Clint Eastwood
The debut single that fused hip-hop, dub, and rock with animated ghosts to top charts worldwide.
Clint Eastwood stands as the debut single from English virtual band Gorillaz, released on 5 March 2001. The track serves as the lead single from their self-titled debut album, blending electronic music, dub, hip-hop, and rock into a distinct sound. Named after the legendary actor, the song draws inspiration from the atmosphere of spaghetti westerns rather than a direct musical similarity to the theme of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. It features verses rapped by Del the Funky Homosapien, portrayed as a blue phantom in the video, while chorus vocals are provided by Damon Albarn (2-D). It became a global phenomenon, peaking at number four on the UK Singles Chart and reaching number one in Italy.
- US Billboard Hot 100 Peak
- Did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100; peaked at number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart
- UK Sales
- 1,200,000 units (BPI Double Platinum certification, including streaming equivalents)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The song's creation began with Damon Albarn recording demo versions on a four-track using a drum machine and guitar. These demos were re-recorded into Logic to serve as the backing track, utilizing an instrumental beat from a preset on the Omnichord. While British group Phi Life Cypher originally recorded rap verses, producer Dan the Automator brought in Del the Funky Homosapien at the last minute. During a session for his 2000 album Deltron 3030, Del wrote and recorded his verses in just 30 minutes. Albarn later explained on Reddit that they were recording in Jamaica listening to dancehall music when they imagined the cool moniker 'Clint Eastwood,' citing their admiration for actor Clint Eastwood and directors Sergio Leone and Ennio Morricone as inspiration.
In Their Own Story
In the animated music video directed by Jamie Hewlett and Pete Candeland, the band plays against a white backdrop that transforms into a cemetery under dark clouds. The intro features a quote from Dawn of the Dead before 2-D's cap rises to reveal Del the Funky Homosapien as a blue phantom. As zombie gorillas burst from the ground, Murdoc Niccals is grabbed by the crotch and pulled down, referencing the film Braindead. He flees only to watch them perform a dance routine reminiscent of Michael Jackson's 'Thriller.' Noodle joyfully skips through the chaos, kicking a zombie in the face before Del is sucked back into Russel Hobbs' head. The video, which runs 4:32 compared to the album version's 5:42, won an award at the Rushes Soho Short Film Festival Awards in 2001, defeating entries by Blur and Radiohead.
Reader's Guide
Listeners can experience multiple versions of 'Clint Eastwood' beyond the studio recording. The original single featured Phi Life Cypher, but live performances evolved significantly over time. At the Brit Awards 2002, Phi Life Cypher returned for the performance. During the 2005 Demon Detour Live shows, a version with De La Soul and Bootie Brown was recorded and released on the 'Dare' CD single. The Escape to Plastic Beach Tour featured Tinie Tempah; when he could not attend in July 2010, Kano and Bashy performed his verses using lines from Kano's song 'Bassment.' Snoop Dogg joined at Glastonbury 2010, while Eslam Jawaad provided verses during Asian tour dates. In 2014, Albarn performed the track solo with Dan the Automator and Del. Recent tours have featured rappers like Little Simz, Vince Staples, Trueno, and Freddie Gibbs, with Kano and Del returning for select shows.
Did You Know?
- Del the Funky Homosapien wrote and recorded his entire rap verse in just 30 minutes.
- The instrumental beat originated from a preset on the Omnichord, while the main instrument used is a melodica played by Damon Albarn.
- Del the Funky Homosapien performed the track live at the Brit Awards 2002, and Phi Life Cypher also performed the song on other occasions.
- Del remained unaware of the song's success until people he personally knew told him it was being played all over the radio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Clint Eastwood in Gorillaz lore?
This title refers to the band's debut single rather than a character within the group. It was named after the legendary actor because the track's musical style echoes themes from his films.
When did this release occur in the timeline?
The song officially launched on March 5, 2001 as the lead single from their self-titled album. This date marks the beginning of the band's commercial history and public presence.
Who performs the vocals on the track?
Del the Funky Homosapien delivers the verses while appearing as a blue phantom in the animation. The chorus is sung by 2-D, with the actual vocal performance provided by Damon Albarn.
How successful was the single commercially?
It peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart and reached the top spot in Italy. In the United Kingdom alone, it sold over one million copies to earn a Double Platinum certification.
Why is this song significant to the band's legacy?
This track established their signature sound by blending electronic music, dub, hip-hop, and rock into one distinct style. Its global phenomenon status proved that an animated virtual band could succeed in mainstream markets.
More in Albums & Music Videos
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