Following a milestone in his stage 4 cancer treatment, Peven Everett has returned to the stage with Gorillaz. Check out the heartwarming footage of the moment below.
Everett was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2024, and a GoFundMe page was launched to help cover the “mounting” cost of his treatment. “Let’s give Peven some well-deserved life-saving flowers,” read the description, also adding that “any donation is appreciated.”
In August this year, it was confirmed that he reached a major milestone in his treatment, and he shared footage of himself ringing the bell at Northwestern Hospital to celebrate.
“My thanks is to the most high God for giving me this chance. I’ve been granted Grace and Mercy by the healing love of God,” he wrote, also describing the moment as one he “never thought” he would see.
“Thank you for your words of encouragement. They fuelled the fire in me,” his post continued. “You helped me get up everyday and try again. I love you all for that. God is good. I’ll have more updates soon.”
Now, following the good news, Everett appeared on stage with Gorillaz once more.
Initially, he worked with Damon Albarn and co. on two tracks for their 2017 ‘Humanz’ album – ‘Strobelite’ and deluxe track ‘Halfway to the Halfway House’ – and went on to join them on their subsequent tour.
When Gorillaz took to the stage at the United Center in Chicago last week (October 8), they welcomed out the artist for his first performance with them in years. He first came out 13 songs into the 17-song set to perform ‘Strobelite’, then again later in the set to sing the parts of the Bobby Womack on ‘Stylo’.
As seen in fan footage, Everett was visibly emotional as he joined Albarn at the front of the stage, and the frontman held his arm up in celebration before hugging him.
“This was the hardest show I’ve ever had to do but I’d do anything for Damon Albarn, Jamie Hewlett and Gorillaz,” Everett wrote on an Instagram clip capturing the moment. “What this organization has done for me is worth every tear. Love you guys.”
Born in Chicago, Everett’s career in the music industry began to take shape in 1996, when he and fellow Chicago producer Roy Davis Jr. teamed up for the collaborative track ‘Gabriel’, which made it onto the UK charts.
He also formed his own record label, Studio Confession, in 1999, released solo tracks including ‘Feelin’ You In And Out’ and ‘Put Your Back Into It.’
As for Gorillaz, the band kicked off their 2026 North American last month, and shows come in support of their latest album ‘The Mountain’. They will embark on their first-ever shows in India next January 2027, which take place as the country’s musical and spiritual traditions were huge influences on the most recent record.
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