Gorillaz Debut ‘The Moon Cave’ & Play ‘Clint Eastwood’ on SNL with Ryan Gosling

A Surprise Visit and a Cyclops Eye: Harry Styles Crashes Ryan Gosling’s ‘SNL’

Saturday Night Live got a bit of a surprise boost this weekend, even before Gorillaz took the stage for Damon Albarn’s debut. Harry Styles made an unannounced appearance during Ryan Gosling’s opening monologue, prompting a playful bit of one-upmanship and a full-cast rendition of Styles’ 2017 hit, “Sign of the Times.” The moment occurred during Gosling’s fourth time hosting the show – a fact he apparently hadn’t realized himself, according to reports from the broadcast.

Styles’ presence wasn’t a planned sketch element, but rather a genuine surprise for both the audience, and Gosling. The actor, sporting a prosthetic cyclops eye from a previous sketch, noticed Styles in the crowd and immediately acknowledged him. The moment quickly escalated as the rest of the SNL cast seemed to gravitate towards Styles, much to Gosling’s mock dismay. Cast member Sarah Sherman’s comment about needing to be taken to “God’s country” was a clear reference to a memorable incident from last year involving Morgan Wallen, adding another layer to the playful dynamic.

From ‘Project Hail Mary’ to ‘Sign of the Times’

The impromptu performance of “Sign of the Times” wasn’t just a fan service moment. it similarly tied into Gosling’s reason for hosting. He’s currently promoting his new film, Project Hail Mary, and the song is featured prominently in the movie’s soundtrack. This clever integration highlighted the synergy between the host’s current project and a popular song, creating a memorable moment for viewers.

Gosling’s hosting gig marks his fourth time at the helm of the long-running sketch show. He previously hosted on December 5, 2015, May 5, 2017, and October 7, 2023. The fact that he miscounted his own hosting appearances added a self-deprecating element to his monologue, endearing him further to the audience.

Gorillaz Make Their ‘SNL’ Debut

While Styles’ cameo generated buzz, the musical guest spotlight belonged to Gorillaz, led by Damon Albarn. This marked Albarn’s first appearance on Saturday Night Live after nearly three decades in the music industry. The band performed both their iconic 2001 debut single, “Clint Eastwood,” featuring Del the Funky Homosapien, and the title track from their newly released album, The Mountain.

“The Mountain” performance was particularly noteworthy for its impressive lineup of guest artists, including Asha Puthli, Black Thought, and Anoushka Shankar. The album itself debuted at number one on the UK Official Albums Chart, demonstrating Gorillaz’ continued relevance and appeal. You can find more information about the album and tour dates on the official Gorillaz website: https://www.gorillaz.com/.

‘The Mountain’ and the Upcoming Tour

Released on February 27th, The Mountain is Gorillaz’ ninth studio album. The album’s creation involved a diverse range of collaborators, including Black Thought, Asha Puthli, Asha Bhosle, Gruff Rhys, Paul Simonon, Johnny Marr, and The London Arab Orchestra. The album has been previewed with singles like ‘The Hardest Thing’, ‘Orange County’, and ‘The God Of Lying’ (featuring Idles).

Following their SNL appearance, Gorillaz are embarking on a UK and Ireland tour, culminating in a headline show at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. They also have a series of European festival dates lined up for the summer, including Electric Picnic, Primavera Sound Barcelona, and Rock Werchter. Later this fall, the band will launch a 22-date North American headlining tour, with tickets available here.

Beyond the Stage: Sketches and Musical Moments

The episode wasn’t solely focused on Styles and Gorillaz. James Austin Johnson showcased his musical talents during Weekend Update, playing guitar as a church bandleader. Reba McEntire also made a cameo in a sketch portraying a disruptive wedding guest. Gosling himself participated in a pre-taped sketch where he played an eccentric baker leading tours of his factory.

The episode also saw a playful shout-out from Liam Gallagher on X (formerly Twitter), referencing a mishap with his cat, Betty. https://twitter.com/liamgallagher/status/2030584871089819716. While seemingly unrelated, it highlighted the broader cultural conversation surrounding the show and its guests.

What’s Next for Styles, Gosling, and Gorillaz?

Harry Styles is gearing up for his own hosting appearance on SNL next week, promoting his new album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. The album is set for release and anticipation is building for his solo performance on the show. Ryan Gosling will continue promoting Project Hail Mary, while Gorillaz will focus on their ongoing tour and festival appearances. The band is also currently showcasing their “House of Kong” exhibition at Rolling Greens DTLA in Los Angeles, running through March 19th. Fans can also explore the accompanying short film for The Mountain for further insight into the album’s creative process.