Crazy-ass cartoon band Gorillaz ended their Apollo Theater residency last night, closing out the five night stand at the famed theater in Harlem (max capacity 471). I can't think of a better way to mark my first visit to the Apollo. the Gorillaz were joined throughout the night by all the artists who guested on the massive Demon Days album - De La effin' Soul, Neneh Cherry, Ike Turner, and Roots Manuva. Actor Dennis Hopper received the loudest response by the audience when he performed vocals on "Fire Coming Out of the Monkey's Head". Further, the band was joined by a kid's choir in addition to an adult choir on different songs.
My take - despite sometimes finding myself a little bored with the music, I truly enjoyed the evening. As a memorable event, it ranks up there. "Feel Good, Inc" was the highlight for sure. I lost something in the translation of the album songs to live songs. In addition, they were filming the entire show...It would be great if it were released on dvd.
ULTIMATE NIGHT HIGHLIGHT - Walking into the theater next to David Gilmour. wow.
UN-HIGHLIGHT - the overbearing ushers...they were hounding people about cameras and...and...cell phones - even people just texting or reading their screens....
This week Damon Albarn hinted we may have seen/heard the last of Gorillaz. It'll probably end up being a "hip-hop thing" - retiring and then returning triumphantly to the cheers of fans...
