Gorillaz are an English virtual band created in 1998 by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, from London. The band primarily consists of four fictional members: 2-D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle and Russel Hobbs (drums). Their universe is presented in media such as music videos, interviews, comic strips and short cartoons. Gorillaz's music has featured collaborations with a wide range of featured artists, with Albarn as the only permanent musical contributor.
Gorillaz in 2020. Jamie Hewlett (left) and Damon Albarn (right) with animated members Murdoc Niccals, Russel Hobbs, 2-D, and Noodle.
American hip-hop producer Dan "the Automator" Nakamura produced the band's debut album.
Albarn asked Danger Mouse to produce the band's second album Demon Days after hearing his mashup album The Grey Album.
The band performed in silhouette during the Demon Days Live performances (pictured here with De La Soul on stage).
In entertainment, a virtual band is a band or music group whose depicted members are not people, but animated characters or virtual avatars. The music is recorded by real musicians and producers, while any media related to the virtual band, including albums, video clips and the visual component of stage performances, feature the animated line-up; in many cases the virtual band members have been credited as the writers and performers of the songs. Live performances can become rather complex, requiring perfect synchronization between the visual and audio components of the show.
Virtual band Gorillaz performing live in 2018