As most anime fans can attest, at times it can be difficult to separate fantasy from reality. Geniuses like Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett create conceptual masterpieces like The Gorillaz and wisk us away to worlds so enchanting that we can lose ourselves in the animation. And therein lies the problem for a fully animated band. Having just released their third album Plastic Beach last month, the demand to see this month's coverboys (and girl) in real life has never been higher. Luckily, an opportunity presents itself this very weekend at Coachella.
Just how does a band made of cartoon characters perform for an outdoor festival of thousands? Murdoch was nice enough to give us some hints during our cover story, but the group has put on a handful of live shows since 2005 and even once had plans for a full scale tour. Those plans may have fizzled out, but if you're wondering what exactly a Gorillaz show entails, check out a history of The Gorillaz live performances...
Monkey: Journey To The West (Installments in England, France and The US)
DATE: 2007-2009
• While technically not an official Gorillaz project, "Monkey: Journey To The West" is Albarn production married with more Hewlett illustration. The recordings score an opera inspired by one of Albarn's favorite childhood bedtime stories, and has had theatric runs in Europe and The US including the performing cast and full orchestra, along with projected animation.
RELATED: The Gorillaz Talk 2010 Coachella Performance
• COMPLEX'S APRIL/MAY 2010 COVER STORY WITH THE GORILLAZ!