At the time of the live performance on "The Late Show with David Letterman" on January 1, 2010, Gorillaz was experiencing a significant revitalization in their career. This performance followed the release of their third studio album, "Plastic Beach," which came out in March 2010. "Plastic Beach" marked a pivotal moment for the band, introducing a more expansive sound and incorporating a variety of guest artists, showcasing the group's evolution from their earlier works. During the Letterman performance, they played several tracks from this upcoming album, such as "On Melancholy Hill" and "Rhinestone Eyes," alongside fan favorites like "Feel Good Inc." The performance is notable for its lively visuals and instrumentation, characteristic of Gorillaz's innovative style. Additionally, the band has often blended animation with live performance, and this appearance further solidified their unique identity in the music industry.