Virtual electro-pop band Gorillaz have announced today their first live performance in two years: Three live-stream performances of their ‘Song Machine’ project. Created at the start of 2020 and continued throughout lock-down, the project was described by a press release as “the ongoing and ever-evolving process which sees Gorillaz release new episodes throughout 2020, recorded and captured live in Kong Studios and beyond, and made available as and when they are ready.”
Beginning in January, there are now six ‘Song Machine’ episodes, with collaborations including Slowthai, Georgia, Skepta, Octavian, and The Cure’s Robert Smith, who most recently featured on the latest episode and single titled ‘Strange Timez’. The three live shows will air over 12th and 13th December on LIVENow, and tickets are available from the website now. It is yet to be announced who of the featured artists will appear, if any.
LIVENow’s director Marc Watson said, “We are really proud to work alongside Gorillaz to create something truly special for fans all around the world. ‘SONG MACHINE LIVE’ will raise the bar on what to expect from live-streamed concerts.” The band made the announcement via social media, simply posting a trailer with caption, “Gorillaz present Song Machine Live. Coming to you live & direct from London.”
Furthermore, the band revealed last week that they will be releasing a new album, ‘Song Machine: Season One – Strange Timez’, on 23rd October. This will include previous releases as well as new works with Beck, Elton John, 6lack, Leee John, Kano, and Roxani Arias. As if that wasn’t already astounding news, there will also be a deluxe edition featuring St. Vincent, Earthgang, and more.
Check out the full track-lists below.
1. Strange Timez (ft. Robert Smith)
2. The Valley of The Pagans (ft. Beck)
3. The Lost Chord (ft. Leee John)
4. Pac-Man (ft. ScHoolboy Q)
5. Chalk Tablet Towers (ft. St Vincent)
6. The Pink Phantom (ft. Elton John and 6LACK)
7. Aries (ft. Peter Hook and Georgia)
8. Friday 13th (ft. Octavian)
9. Dead Butterflies (ft. Kano and Roxani Arias)
10. Désolé (ft. Fatoumata Diawara) (Extended Version)
11. Momentary Bliss (ft. slowthai and Slaves)
Deluxe
1. Strange Timez (ft. Robert Smith)
2. The Valley of The Pagans (ft. Beck)
3. The Lost Chord (ft. Leee John)
4. Pac-Man (ft. ScHoolboy Q)
5. Chalk Tablet Towers (ft. St Vincent)
6. The Pink Phantom (ft. Elton John and 6LACK)
7. Aries (feat. Peter Hook and Georgia)
8. Friday 13th (ft. Octavian)
9. Dead Butterflies (ft. Kano and Roxani Arias)
10. Désolé (ft. Fatoumata Diawara) (Extended Version)
11. Momentary Bliss (ft. slowthai and Slaves)
12. Opium (ft. EARTHGANG)
13. Simplicity (ft. Joan As Police Woman)
14. Severed Head (ft. Goldlink and Unknown Mortal Orchestra)
15. With Love To An Ex (ft. Moonchild Sanelly)
16. MLS (feat. JPEGMAFIA and CHAI)
17. How Far? (ft. Tony Allen and Skepta)
