LONDON (CelebrityAccess) — In December, Gorillaz fans were pleasantly surprised by the news that the virtual band, formed by Damon Albarn and comic artist Jamie Hewlett were planning to release a new album in the first half of 2018. However, that plan was nearly derailed after Albarn almost lost the master recordings for the forthcoming release.

According to a story reported in The Mirror, Albarn left a laptop containing the masters, as well as videos and visuals for the new album in the back of a London cab after a late night at London’s Groucho club.

“It was a disaster. Damon oversees everything and, with Gorillaz, it’s not just audio – it’s the expensive visuals as well. The laptop’s contents are priceless,” an unnamed source told the newspaper.

Fortunately, for Albarn and the Gorillaz faithful, the taxi driver proved to be an honest bloke who found the lost laptop and ensured that it was returned to its rightful owner.

“It was a massive relief for everyone involved in the project,” the source told The Mirror.

Both Albarn and Hewlett have suggested that the new album will pursue a new direction for Gorillaz. They have already teased one single from the new release “Hollywood” featuring Jamie Principle and Snoop Dogg.

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