Even with the venue’s requirement for an NHS Covid Pass, the reopening of the O2 Arena felt like the long-awaited return of normality for live music.
“It’s such a joy to be back,” Gorillaz leader Damon Albarn told the audience. “Thousands of people all communing together, what a wonderful feeling.”
The actual number at this sold-out show was around 17,000. It was the first public concert at the O2 since March 11, 2020, although staff had a trial run with the previous night’s free Gorillaz gig for NHS workers.
It took at least 20 minutes to acclimatise to life without masks and social distancing, so it was perhaps hard to fully appreciate the early star turn from The Cure’s Robert Smith on the desolate groove of Strange Timez.
Smith was part of a roll call of international guest performers, including Jamaica’s Popcaan, Mali’s Fatoumata Diawara, US rapper Pos from De La Soul and hip hop duo Earthgang, and Manchester’s Shaun Ryder, who relied on his Happy Mondays cohort Rowetta during a rough-and-ready rendition of the Gorillaz No.1 hit Dare.
As well as the tireless efforts of Albarn, the band deserve credit for holding together a sprawling setlist of material from the last 20 years (the Blur singer’s side project is arguably now the main event).
Despite some dizzying animation on a giant backdrop, the cartoon concept here seemed less significant than the endless possibilities for collaboration. From the melodic bassline of Peter Hook on the simmering synth-pop of Aries to the fiery freestyle from UK rapper Little Simz on debut Gorillaz single Clint Eastwood, the guests all raised their game.
Albarn shared obvious musical chemistry with Fatoumata Diawara during their duet on the lovely Désolé. But he also returned to his indie roots for the stroppy Momentary Bliss, which ended with punk duo Slaves diving into the crowd.
For a cartoon band, Gorillaz have a surprising tendency to produce bittersweet singles such as On Melancholy Hill, although Albarn’s mastery of melody ensured it was a huge arena tune. He also debuted new tracks featuring the Mangrove Steel Band as a tribute to the Notting Hill Carnival. “It’s part of our culture,” said Albarn.
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Gorillaz kept up the energy into the encore, including the juddering Stylo and a frenetic Feel Good Inc. After more than two hours, the multi-national guest stars and musicians gathered on stage for the finale. As well as a live revival in London, Gorillaz at the O2 was a joyous celebration of global music.
O2 Arena, SE10
