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Gorillaz are back, and they’re coming with new music, a major tour, and a brand-new label. The iconic virtual band, fronted by Blur’s Damon Albarn, have officially announced their ninth studio album The Mountain, due for release on March 20, 2026.
The album news comes hot on the heels of the band’s headline shows at London’s Copper Box Arena, where fans were treated to a preview of the new material earlier this month. The live debut was met with rave reviews, sparking speculation about a new era for Gorillaz, speculation that has now been confirmed.
Alongside the album announcement, the group have dropped the lead single, The Happy Dictator, a collaboration with art-rock duo Sparks. The track has already started gaining traction online, with fans praising its mix of Gorillaz’s signature electronic-funk sound and Sparks’ distinctive offbeat style.
In addition to new music, Gorillaz have unveiled a full-scale UK and Ireland tour for spring 2026, their first since 2022’s Cracker Island world tour. Kicking off in Manchester on March 21, the run of shows will see the band hit major arenas including Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Cardiff, Nottingham, Liverpool, Belfast, and Dublin. The tour will wrap up with a huge summer stadium show at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 20, marking one of the band’s biggest ever UK dates.
Full list of dates:
MARCH
21 – Co-op Live, Manchester
22 – BP Pulse Live, Birmingham
24 – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
25 – First Direct Arena, Leeds
27 – Utilita Arena, Cardiff
28 – Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
29 – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool
31 – SSE Arena, Belfast
APRIL
1 – 3Arena, Dublin
JUNE
20 – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
Tickets are expected to go on sale later this month, with pre-sale information set to be announced on the band’s social media channels.
Fans are already buzzing about what The Mountain might bring, with many noting that Gorillaz’s albums tend to experiment with genre and feature surprising guest appearances. Past collaborators have included the likes of De La Soul, Lou Reed, Elton John, and Tame Impala, so fans are predicting a star-studded tracklist this time around too.
The band’s decision to release the record through their newly launched label, KONG, also signals a fresh chapter for the animated group, giving them more creative control over their music and projects.
With a brand-new album, a major arena tour, and an exciting new single already out in the world, 2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for Gorillaz.
