Gorillaz celebrate 29th anniversary with epic London stadium show

Damon Albarn, the frontman of Gorillaz, admitted to being a "terrible" showman, confessing his "very relaxed approach to showmanship." This self-assessment came just an hour before the band's first-ever stadium performance at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, celebrating their 29th anniversary with a two-and-a-half-hour set.

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I'm the worst frontman. I'm terrible. I have a very relaxed approach to showmanship.

Despite Albarn's modest view of his stage presence, his laid-back demeanor seemed to set the tone for the entire production. The concert was a multicultural, multimedia spectacle, bringing together over 30 musicians from 15 different countries. Backstage, the atmosphere was remarkably free of ego, described by South African singer Moonchild Sanelly as "ridiculous."

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The vibe is ridiculous.

Sanelly praised Albarn's openness and humility, noting, "Everybody whose art he admires, he brings them along for the ride." Folk singer and poet Kara Jackson, a frequent guest, likened the experience to an "eclectic family," comparing it to Southern traditions where close friends are considered family.

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Everybody whose art he admires, he brings them along for the ride. Even when he's zenned out, I'll go sit next to him, just so we can breathe each other's air.

The diverse lineup included Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara, Johnny Marr, American alt-pop duo Sparks, and Shaun Ryder. Marr commented on the unusual nature of the group, stating, "I don't think there's anything quite like it. Not in my experience, anyway."

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It's kind of like coming from the South, where I'm from in the States. You have cousins, but they're not really your blood cousins - you've just been calling your mum's best friend your aunt for all these years.