Gorillaz - Target Center (Minneapolis, MN) - Sunday, October 17, 2010

Damon Albarn (Blur) brought the three-ring-circus /multi-media spectacle that is Gorillaz to Minneapolis Sunday evening. This time he brought an all-star band of amazing talent and diversity. Among the touring musicians Mick Jones and Paul Simonon of the Clash, soul legend Bobby Womack, rapper Bootie Brown of the Pharcyde, and De La Soul.

Paul Simonon

Mick Jones

Additionally, there was a 7-piece string section, the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, the American Syrian Orchestra, singer Rosie Wilson, two drummers, two keyboard players, 3 back-up singers, guitarist Jeff Wotton, along with rappers Bashy and Kano. Just getting this show on the road must be a herculean task.

The crowd was on its feet before the first notes of “Orchestral Intro” off Plastic Beach and remained highly enthusiastic throughout the show. The video screens above the band projected Gorillaz videos, performances of guest vocalists like Snoop Dogg, and messages from Murdoc, the Gorillaz leader.

Equal parts ringleader, bandleader and head cheerleader, Albarn displayed seeming boundless energy. Whether he was playing guitar or piano, singing or reaching out to the audience, Albarn kept the pace of the show fast. Dripping with sweat Albarn worked the crowd, running around and ensuring that the audience was connected to the action on stage. He appeared genuinely chuffed that the fans seemed to get the whole Gorillaz thing.

Damon Albarn

Just what that thing is difficult to describe in a short review. Too much going on at once to absorb most of it. And perhaps that’s the point. For example, during “White Flag” Albarn brought out an oversized white flag and handed it to audience members to wave during the song (think Bono waving the white flag during “Sunday Bloody Sunday” videos back in the ‘80s). Whether it was a pop-culture reference or political statement didn’t seem to matter to those in attendance. It was a fun, dystopian beach party disguised as a concert. Take it seriously or not, Albarn likely doesn’t care. Sunday evening, he was all smiles. Let’s hope Snoop Dogg is right and the revolution will be televised.

Bobby Womack

Bootie Brown

Paul Simonon

Set List:
Orchestral Intro
Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach
19/2000
Last Living Souls
O Green World
Stylo
On Melancholy Hill
Rhinestone Eyes
Superfast Jellyfish
Kids With Guns
Tomorrow Comes Today
Broken
Dirty Harry
El Mañana
DARE
White Flag
Glitter Freeze
Plastic Beach
Cloud of Unknowing (encore)
Feel Good Inc. (encore)
Clint Eastwood (encore)
Don’t Get Lost In Heaven (encore)
Demon Days (encore)