Gorillaz are an English virtual band formed in 1998 by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett. The band primarily consists of four fictional members: 2-D (vocals, keyboards, melodica; vocals provided by Albarn), Murdoc Niccals (bass guitar), Noodle (guitar, keyboards, backup vocals) and Russel Hobbs (drums). Their universe is presented in media such as music videos, interviews, comic strips and short cartoons. Gorillaz's music has featured collaborations with a wide range of musicians and featured artists, with Albarn as the only permanent musical contributor.

With Gorillaz, Albarn departed from the distinct Britpop sound of his band Blur, exploring a variety of musical styles including hip hop, electronic and world music.[5] The band's 2001 debut album, Gorillaz, which features trip hop, punk rock, dub and Latin influences, went triple platinum in the UK and double platinum in Europe, with sales driven by the success of the lead single, "Clint Eastwood". Their second studio album, Demon Days (2005), went six times platinum in the UK,[6] double platinum in the US, and spawned the successful lead single "Feel Good Inc.", along with other hit singles such as "Dare", "Dirty Harry" and "El Mañana".[7][8][9] The band's third album, Plastic Beach (2010), featured environmentalist themes, synth-pop elements[10] and an expanded roster of featured artists. Their fourth album, The Fall, was recorded on the road (mainly on Damon Albarn's iPad) during the Escape to Plastic Beach Tourand released on 25 December 2010.