Gorillaz • October 20, 2026 • Delta Center
Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe
Photographed by Blair B Brown
Few bands can create a musical experience quite like Gorillaz. Blending alternative rock, hip-hop, electronic music, pop, and animation-inspired visuals, the group has built a reputation for doing things differently. When Gorillaz brought The Mountain Tour to the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, fans were treated to an expansive musical journey that celebrated the band’s unmistakable sound, creative vision, and impressive collection of collaborations.
Led by Blur frontman Damon Albarn and built around the fictional animated band members, Gorillaz have always been more than a traditional musical act. Their live performances bring together a rotating cast of musicians, vocalists, and featured performers, creating an experience that feels as much like a production as it does a concert. The Salt Lake City performance was a perfect example, delivering an energetic combination of familiar favorites, deeper cuts, and special guest appearances.
The evening got underway with “The Mountain” and “The Happy Dictator,” establishing an atmosphere for what would become a varied set. Instead of moving from one hit to another, Gorillaz took the audience through different eras of their catalog. Songs like “Tranz,” “Last Living Souls,” and “Tomorrow Comes Today” demonstrated the band’s ability to move between electronic, alternative rock, and hypnotic rhythms without losing their identity.
The crowd had plenty to celebrate when recognizable favorites like “19-2000,” “Rhinestone Eyes,” and “El Mañana” made their way into the set. “On Melancholy Hill” was another standout, bringing a melodic and almost dreamlike quality to the performance. These songs are reminders of just how much Gorillaz’s music has become part of the soundtrack for an entire generation of music fans.
It was very clear that Damon Albarn wanted to connect with his fans. There were several times during the show where Albarn would jump off the stage and go to the barricade and shake hands, or high-five fans in the front row. One time he went along a side aisle in the arena and went as far as his mic cord would allow him. This was one of the great highlights of the night. Seeing how happy these fans were, having him so close and interactive with them was pretty great.
One of the biggest strengths of the Gorillaz experience is the collaborative nature of the music. Many of the band’s recordings feature guest artists, and the live show found ways to bring that same spirit to the stage. Kara Jackson joined for “Orange County,” while DRAM appeared for an extended version of “Andromeda.” Little Simz added another dimension to “Garage Palace,” giving the performance an extra dose of hip-hop energy.
The guest appearances continued with Posdnuos joining for “Superfast Jellyfish” and Bootie Brown contributing to “Stylo.” Each collaboration helped give the concert a different personality, preventing the lengthy set from ever feeling predictable. The combination of performers and musical styles is what makes Gorillaz such a unique live act.
There were also plenty of opportunities to appreciate the band’s deeper catalog. “She’s My Collar,” “Empire Ants,” and “Every Planet We Reach Is Dead” offered some different moods, while “Kids With Guns” brought a darker edge to the evening. “Skinny Ape,” making its tour debut, was another welcome addition for fans interested in hearing something beyond the expected hits.
As the main set approached its conclusion, “The Sad God” helped bring the evening toward a close before the band returned for an encore that delivered some of the night’s biggest crowd-pleasers.
The encore was particularly memorable. Del the Funky Homosapien joined for “Rock the House” and the ever-popular “Clint Eastwood,” while Bootie Brown returned for “Dirty Harry.” Posdnuos also made another appearance for “Feel Good Inc.,” one of Gorillaz’s most recognizable songs and an undeniable highlight of the night.
“Feel Good Inc.” and “Clint Eastwood” were the kind of songs that brought everything together, reminding everyone why Gorillaz have remained such an influential and beloved group. Their ability to make music that crosses genres and generations has helped them maintain a sound that is entirely their own.
Gorillaz delivered much more than a collection of popular songs at the Delta Center. With an ambitious setlist, an impressive lineup of featured performers, and music spanning multiple eras of their career, the band created an entertaining and unpredictable evening. It was a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the freedom to experiment musically. For Salt Lake City fans, it was a chance to experience one of modern music’s most original acts doing what they do best.