New Gorillaz: Stream “Cracker Island” ft. Thundercat; Fall Arena Tour on Deck from Damon Albarn’s Visual Band

Last month, Britpop/English music icon Damon Albarn announced that his Gorillaz project will jump into action once again this fall for a North American tour that promises to be an  unforgettable spectacle.

To truly announce the return of the “virtual band,” a new track materialized on Wednesday. Titled “Cracker Island,” the rhythmic jam from Gorillaz (Murdoc, Noodle, Russel and 2D) features bassist Thundercat and was produced by Greg Kurstin, Gorillaz, and Remi Kabaka Jr.

More on the mysterious new Gorillaz activity, per a news release:

The world’s biggest virtual band have relocated to Silverlake, California where it turns out that the answer to life’s question – the one truth to fix the world – is to invite fans to join ‘The Last Cult’, with Murdoc as its self-appointed Great Leader.

2D said “It’s nice to be back, I’m well into our new tune, it brings back weird and scary memories of stuff that hasn’t happened yet.”

Featuring a 14-piece Gorillaz live band and a “varying cast of guest performers,” the 21-date arena tour is not to be missed by anyone whose interest was sparked by the project over the years, which amassed global popularity and expanded Albarn’s already impressive musical resume with contemporary classics including “Feel Good Inc.” (which Albarn performed as a surprise guest for Billie Eilish at Coachella in April):

Speaking of stuff that hasn’t happened yet, Gorillaz will set out on that North American arena tour starts in September:

Sun Sep 11  – Vancouver, BC  – Rogers Arena
Mon Sep 12  – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Wed Sep 14  – Portland, OR –Moda Center
Sat Sep 17  – Las Vegas, NV  – Life is Beautiful Festival
Mon Sep 19  – Salt Lake City, UT – Vivint Smart Home Arena
Wed Sep 21  – San Francisco, CA  – Chase Center
Fri Sep 23  – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
Mon Sep 26  – Phoenix, AZ  – Footprint Center
Wed Sep 28  – Denver, CO  – Ball Arena
Fri Sep 30  – Austin, TX  – Moody Center
Sat Oct 01  – Irving, TX  – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Mon Oct 03  – Chicago, IL  – United Center
Wed Oct 05  – Detroit, MI  – Little Caesars Arena
Thu Oct 06  – Toronto, ON  – Scotiabank Arena
Sat Oct 08  – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
Tue Oct 11  – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Wed Oct 12  – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Fri Oct 14  – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia
Mon Oct 17  – Columbia, MD  – Merriweather Post Pavilion
Wed Oct 19  – Alpharetta, GA  – Ameris Bank Amphitheater
Fri Oct 21  – Orlando, FL – Amway Center
Sun Oct 23  – Miami, FL – FTX Arena

EARTHGANG supports September 11 through October 19
Jungle supports October 21 and 23

More on Gorillaz’ legacy:

A truly global phenomenon, Gorillaz have achieved success in entirely ground-breaking and unique ways, touring the world from San Diego to Syria, Montevideo to Manchester and winning numerous awards including the coveted Jim Henson Creativity Honor. The band is recognized by The Guinness Book Of World Records as the planet’s Most Successful Virtual Act.

Gorillaz is currently bringing its spontaneous globe-trekking carnival to stages from South America to Europe, on its current 2022 World Tour. The Fall 2022 dates comprise its only currently planned visit to North America. Support from Vancouver through Atlanta will come from EARTHGANG, while Jungle will support in Orlando and Miami.