Excitement builds as Gorillaz name Portsmouth gig date

The band unveiled the news over Twitter yesterday afternoon, prompting a surge of excitement by fans in the 
city.

As part of a warm-up tour to mark the release of their fifth album, the animated group will be performing at Portsmouth’s Guildhall on Sunday, June 4.

Tickets for the gig will go on sale tomorrow morning with organisers expecting them to sell out quickly.

It is the second time the group will have visited Portsmouth, having previously staged a gig at Southsea’s Wedgewood Rooms in 2010.

Fans have since taken to Facebook to tell of their delight at the revelation.

Jordan Gold, of Portsmouth, posted: ‘Gorillaz confirming a tour date in Portsmouth is the best thing since sliced bread.’

Laura Leightley, of Portsmouth, couldn’t contain her excitement at the announcement. Reacting on The News Facebook account, she simply said: ‘Oh my God!’

The move has delighted cultural bosses who claim the city is rapidly becoming a premier destination for big-name artists.

Councillor Linda Symes, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport at Portsmouth City Council, was delighted by the revelation.

She said: ‘Portsmouth is on the up. Venues like the Guildhall are fantastic for this sort of band to come along to as it can hold up to 2,000 people.

‘Events like Victorious Festival and the America’s Cup show Portsmouth has the ability to put on big spectacles successfully.

‘People coming here realise just what a nice place this is. When they come here they are hooked by it.

‘So it’s no surprise we are able to attract major musicians.’

Gorillaz are an animated English band led by musician Damon Albarn, also of Blur, and artist Jamie Hewlett.

The warm-up gig includes a show at St Albans on June 2 before their main tour later this year.

Tickets for both of the shows are set to go on sale from 9am today. Those wishing to secure their slots for the show at Guildhall can visit live.gorillaz.com

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