Gorillaz put on a stunning show at Glasgow's Hydro (gig review) - SNACK: Music, film, arts and culture magazine for Scotland

Only a few weeks have passed since Gorillaz dropped album number nine, The Mountain, (see the Spring 2026 issue of SNACK for the full album review) a spiritual concept album with themes of grief and loss. As subject matters go, this may not be particularly in-tune for the mood of the 14,000 in attendance tonight, however the album is also full of enchanting melodies and beats, not to mention the band’s 25 years of previous material.

Taking to the stage, with a backdrop of stunning visuals, Damon Albarn, one day on from his 58^th birthday, looks on giddily as the sold-out crowd scream with joy. It is quite the response for a Tuesday night show, even for Glasgow, but the audience are a huge part of a dazzling opening. ‘The Mountain’, the titular track from the band’s recent release, kicks things off and it’s a largely instrumental start that builds up an element of suspense as each Gorillaz character is introduced to the crowd via the screens, with all four receiving deafening cheers comparable to the famous Hampden roar.

Gorillaz at Glasgow Hydro March 2026 – Phtoto credit: Marc Bean

Next up is ‘The Happy Dictator’ which gives us the first sing-along of the night. While baroque pop legends Sparks who feature on the track are not here in person they are adorned onscreen, and the recording of their vocals is seamlessly enough merged with the live band to make you think otherwise.

We then go on an exhilarating journey through the bands impressive back catalogue with new material dovetailed into a well curated setlist. What we are treated to is not just music, it’s a work of art. You keep asking yourself, do I watch the band or the screens? It’s a wonderful sensory overload.

‘Stylo’, from 2010’s Plastic Beach, is one of the visual highlights. Not only does the video allow the band to retain the vocals of the late Bobby Womack but it gives the audience the thrill of a Mad Max-esque car chase. It’s absolute cinema and there are rapturous cheers when Bruce Willis appears on screen.

The cameos aren’t restricted to onscreen only, with Idles Joe Talbot, Kara Jackson, Bootie Brown, and Posdnuos (De La Soul) providing welcome guest appearances. The latter in particular brought the house down with his sensational rapping on 2005’s ‘Feel Good Inc’.

What lies ahead from Damon Albarn now is anyone’s guess, Gorillaz will be on tour for the best part of 2026 and after that it remains to be seen whether a new Blur album is the priority for the Britpop heavyweight.

The Mountain is out now via Kong Studios

Setlist

The Empty Dream Machine