Guide Note

Damon Albarn, lead singer of Blur, created Gorillaz in 1998, but it wasn't a typical band-forming process; Along with artist Jamie Hewlett, he created a band consisting of cartoon characters. Though real people make the music, the animated characters Murdoc, 2D, Noodle and Russel front the virtual band. With Albarn as the single permanent human member, the music is a result of multiple collaborations with artists such as Del tha Funkee Homosapien, although the identities of many musicians involved with the project remain unclear. Instead, the cartoon band has its own storyline and history involving the characters. Live concerts are a spectacle of special effects, with the cartoon members being projected on stage and on screens as a mostly anonymous live band plays the music.

Gorillaz have achieved widespread commercial success with over 10 million in record sales around the world.

Fast Facts

1. Created by Damon Albarn and Tank Girl creator Jamie Hewlett
2. Record Label: Virgin
3. [Guinness World Records|Guinness Book of World Records]]: Most Successful Virtual Band

1. Murdoc
2. 2D
3. Noodle
4. Russel

1. 2001: Gorillaz
2. 2002: Laika Come Home (remix album)
3. 2005: Demon Days