Gorillaz: virtual band perform 3D hologram concert [614]

"It must be tough being a cartoon band. For one thing, you don't exist. At a time when concert tickets are what really makes bands profits due to easy online music file sharing, to not exist on stage is a death wish.

I get the feeling that one of the world's first and largest cartoon bands, the Gorillaz, understands their predicament. On one hand, if the artists behind the Gorillaz were to perform live, it would completely undo the novelty of being a cartoon band with made–up personalities. For example, the guitarist is supposedly a ten year old Japanese girl who showed up mysteriously in a Fed–Ex box at the band's doorstep. If the fans were told they were going to see the Gorillaz and instead see Miho Hatori (the real guitarist), they would surely be disappointed to find a more normal–looking band member. On the other hand, not touring would likely mean the end of the band.

Ingeniously, the Gorillaz have come up with a solution. They will tour. Instead of physically being on stage, they will instead be represented by 3D holograms."

(Jacob Heller, 19 September 2005)

Fig.1 Manchester International Festival Presents Gorillaz – Demon Days Live At Manchester Opera House – 01/11/2005