Gorillaz

Gorillaz is a British virtual band created in 1998 by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett.

Gorillaz is a British virtual band created in 1998 by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett. The group is presented through fictional animated characters, while the music is produced by real musicians led by Albarn. The project's multimedia world includes music videos, artwork, interviews, and comic-style storytelling.

Overview

Gorillaz is a British virtual music project built around animated characters and a rotating pool of collaborators. It combines alternative rock, hip hop, electronic, and pop influences in a multimedia format.

Formation

The project was created in 1998 by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett. Sources describe it as a response to manufactured pop imagery and to the idea of using cartoons as a satirical music act.

Fictional universe

The band’s characters have individual personalities and backstories that appear in videos, artwork, comics, and promotional material. The project’s albums are often tied to narrative phases in this fictional world.

Line-up

The four main fictional members are 2-D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel Hobbs. Real-world contributors include Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, with other collaborators involved in the music and presentation.