Secret Garden Party // One Albarn Short Of A Band

Being an esteemed and fully paid up member of the fourth estate, Noize likes to think of itself as well educated in the world of words. We even impressed ourselves by spotting the cleverness behind the name of Damon’s cartoon creations - that is, if we’re barking up the right tree. Onomatology aside, we were just stoked to get down and boogie to Gorillaz Sound System.

With the time well past the witching hour, the Great Stage was beginning to resemble the sloppy end of a bad disco - with added fancy dress. Playing behind a weird net curtain onto which they projected their visuals, and with what can only be described as minimal lighting, there wasn’t really much to watch as they got down to business - and Lord knows it played havoc with trying to bag a decent shot or three. Yes, there were a few Gorillaz tracks hidden in there somewhere, but not many, although that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing as the beats kept on coming. The combined antics of Remi, Pauly, and DJ Kofi kept those actually paying attention amused, before we joined the rest and got our dance on - just like a band of gorillas.

Words by Derek Robertson

Photos by Derek Robertson and Simon Owen