Last night, the virtual band Gorillaz delivered a landmark performance at London Stadium, drawing 60,000 fans to a spectacle that blended animation with live instrumentation. The event, part of their world tour, underscored a broader trend: British music exports are surging. According to the British Phonographic Industry, UK music exports reached £4.
2 billion in 2023, a 13% increase year on year. Artists such as Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, and Coldplay continue to dominate streaming platforms globally. The Gorillaz show itself featured holographic projections and a live band, demonstrating the fusion of technology and performance that has become a hallmark of modern British music.
The cultural resonance of these exports extends beyond revenue; they shape global pop culture. The UK’s music industry now employs over 200,000 people, and the government has pledged additional support for music education and infrastructure. Yet, the carbon footprint of large stadium tours remains a challenge.
Gorillaz implemented carbon offsetting and local sourcing for materials, setting a precedent for sustainability in live entertainment. As the concert ended with a laser-lit finale, the message was clear: British music is not just surviving but thriving, exporting creativity and innovation to every corner of the world.
