This year the virtual band Gorillaz, the brilliant, decades long collaboration between musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, celebrates the 20th anniversary of their sonic masterpiece Demon Days. By 2005, Gorillaz was already famous for its combination of catchy tracks and lovable virtual bandmates (brought to life through Hewlett’s incredible artwork). But Demon Day’s masterful genre mixing combined with its melancholic themes of early-aughts alienation have guaranteed its place in the canon of totemic albums from the 21st century, and a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
To celebrate, the Balboa Theatre will be hosting a night to commemorate the band and their incredible album. On May 24th (the 20th anniversary of Demon Days release in the United States), we’ll be running a pop-up in our lobby with local art on sale inspired by Gorillaz followed by live drag performances by Piranha Psychotronica and more, as well as a screening of the band’s 2005 performance of the album at the Manchester Opera House.
Come early to buy fun Gorillaz-inspired art, win trivia prizes, and watch a specially curated pre-show in the theater, before jamming out with an audience of fans to the songs of a truly timeless classic!