How healthy is the Gorillaz rider?
The Observer, March 2010
Gorillaz man Murdoc Niccals likes to eat genetically modified chicken, diamante-studded bananas and home-brewed rum. Observer Food Monthly's doctor gives the 2D band some advice
Murdoc's rider
Please note: Murdoc suffers from stress, panic attacks, lack of sleep and various food intolerances so this rider must be available at all times. All drinks should be heavily iced with additional buckets of clean ice for serving. Because of contractual agreements Murdoc will only drink Plastic Beach coke. All items should be placed in Murdoc's dressing room 15 minutes prior to his arrival to ensure freshness.
How healthy is Murdoc's diet? Dr John Briffa analyses his rider
Heavily seasoned, tinned star-fish tuna
This is a protein-rich food that will sustain Gorillaz through their heavy schedule. It has the added benefit of omega-3 fats that are good for the brain. On the downside, tuna tends to come contaminated with mercury, which among other things, is toxic to, er, the brain. Possibly best avoided by those who wish to keep their creative juices flowing.
Coconuts
Eating coconut is often ill-advised because of its saturated fat content. However, there is no evidence that this causes heart disease, and coconut is actually natural and nutritious, which Gorillaz should not be shy of.
Diamante-studded bananas
Not a bad food, but its high-carb, low-protein nature will fail to give Gorillaz the staying power provided by coconuts and peanut butter.
Green tea
Not sure about its "detoxing properties", but tea drinking is associated with benefits for the heart, enhanced fat loss and reduced risk of cancer. As drinks go, this hits the right note.
Container of hot and spicy salsa
Tomato and onion are both nutritious foods, and if this dish comes with fresh coriander even better – this herb is believed to help remove mercury (see tuna) from the body.
Jar of self-righteous organic peanut butter
Nuts are a protein-rich food that release sugar slowly into the bloodstream. Both these qualities mean that nuts can sate the appetite for relatively long periods of time and help Gorillaz cope with the rigours of touring.
Bottle of 100mg vitamin C
Primates lack the capacity to manufacture vitamin C, which means this crucial nutrient must be supplied through diet. Gorillaz are going to get precious little of this from their rider, which makes vitamin C supplements a relevant and healthy choice.
Murdoc's rider
- A magnum of Dom Perignon 98 – love this mixed with orange juice
- Rum – Murdoc home-brew special. Must be at room temperature
- Malibu x 2 large bottles – beats having to climb coconut trees to brew my own
- Juicy, genetically modified chicken – legs and breast only – because I'm a genetically modified kind of guy!
- Heavily seasoned, tinned star-fish tuna
- Coconuts – I live on a plastic island in the middle of nowhere, coconuts are my life now!
- Diamante-studded bananas – what else would a member of Gorillaz eat?
- Green tea – for its detoxing properties, but also to keep my skin nice and green
- Lemon and jam sandwiches – bitter and twisted, like my ex-girlfriend
- A bowl of Maltesers with the chocolate sucked off
- Container of hot and spicy salsa
- Jar of self-righteous organic peanut butter
- 1 bottle of 100mg vitamin C
- 1 large bottle of Viagra
Please note: Murdoc suffers from stress, panic attacks, lack of sleep and various food intolerances so this rider must be available at all times. All drinks should be heavily iced with additional buckets of clean ice for serving. Because of contractual agreements Murdoc will only drink Plastic Beach coke. All items should be placed in Murdoc's dressing room 15 minutes prior to his arrival to ensure freshness.
How healthy is Murdoc's diet? Dr John Briffa analyses his rider
Heavily seasoned, tinned star-fish tuna
This is a protein-rich food that will sustain Gorillaz through their heavy schedule. It has the added benefit of omega-3 fats that are good for the brain. On the downside, tuna tends to come contaminated with mercury, which among other things, is toxic to, er, the brain. Possibly best avoided by those who wish to keep their creative juices flowing.
Coconuts
Eating coconut is often ill-advised because of its saturated fat content. However, there is no evidence that this causes heart disease, and coconut is actually natural and nutritious, which Gorillaz should not be shy of.
Diamante-studded bananas
Not a bad food, but its high-carb, low-protein nature will fail to give Gorillaz the staying power provided by coconuts and peanut butter.
Green tea
Not sure about its "detoxing properties", but tea drinking is associated with benefits for the heart, enhanced fat loss and reduced risk of cancer. As drinks go, this hits the right note.
Container of hot and spicy salsa
Tomato and onion are both nutritious foods, and if this dish comes with fresh coriander even better – this herb is believed to help remove mercury (see tuna) from the body.
Jar of self-righteous organic peanut butter
Nuts are a protein-rich food that release sugar slowly into the bloodstream. Both these qualities mean that nuts can sate the appetite for relatively long periods of time and help Gorillaz cope with the rigours of touring.
Bottle of 100mg vitamin C
Primates lack the capacity to manufacture vitamin C, which means this crucial nutrient must be supplied through diet. Gorillaz are going to get precious little of this from their rider, which makes vitamin C supplements a relevant and healthy choice.