Gorillaz Teams Up with Sparks for a Memorable Performance of ‘Happy Dictator’ on Kimmel: Check It Out
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The collaboration between Gorillaz, the innovative British virtual band, and the American alternative pop duo Sparks has captivated music fans. This unique partnership embodies a blend of creativity that excites the edgier side of the music scene.
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On Thursday night, April 9, fans witnessed a remarkable convergence when Gorillaz and Sparks collaborated on a live performance of “The Happy Dictator,” the lead single from Gorillaz’s ninth studio album, *The Mountain*, released under their new label, KONG.
This event raised questions about how Gorillaz would incorporate their iconic animations, which have been integral to the band’s storytelling. Traditionally, animated characters 2-D, Murdoc Niccals, Russel Hobbs, and Noodle were showcased on a big screen while the band members performed behind it.
However, during their appearance on *Jimmy Kimmel Live*, the animations took a back seat as Damon Albarn embodied the “happy dictator” in a striking military outfit, complete with aviator glasses and a red beret.
*The Mountain* topped the U.K. charts in March, marking Gorillaz’s third No. 1 album. In the U.S., the band also achieved a milestone, rising to No. 1 on *Billboard*’s Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart for a fourth time.
The album features production from Gorillaz alongside James Ford, Samuel Egglenton, Remi Kabaka Jr., and Bizarrap (Orange County), and was recorded across diverse locations including London, India, and various cities in the U.S. Notably, the album boasts collaborations with Sparks and includes tracks in five languages: Arabic, English, Hindi, Spanish, and Yoruba.
Looking ahead, Gorillaz will continue *The Mountain Tour* across the U.K. and Europe starting in June, which will include festival appearances and a major headline show at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 20—set to be their largest performance in the U.K. to date, featuring support from Sparks and Trueno. Tour dates are scheduled through January 2027.
For those interested, the late-night performance of “The Happy Dictator” is available for viewing.
