Gorillaz announced a pair of groundbreaking augmented reality (AR) performances of their new song “Skinny Ape.” The immersive events are set to take place in New York City’s Times Square on December 17 at 2:30 p.m. ET and London’s Piccadilly Circus on December 18 at 14:00 GMT.
“Skinny Ape” is set to appear on Gorillaz’ forthcoming 2023 album, Cracker Island. Mastermind Damon Albarn previously shared the title track featuring Thundercat followed by “New Gold” with Tame Impala and Bootie Brown. Gorillaz debuted “Skinny Ape” live in San Francisco with the upcoming performance events continuing the rollout.
Press materials for the “Skinny Ape” performances noted that “these first-of-their-kind immersive experiences will allow fans to gather together to witness Gorillaz play in real life – actually larger than life – as Murdoc, 2D, Noodle and Russel literally tower over them, playing in the midst of two of the world’s most iconic skylines.”
Gorillaz co-creator Jamie Hewlett and Emmy-nominated director Fx Goby helmed the “Skinny Ape” performances, which “are created by Nexus Studios and utilize Google’s ARCore Geospatial API, using AR to transform public spaces with cultural experiences, bringing ‘Skinny Ape’ and the world of Gorillaz to life as never before,” as per a press release.
“To all our followers, get ready for the biggest Times Square takeover since that other gorilla smashed the place up,” Gorillaz’ virtual bass player Murdoc Niccals noted. “Bigger in fact cos there’s four of us. Thanks to the techies at Google, we’ve created the music video event of the century, so don your pink robes and come see Gorillaz like you’ve never seen us before. The future is nigh!”
Watch a trailer for the “Skinny Ape” events below:
