Gorillaz hold concert at London’s O2 arena to thank NHS workers

Gorillaz at the O2 Arena - London
PA
Sarah Harvey11 August 2021

Gorillaz returned to the stage for their first gig in front of a live audience in almost three years with a free concert for NHS workers in London on Tuesday night.

The virtual band performed at the O2 Arena with concert-goers required to show a negative Covid-19 test to enter for what was the first full capacity live event at the O2 since March 2020.

The performance was to thank NHS workers for their sacrifices during the pandemic.

Gorillaz - created in 1998 by Blur musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett - celebrated their more than 20-year career with a setlist spanning their seven albums.

Gorillaz at the O2 Arena - London
PA

They also invited a star-studded cast of collaborators to the stage including The Cure's Robert Smith, former Joy Division star Peter Hook, rapper Slowthai and Shaun Ryder of the Happy Mondays.

Gorillaz will return to the O2 on Wednesday for a sold-out show.

Most restrictions on large gatherings in England were lifted last month, paving the way for a return to live music.

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