Canon 2Doc moments list
Here is the list I compiled of all the 2Doc moments in Gorillaz Canon grouped by phase with sources and links, there are a lot but being there is a 20 year history with many magazine interviews, webchats etc if I missed anything please let me know!
Phase 0
Murdoc: Yeah. That’s when your second eye went. You flew through the windscreen at 70 miles an hour, landing on your head once more. You skidded on your face for maybe half a mile, but when you came round, my God! ... Murdoc: He stood up really slowly his back still towards me, and really slowly turned around, like one of the zombies in those films he watches, and there were… no eyes! Just two black holes, a vacant stare
2D: That must have been pretty scary.
Murdoc: No, mate. I saw it! It looked great! A blue-haired, black-eyed God! The Girls would go wild, I knew I had it. You were still a bit mental, but I had my frontman! ...I could see that the girls would go crazy for his pretty boy looks, so I made him the Gorillaz singer.
How could you not? There he stood before Murdoc ‘Love’s young deity’. Rise of the Ogre pg 20, 22
Phase 1
Re-hash Murdoc and 2D put the lyrics together by Murdoc writing phrases on magnets and 2D throwing them on the fridge RIse of the Ogre pg 44
Russel and Noodle headed back to the UK to source directors for Gorillaz first promo video. Meanwhile, Murdoc and 2D stayed in Jamaica. Murdoc was climbing a coconut tree at one point, fell out and hurt his back. He took a photo of 2D while lying on the ground after falling Rise of the Ogre pg 54
“Murdoc took full advantage of the London rehearsals, taking time out with 2D in the evening to hijack various guestlists round the capital” Rise of the Ogre pg 70-71
Russel: We all love each other besides Murdoc who hates everyone and himself equally Murdoc: …Yeah, yeah exactly, that would be true. Ah, what’s your point? 2D: Aw, I love you Murdoc! Murdoc: I won’t say it again; I saved your life, you owe me your soul man 2D: Okay! Murdoc: Oh, nice one! The Apex Tapes March 2001 https://youtu.be/HMUYwVV4F1Y
May 22 2001 Murdoc moves into 2D’s room while his Winnebago is stolen https://gorillaz.fandom.com/wiki/2-D%27s_Room_(Kong_Studios)
Chris Holloran: 2d and Murdoc, what's goin' with you two? Why do you hate each other? 2D: I don't hate him. He's my best mate. Murdoc: Told you before, I'm not gonna say it again - I saved your life, you owe me your soul. 2D: Okay. http://gorillazweb.yaia.com/interviews.html
2D and Murdoc playing games together Gorillaz Bitez, Game of Death https://youtu.be/DJdmYwaDPAo
Bonus! A screencap that someone photoshoped that NME used for an official article:
https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-gorillaz-murdoc-and-2d-give-their-first-ever-live-interview-2055577
2D: Er… I don’t want to scare you Murdoc, but I’m locked in here with you. I do have a key somewhere but I can’t find it. I’ve been watching you… sleeping and……you’re quite….beautiful… when you’re quiet. Gorillaz Official Forum, Sept 9 2003
Phase 2
2D hit his head when falling from a tree at the age of eleven, causing a complete and total loss of his bodily hair.. When it came back, the natural colour was a deep azure blue Murdoc: Collars and cuffs? 2D looks down awkwardly, scratching his head. Rise of the Ogre pg. 18
2-D: Oi! Oi! Oi, Murdoc! (Murdoc: Oh no..) I need - I need - I need you to help me tie my shoe laces up! Fuse TV interview https://gorillaz.fandom.com/wiki/Fuse_TV_%22Murdoc_and_2-D%22_short_interview https://youtu.be/cLnkQAeMbIM Murdoc: I’m moving on with 2D to St Johns in Newfoundland and we’re going to settle there 2D:Yeah and have a little scone shop Murdoc:We’re going to have swan shaped scones Both: giggle/laughing Both: If you like scones like swans come to St Johns 2D and Murdoc’s chats during the Demon Days Live in NY https://youtu.be/k8o5KHRVFd0
2D: Uh, Uh, could I – could I just, Uh, KA - U - WAH - AYE…Uh…carry on, sorry I forgot what I was say….. (Murdoc: It’s alright – It’s alright –) 2D: No no, it’s gone, it’s gone, it’s gone…I’m sorry... L (Murdoc: It’s alright. It’s alright) Murdoc: No – No worry. He – he gets like that sometimes. … Interviewer: It’s lovely to witness the bond between you actually after – after all – Murdoc: Oh – 2D: Oh I don’t – Murdoc: After all we been through? 2D: I don’t like the last Bond.
