According to the Guinness Book of Records, The Gorillaz are the world`s most successful virtual band.
Granted, most people would be hard pressed to name any less successful virtual band, but their entry in that book is yet another surprising example of the recognition they receive for not really existing.
In case you are as surprised as I was a couple of years ago, to learn that the band doesn`t actually exist, and that you`ve been singing along to someone`s virtual creation, here is Wikipedia`s definition of the Gorillaz: "Gorillaz (pronounced 'gorillas`) are an animated Britpop collective or supergroup and virtual band, comprising four animated band members: 2D, Murdoc, Noodle and Russel."
Damon Albarn (of Blur) and Jamie Hewlett, creator of Tank Girl, created the band.
Since the band obviously does not exist, they have never been on tour.
Georgina Guedes, editor, Brainstorm
Since Gorillaz are a virtual band, their history is aptly fantastic. A variety of events, from haunted houses and exorcisms to stints in insane asylums, have gotten them where they are today. The arrival of a 10-year-old mail order guitarist from Japan called Noodle is one of the most bizarre chapters in the Gorillaz`s unique history.
Although certain people have become known for their involvement in the production of the virtual band, do note that there are no real-life equivalents of the band members.
Some of the used voice talents are known, but none of the voices belong to people who are actively and continuously Gorillaz members.
Since the band obviously does not exist, they have never been on tour. The closest they have come to touring is on a radio tour, where they "play" certain songs on selected radio stations, with discussion by the band members to follow.
However, in one of the most incredible twists of modern technology, at the 2005 MTV Europe Music Awards, the Gorillaz did play live.
The band members were projected onto the stage using 3D holographic technology. For the first time it was possible to see the band performing. The crowds went wild.
Now that it has been done once, there`s nothing to stop it from happening again, and the band producers intend to take the Gorillaz on their live first world tour in 2006.
I will be in the golden circle to watch the show, because I like their music, but more importantly because I want to be in the front to see the first global tour of a band that doesn`t exist.
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