Later this month, an online recreated avatar of Elvis Presley, presented in life-size, is set to debut in London before traveling to Las Vegas, Tokyo, and Berlin.
As per U.K. company Layered Reality, attendees will be taken on a “journey” through the artist’s life, culminating in a unique “concert experience.” This immersive event will blend elements of theater, projection, and multi-sensory effects, incorporating artificial intelligence and virtual reality to merge computer-generated imagery with the real world.
The BBC reports that the show will feature a vast collection of Presley’s personal photos and video footage, having secured the necessary rights for this endeavor.
This initiative follows the recent utilization of virtual reality and real-time visual effects by the members of the Swedish supergroup ABBA to introduce an innovative concert experience that continues to captivate audiences in London.
In this digital spectacle, lifelike avatars of the band perform their iconic songs in a 3,000-seat venue, accompanied by live music and an expansive light display. These avatars were crafted by the London division of Industrial Light & Magic, the renowned visual effects company established by George Lucas.
In a statement made in November 2022, Svana Gisla, the creator of ABBA Voyage, mentioned, “We feature live musicians but maintain the essence of our group, delivering seven shows weekly.” She also hinted at the possibility of revisiting the past, envisioning scenarios where Vegas could potentially host collaborative performances involving legendary acts like the Beatles or Elvis.
Gisla also raised ethical questions regarding the posthumous recreation of artists through evolving technologies. She pondered, “Imagine putting deceased artists back on stage; ethically, the implications are profound. I could present an ABBA concert featuring a band member.” The decisions regarding the show’s content, setlist, and presentation were meticulously overseen by ABBA themselves.
