![]() Delicate verses alternated space with a lumbering riff driven by Femi Koleoso’s powerful drumming and Adelekan’s thundering bass, as Wootton’s guitar threw sparks. “Oh, green world, don’t desert me now,” sang Albarn. ![]() Albarn clowned around with his bandmate during the song and broke out laughing mid-verse.Īlbarn moved to piano for “O Green World,” performing as images of ecological ruin filled the large screen overhead. The song’s robust R&B bass groove was originally recorded by Thundercat, and was performed at United Center by Adelekan. Released as a single in June, the title cut “Cracker Island” was familiar to many fans who bounced and sang along to the fresh material. On stage, a choir of five singers repeated the song’s loopy and irrepressible “get the cool shoeshine” chorus. He reached into the 100-level seats to commune with fans before wading deep into the standing-room-only crowd on the floor. During “19-2000,” Albarn broke the fourth wall entirely. While singing “Tranz,” the frontman scaled the front barrier and balanced on top while clasping hands with fans in the front rows. Albarn himself was simply attired in a dark t-shirt and baggy pants.Īlbarn prowled far and wide, depending upon the song. The livewire musician bounded energetically during the frenetic chorus of “Momentary Bliss” and other favorites. Jeff Wootton was a featured player on guitar at stage left, wearing a pink shirt and white pants festooned with black zippers. ![]() Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and DJ/soul singer Peven Everett provided support as Chicago-based musical heroes.Īlbarn leaned heavily upon the charismatic presence of his longtime Gorillaz touring bassist Seye Adelekan at stage right, clad in Bulls jersey #22. 2017’s date at Northerly Island during the Humanz tour included appearances by Little Simz, Zebra Katz, house music pioneer Jamie Principle, and early collaborator Del the Funky Homosapien–just to name a few in the menagerie.Īlbarn’s eleven-piece band was augmented on Monday night by guests including rapper Bootie Brown, Atlanta-based hip-hop duo and opening act EarthGang, and De La Soul. 2010’s Escape to Plastic Beach tour at UIC Pavilion featured soul icon Bobby Womack, Rosie Wilson, and the Clash’s Mick Jones and Paul Simonon. Gorillaz’ heavily collaborative music fuses electropop, synthpop, R&B, Latin, world music, dub, rock, and hip-hop, featuring a plethora of established and up-and-coming guests. The local stop on the band’s juggernaut world tour featured a setlist that leaned heavily on the band’s first three albums but also offered glimpses of next year’s Cracker Island.ĭespite the punky Britpop blast of “M1 A1” from 2001’s self-titled debut album that opened the show, Gorillaz’ multi-platinum arc represents a thorough reinvention and departure from Albarn’s sound with ‘90s alt-rock heroes Blur. Photo Gallery by Curt Baran.įour years to the month after bringing The Now Now Tour to Chicago, Gorillaz ringleader Damon Albarn brought his live bandmates, guest performers, and cartoon avatars for a return visit to the United Center on Monday. Gorillaz: L to R: Seye Adelekan and Damon Albarn
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