Gorillaz Conquer The World

Although Australian and U.K. dates have been announced, details on the band’s North American tour in support of the group’s third album, Plastic Beach, aren’t yet finalized, but today’s announcement promises 20 dates including Montreal’s Bell Centre Oct. 3 as well as the band’s first ever gig at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

What can fans expect from a band whose members are, well, somewhat two-dimensional? If the group’s Coachella gig earlier this year is any indication, count on Blur’s Damon Albarn, who created the band with Brit cartoonist Jamie Hewletton, performing along with plenty of video animation and artwork. The band’s live lineup at Coachella also featured Mick Jones and Paul Simonon of The Clash, Bobby Womack and De La Soul.

Let’s take a look at the schedule that has been released.

The previously announced U.K. / Ireland leg of the “Escape To Plastic Beach” originally scheduled for September is now slotted for November with the band playing The O2 Dublin Nov. 11; Manchester’s Evening News Arena Nov. 12; The O2 – London Nov. 14 & 16; Amsterdam’s Heineken Music Hall Nov. 15; Birmingham’s NIA Nov. 17 and the Brighton Centre Nov. 18. Dates on the continent include Berlin’s Velodrom Nov. 21; Antwerp’s Lotto Nov. 22 and Paris’ Zenith Nov. 23.

According to the band’s website, previously announced September dates in Glasgow, Newscastle and Milan have been canceled.

New Australian dates include Perth at the Burswood Dome Dec. 6; Adelaide Entertainment Centre Dec. 8; Melbourne at Rod Laver Arena Dec. 11; Sydney Entertainment Centre Dec. 16 and the Brisbane Entertainment Centre Dec. 19.

Expect more North American dates, as well as shows in Asia, to be announced shortly.

Members of the band’s fanclub – Sub-Division – will have first grabs via a 48-hour presale. For more information, click here for the Gorillaz website.