Gorillaz

Gorillaz are an English musical and visual project created in 1998 by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett. The project consists of Gorillaz itself and an extensive fictional universe depicting a "virtual band" of cartoon characters. This band has four animated members: 2D (lead vocalist, keyboard, and melodica), Murdoc Niccals (bass guitar and drum machine), Noodle (guitar, keyboard, and occasional vocals) and Russel Hobbs (drums and percussion). Their fictional universe is explored through the band's website and music videos, as well as a number of other media, such as short cartoons.

The band's first release was the EP Tomorrow Comes Today, released in 2000. The band's first single, Clint Eastwood, was released on 5 March 2001. It was produced by hip hop producer Dan the Automator and originally featured Luton-based rap group Phi Life Cypher, but the version that appears on the album features American rapper Del the Funky Homosapien, known on the album as Del tha' Ghost Rapper, a spirit in the band's drummer Russel Hobbs.

Fictional members

• 2D – vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar, melodica (1998–present)
• Russel – drums, percussion, rapping (1998–2008, 2010–present)
• Murdoc – bass guitar, drum machine (1998–present)
• Noodle – guitars, keyboards, vocals (1998–2006, 2010–present)
• Cyborg Noodle – guitars, vocals (2010–2011)
• Del tha Ghost Rapper - guest vocals (2001-2003)

In the leadup to their 2018 album The Now Now, former Powerpuff Girls villain Ace joined the band on bass while Murdoc serves time. It's unclear whether Ace is the permanent replacement. It is also unclear who is leading the Ganggreen Gang in Townsville.