Gorillaz’ SNL Debut: Ryan Gosling Promo & New Album Tour Details

The virtual band Gorillaz are gearing up for their Saturday Night Live debut this weekend, alongside host Ryan Gosling, and the promos are… delightfully cryptic. The band, created by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett in 1998, offered a non-verbal response when asked how they were feeling about the long-awaited appearance, leaving SNL cast member Ashley Padilla and Gosling to share in the amusement.

In the promo released Thursday, Padilla expresses disbelief that the acclaimed group has never performed on the show before. “Gorillaz! You’re one of the best bands ever, and you’ve never been the musical guest?” she asks. Albarn and Hewlett, represented by their animated characters, respond by crouching and wiggling their fingers. A bemused Gosling simply whispers, “It’s a secret,” to Padilla, who protests that “no one tells me anything!”

The appearance comes as Gorillaz promote their ninth studio album, The Mountain, released just this month. The album’s rollout has been extensive, previewed by a string of six singles featuring a diverse range of collaborators, including Idles, Sparks, Trueno, D12’s Proof, Omar Souleyman, and Yasiin Bey. NME reports that the band will as well embark on a UK and Ireland tour in March, culminating in a headline show at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

A Long Time Coming: Gorillaz’ Journey to SNL

For a band that’s been making music since 1998, a debut on Saturday Night Live feels overdue for many fans. Gorillaz began as a side project for Damon Albarn, best known as the frontman for the Britpop band Blur. Although, it quickly evolved into a significant creative endeavor, blending music with striking visual art created by Jamie Hewlett, the co-creator of the comic book Tank Girl. NBC Insider details the band’s unique approach, which has consistently involved collaborations with a wide array of artists, from Bad Bunny and De La Soul to Stevie Nicks and Beck.

The band’s innovative use of animation and virtual band members has set them apart in the music industry. Rather than traditional live performances with physical band members, Gorillaz concerts typically feature holographic projections of their animated characters, 2-D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel Hobbs. This distinctive presentation, combined with their eclectic musical style, has garnered them a dedicated global following.

Gosling’s SNL History (and a Five-Timers Club Miscalculation)

Ryan Gosling, meanwhile, is no stranger to the SNL stage. This will be his fourth time hosting the show, though he prematurely announced his intention to join the “Five-Timers Club” in a previous promo. The Five-Timers Club is an exclusive group of hosts who have hosted SNL five or more times, and is a coveted status among performers. Gosling’s new film, Project Hail Mary, a sci-fi adaptation of the 2021 novel, is the reason for his latest appearance.

Gosling’s previous hosting stints have been well-received, showcasing his comedic timing and willingness to fully commit to the show’s sketches. His return is anticipated by fans, and the promo featuring his playful banter with Padilla hints at another memorable episode.

The ‘Mountain’ of Collaborations and Touring Plans

The Mountain, Gorillaz’ latest offering, continues the band’s tradition of genre-bending and collaborative spirit. The album features contributions from a diverse group of artists, including Black Thought, Asha Puthli, Asha Bhosle, Gruff Rhys, Paul Simonon, Johnny Marr, and The London Arab Orchestra. The inclusion of Syrian superstar Omar Souleyman and rapper Yasiin Bey on the track “Damascus” highlights the band’s commitment to incorporating global sounds and perspectives into their music. The song was previously previewed at the Together For Palestine charity gig at Wembley Arena last year, as NME reported.

Following their SNL performance, Gorillaz will embark on a North American tour kicking off September 17 in Orlando, Florida, and concluding on Halloween in Seattle. This marks their first North American tour in four years, and fans are eager to experience the band’s unique live show.

What’s Next for Gorillaz and Gosling

For Gorillaz, the immediate focus is on their SNL debut and the continued promotion of The Mountain. The band’s upcoming tour will provide a platform to showcase the new material and connect with fans across North America. Beyond the tour, it remains to be seen what creative directions Albarn and Hewlett will explore, but given their history of innovation, it’s safe to assume they’ll continue to push boundaries and challenge expectations.

Ryan Gosling will likely focus on the promotional campaign for Project Hail Mary following his SNL appearance. The film, based on the acclaimed novel by Andy Weir (author of The Martian), is expected to be a major release for Gosling, and his participation in the film’s marketing will be crucial to its success.

Saturday Night Live airs at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on NBC and is available for streaming on Peacock.