(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Damon Albarn used to play Gorillaz shows semi-naked, because no one could see him.

Although Damon pens music for the Gorillaz, the band is fronted by a group of characters created by cartoonist Jamie Hewlett. The animated group consists of 2D who sings and plays keyboard, Murdoc Niccals on bass, guitarist Noodle and Russel Hobbs on drums.

When the band first went on tour, they played music behind a screen which the cartoon characters were projected onto. Keyboardist Mike Smith says the experience was brilliant, because it meant they could get up to anything and no one would see.

Its grown up an awful lot since we started. People would always be shouting, Show us yer face, Damon! So wed just be stupid for our own amusement, Mike laughed. The crowd couldnt see us so wed drop our trousers, play semi-naked. All sorts when on behind there.

Damon is very proud of the music Gorillaz produce, and of the fact a number of big name artists have teamed up with the band. De La Soul, Snoop Dogg and Shaun Ryder have all worked with the group, and the singer says artists are keen to collaborate because the Gorillaz are so different.

Its about proving what is possible, not doing what has already been proven to be possible, he told Q magazine. (C) Cover Media