AceShowbiz - The iconic virtual band Gorillaz is finally set to make their long-awaited debut on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. The groundbreaking animated group will be the musical guest on the March 7 episode, hosted by Hollywood star Ryan Gosling.

Formed in 1998 by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, Gorillaz has cultivated a global following with their unique blend of alternative rock, hip hop, and electronica, delivered through distinctive animated personas. Despite their quarter-century-long career and numerous hit singles, this upcoming performance marks their inaugural appearance on the storied SNL stage. Fans can anticipate hearing tracks from their highly anticipated ninth studio album, The Mountain, releasing February 27, which has already seen five singles drop, including “The Hardest Thing” / “Orange County” on January 15.

Making his fourth appearance on the Saturday Night Live stage, Ryan Gosling will host the momentous evening, having previously hosted in 2015, 2017, and now March 7, 2024. The actor will be promoting his new science fiction film, Project Hail Mary, scheduled to hit theaters on March 20. Gosling also recently made a splash on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2023, when his song “I’m Just Ken” from the blockbuster Barbie movie peaked at a respectable No. 87.

NBC’s announcement also detailed upcoming Saturday Night Live episodes. While details for a March 14 episode, including its host and musical guest, are yet to be revealed, the immediate next episode is confirmed for February 28. The February 28 show will feature Connor Storrie, a breakthrough lead actor from HBO’s Heated Rivalry, making his SNL hosting debut. Musical duties for February 28 go to Mumford & Sons, whose sixth studio album, Prizefighter, drops February 20. The British folk-rock band is no stranger to SNL, having performed on the show three times previously in September 2012, 2015, and 2018.

Viewers can catch Saturday Night Live live at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on NBC, or stream it concurrently on Peacock.