Nexus Studios, Gorillaz and Google to present two revolutionary immersive performances
Skwigly
Gorillaz will revolutionise the very concept of musical performance, as they transform the streets of New York and London into stages for two groundbreaking performances of their brand new track ‘Skinny Ape’. Taking place at 14.30 ET on 17 December in Times Square and 14:00 GMT on 18 December in Piccadilly Circus, these first-of-their-kind immersive experiences will allow fans to gather together to witness Gorillaz play in real life – actually larger than life – as Murdoc, 2D, Noodle and Russel literally tower over them, playing in the midst of two of the world’s most iconic skylines.
Directed by artist and Gorillaz co-creator Jamie Hewlett and the Emmy nominated director Fx Goby, the ‘Skinny Ape’ performances are created by Nexus Studios and utilize Google’s ARCore Geospatial API, using AR to transforms public spaces with cultural experiences, bringing ‘Skinny Ape’ and the world of Gorillaz to life as never before.
Music’s most (in)famous virtual bass player Murdoc Niccals commented:
To all our followers, get ready for the biggest Times Square takeover since that other gorilla smashed the place up. Bigger in fact cos there’s four of us. Thanks to the techies at Google, we’ve created the music video event of the century, so don your pink robes and come see Gorillaz like you’ve never seen us before. The future is nigh!
‘Skinny Ape’ is the fourth single from Gorillaz upcoming new album Cracker Island and is already a fan favourite, having debuted live on the band’s hugely successful 2022 World Tour. ‘Cracker Island’, out 24 February 2023 on Parlophone, is the eighth studio album from Gorillaz, an energetic, upbeat, genre-expansive collection of 10 tracks featuring yet another stellar lineup of artist collaborators: Stevie Nicks, Adeleye Omotayo, Thundercat, Tame Impala, Bad Bunny and Bootie Brown and Beck. Recorded in London and L.A. earlier this year, it is produced by eight-time Grammy Award-winning producer/ multi-instrumentalist/ songwriter extraordinaire Greg Kurstin, Gorillaz and Remi Kabaka Jr.
OUTFRONT and Ocean Outdoor are at the intersection of immersive experiences which bridge the physical and virtual worlds. Situated in the cultural heart of New York and London’s entertainment districts, Times Square and the Piccadilly Lights are the perfect portals to unveil the music video of the future.
More info at skinnyape.gorillaz.com