Sunday night down the waterfront, and the M&S Bank Arena was absolutely packed! The kind of crowd where you already know it’s going to be a good one before the lights even go down. There was a proper mix of people as well, older fans who’ve clearly been there since the early Gorillaz days, younger ones who’ve come in through the newer albums, and loads of groups just out for a big Sunday night gig. Liverpool crowds have always got a reputation for being loud, but this was something else, you could feel the buzz all the way round the arena.
When Gorillaz came on, the place just erupted. The thing with Gorillaz is it’s never just a band on a stage, it’s a full show. Massive visuals, the animated characters on the screens, loads of guest musicians coming and going, and Damon Albarn running around the stage like he’s got endless energy. He’s one of those frontmen who doesn’t just stand there and sing, he really performs, getting the crowd involved, running from one side of the stage to the other, constantly hyping everyone up.
They played a lot of the newer material across the set, and live it sounded massive, much heavier and fuller than on record, with loads of percussion and synths. But if we’re being honest, the moments that really sent the arena into another level were the classics. The second the bassline for “Feel Good Inc.” started, everyone lost their heads. It was one of those moments where the whole arena was singing, not just the front few rows, literally everyone. Same with “Kids With Guns” and “El Mañana,” which sounded incredible live, really atmospheric, and then when “Clint Eastwood” came on towards the end it just went off. Proper hands in the air, everyone bouncing, singing every word!
Sound-wise, they were absolutely spot on. Sometimes in big arenas the sound can be a bit muddy, but this was clear, loud, and you could feel the bass through the floor. The visuals were mad as well, classic Gorillaz style, a bit weird, a bit political, a bit chaotic, but it all works together and makes it feel like more than just a gig. It felt like a proper show, something you watch as much as you listen to.
What made the night though was the atmosphere. Liverpool crowds just get it, there’s loads of singing, loads of shouting back at the stage, and when Damon was getting the crowd to sing parts back to him, the noise was unbelievable. At one point he just stood there smiling while the crowd sang, and you could tell he was loving it. Artists always say Liverpool is one of the best crowds, and nights like that are exactly why.
It was a long set as well, not one of those where you feel like it’s over too quickly. You actually felt like you got your money’s worth, loads of songs, loads of moments, loads of big singalongs.
Overall, it was just a proper good gig. Not just musically, but visually, atmosphere-wise, everything. Gorillaz are one of those bands that have been around for years but still feel fresh, and live they’re on another level completely.
In simple terms a boss show. Liverpool on top form, Gorillaz on top form, and everyone went home happy. Exactly what you want from a Sunday night gig.
Eliza Loftus
