Gorillaz have always been known for their impressive guest appearances. Songs like “Feel Good, Inc.,” “Stylo” and “Clint Eastwood” are just a few of the band’s tracks which feature special guests.
This has always presented unique opportunities and challenges for the band when performing live. Obviously De La Soul, Del The Funky Homosapien and other singers or MCs which appear on their songs cannot travel around the world and perform along with the band of cartoon characters led by Damon Albarn. Sometimes these guest performances are simply piped in, but in other instances the guests are actually able to perform with the band.
Tonight, when Gorillaz take the stage at The Meadows Music and Art Festival in New York City, there will be special guests galore. According to a flyer released by the festival, Mos Def, DRAM, Pusha T, Bootie Brown, De La Soul, Lil Simz, Del The Funky Homosapien, Jehnny Beth, Jamie Principle and Peven Everett will perform during the group’s headlining performance.
While Mos Def was previously arrested and detained in Africa for 10 months, he was allowed to leave the country in November 2016. In 2016 he announced his retirement from music and acting, though he has continued to make one-off performances like the recent run of Radio City Music Hall shows that Dave Chapelle hosted.