Watch Gorillaz perform in augmented reality in London and New York
The iconic cartoon band can be seen performing at Times Square and Piccadilly Circus
Gorillaz fans can now watch the animated group perform at two of the most famous locations in the US and UK thanks to cutting edge, location-based augmented reality technology.
Marking the release of their new single, 'Skinny Ape', the performances, at London's Piccadilly Circus and New York's Times Square, can still be experienced using a specially designed mobile app. Combining real world with AR, the launch of each performance (on 17th and 18th December, respectively) was witnessed by crowds in the hundreds.
Nexus Studios is behind the concept, with Jamie Hewlett, Gorillaz co-creator alongside Damon Albarn, responsible for direction alongside Emmy-nominated filmmaker Fx Goby. Google ARCore Geospatial API powers the events. You can read more on the platform here.
Band member Murdoc offered thanks to staff at the company for creating "the music video of the century", before inviting the public to "don pink robes and come see Gorillaz like you're never seen us before. The future is night!"
In the wake of the first performances, Twitter was filled with screen-recorded footage of the shows. From now until 24th February 2023, anyone can watch the concerts on their mobile by visiting either location, and downloading the Gorillaz Presents app for iOS or Android.
The stunt comes just ahead of a new Gorillaz album, 'Cracker Island', which is also set to arrive on 24th February, and features collaborations with Stevie Nicks, Thundercat, Tame Impala, Adele Omotayo, Bootie Brown and more.
