Gorillaz Bring Out Special Guests at Coachella

Posted on Apr 19th 2010 6:02AM by Benjy Eisen
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Despite award-winning sets by Atoms for Peace (feat. Thom Yorke), LCD Soundsystem, Hot Chip and Muse -- and solid efforts from dozens more -- Gorillaz closed out Coachella 2010 by being the one band that, quite simply, no one could top. In all fairness, in order to reach such great heights, they did have a little help from their friends. Former Clash members Mick Jones and Paul Simonon gave real-life support to cartoon band members 2D, Murdoc Niccals, Russel Hobbs and Noodle, while the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble became their tower of power, so to speak.

But the lineup for the human side of his band wasn't the only surprise Gorillaz mastermind Damon Albarn had in mind for the night: a slew of special guests, including Little Dragon, De La Soul and Bobby Womack -- all of whom appear on the new release, 'Plastic Beach' -- came onstage to replicate their parts from the album. The parade of unannounced stars, who remained unmentioned by name onstage, nearly gave the festival-closing set an awards show feel; then again, Gorillaz did end up with the gold for this one.

The three-dimensional members of the band were largely dressed up as sailors while their cartoon counterparts appeared as they always do, which is to say larger than life. And while cheers did erupt when Gorillaz revisited certain songs like the obvious 'Clint Eastwood,' Albarn and Co. really did use their position as the festival's grand finale act to their advantage: Once they had everyone's attention, they not only showcased 'Plastic Beach,' they actually brought the album to life, in full living color. Sure, there were lots of unforgettable moments at Coachella this year ... but Gorillaz walk away with the win.