Gorillaz

Gorillaz are a British virtual band created in 1998 by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett. The band primarily consists of four animated members: 2-D (lead vocals, keyboards, melodica), Murdoc Niccals (bass guitar), Noodle (guitars, occasionally keyboards and vocals), and Russel Hobbs (drums and percussion). Their fictional universe is explored through music videos, interviews, and other short cartoons. In reality, Albarn is the only permanent musical contributor, and often collaborates with other musicians. Gorillaz From left to right: Noodle, Murdoc, 2-D, Russel Background information Origin Westbourne Grove, London, United Kingdom Genres Art pop alternative rock hip hop electronic trip hop indie rock pop Years active 1998–present Labels Parlophone Virgin Warner Bros. Associated acts Blur The Good, the Bad & the Queen Monkey: Journey to the West Spacemonkeyz De La Soul Del the Funky Homosapien Snoop Dogg Popcaan André 3000 Miho Hatori George Benson MF Doom LCD Soundsystem Roots Manuva Jamie Principle Vince Staples Daley Ibrahim Ferrer Kali Uchis Kilo Kish The Fall The Clash Benjamin Clementine Massive Attack Website gorillaz.com Members Non-virtual: Damon Albarn Jamie Hewlett Virtual: 2-D Murdoc Niccals Russel Hobbs Noodle Past members Virtual: Paula Cracker Del Tha Ghost Rapper Cyborg Noodle Ace With Gorillaz, Albarn departed from the distinct Britpop of his band Blur and explored influences including hip hop, electronic music, and world music through an "eccentrically postmodern" approach. The band's 2001 debut album Gorillaz went Triple Platinum in the UK and Double Platinum in Europe and earned the group an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records as the Most Successful Virtual Band. It was nominated for the Mercury Prize, but the nomination was withdrawn at the band's request. Their second studio album, Demon Days (2005), went six times platinum in the UK and double platinum in the US, The band has won other awards, including one Grammy Award, two MTV Video Music Awards, an NME Award and three MTV Europe Music Awards. The third Gorillaz studio album, Plastic Beach, was released on 3 March 2010. The fourth, The Fall, was released on 25 December 2010 as a surprise gift for paying fan club members, then on 18 April 2011 as an official release. The fifth, Humanz, was released after a five-year hiatus on 28 April 2017. Their sixth studio album, The Now Now, was released on 29 June 2018. Gorillaz have been nominated for ten Brit Awards, and won Best British Group at the 2018 Brit Awards.