To see the Gorillaz live is to see more than just a band doing a concert but to share in an experience. The Gorillaz exist on varying levels of optical and harmonic realities making it easily to leave which you are suppose to be enjoying as enjoying one or some is enjoying them all.
The Gorillaz took Vancouver on a jaunt to Plastic Beach with a performance that brought their virtual experience to life.
We all experience the four animated front men - singer 2D, keyboardist/ guitarist Noodle, bassist Murdoc and drummer Russel - they did not do to life, they remain animated. The face of Gorillaz that I didn't know was that these guys are not only a band but collective pieces of a master compilation. A content of art and creativity created in the idea of lead singer Damon Albarns and the artistic, visual creations of co-conspirator Jamie Hewlett that was brought to living on the point in Vancouver.
The Gorillaz show began with a march of musicians filing onto the present and a birds eye view welcome to Plastic Beach. The big screen above display initially introduced the crew into the world of the Gorillaz. The official founding was done by the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and a massive Snoop Dogg lit up the cover with color and doggystyle charm.
This was followed by soul/R&B legend Bobby Womack joining the orchestra of 26-plus musicians with instruments ranging from a good string section, violins, two drummers, piano and horns. Together they performed the popular "Stylo" laying down a wicked performance all the while perfectly synced to the visuals on the screen - a crazed Bruce Willis takes fire on the Gorillaz as they rush to get out before driving into the sea to escape.
As if by magic, all night the Gorillaz successfully incorporate what was happening on screen to what was occurring on the stage perfectly, the lyrics and music even synched the lips and actions on the screen. This fully immersed the consultation into the experience. The clear perfect sound from the orchestra army, energy from Albarns and the colourful animation were one tight package of amazing.
This is when I noticed The Clash's Mick Jones and Paul Simonon playing their strings along with the mega-band. From this peak we are submerged deep below the sea of Plastic Beach along with the Gorillaz and are whipped through guest performances covering my favourite featured tracks: De La Soul "Jellyfish", Little Dragon "Empire Acts", the Pharcyde's Bootie Brown and rapper Bashy "Dirty Harry". 
My two favourite moments came when Albarns got on his knees and did a bid for Maseo. De La came back out to perform "Feel Good Inc" at different points of the performance Maseo bellowed his sinister belly laugh that he set down like a 007 villian about to do in Bond. Also Bobby Womack returned to the present for the low strain of the encore and sang "Cloud of Unknowing" leaving a lump in my throat and a chill throughout the audience. 
Being the live operation of the extensive tour Albarns spent the night issuing thank you's to all that contributed to the show. No question the show needed plenty of thank you's. To move an interview so smoothly down to Plastic Beach the way they did on Wednesday night would make an army of Gorillaz.
Photos courtesy of Melissa Dex Guzman.
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