Gorillaz Bring Out Popcaan At London Show For NHS Workers
Dancehall celebrity Popcaan was live and in full effect on stage with English band Gorillaz last night at London’s O2 Arena for a free show. The 876 Gad was a sight for sore eyes to English fans, when he was brought out by the band to perform their 2017 collaboration Saturnz Barz in front of a full capacity crowd.
It was a free concert for NHS workers and their families in London, to thank them and recognize the work they’ve tirelessly done to keep everyone safe. It also marks the reopening of the venue since March 2020 as well as the band’s first live performance with an audience since October 2018.
The virtual heroes, with the magnificent Jamie Hewlett visuals, a thrilling live performance from Damon Albarn, and the full Gorillaz live band, took to the stage and were joined with Popcaan, who didn’t have to do much to rave the crowd.
The St. Thomas native was among a fleet of other featured artists across genres and generations. These included The Cure’s Robert Smith, who emerged to perform Strange Timez. From there, the setlist was dotted with appearances from New Order’s Peter Hook (Aries), Leee John (The Lost Chord), Fatoumata Diawara (Désolé), Shaun Ryder and Rowetta (DARE), and several others. The setlist spanned Gorillaz seven acclaimed albums and also saw the debut of some brand new and previously unheard tracks.
Saturnz Barz was the lead single on Gorillaz’s fifth studio album Humanz. The song peaked at No. 5 on the US Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart and at No. 1 on the Bubbling Under-Hot 100 Chart.
Since being in London, Popcaan shared with his Instagram family that he was spending his first few days in quarantine. Eventually, he’d have an occasional dinner date and meet-up here and there with his U.K.-based celebrity friends like Jorja Smith and Russ Millions.
Poppy also took in a cricket game — VIP style at The Oval arena — and of course, found time for a bit of shopping to top up on his bling and to get some new kicks.
Then last week, he revealed that he has a new “ALBUM BREWING🔥💨🤫,” which will be the deejay’s fifth studio album.