Things did not go well for the so-called “virtual band” Gorillaz at Harlem’s Apollo Theater Sunday. The first of five sold-out shows at the historic New York venue was marred by technical problems. Visuals were scrapped, reducing the production to a mediocre revue of the multiplatinum album “Demon Days” (Virgin).

A conciliatory Damon Albarn announced, “We’ve been trying to rectify the problems, but it really is a dream come true to play the Apollo.” Billed as “Demon Days Live,” the performance was intended to be a spectacle combining the artistic efforts of illustrator Jamie Hewlett and singer (and Blur frontman) Albarn, who comprise the 2-D pop act. Minus Hewlett’s videos, what remained was a lackluster performance that relied on a host of musicians and special guests to perform the album in its entirety.

With almost 30 musicians onstage (including a 14-piece string section and Albarn in silhouette on piano), the show began with “Last Living Souls.” The ersatz orchestra delivered a lush sound, but absent the graphics that helped propel the band to worldwide success, much of the music was sadly one-dimensional.

Albarn and company remained seated during the show, focused on playing. There was no levity and seemingly less enthusiasm coming off the stage, as the performance seemed strained and rehearsed. This orchestra without actors was reliant on the arrival of musical guests to uplift the songs beyond mere recitation.

Neneh Cherry disappointed on “Kids With Guns,” offering a weak imitation of the chorus of Salt-N-Pepa hit “Push It” and nothing more. De La Soul delivered some welcome relief on the contagious hit “Feel Good Inc.,” as they hammed it up on the crowded stage. But a piano solo from R&B legend Ike Turner on “Every Planet We Reach Is Dead” was all too brief, and rappers MF Doom and Bootie Brown did little to elevate the evening, as they were quickly hustled on and off for their songs. Happy Mondays singer Shaun Ryder seemed as lost as Shane MacGowan at an AA meeting on “DARE”; his haphazard staggering was more enjoyable than his muddled vocals.

The show ended after a scant 70 minutes. Gorillaz’s ambitious evening of music and visuals, sans the latter, could not live up to its digital cartoon hype and was little more than a tepid talent show. Hopefully the group will rectify the problems for the remaining performances. But for members of the first night’s audience, who paid as much as $70 for a ticket, one wonders what might have been.

Credit: Reuters