MusicFreaks

Tag: House of Kong

  • Bad Bunny brought out Gorillaz’s Damon Albarn in London for “Tormenta” & “Clint Eastwood”

    When music legends cross paths, the results are often anything but predictable. This past weekend, while fans in New York City were hoping for a typical lineup at Tonitafest in Williamsburg, they got a dose of pure musical magic courtesy of Bad Bunny.

    Currently traversing the UK and Europe on tour, the Puerto Rican superstar delivered an unexpected performance that caught everyone off guard. During a double show at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, he joined forces with Damon Albarn and the iconic band Gorillaz for a truly unforgettable set.

    The collaboration was a masterclass in musical synergy. Near the end of the night, the trio unveiled their shared track Tormenta, followed by a rendition of Clint Eastwood. In a playful twist, Bad Bunny stepped into the role of Del the Funky Homosapien, lending his voice to complete the performance in Spanish.

    This wasn’t an isolated event; it highlighted a deeper connection between these global musical forces. Gorillaz themselves have previously embraced this kind of cross-pollination, having brought Bad Bunny onto the stage for Tormenta during their appearance at Coachella in 2023.

    The momentum continues as artists embark on exciting new journeys. Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos tour is set to wrap next month, concluding its run in Belgium on July 22.

    Meanwhile, Gorillaz is gearing up for their next major adventure, touring alongside Little Simz and Deltron 3000. Their show kicks off in Orlando on September 17 and will bring the spectacle to New York City’s Madison Square Garden on September 29.

    Adding to their presence in the city, Gorillaz will also feature their popular House of Kong exhibit at the Navy Yards, starting September 1, offering fans a unique visual experience ahead of their performances.

    Credit: BrooklynVegan

  • Watch Bad Bunny bring out Gorillaz in London for ‘Tormenta’ and ‘Clint Eastwood’

    The world of music continues to deliver spectacular collaborations, and recently, London hosted an event that perfectly blended global superstars: Bad Bunny brought out Gorillaz to perform ‘Tormenta’ and ‘Clint Eastwood.’ This performance wasn’t just a concert; it was a deep dive into the creative synergy between two legendary acts.

    The musical connection between Bad Bunny and Gorillaz runs deeper than a single performance. The track ‘Tormenta’ is pulled directly from Gorillaz’ album Cracker Island, reminding fans of the unique fusion that defines their sound. This collaboration was cemented years ago when Damon Albarn, the frontman of Gorillaz, confirmed that he and Bad Bunny had linked up while in Jamaica.

    The energy of the event mirrored the history of both groups. Just weeks before, Gorillaz had made history by playing their first-ever stadium show at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, an achievement that led them to confirm they were preparing a documentary about the milestone.

    This high-profile pairing fits into a broader narrative of musical evolution. Bad Bunny’s recent album, ‘Debí Tirar Más Fotos,’ has been celebrated for revolutionizing Puerto Rican folk music and reclaiming his reggaeton throne with authentic fusions that critics are calling game-changing.

    As the global tour continues, Bad Bunny is hitting major stages across continents. The remaining dates for his ‘Debí Tirar Más Fotos’ 2026 world tour include stops in France, Sweden, Poland, Italy, and Belgium, demonstrating his continued dominance on the international stage.

    Beyond music, the superstar continues to command attention across various creative fields. He is set to star as a talking pizza slice in the much-anticipated latest instalment of the Toy Story franchise, alongside recent roles in films like Bullet Train and Caught Stealing.

    The public spectacle surrounding Bad Bunny also includes his massive Super Bowl halftime show, which recently became the most-watched performance in history. The set drew 128.2 million views, cementing its status as a monumental cultural moment. The performance featured an incredible lineup of talent, including Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, Cardi B, and other stars, celebrating the history and diversity of Latin music.

    Meanwhile, Gorillaz is also making waves in the visual arts. Their immersive exhibition, ‘House Of Kong,’ has made a dramatic move to New York, heading to the Agger Fish Building in Brooklyn Navy Yard for a limited run. This experience invites fans inside the fictional world of the band, exploring twenty-five years of their history, artwork, and mythology.

    Credit: NME

  • Gorillaz’ ‘House Of Kong’ exhibition is heading to New York

    The digital universe of Gorillaz is ready for a massive expansion, as the band announces a limited-run exhibition of their celebrated ‘House Of Kong’ in New York City.

    This immersive experience invites fans not just to view artwork and music, but to step directly inside the fictional world the band has meticulously built. It offers an hour-long journey through two and a half decades of Gorillaz history, characters, mythology, and groundbreaking soundscapes.

    The exhibition first captivated audiences in London last year, launching as part of the band’s 25th-anniversary celebrations at the Copper Box Arena. It provided a captivating peek behind the curtain into the unseen world of Gorillaz and their legendary Kong Studios universe.

