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Damon Albarn and Robert Smith Shape Paléo Festival with Distinct Performances

festival-fair · 2026-07-24

The Paléo Festival in Nyon, Switzerland, featured contrasting performances by Damon Albarn of Gorillaz and Robert Smith of The Cure. Damon Albarn presented a new Gorillaz album inspired by Indian music, incorporating a fictional narrative involving a plastic guru and a journey to honor deceased musicians. Robert Smith delivered a melancholic set, reflecting his signature style. The festival highlighted their unique artistic approaches, with Albarn's theatrical, globe-trotting concept and Smith's introspective, emotional depth.

Key facts

  • Paléo Festival took place in Nyon, Switzerland.
  • Damon Albarn performed with Gorillaz.
  • Robert Smith performed with The Cure.
  • Albarn's new Gorillaz album is inspired by Indian music.
  • The Gorillaz set included a fictional plastic guru.
  • Albarn's performance involved a time-travel narrative to honor dead musicians.
  • Robert Smith's performance was characterized by melancholy.
  • The festival showcased distinct artistic styles of both musicians.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Paléo Festival

Locations

  • Nyon
  • Switzerland
  • India

Sources