Gorillaz - The Mountain tops UK charts and powers a global 2026 tour
Published on 08/19/2026 at 15:57 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Gorillaz continue their 2026 hot streak with The Mountain. According to the Official Charts Company, the album debuted at No. 1 on the UK Official Albums Chart in early March 2026 and has become the biggest independent release of the year so far.
How The Mountain is performing on the charts
The Mountain, released on February 27, 2026 via the band’s own label Kong, is the ninth studio album from the virtual band created by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, following 2023’s Cracker Island.Album release overview
The record entered the UK Official Albums Chart at No. 1 and secured around 30,000 chart units in its opening week, making it the largest independent album release of 2026 to date and giving Gorillaz their third UK No. 1 album after Demon Days and Cracker Island.Official Charts Company report
Singles and streaming momentum behind the album
The campaign for The Mountain has been built around several singles. The lead track The Happy Dictator (featuring Sparks) introduced the record, followed by double single releases such as Orange County and The Hardest Thing, which brought collaborators Bizarrap, Kara Jackson and Tony Allen back into the Gorillaz universe.
Streaming data aggregators show that The Mountain has reached Apple Music album chart positions inside the top 200 in multiple territories, including Germany, Ireland and Austria, reflecting a broad international reception and steady catalogue activity alongside classic songs like Feel Good Inc..
All news and background on Gorillaz
Readers who want more context on Gorillaz, their albums and touring history can find further articles and market coverage in our archive and on the band’s official channels.
What The Mountain sounds like
Musically, The Mountain pushes Gorillaz further into a blend of alternative rock, art pop and electronic music. Early coverage has highlighted its ambitious 15-track structure, with guest appearances from artists such as Anoushka Shankar, Black Thought, Bizarrap and Johnny Marr, reinforcing the project’s collaborative scope.Feature on the album’s concept
Where Gorillaz stand and what’s next
Gorillaz are currently preparing the North American arena leg of The Mountain Tour, which is scheduled to start on September 17, 2026 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida and run through October 31, 2026 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.
Gorillaz at a glance
- Act: Gorillaz
- Genre: Alternative rock, art pop, electronic
- Origin: London, United Kingdom
- Active since: 1998
- Lineup: Damon Albarn (music), Jamie Hewlett (visuals), with virtual members 2D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle and Russel Hobbs
- Label: Kong
- Key works: Gorillaz (2001), Demon Days (2005), Plastic Beach (2010), Cracker Island (2023)
- Current album/single: The Mountain, released February 27, 2026
- Charts / certifications: UK Official Albums Chart No. 1 for The Mountain, week of March 6, 2026
- Next live date: September 17, 2026, Orlando, Kia Center
Frequently asked questions about Gorillaz
When was The Mountain released?
The Mountain was released on February 27, 2026 via Gorillaz’s own label Kong, after originally being announced for March 20, 2026.
What chart position did The Mountain reach in the UK?
The album debuted at No. 1 on the UK Official Albums Chart in early March 2026 and has been described as the biggest independent release of the year so far.
When does Gorillaz start their 2026 North American tour?
The North American leg of The Mountain Tour is due to start on September 17, 2026 at Kia Center in Orlando and conclude on October 31, 2026 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by editors. Sources are linked in the text. Dates, chart positions and certifications may change at short notice; correction notes can be sent via the editorial contact on our imprint/contact page.
