Gorillaz, the virtual band created by Damon Albarn of Blur and comic artist Jamie Hewlett, are on track to release their fifth album in 2017.
Originally expected sometime this year, the Gorillaz fan page Gorillaz North America is now reporting that the album would be out until next year according to Hewlett.
The site posted the following note on Instagram:
WE GOT JAMIE NEWS! This here is HIM and our friend Linda. JAMIE says new GORILLAZ is special, really fuckin special. Can’t be rushed. 2017, yo. Fuck. So, guys, that Gorilla Fund, we got time. Go shop, take vacation, that shit aint happening this year. BUT its gonna be all that and more. And….Jamie follows us. So….you got something to say to him and don’t wanna get yelled at on his IG by his very serious followers, say it here! HE IS HERE. Watching, reading and digging it. He loves this account and appreciates our repping. #JamieHewlett #JamieSaid #ThoseWords #FuckinAye #Gorillaz #Gorillaz2017 #ThisIsNotOurFace #WeTookThePic #HalfOfUsWasThere #OtherHalfInMontreal #Explanations #DidWeMention #JamieWasMadCool #Animated #Friendly #GangstaToo #HisShow #HisArt #SoCool #Go
A photo posted by GorillazNorthAmerica (@gorillaz.northamerica) on
The road to the Gorillaz came about when fellow Blur member Graham Coxon introduced Albarn to Hewlett, creator of the comic Tank Girl, in 1990. Hewlett remained friends with the band until 1997 when Albarn and Hewlett began sharing an apartment in London. One day, while watching MTV, they decided that there was no real substance to the videos and decided to create a fictitious, comic/animated band that could “comment” on the situation.
Their first release was the EP Tomorrow Comes Today (2000) followed by the full length Gorillaz (2001), Demon Days (2005), Plastic Beach (2010) and The Fall (2011). Among their best known songs are Clint Eastwood, Feel Good Inc and Stylo.
