Gorillaz Brings ‘Humanz Tour’ To Cologne In 2017

Yesterday, Gorillaz confirmed the upcoming release of a new album The Now Now on June 29. The band also announced a North American Tour. In honor of Gorillaz’s upcoming return to the states, this week’s Full Show Friday features professionally-shot footage of the group’s 2017 visit to The Palladium in Cologne, Germany.

Gorillaz’s 22-song performance was streamed live by sponsor Telekom Electronic Beats and remains available for viewing on YouTube. The live band focused on material from their new album at the time, Humanz, over the course of the set led by frontman Damon Albarn. Footage of the virtual band and Humanz collaborators who couldn’t make it in person were displayed on a huge screen at the back of the stage. Albarn & Co. opened with Humanz track “Ascension” and were aided by Peven Everett on “Strobelite.” The opening sequence concluded with “Saturnz Barz” and “Momentz” from Humanz.

One of the early highlights was the slow-paced “Ticker Tape,” a Humanz bonus track, which featured soulful vocals from Albarn. The concert rolled on with more songs from Gorillaz’s 2017 studio album including “Andromeda,” “Carnival” and “Let Me Out.” Jamie Principle and Zebra Katz added to “Sex Murder Party,” while Katz also lent a hand on “Out Of Body.” Gorillaz’s main set concluded with “We Got The Power” featuring vocalist Jehnny Beth.

Gorillaz finally dug into classic material as part of the encore in Cologne. The group kicked off the extended encore with “Rhinestone Eyes” from 2010’s Plastic Beach. Jehnny Beth then returned for “5/4” from Gorillaz’s self-titled debut studio album. “5/4” was a huge bust out as the band hadn’t played it since 2001. After “Sleeping Powder” and “Stylo,” the crowd provided the vocals for “On Melancholy Hill.” The concert then came to an end with “Kids With Guns,” the night’s lone song from Demon Days, and the beloved “Clint Eastwood.”

Watch Gorillaz’s June 20, 2017 concert in Cologne, Germany:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw1NyrRrHPE