    Now, that magic is heading to the Big Apple. ‘House Of Kong’ will open at the Agger Fish Building in Brooklyn Navy Yard on September 1 and runs through September 28, offering New York audiences a chance to explore the lore up close.

    For those ready to dive into the spectacle, tickets go on general sale at 10am local time on Tuesday (June 30), with prices starting from $50. Fans who secured a Kong Card by June 25 will receive exclusive presale access starting Monday (June 29).

    The excitement surrounding the exhibition builds upon Gorillaz’s recent musical achievements, particularly their ninth studio album, ‘The Mountain.’ This record itself was a rich tapestry of collaboration, featuring contributions from artists like Sparks, IDLES, Omar Souleyman, Johnny Marr, Bobby Womack, Dennis Hopper, Tony Allen, Proof, and Mark E Smith.

    Critics hailed ‘The Mountain’ as arguably the band’s most complete work since ‘Plastic Beach,’ noting that it is an album that celebrates ‘the love you leave behind, the people you touch, the spirit of giving more than you take.’

    Following this immersive cultural event, Gorillaz will bring the energy of ‘The Mountain’ on their tour to Madison Square Garden on September 29, just after the New York run concludes. The band is also planning to take their music to India for their first-ever shows in January 2027.

    Credit: NME

  • Tour news: Twisted Teens, Smerz, Winged Wheel, Victoryland, The Gotobeds, Angelo De Augustine, more

    The music world is buzzing with movement, and right now, the touring circuit is an absolute kaleidoscope of noise, nostalgia, and genre-bending brilliance. From hardcore punk experiments to blistering bluegrass jams, artists are hitting the road across the country, setting up stages, and proving that there is still an enormous appetite for live, visceral performance.

    The energy is palpable among the punks. New Orleans-based mutants Twisted Teens are currently on tour this summer, gracing the stage at Garwood, NJ’s Crossroads on July 24 with Pyrex and Loosey. This high-octane touring activity continues into the fall with an appearance at Bowery Ballroom in New York on November 13.

    Meanwhile, the celebration of heavy music continues to spin. The anticipation builds for the IONIA FREAK FAIR 2026, where bluegrass star Billy Strings is set to headline a festival that features bands he helped curate, including hardcore vets Bane and death metal legends Cryptopsy. This event promises a high-voltage experience at the Ionia Fairgrounds on August 28 and 29.

    In other corners of the musical landscape, experimental acts are crafting unique experiences. Artists like Turnstile, Olivia Rodrigo, and Deftones are currently curating lineups that defy traditional genre lines, showcasing a dynamic mix of eras and styles.

    The journey also includes some truly intriguing collaborations. Norwegian duo Smerz has temporarily paused their US and Mexico tour due to health reasons, reflecting on the incredible experience of traveling and playing big-city life across the US before planning their return soon.

    A different kind of journey is underway with Winged Wheel, who are taking a stripped-down, powerful trio—featuring Fred Thomas (Tyvek), Steve Shelley (Sonic Youth), and Cory Plump (Tubby’s Kingston)—on the road in August. Their route takes them from Tubby’s on 8/8 through various stops before concluding at Union Pool in Brooklyn on August 23.

    The story of music touring is also being told by singer-songwriters finding their stride. Southern California-based Angelo De Augustine, known for his work with Sufjan Stevens, will be supporting his new album Angel in Plainclothes on tour later this year, including a stop at Le Poisson Rouge in New York on October 6.

    Further across the board, other acts are making waves. American Football’s North American tour is officially beginning in Brooklyn, kicking off the journey now.

    Even experimental groups are looking to command attention. Victoryland is slated to open for LCD Soundsystem later this year, but they are also making appearances with Sex Week, Many Shining Windows, and Tal Castle at ErF in Brooklyn tonight on June 26, along with Fernette and Fashion at The Hancock on July 10.

    And finally, the artistic spectacle continues with Gorillaz. After their recent “House of Kong” exhibition in Los Angeles, the group is bringing that unique vision to New York City. The exhibition runs from September 1 to 28 at the Agger Fish Building at Brooklyn Navy Yard, adding another layer of visual culture to the city’s artistic scene.

    While the main stage action continues, even classic sounds are finding new life. Pittsburgh’s Gotobeds are taking a brief Midwest tour in August, hitting major cities like Columbus, Cincinnati, St Louis, Denver, and Kansas City.

    And perhaps the most charming news is the anticipation building for the festive season. John Waters is already checking his list twice, meticulously planning where he will be on his annual Christmas tour for 2026—proving that some traditions are just as compelling as any new musical trend.

    Credit: BrooklynVegan

  • Gorillaz’s ‘House Of Kong’ Is Brooklyn-Bound

    Get ready to step into a world where reality bends and imagination reigns supreme. Following successful runs in London and Los Angeles, the legendary Gorillaz are preparing to bring their sprawling immersive exhibition, House of Kong, to Brooklyn—just weeks before they return to New York for a headline performance at Madison Square Garden.

