Gorillaz continue to shape modern music as one of the UK’s most innovative bands in 2026. Their ninth studio album, The Mountain, marks a bold, collaborative project blending diverse sounds and deep themes. With a major UK tour underway and a historic first appearance on Saturday Night Live, Gorillaz remain at the forefront of global music culture. They consistently push creative boundaries and captivate fans worldwide with their evolving artistry.
Gorillaz‘s highly anticipated ninth studio album, The Mountain, is set to release on February 27, 2026. This album stands out for its rich collaborations featuring renowned artists such as Black Thought, IDLES, Sparks, and the late Tony Allen, among others. The inclusion of diverse voices and styles creates a sonic tapestry that explores deep themes of grief, hope, and the journey through loss. This makes it emotionally resonant for fans. The 15 tracks showcase an impressive range of sounds, blending global influences with experimental production techniques.
🔑 What You’ll Learn & Why It Matters
- The innovative collaborations on The Mountain: Highlight the diversity and emotional depth behind the album.
- Gorillaz’s historic first SNL appearance: Amplifies their international reach and media presence.
- The comprehensive world tour: Shows the band’s continued global influence and connection with fans.
Critics and music experts highlight how The Mountain pushes creative boundaries while maintaining the band’s unique identity. Gorillaz’ artistic approach melds poignant lyricism with innovative soundscapes, offering a reflective yet uplifting experience. UK fans can look forward to this album not only as a musical release but as a thoughtful exploration of human emotions through sophisticated compositions. For more insights and updates, trusted sources like NewDope and Rolling Stone UK provide detailed coverage and in-depth interviews with the band members. This album is poised to be a landmark in Gorillaz’s iconic discography. It exemplifies their evolution and continued relevance in contemporary music culture.
On February 21, 2026, Gorillaz made their first-ever musical guest appearance on Saturday Night Live (SNL), a highly respected platform known for launching global music careers. This milestone is significant for the band, particularly in the UK market, as it amplifies their international reach just days before releasing their ninth album, The Mountain, on February 27. Performing on SNL enhances their media presence and introduces their fresh sound to a vast American audience. This increases anticipation among UK fans familiar with their dynamic media history. This event marks a key moment in Gorillaz‘s evolving legacy and global tour success.
The House of Kong exhibition in Los Angeles from February 8 to March 3, 2026, marks a grand celebration of 25 years of Gorillaz. This immersive exhibit brings UK fans and international visitors closer to the band’s iconic visual universe and creative journey. It’s a rare chance to explore the striking artwork, behind-the-scenes stories, and the unique lore that defines Gorillaz’s legacy. Adding to the excitement, Gorillaz will perform their new album, The Mountain, live at the Hollywood Palladium on February 22 and 23, 2026. These concerts will showcase the full, fresh tracklist, allowing fans to experience the band’s evolving sound up close. Tickets for both the exhibition and live shows are available, offering a complete celebration for fans eager to mark this milestone anniversary in Los Angeles. For UK fans planning to visit, the House of Kong is a standout event blending art, music, and history in a truly unforgettable way.
Gorillaz is hitting the road in 2026 with their exciting world tour tied to the new album, The Mountain. UK and Ireland fans get special warm-up shows starting March 13 and 14 in Bradford, marking the band’s first-ever visits to this city. They’ll then play major arenas across the UK including Manchester on March 20, and London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 20, promising big performances in key venues. This tour is set to be a big deal with stops at top European festivals in summer. Notable festival dates include Primavera in Barcelona and Porto in June, Rock Werchter in Belgium on July 4, and the InMusic Festival in Croatia from June 22–24. These stages showcase Gorillaz’s broad appeal and festival crowd energy. For fans eager to catch the band live, official tickets go fast and information is available directly on the Gorillaz website.
Over in the United States, the band plays at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on February 22 and 23, performing the entire new album live. UK fans looking to secure tickets for UK and European shows should visit the official tour page at gorillaz.com/tour/ where details are up to date and reliable. This major tour reflects Gorillaz’s confidence and creative power in their 2026 musical journey.
🎨 Creative Direction & Album Themes
Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett’s album The Mountain draws deeply from their personal loss and immersive experiences in India. Visiting cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, and Rishikesh, they absorbed the rich cultural and spiritual soundscapes, which blend into the album’s global music fusion. This sonic tapestry explores themes of mortality and grief with hopeful resilience, as revealed in detailed interviews in Rolling Stone UK. The creative process channels the emotional weight of family trauma and the cycle of life and death, weaving authentic Indian influences with Gorillaz’s signature style. For UK fans seeking deeper insight, this album marks a profound evolution in Gorillaz’s artistry. It reflects a mature response to loss and the human condition. Trustworthy sources confirm this inspired direction, underscoring the band’s enduring creative vitality.
Gorillaz sure did light up 2026 with their ninth album, The Mountain, and a big world tour right after. Their first-ever Saturday Night Live show and a special 25th anniversary exhibit showed just how creative and popular they remain. UK fans can be proud—the band is stronger than ever and still making a global mark.
