Concert Review: Gorillaz at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

Touring in support of their upcoming album, Cracker Island, Gorillaz take on Ameris Bank Amphitheatre with support from EARTHGANG and tons of special guests. Created by Blur frontman Damon Albarn (with help from Jamie Hewlett) in 1998, Gorillaz have continuously paved their own path in music. A 'virtual' band, comprised of cartoon characters, Gorillaz's distinct flair and unique approach to songwriting has launched them into superstardom.

Atlanta natives EARTHGANG were a stellar opening act. The hip-hop duo, Olu (aka Johnny Venus) and WowGr8 (aka Doctur Dot), have seen a massive rise over the past decade at home and across the country, culminating in their latest release, GHETTO GODS. This performance marked their last on the tour, hopping off of the road back at home until the end of November. They brought a sort of magic with them when they hit the stage, the dynamics between Olu and WowGr8 is unlike anything I've seen before. This duo can spit bars, entertain, and play off of each other just as good as, if not better than, any of their contemporaries.

As amazing as EARTHGANG is live, once Gorillaz hit the stage they were completely overshadowed. The production, the performance, and the execution of their live show is a spectacle. This show is really one that has to be seen to truly grasp how much work goes in. Between Damon Albarn, the backing band, special guests, and the huge team of engineers and technicians, there is an immense amount talent and dedication committed to each of these concerts.

It should go without saying that Damon Albarn stole the show. The frontman and main producer of Gorillaz, Damon is also a natural performer. Crowd walks, a Danny Devito squid hat, and big fuzzy animal gloves saw Albarn keep things lively. Pair that with his general command of the stage, strutting and paroling all ends of the massive platform, and you're in for a treat. Albarn was also on his A-game vocally, and the backing band was, to say the least, impressive. A huge array of instruments, vocalists, and performers made every song sound special.

It would be downright criminal to talk about this show and gloss over the production. Gorillaz, being the 'virtual' band that they are, rely heavily on visual elements added to their show. A massive LED wall with mind-bending visuals, a huge lighting package hanging overhead, and an equally massive lighting package on the ground made this into one of the largest amphitheatre productions I've ever seen. The video elements were definitely the stand out, complementing the often times psychedelic-infused sounds with trippy clips that often times felt ingrained into the music. The production of this show alone makes it a worthwhile concert, and deserves to be applauded. 

Twenty-three songs made up the night. Tack on the special guests, EARTHGANG, Fatoumata Diawara, Bootie Brown, De La Soul, Del the Funky Homosapien, and Sweetie Irie, throughout the setlist and you're set up for an unbelievable night of live music.

          1. M1 A1

          2. Last Living Souls

          3. Tranz

          4. Tomorrow Comes Today

          5. 19-2000

          6. Rhinestone Eyes

          7. Cracker Island

          8. O Green World

          9. On Melancholy Hill

          10. El Mañana

          11. New Genius (Brother)

          12. Empire Ants

          13. Kids With Guns

          14. Opium (ft. EARTHGANG)

          15. Désolé (ft. Fatoumata Diawara)

          16. Andromeda

          17. Dirty Harry (ft. Bootie Brown)

          18. DARE

          19. Momentary Bliss

          -

          20. New Gold (ft. Bootie Brown)

          21. Feel Good Inc. (ft. De La Soul)

          22. Rock the House (ft. Del the Funky Homosapien)

          23. Clint Eastwood (ft. Del the Funky Homosapien & Sweetie Irie)

Gorillaz are wrapping up their 2022 tour this weekend down in Florida. With their new album, Cracker Island, set to release in February of next year, I'd expect to see them tour heavily in 2023. Their remaining tour dates are below.

          10/21 Orlando, FL — Amway Center*

          10/23 Miami, FL — FTX Arena*

          * with JUNGLE

Gorillaz are incredible. There is just no other way to put it. From performance to production, this is easily one of the best concerts I've ever seen, and I think the thousands of fans in attendance would agree. This is a show that should absolutely be on your bucket-list of concerts, and you should not let it pass you by next time it is in town.