...
2D: What because I have purple hair?
Murdoc: It’s a purple headed, trouser snake….I don’t know why I said that, I sna… -chuckles- Uh - uh, I can we say that in the Times telly pod?
https://gorillaz.fandom.com/wiki/Gorillaz:_Times_Magazine_interview_(Part_1)
Murdoc: Uhh...but it can hit – (Interviewer: Like a swan!) like a swan…like a cygnet -chuckles- like a scone!
2D: Like a swan scone! Murdoc: Like a swan shaped scone! 2006 Times Magazine interview https://gorillaz.fandom.com/wiki/Gorillaz:_Times_Magazine_Interview_(Part_2)
Phase 3
I don't think I'll be giving the game away too much, If I say; he's a twerp with blue hair, who somehow got himself into my band because he looks good, he sings great and he's got no eyeballs. Yes folks, next week I'll be dragging, that old bugger 2-D into my house of horrors, lighthouse booth to sit in alongside me and- shut his face, while I play more Gorillaz tracks. February 16 2010 https://gorillaz.fandom.com/wiki/Pirate_Radio:_3 https://youtu.be/9_6MwctTrYE
`Empire Ants’ (feat. Little Dragon) A moment’s peace amongst the rush. I sampled a lot of this from the theme music to Tomorrow’s World, and the vocalist is Yukimi Nagano from Little Dragon, an electronic band from Sweden. It was actually 2D who got me into Little Dragon. He played me this lovely song of theirs called ‘Twice’, which he first heard on the TV show Grey’s Anatomy NME Blog February 22 2010 https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/gorillaz-plastic-beach-murdocs-track-by-track-guide-781091
@MurdocGorillaz Jul 23, 2010 We’re having a ‘BBQ summer’ here at Plastic Beach. An oil barrel stuffed with landfill is an ideal broiler. Stick another shrimp on,Stu-Pot!
Q: Is it lonely on Plastic Beach with no women around? Just you and 2D Murdoc: Yeah. It can be. But I've got measures in place to alleviate uh said loneliness. And I'm not going to go into any kind of great detail about that but you know
Q: Murdoc, what's your favorite color? Murdoc: BLUUUUUUUUUUEEEE! I like blue! I like Blue and I like green. Um mix them together and you get turquoise you know. Blue's my favorite color. September 16 2010 Murdoc live Facebook Webchat https://youtu.be/0x-ZErVzVt8
Murdoc: I’ll tell you what, when he stood up, WOW! What an image; tall, pretty, blue spiky hair... 2-D: No eyeballs. ... Murdoc: Come on 2D, let's grab a quick sharpener, last one at the bar is a wanker. (Murdoc leaves with a bang of a door) 2D: Uhhh... Thank you, and goodnight. iTunes Interview October 27 2010 https://youtu.be/Wnq3nm6ZtNc https://gorillaz.fandom.com/wiki/ITunes_Interview:_Plastic_Beach
Murdoc: Pretty soon I’m going to be joined by a creature that we all know and love, 2D, singer of my band, Gorillaz. He’s uh- he’s just downstairs getting ready at the moment (single laugh), taking off the old gimp mask and combing his hair all nice for you. ... So while we’re waiting for him to put on his clothes and tie his special needs shoelaces, I’ll play you this. ... And with these, you made a scrapbook album on America. If you had to sum up Detroit in one sound, what you think that sound would be? 2D: I think maybe, it would sound something like this, (coughs in preparation) (the first ‘noise’ from “Detroit” plays, the track then continues with Murdoc and 2D ‘creating it’ as it goes along) Murdoc: Okay, that’s good, I see. (2D speaking over him: right, well) And then what’s next? 2D: And then I do this. Murdoc: Okay, yeah, I’m with you. 2D: Yeah and then I do a bit of this. Murdoc: Yeah, yeah, yeah, that’s good- that’s good (yeah, aha) 2D: Yeah, ya see? Ah? You get- yeah, right yeah. I do, that a cu’pla times. Murdoc: That’s nice, really nice. 2D: And then, right, I get into a bit of this… Yeah, eh?... Mm? See that, eh? Ya feelin’ that? Ya feel me? Murdoc: Yeah! Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, that’s great! 2D: Yeah, yep, thought you’d like it. And then I do a bit like this. Murdoc: WOW! That’s excellent! Nice one, can I join in? 2D: Yeah! Yeah, why not. Murdoc: Well can I do some vocals? 2D: Yeah, use this. This thing- Yeah, that thing there, yeah just-just, just speak into it. Murdoc: (clears throat) Oh, uh, yeah. Uh, right, right, I think I’ve got it. Here goes. 2D: Nice vocal… Good stuff, good stuff… Okay, I’m gonna bring this in now, yeah. Step tune, and fade in, now. (the track draws to a close) Murdoc: Phew, a bit puffed out now, (deep breath) thanks. That was great 2D. That really explains a lot. 2D: I’m just glad to help, really… Pirate Radio 5 April 10 2011 https://gorillaz.fandom.com/wiki/Pirate_Radio:_5,_The_Fall https://youtu.be/qujp3KfQYhI
In the original storyboard for the “Do Ya Thing” MV 2D hugs Murdoc back in the comic strip https://fdocuments.in/document/gorillaz-do-ya-thing-storyboard-converse.html
Phase 4
2D’s poster of Murdoc in his room in Spirit House https://youtu.be/QzqJnYuq97s
Highsnobiety: What's one of the strangest things to ever happen to you while on tour?
2-D: One time Murdoc got very drunk. He pointed at me then one of the security guards escorted me to his trailer. When I got inside, Murdoc gave me strawberries and told me about all the tragedies in his life, stopping only to cry or smoke a joint. Afterwards, he said I was a good listener, and not like all the other girls. We hugged, exchanged numbers, and I left. He never called. https://gorillaz.fandom.com/wiki/2-D_Speaks_to_Highsnobiety_-_November_2016
(Via user Dreamsofperil)
Q: The film you can quote the most of Noodle: “I’m sorry, Wilson. I’m sorry! WILSON! WILSON!” Cast Away came out the year I joined Gorillaz. 2D would watch it five times a day. It really spoke to him; he even drew his own Wilson onto a watermelon. Murdoc butchered it with his battle-axe. Then juiced it. Maybe he was jealous. Or thirsty. Loud and Quiet April 25 2017 https://www.loudandquiet.com/short/getting-know-everything-need-know-noodle-gorillaz-yes-shes-cartoon/
(2D in his underwear, with Murdoc shirtless wearing high heels laying in his piano in front of a picture of Liberace)
2D: We try to spend as little time together at the studio as possible. Murdoc: I don’t know what it is, 2D has some issues with me, I don't myself. Mr.Jam: Let’s leave it here cause all you both gonna do is argue… Murdoc: No!! No, Mr.Jam!! We don’t!! We don’t!! There’s a love there, you know. (This whole interview has a lot of good moments) BBC Radio 1 interview April 1St 2017 with Mista Jam https://youtu.be/WWcb_r6cdAE
Things seemed pretty amicable between you and the rest of the band in your latest video, all things considered. How are relations with everyone? 2D: A little better. Murdoc used to practise his torture techniques on me, but since he got into S&M, he’s been beating and torturing himself more than me. So I’m feeling positive. Dazed Skype interview April 27 2017 https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/35725/1/we-skyped-every-member-of-gorillaz
(2D and Murdoc standing close, smiling, as 2D lights Murdoc’s cigarette)
2D wearing a razor blade necklace engraved with Murdoc’s name
2D's favorite inspirational quote is something Murdoc said
2D Reddit AMA https://www.reddit.com/r/gorillaz/comments/6hmdmu/hello_world_2d_here_ask_me_anything/
Even though Russel is the best cook 2D and Murdoc just talk about each other
Gorillaz Reddit AMA https://www.reddit.com/r/Music/comments/682hwf/ama_we_are_the_gorillaz_ask_us_anything/
Favorite one hit wonder?
