Gorillaz Unite With IDLES, Sparks & More on Their Eclectic New Album 'The Mountain'

An adventurous collaboration journey, Gorillaz's 'The Mountain' brings together unique artists across genres, creating a rich tapestry of sound and culture.

If you're a fan of musical mashups and genre-bending creativity, Gorillaz’s upcoming ninth studio album, The Mountain, is about to be your new obsession. This project sees Damon Albarn’s brainchild assembling a wild array of collaborators, blending diverse voices and styles into a vibrant sonic adventure that'll drop on March 20 under their fresh KONG label. Ready to get lost in the layers?

A Star-Studded Lineup That Reads Like a Musical Who's Who

Let’s talk about the dream team behind The Mountain. This isn’t your average feature list — it’s a veritable melting pot of musical legends and contemporary trailblazers. Headlining the lead single “The Happy Dictator” are none other than the sibling pop wizards Sparks, whose quirky, theatrical style perfectly complements Gorillaz’s genre-fluid vibe.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The album also welcomes the ferocious punk energy of IDLES, the iconic strings of former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, classical Indian maestros Ajay Prasanna, Amaan & Ayaan Ali Bangash, and sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar. Throw in celebrated vocalists like Asha Bhosle and Asha Puthli, the electrifying rhythms of Bizarrap, and the potent lyricism of Black Thought from The Roots, and you start to see why The Mountain is such an ambitious project.

Add to that the poetic fire of Trueno, the Middle Eastern flair of Omar Souleyman, the rocksteady groove of The Clash’s Paul Simonon, and the lyricism of Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def), and you’ve got a global celebration of sound. It’s an album that crosses continents, languages, and musical eras with ease.

Echoes of Legends: Voices From Beyond

In a touching nod to music history, The Mountain also features vocal snippets from departed icons like Bobby Womack, De La Soul’s Dave Jolicoeur, The Fall’s Mark E. Smith, Fela Kuti’s legendary drummer Tony Allen, the late rapper Proof, and even actor Dennis Hopper. These ghostly presences add a haunting layer of depth, weaving past and present into a single musical tapestry.

An Album Crafted Across Continents

This globe-trotting spirit isn’t just in the guest list — it’s etched into the album’s very DNA. Recorded in London, India, Syria, Los Angeles, and Miami, The Mountain is a product of diverse environments and cultures. Damon Albarn teams up with producers James Ford, Samuel Egglenton, and Remi Kabaka Jr. to bring this ambitious project to life.

The album’s lyrics span multiple languages — Arabic, English, Hindi, Spanish, and Yoruba — reflecting the melting pot of influences that inspired it. This isn’t just an album; it’s a cultural exchange wrapped in infectious beats and melodies.

Touring the Summit: Gorillaz’s 2026 UK & Ireland Arena Tour

To celebrate the release, Gorillaz are hitting the road with a UK and Ireland arena tour starting March 21 in Manchester. The highlight? Their debut stadium show at London’s Tottenham Hotspur on June 20, where Sparks and Trueno will kick things off with opening sets. If you’ve ever wanted to experience this musical mosaic live, next spring is your chance.

The Mountain’s Tracklist – A Journey Across Soundscapes

Here’s a quick rundown of the 15-track album, highlighting the fantastic blend of collaborators:

• “The Mountain” (feat. Dennis Hopper, Ajay Prasanna, Anoushka Shankar, Amaan Ali Bangash & Ayaan Ali Bangash)
• “The Moon Cave” (feat. Asha Puthli, Bobby Womack, Dave Jolicoeur, Jalen Ngonda & Black Thought)
• “The Happy Dictator” (feat. Sparks)
• “The Hardest Thing” (feat. Tony Allen)
• “Orange County” (feat. Bizarrap, Kara Jackson & Anoushka Shankar)
• “The God of Lying” (feat. IDLES)
• “The Empty Dream Machine” (feat. Black Thought, Johnny Marr & Anoushka Shankar)
• “The Manifesto” (feat. Trueno & Proof)
• “The Plastic Guru” (feat. Johnny Marr & Anoushka Shankar)
• “Delirium” (feat. Mark E. Smith)
• “Damascus” (feat. Omar Souleyman & Yasiin Bey)
• “The Shadowy Light” (feat. Asha Bhosle, Gruff Rhys, Ajay Prasanna, Amaan Ali Bangash & Ayaan Ali Bangash)
• “Casablanca” (feat. Paul Simonon & Johnny Marr)
• “The Sweet Prince” (feat. Ajay Prasanna, Johnny Marr & Anoushka Shankar)
• “The Sad God” (feat. Black Thought, Ajay Prasanna & Anoushka Shankar)

This tracklist promises an eclectic mix of sounds — from Indian classical strings to gritty punk and soul-infused hip-hop. It’s like a musical trek through different landscapes, each with its own distinct vibe.

Mark Your Calendar: Gorillaz 2026 Tour Dates

If you want to catch Gorillaz live on this epic journey, here’s when and where they’ll be rocking arenas across the UK and Ireland:

• March 21 – MANCHESTER, Co-op Live
• March 22 – BIRMINGHAM, bp pulse LIVE
• March 24 – GLASGOW, OVO Hydro
• March 25 – LEEDS, First Direct Arena
• March 27 – CARDIFF, Utilita Arena
• March 28 – NOTTINGHAM, Motorpoint Arena
• March 29 – LIVERPOOL, M&S Bank Arena
• March 31 – BELFAST, SSE Arena
• April 1 – DUBLIN, 3Arena
• June 20 – LONDON, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Gorillaz’s The Mountain is not just an album; it’s a celebration of unity through music, blending genres, cultures, and generations. As we await its release, one can’t help but feel the excitement for this audacious journey that’s set to redefine collaborative music projects.

What track are you most excited to hear? And which collaboration feels like the perfect fusion? Dive into the discussion and share your thoughts!

FAQ

• What makes 'The Mountain' different from previous Gorillaz albums?
  The Mountain stands out for its extensive global collaborations, incorporating multiple languages and musical styles, and featuring voices from both contemporary and late artists.
• Who are some of the key collaborators on the album?
  Sparks, IDLES, Johnny Marr, Anoushka Shankar, Black Thought, Omar Souleyman, and Yasiin Bey are just a few of the diverse artists featured.
• When and where will Gorillaz tour to promote 'The Mountain'?
  They will tour the UK and Ireland, starting March 21, 2026, with a notable stadium show in London on June 20.
• In which languages are the songs on 'The Mountain' sung?
  Lyrics are delivered in Arabic, English, Hindi, Spanish, and Yoruba, reflecting the album's multicultural roots.
• Are there any posthumous appearances on the album?
  Yes, the album features voices from artists like Bobby Womack, Mark E. Smith, Tony Allen, Proof, and actor Dennis Hopper.

If you're inspired by the album's vibrant artwork and sonic exploration, why not bring the magic home? Shop your favorite Gorillaz album cover poster at our store for a stylish tribute to this groundbreaking project.

Shop Gorillaz Album Cover Posters