Gorillaz – Dirty Harry

“Dirty Harry” is a song from British alternative rock virtual band band Gorillaz’ second studio album Demon Days, released as the third single from the album on 21 November 2005.

The single peaked at #6 in the UK. Earlier that year, the song released as a promotional single on iTunes. An early version of “Dirty Harry” titled “I Need a Gun” was included on Damon Albarn’s album Democrazy. On 8 December 2005 it was announced that “Dirty Harry” had been nominated for a Grammy under the category “Urban/Alternative Performance”, but was beaten by Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley’s “Welcome to Jamrock”.

The song’s lyrics contain the line “The war is over so says the speaker with the flight suit on”, a reference to George W. Bush’s “Mission Accomplished” televised speech. Dirty Harry is also a 1971 film directed by Don Siegel. One of Gorillaz’s earlier singles is the name of the actor who played this film’s title character, Clint Eastwood. The single cover is similar to that of the film Full Metal Jacket.