2D;: “’Somebody’s Watching Me’, by Rockwell. The chorus goes “I always feel like someone’s watching me”. I can really relate to that because of all the CCTV and things in modern society. And the surveillance camera Murdoc installed above my bed.” Shortlist May 5 2017 https://www.shortlist.com/news/gorillaz-ultimate-playlist-damon-albarn
What’s your perfect Sunday? MN: Sunday being the day of rest, [Gorillaz member] 2D waits on me hand and foot. He does that every day, to be fair, but on Sunday he wears a little apron, which makes it extra special. So, 1 p.m., I’m probably still in a booze coma. By 3 p.m., if I’m still out, 2D fires up the defibrillator and gives me a few hundred volts. Just to blow off the cobwebs. I normally punch him in the face due to the pain of the electricity, then he goes off to make me a Full English, which is a cocktail of our greatest liquids: gin, brown ale, Earl Grey tea, and Ronseal. Then I skin up a brunch trumpet of high-grade hash mixed with Nescafé Gold Blend and take 2D out for a walk in one of London’s famous parks. I’ll throw a stick for him or let him chase the ducks for a bit. Once he’s tired out, I head back home for Midsomer Murders, work on my cross-stitch, and reply to my latest hate mail. https://www.avclub.com/gorillaz-s-murdoc-says-he-s-almost-entirely-free-of-b-1798261196
2D’s itinerary for his last day which includes going to Uncle Norm’s to remember when Murdoc hit him with his Astra Last Day On Earth by Stuart Pot, G Magazine page 34
Phase 5
All of 2D’s lyric journal is basically 2Doc content https://imgur.com/a/K5EjPjv
@murdocgorillaz Oct 27, 2018 I’ve had so much caffeine I’m starting to hallucinate. Just had a twenty minute tête-à-tête with 2D, turns out to be a golf umbrella. Similar level of conversation, mind you. I’M STILL ONLINE
2D wearing Murdoc’s Phase 4 clothes
2D’s shoe laces perpetually untied while Murdoc was in prison and not around to tie them
Free Murdoc chats https://gorillaz.fandom.com/wiki/FreeMurdoc
The “Souk Eye” live visuals featuring Murdoc https://youtu.be/8AXgabiotqI
Phase 6
Murdoc’s daily routine
Machine Bites #4 No real need to include this but I love when Murdoc yells at the person laughing in the background to shut up because he and 2D are talking (about snacks, Murdoc prefers krisprolls over ryvita) https://youtu.be/LUNJucKX1O4
@MurdocGorillaz Mar 5, 2020 for asking: is 2D wearing my captain’s hat from Plastic Beach? Not the same one cos that got eaten (long story). But I bought a new one and gave it to the lad, a little good luck charm for his voyage. You look smashing, matey! #DebunkDesole
@MurdocGorillaz Really great, thanks for asking dumbass juggalo. We're better than ever. Soon as the weather clears we're going for a lovely ride together on our new tandem bike. 11:16 AM · Mar 5, 2020
@MurdocGorillaz Mar 5, 2020 Thanks for noticing, biscotti. That's due to the great new foundation 2D bought for me. Because I'm worth it.