    This isn’t just an art show; it’s an invitation into the band’s richly developed virtual universe. The experience will take over Brooklyn’s Agger Fish Building from September 1st to the 28th, offering fans a deep dive into the aesthetic and musical journey of the group.

    House of Kong is far more than a simple retrospective. Described as an audio-visual artwork and installation, it traces the unlikely rise of Gorillaz’ animated members—Murdoc Niccals, 2D, Russel Hobbs, and Noodle—through more than two decades of boundary-pushing music, visual art, and virtual-world building.

    The exhibition meticulously explores the history of the band’s creations, starting from their debut single “Tomorrow Comes Today” in 2000 and delving into the evolution of their creative output. It’s an experience that takes a glance backward to reveal the exciting path ahead.

    Creative director Stephen Gallagher, who worked closely with the Gorillaz camp for nearly a decade, emphasizes this artistic vision. “House of Kong is not a retrospective — it’s an audio-visual artwork; an installation that takes a glance backwards in order to identify the path ahead,” he explains.

    Gallagher shared his passion for the project: “It’s an honour to have been part of the Gorillaz family over the last eight years. The outpouring of music and art that I have found myself immersed in has changed my life. This is no ordinary exhibition because in the world of Gorillaz, nothing is ever quite as it seems.”

    The timing is perfectly orchestrated for maximum impact. The Brooklyn installation arrives just ahead of a major moment: Gorillaz’ extensive North American tour kicks off with a 22-date arena run in Orlando, Florida on September 17th, and includes a headline appearance at Atlanta’s Shaky Knees festival.

    This immersive journey sets the stage for the band’s return to New York City. Fans will experience the depth of their virtual existence just before they take the stage at the Madison Square Garden on September 29th, offering a truly complete artistic experience.

    Credit: Spin

  • Gorillaz bringing “House of Kong” exhibition to NYC ahead of MSG show

    The world of art and music is about to get a serious upgrade, as the enigmatic band Gorillaz prepares to bring their immersive experience to the concrete jungle of New York City. Following a highly successful run earlier this year, the group is set to unveil their “House of Kong” exhibition, transforming a historic Brooklyn location into a dynamic installation for art lovers and music fans alike.

    This unique audio-visual artwork will be open to the public from September 1st through the 28th at the historic Agger Fish Building in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The venue, which recently hosted another celebrated exhibition, offers an unforgettable backdrop for this new display, positioning it perfectly as a cultural highlight in the city.

    The exhibition will be accessible daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, inviting visitors to delve into what artist and creative director Stephen Gallagher describes as more than just a retrospective. He frames the work as an installation that encourages viewers to take a glance backwards in order to identify the path ahead—a philosophical invitation perfectly mirroring the unique, evolving nature of the Gorillaz aesthetic.

    Gallagher reflects on the profound connection between the art and his journey within the band. He noted that being immersed in the outpouring of music and art from the Gorillaz family has fundamentally changed his life, and he hopes this exhibition conveys that same sense of wonder. “This is no ordinary exhibition because in the world of Gorillaz, nothing is ever quite as it seems,” he shared.

    The excitement doesn’t stop there. The arrival of “House of Kong” coincides with major touring milestones for the band. Just ahead of the New York City installation, the Gorillaz are gearing up for a massive performance at Madison Square Garden on September 29, marking a significant moment in their global trajectory.

    Fans eager to experience the exhibition can secure tickets now. Sales begin on Tuesday, June 30 at 10 AM ET, with an exclusive presale available for Kong Card holders starting Monday, June 29 at 10 AM ET. This is the perfect opportunity to engage with Gorillaz’s rich visual and sonic world up close.

    Meanwhile, the band’s North American tour is in full swing, kicking off on September 17 in Orlando, Florida, and continuing through a sprawling schedule of dates across the continent. From major arenas like the Kia Center in Orlando to venues in Chicago, Dallas, and beyond, Gorillaz promises an unforgettable journey for their fans.

    Gorillaz: 2026 Tour Dates
    09/17/26 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center
    09/18/26 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center
    09/20/26 — Atlanta, GA — Shaky Knees Festival
    09/23/26 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
    09/26/26 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
    09/27/26 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
    09/29/26 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
    10/01/26 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
    10/03/26 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
    10/04/26 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
    10/06/26 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Arena
    10/07/26 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
    10/08/26 – Chicago, IL – United Center
    10/15/26 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
    10/16/26 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
    10/18/26 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
    10/20/26 – Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Center
    10/23/26 – Phoenix, AZ – Mortgage Matchup Center
    10/24/26 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
    10/25/26 – San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena
    10/28/26 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena
    10/30/26 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
    10/31/26 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

    Credit: BrooklynVegan