Primavera 2026: Gorillaz introduced by Palestinian activist
Gorillaz wowed fans in Barcelona with their 20-song headline set at Primavera Sound, but their most important statement came before the music even commenced, when they were introduced by Palestinian activist Arab Barghouti.
On the final night of the coveted Spanish festival, Gorillaz brought their latest album, The Mountain, to some 71,000 festival attendees.
Before their appearance on stage, whereupon they dived into the titular track off the new record, Barghouti took to the stage to remind those gathering that art and politics are forever entwined.
“My father is one of 10,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, but for millions of Palestinians he represents something that Israel cannot imprison: hope,” Barghouti said from the Revolut Stage.
He continued, “Hope that Palestinian children will grow up in peace. Freedom won in South Africa, in Ireland, and in Algeria, because people like you refused to look away, refused to give up. So keep fighting for Palestine, for Gaza, and for justice.”
His father, prominent Palestinian political leader Marwan Barghouti, is currently serving five life sentences in an Israeli prison and has reportedly been subjected to severe mental and physical mistreatment.
As a “Free Free Palestine!” chant broke out across the crowd, Barghouti concluded, “Thank you Gorillaz, and welcome Gorillaz!”
Gorillaz have been committed to the Palestinian cause throughout their recent career. Last year, the Damon Albarn-fronted band participated in Brian Eno’s Together for Palestine concert, held at London’s OVO Arena Wembley and including headliners like Paul Weller, Celeste, King Krule, and Jamie xx.
Additionally, Albarn discussed his stance on using the Gorillaz name for political platforming in an interview last year, sharing, “If I have a hope of being of any use to anybody it is giving people a platform.”
In a review of Gorillaz’s latest release, Far Out observed, “Like any good mixtape, this is a lengthy project, but like any bad album, it’s a sprawling mess that goes on too long and explores one too many tangents. Essentially, there are three different records in here that would have all made for enjoyable listens had they been separated properly. It’s a bad outfit made up of good clothes.”
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