Machine Bites #6 2D: "Feeling better now Murdoc? I haven't heard you crying for a few hours." Murdoc: "My tear ducts dried up years ago. – I watched 'The Notebook' last night; [2D: "Oh yeah"] dry as the Gobi Desert."
Murdoc: "Oh! Man! Yeahyeayea yeah! This is eyeball sweat, ehhh? I told you about that in 2007." https://youtu.be/mVZN1nBrWAg
Machine Bites #7 2D: His eyeballs are sweating again, you uh- do you need some um- Murdoc: They're not! 2D: Do you need some antiperspirant for your eyeballs? Murdoc: Oh wait a minute, yeah they probably are a little bit, mhmm https://youtu.be/TqSBvmcBdns
Murdoc "bromanced" 2D the week leading up to the Aries shoot https://twitter.com/gorillaz/status/1258780308213809152
Machine Bitez #15 Oct 1 2D: Have you ever been positive for a whole hour? Should we try it? Murdoc: Don't know if I could do it! 2D: Do you like my shoes? Murdoc: No. https://youtu.be/PmEKOMIMY-0
Murdoc answers his own questions on the Pac-Man video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-7U-FDql1A
“Not sure I like your tone here, mate,” he queries us. “The study of Orgonomy demands huge dedication and sacrifice. I’ve spent months in a box wearing nowt but my underwear. Not to mention the horrible experiments 2-D bravely volunteered for. So a bit more respect, yeah?" Clash magazine interview April 5 2021 https://www.clashmusic.com/features/land-of-the-permanent-sun-gorillaz-interviewed (Side note: "Orgone Accumulator, a fraudulent device alleged to recharge a person's orgone, the energy of sexual orgasm." https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/orgonomy So Murdoc was experimenting on 2D in his sexual energy orgasm box)
2D and Noodle Reddit AMA https://www.reddit.com/r/Music/comments/i4s8zi/hello_world_im_2d_from_gorillaz_ask_me_and_noodle/.compact
2D's hallucinations of Murdoc while “stranded” in Gaudalupe Mexico after the attack on Plastic Beach, includes many shots centered on Murdoc’s crotch and butt Wish You Were Here, Gorillaz Almanac pg 12
Pickled personally by Murdoc, using his secret recipe, Packed by 2D, May contain nuts Niccal’s Pickles ad, Gorillaz Almanac pg 180
2D was lucky that night Short Stories, Gorillaz Almanac pg 193
"...but um yeah the show must go on, heheh. The good news is Murdoc just brought me a nice cup of tea.”
Song Machine Radio episode 1 - 2D and Georgia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0GJkAArG60
Song Machine Live Murdoc talks about the big party he threw for 2Ds birthday but he didn't invite him. 2D invites Murdoc to his room to put together a puzzle which Murdoc doesn't find to be a fun time December 12 2020 Song Machine live https://youtu.be/vrbPV4yusSg
2D's booty shorts he wears in the Humility MV framed and hung on the wall of Murdoc's Winnebago, Fred Perry x Gorillaz app May 2021
Murdoc wearing Fred Perry "2d" bomber jacket, Fred Perry x Gorillaz May 2021
Seeing as we’re still in the throes of a pandemic, we should probably start with the obvious: How’s your health?
2D: Yeah I’m OK cheers for asking. Russ and Noodle are good too, but it’s hard to tell with Murdoc as he always looks green and not well. It’s the same with kiwis, how do you know if they’ve gone mouldy if they are green in the first place? The only way to know is by eating them Indie Mag interview May 20 2021 https://indie-mag.com/2021/05/20-years-of-gorillaz-interview-fred-perry/
Murdoc wearing 2D’s shirt from the ‘Tranz’ MV phase 5, gfoot capsule collection August 2021
Murdoc asked everyone to dress up as elves and sing carols, only 2D did and sang to Murdoc as he wrote this email. Murdoc Niccals | A Christmas Address email December 16 2021
