Albarn donned a Noodle mask given to him by a fan. After partying for nearly 2 hours, he slowed things down with “Demon Days.” “Don’t burn yourself/Turn yourself around/To the sun” he cooed leaving the crowd on a strangely uplifting note.

– Recap by Ashley Perez Hollingsworth; Photos by Curt Baran