A striking new mural honouring music legends, Gorillaz, has been unveiled in Manchester, to celebrate the band’s return to the city. Lead by home grown artist, SKETCHMCR (Ben Rock) of GRIT Studios, the artwork depicts a sweeping timeline of Manchester, stretching from its Roman origins to the present day.
Following SKETCHMCR’s recent international work in Buenos Aires, where he collaborated on an Oasis inspired mural, he was ambitious to create something closer to home and set out to deliver a large-scale tribute to Gorillaz in their own cultural backyard.
Drawing inspiration from the band’s latest album, The Mountain, the mural features a prominent mountain in the foreground, with the city unfolding in the distance. The mural includes more than 30 characters, featuring the full Gorillaz lineup alongside global fan representations and notable figures, such as Johnny Marr. Rich in detail, the piece incorporates visual references to iconic Gorillaz videos, inviting viewers to discover hidden elements and subtle nods throughout.
After securing approval from the Gorillaz team, including the band’s co-creator Jamie Hewlett, the project moved into development. The process involved assembling a team of collaborators, including four additional artists, two from Grit Studios, and a 16-year-old superfan who played a hands-on role in bringing the piece to life. GRIT Studios is a local creative hub for home grown artists, makers and creatives based in Manchester’s Great Northern Warehouse. Offering a quality and affordable space for craft, GRIT Studios encourages open collaboration and opportunities to allow creatives within the community to realise their potential.
The mural was made possible with support from Prestige, a long-time creative partner, while the wall itself was sourced through Great Northern Warehouse, providing a prime location within the city.
Since its completion, the mural has drawn enthusiastic crowds, with visitors praising both its artistic ambition and its collaborative spirit. Whether a dedicated fan or a casual passerby, the work stands as a vibrant celebration of music, community, and Manchester’s enduring cultural legacy.
The mural can be found on Watson Street, Manchester, M3 4EJ.
