When Gorillaz hit TD Garden in October 2022, the air buzzed with a kind of electric anticipation that only a band as genre-defying and visually imaginative as this could generate. Even for those familiar with their catalog, there was a sense that tonight’s show wouldn’t just be a concert—it would be a fully immersive Gorillaz experience, a mix of animation, theatrics, and eclectic music that spans decades and defies traditional concert formats. From the moment the lights dimmed and the opening notes of “M1 A1” rolled out, the crowd was immediately transported into the world of Damon Albarn, Jamie Hewlett, and their ever-evolving collective.
Opening with the industrial-tinged “M1 A1,” Gorillaz established the perfect tone for the evening: moody, hypnotic, and instantly recognizable. The track’s gritty electronic backbone paired with the subtle murmur of the crowd set the stage for a night where boundaries between live performance and multimedia artistry would blur beautifully. The early selection of songs like “Last Living Souls” and “Tranz” maintained this atmospheric momentum, offering a mix of their more contemplative, textured pieces that contrasted sharply with the energy surges that would follow. By the time “White Light” hit, it was clear that the band had the audience firmly in their grasp, weaving through sonic landscapes with a masterful sense of timing.
One of the most impressive aspects of the show was the seamless integration of Gorillaz’s vast catalog into a coherent narrative experience. The transition from “Tomorrow Comes Today” into “19-2000” was particularly striking. The melancholic tones of the former gave way to the upbeat, almost whimsical energy of the latter, providing a perfect example of how the band balances introspection with infectious fun. It was during “Rhinestone Eyes” that the visual production began to truly shine. Jamie Hewlett’s signature animation flickered across massive screens, synced with Albarn’s live vocals and a tight backing band, creating a kind of animated rock opera right on the TD Garden stage. The audience was rapt, phones raised not just to capture, but to engage with the spectacle unfolding.
“Glitter Freeze” and “Cracker Island” introduced the crowd to the more contemporary side of Gorillaz, pulling from the band’s most recent releases without losing any of the nostalgia that longtime fans live for. The production here was meticulous: laser lights slicing through fog, synchronized video sequences, and precise musical cues that left no doubt this was a show designed to be experienced on multiple sensory levels. Damon Albarn’s performance was both commanding and approachable; there’s an intimacy in his delivery that belies the often massive scale of the production.
A particularly striking moment came during “O Green World,” which opened with a solo piano intro by Albarn. The hushed crowd seemed to collectively hold its breath, allowing the haunting piano notes to linger in the arena like a delicate echo. The slow build into the full band performance was cathartic, a reminder that Gorillaz thrives not only on bombastic spectacle but on moments of subtle emotional resonance. “On Melancholy Hill” followed, eliciting sing-alongs that seemed to swell from the very rafters. It was one of those rare tracks that balances melancholy and joy in a way that is both universal and deeply personal—a perfect illustration of the duality that defines Gorillaz.
As the set continued, classics like “El Mañana,” “New Genious (Brother),” and “Empire Ants” were delivered with both precision and a sense of spontaneity, highlighting the versatility of the live band. The inclusion of “Skinny Ape” and “Kids With Guns” showcased the darker, more politically charged side of Gorillaz’s catalog, giving the setlist a depth that extended beyond nostalgia. These tracks were reminders that while the visuals might dazzle and the crowd might sing along, there’s an underlying sharpness to the music that remains socially and emotionally relevant.
The collaborative nature of Gorillaz was on full display throughout the show. “Opium,” featuring EarthGang, brought a dynamic interplay between the live band and guest vocalists, the synergy creating a palpable excitement in the room. “Désolé,” featuring Fatoumata Diawara, was another high point; her vocals intertwined beautifully with the band’s layered textures, demonstrating that Gorillaz’s power often comes from their ability to bring diverse voices together in unexpected ways. Even the interlude “Elevator Going Up” provided a brief moment of reflection, allowing the audience to catch their breath before plunging back into the high-energy final segment of the main set.
The second half of the show leaned heavily into crowd favorites and more upbeat tracks, starting with “Andromeda,” which featured a special vocal outro from D.R.A.M. The energy in TD Garden reached a fever pitch here. “Dirty Harry” with Bootie Brown had the audience bouncing, while “DARE” incited one of the most frenzied sing-alongs of the night. By the time “Momentary Bliss” and “Plastic Beach” rolled around, it was clear that the show had successfully navigated the delicate balance between Gorillaz’s experimental roots and their mainstream hits. Each song flowed naturally into the next, the transitions polished yet infused with the kind of energy that only comes from true performers in the moment.
