Gorillaz To Perform Demon Days Live

SYDNEY, AU. (EMI MUSIC AUSTRALIA) - Manchester International Festival - the world's first international festival of original, new work - announces the first in a series of trailblazing events to herald the inaugural festival in July 2007.

In a world first, Gorillaz' smash hit second album Demon Days will be performed in its entirety across five consecutive nights (November 1st - 5th) at the Opera House, Manchester - as part of a series of trailblazing events ahead of the inaugural Manchester International Festival in late June and early July 2007.

The album's guest musicians will descend on Manchester to take on the task of recreating tDemon Days live onstage. The two-dimensional band members will take a back seat as their musical collaborators are brought together for the first time ever, in five remarkable and unrepeatable performances.

Guest musicians will include Happy Mondays front-man Shaun Ryder and UK hip hop artist Roots Manuva, with further names to be announced in the run-up to the event. Demon Days producer and Gorillaz co-creator Damon Albarn will also be on hand to help bring the album to life.

The Manchester Opera House - more used to hosting theatre, opera and ballet - will provide the perfect platform for the Gorillaz first live outing. The visual element of the evening will be provided by Gorillaz co-creator Jamie Hewlett, and the 2D band are expected to put in an appearance.

Damon Albarn comments: 'It's great to be in at the beginning of the Manchester International Festival. We're very excited to be getting all the guest artists together in one place for these shows.

The Festival is going to be an engaged, outward-looking event and that really appeals to me and to Jamie, and it fits perfectly with Gorillaz.

Manchester is the centre of Britain. We're only ever going to do this once, so it makes sense to do it somewhere in the middle of the country. London gets all the gigs. It's time to do something a bit different and redress that balance.'

Gorillaz bass player Murdoc comments: 'The way I look at this gig is kinda like the Pope giving his blessing to another Parish. Gorillaz whole-heartedly condone these Manchester concerts and I'm sure musically it'll be top-notch, especially with the original guests.

You should look at it like a great orchestra performing the works of, say, Beethoven. These gigs will be the only 'Gorillaz Approved' renditions we ever allow, so catch it while you can.'