Concrete Playground

The bomb has dropped: Gorillaz are packing their virtual suitcases for a first-ever tour of Australia. Mysterious bass player Murdoc Niccals, demonic drummer Russel Hobbs, girly guitarist Noodle (who was rumored to be dead) and lead vocalist 2D (real name Stu-Pot) will be boarding an ex-military chopper to cross the Atlantic for their Escape to Plastic Beach tour in December.

The brainchild of cartoonist Jamie Hewlett (best known for the cult comic book series Tank Girl) and king of Brit-Pop Daman Albarn, Gorillaz are the "first virtual hip-hop group" of our time, brought to life by stunning anime style animation and fascinating fictional narratives. Having recently played Glastonbury and Coachella with special guests Lou Reed, Mick Jones & Paul Simonon, Mos Def, and Bobby Womack, it's anyone's guess who the Gorillaz might end up people-smuggling into Oz — Snoop Dogg, perhaps?

Performing tracks from all three of their critically acclaimed albums (Gorillaz, Demon Days and Plastic Beach) this tour will include a dynamic production featuring multi-media video animation, artwork and film. As Murdoc says: "A phantasmagoria of sounds, colours and assaults on the senses."

Gorillaz play Sydney Entertainment Centre on December 16th,. Tickets go on sale August 6th.