Gorillaz: Death, India, and New Music on 'The Mountain'

Gorillaz's latest album, 'The Mountain,' marks a significant artistic return, blending the voices of deceased musicians with contemporary artists. This creative endeavor was profoundly shaped by a pivotal trip to India and the personal grief experienced by collaborators Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett. Their shared journey through loss fostered a deep reconciliation, reinvigorating their artistic partnership.

The album's conceptual depth is rooted in Gorillaz's 1999 manifesto, where the character Russel was envisioned to channel the voices of departed musicians. This long-held idea has now materialized, featuring contributions from icons like Tony Allen and Bobby Womack, alongside Asha Bhosle and Trueno.

To celebrate 'The Mountain,' Gorillaz will perform the album in its entirety during two special shows at the Hollywood Palladium on February 22 and 23, 2026. This will be accompanied by the L.A. debut of their House of Kong exhibition.

Albarn is also composing music for Luca Guadagnino's upcoming film, 'Artificial,' which explores AI technology. The group, having recently marked their 25th anniversary, continues to explore themes of grief, cross-cultural collaboration, and the evolving landscape of art and technology.