The encore, however, was where Gorillaz truly cemented the night as unforgettable. Opening with “New Gold,” again featuring Bootie Brown, the band brought the audience back into a high-octane world of funk, hip-hop, and synth-driven delight. “Stylo,” also featuring Bootie Brown, was a visual and auditory feast: the neon streaks of animation and the driving bassline fused seamlessly, pushing the crowd into a near-euphoric state. “Feel Good Inc.” featuring De La Soul transformed the arena into a communal sing-along, a moment that felt both celebratory and intimate. Closing with “Clint Eastwood,” featuring Sweetie Irie and the “Ed Case/Sweetie Irie Re-fix” outro, the band left the audience on an exhilarating high note, a perfect encapsulation of what makes Gorillaz live experiences so singular: unpredictable, visually stunning, musically intricate, and endlessly entertaining.
Throughout the night, the band’s interplay with their visual production and guest artists made the performance feel alive in ways that are difficult to convey in words. The animations, video backdrops, and lighting were not mere decorations but integral parts of the storytelling, a testament to the vision of Jamie Hewlett and Damon Albarn. There were moments when the visuals carried their own narrative, complementing the music with subtle humor, poignant symbolism, and occasionally outright chaos, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Gorillaz themselves.
Damon Albarn’s charisma was undeniable, commanding attention without overshadowing the rest of the band or the guest performers. His energy was infectious, moving effortlessly between intimate vocal moments and full-band anthems. The supporting musicians were equally impressive, keeping pace with the rapid shifts in genre, tempo, and mood. From hip-hop influenced tracks to melancholic ballads, electronic-infused jams to funk-laden bangers, every member contributed to a cohesive, dynamic sound that stayed true to the Gorillaz identity while bringing the songs to life in ways only live performance can achieve.
TD Garden itself felt like the perfect venue for Gorillaz. Its size allowed for large-scale visual effects without losing the intimacy that Albarn cultivates during quieter moments. Fans were treated not just to music, but to an entire narrative experience. The audience’s energy was both reactive and proactive—singing, dancing, cheering, and occasionally laughing along with the visuals, creating a communal vibe that carried through every corner of the arena.
By the end of the show, it was evident that Gorillaz had delivered a performance that was equal parts nostalgia trip and forward-looking spectacle. The setlist perfectly balanced classics with newer material, ensuring that both longtime fans and newcomers had moments to savor. From “M1 A1” to “Clint Eastwood,” the band proved that their unique blend of music, animation, and collaboration remains as compelling live as it does on record. It was a reminder of why Gorillaz occupy a singular space in contemporary music: they are not just a band, but a living, evolving art project that refuses to be pigeonholed.
In sum, Gorillaz at TD Garden in October 2022 was a night that will linger in the memory of attendees for years. It was not just a concert—it was an event, a journey through the band’s eclectic catalog, punctuated by moments of beauty, humor, and sheer musical brilliance. The seamless integration of live performance, visuals, and guest collaborators made it clear that Gorillaz are still at the forefront of pushing what a live show can be. From the hypnotic opening notes of “M1 A1” to the triumphant closing of “Clint Eastwood,” the performance was a masterclass in how to captivate an audience through innovation, energy, and artistry. TD Garden witnessed not just a concert, but a full-scale Gorillaz experience that left fans buzzing long after the lights went out.
Setlist:
M1 A1
Last Living Souls
Tranz
White Light
Tomorrow Comes Today
19-2000
Rhinestone Eyes
Glitter Freeze
Cracker Island
O Green World (Damon piano intro)
On Melancholy Hill
El Mañana
New Genious (Brother)
Empire Ants
Skinny Ape
Kids With Guns
Opium (with EarthGang)
Désolé (with Fatoumata Diawara)
Interlude: Elevator Going Up
Andromeda (D.R.A.M. Special vocal outro)
Dirty Harry (with Bootie Brown)
DARE
Momentary Bliss
Plastic Beach
Encore:
New Gold (with Bootie Brown)
Stylo (with Bootie Brown)
Feel Good Inc. (with De La Soul)
Clint Eastwood (with Sweetie Irie) (with “Ed Case/Sweetie Irie Re-fix” outro)
The night was a vivid testament to Gorillaz’s enduring power, creativity, and relevance—proof that when this band takes the stage, you’re not just seeing a performance; you’re entering a fully realized, immersive world.