Posted by UK psychedelic outfit Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats have leveled serious accusations against Gorillaz, claiming the headlining act was responsible for the premature shutdown of their set at the Roskilde Festival. While the festival served as a massive stage for the virtual band’s career-spanning performance, the experience was far less celebratory for the psychedelic rockers.
In a pointed statement shared via Instagram, the band characterized the situation as a “hissy fit” thrown by “pop diva” Damon Albarn. According to the group, their performance was halted after only 25 minutes due to direct intervention from the headliner’s camp. The band expressed frustration, noting that they were operating well within the festival’s established decibel limits and had even offered to adjust their front-of-house levels to accommodate the situation.
“They were the only headliner of the whole weekend who couldn’t cope with playing at the same time as other artists,” the band stated. “Unfortunately we only managed 25 minutes of assaulting his precious ears from our stage half a mile away before his goons came over and pulled the plug.”
The band further clarified that the decision was not made by the festival organizers themselves, but rather by external pressure. “Thanks to the Roskilde crew and stage manager who tried their best to intervene but it was ultimately out of their hands. Orders from above,” they added. Despite the abrupt end to their set, the group remains firm in their account of the events.
As of now, Gorillaz have not issued a formal response to the allegations. The incident has sparked significant conversation regarding the logistics of large-scale festival scheduling and the power dynamics between headlining acts and supporting performers.