<\/strong>films and graphics were projected.\n <\/p>\n\n Eventually, the humans behind Gorillaz emerged into view, and in later concerts, the band included well-known musicians like Mick Jones and Paul Simonon of The Clash, and artists with whom Albarn collaborated, such as Bobbie Womack, Snoop Dogg and Robert Smith, made guest appearances on stage.\n <\/p>\n
\n This time, Albarn dials down the rock superstar persona that he often revels in at gigs with his other band, Blur. There\u2019s less banter between the songs than usual, but there\u2019s no doubting his commitment, with the audience in the relatively intimate Copper Box Arena treated to superb performances of the eclectic mix of songs that make up the first album, including the hit singles \u201cClint Eastwood,\u201d \u201c19-2000\u201d and \u201cRock the House.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
\n Although the band has not retreated behind the screen, it\u2019s a slightly lower-key experience than some Gorillaz shows of recent years, with no guest contributions \u2014 but it\u2019s none the worse for that. The music and the graphics are the stars.\n <\/p>\n
\n An exception, and one of the night\u2019s highlights, was the song \u201cLatin Simone,\u201d a collaboration with Ibrahim Ferrer, the Cuban singer who died 20 years ago. Ferrer\u2019s voice is mixed skilfully into the live performance, as film of the \u201cBuena Vista Social Club\u201d singer appears on screen. Albarn gives a poignant tribute to the artist, who like many of those who\u2019ve appeared on Gorillaz recordings, is no longer with us.\n <\/p>\n
\n Other gigs featuring later albums in full and other material, along with an immersive exhibition in London\u2019s Olympic Park showcasing 25 years of the band, are giving the generation who weren\u2019t born when the album was released a chance to soak up the Gorillaz experience. And with Albarn\u2019s prolific output, these young fans will be hoping that his new material sounds as fresh as his genre-busting first album.\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n