Damon Albarn credits drugs for Gorillaz falsetto as band marks 25 years at London residency

Damon Albarn has admitted that the “crazy” falsetto vocals on Gorillaz self-titled 2001 debut were fueled by his drug use at the time. The frontman reflected on the record’s demanding vocals while celebrating the band’s 25th anniversary during their four-night residency at London’s Copper Box Arena.

Speaking to Rolling Stone, Albarn said: “I can’t quite believe I can still hit the falsetto. That first record has a crazy amount of falsetto. It was definitely related to the drugs I was taking. I was a much more irresponsible human being. I was hitting some notes I really didn’t think coming back I’d be able to hit again.”

The residency began with a full performance of Gorillaz’s debut album, featuring rarities like Double Bass and Ghost Train performed live for the first time ever. Fan favorites such as Starshine, Slow Country, Sound Check (Gravity), and Man Research (Clapper) also returned to the setlist after more than two decades.

Jamie Hewlett, Albarn’s creative partner, reflected on how people initially perceived the project. “When we made it, people thought it was a joke or for kids. The industry liked the music but weren’t buying the cartoons, while kids loved the characters and discovered the music through them. That was always the magic of Gorillaz – bridging worlds and introducing people to artists they might never have found otherwise.”

The Copper Box run continues with performances of Plastic Beach, and Albarn has teased that the final show could include new material from a forthcoming Gorillaz album due in 2026.