IT’s impressive to think that what began as a somewhat gimmicky concept is able to enthral audiences almost twenty years on.

For the uninitiated, Gorillaz consists of four animated members – Noodle, 2-D, Murdoc Niccals, and Russel Hobbs, and is the brainchild of Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett.

Following the release of their fifth studio album, Humanz, Albarn brought a huge musical ensemble to the Manchester Arena.

The musicians were accompanied by a huge screen showing the group’s accompanying visuals.

For much of the show Albarn fully embraces his role in the band, thought at times it took the focus from all the other wonderful things happening on stage.

The multi-talented former Blur frontman belted out vocals one minute, before playing a guitar solo the next, and even showed his keyboard skills on numerous occasions.

Thankfully he took a step back to allow for some of the group’s frequent collaborators to join the stage.

There were some noticeable absences, such as Shaun Ryder for DARE and Noel Gallagher for We Got the Power, although the lesser-known UK artist Lil Simz rose to the occasion.

David Jolicoeur and Vincent Mason from De La Soul joined Alburn on stage for Feel Good Inc., to rapturous effect.

For all the bells and whistles and the theatrics of its frontman, the most impressive thing about this compelling show is the diverse songs on offer.

No two songs sound the same, and it’s no doubt part of the reason that Gorillaz have managed to stay relevant two decades on.