Barbara Walters chats with Forward Syria
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Discussing monetary policy with the man in charge
Where the earth screams in horror
08/03/2010 - Issue 42
Gorillaz: Rocking the Citadel
The biggest western act and the only British band to ever to play in Syriaby Moritz Flick
Photo by Carole al-Farah
Gorillaz, one of the most mysterious and appealing musical phenomena of the last decade, arrived for one extraordinary night in the floodlit Citadel of Damascus. The assortment of talent was exposed from the very start as spectacular video animations were complimented by some of pop music's biggest stars alongside the Syrian National Orchestra for Arabic Music.
The July 25th gig heralded the first performance of an internationally renowned Western band in Syria and offered the diverse crowd an introduction to their new album "Plastic Beach" as well as crowd-pleasing classic songs such as “Clint Eastwood” and “Feel Good Inc.”
Featured artists included, Damon Albarn, Bobby Womack, De La Soul, Mick Jones, Kano, Paul Simonon, Bootie Brown, Bashy and the National Orchestra for Arabic Music. The show also included video animation, artwork and film by Jamie Hewlett.
Gorillaz are a British virtual band created in 1998 by comic-book artist Jamie Hewlett—best known for his work on Tank Girl—and Damon Albarn of Britpop band Blur. Composed of four animated band members named 2D (lead vocalist, keyboard), Murdoc Niccals (bass guitar), Noodle (guitar and occasional vocals) and Russel Hobbs (drums and percussion), the band's music is a blend of musical influences such as dub, hip hop, alternative rock, electronic and pop.
Albarn, the only constant contributor, has assembled an eclectic fusion of talent both old and new which he labels “a musical microcosm.”
Despite their unique virtual nature, Gorillaz have participated in as many, if not more, activities than a real band would. Having been on a world tour as well as releasing albums and singles and making acceptance speeches at award shows, they have shown their commitment to communicating their artistic message. The combination of determined artists and the utilization of a vast array of modern media have all played their part in bringing Gorillaz to life.
Plastic Beach, the third album from Gorillaz released in March 2010, features Syrian musicians from the National Orchestra for Arabic Music. The music for the track “White Flag” was recorded in Damascus and also featured British grime stars Kano and Bashy. The National Orchestra for Arabic Music recently performed with Gorillaz at London's Roundhouse and at their headline performance at Glastonbury.
Elizabeth White, Director of the British Council in Syria said, "This is going to be the event of the summer. Gorillaz is the first Western band on this scale ever to play in Damascus. And what's remarkable about this concert is that Gorillaz are here because of the collaboration with Issam Rafea and other Syrian musicians from the National Orchestra for Arabic Music—and now they'll be playing in the land where some of this music was conceived.”
