With an enchanting portrayal of the king of rock ‘n’ roll ready to mesmerize fans starting from November 2024, Elvis Presley’s immersive musical odyssey is poised to energize London.
This groundbreaking experience is not an isolated event but rather part of a trend in lenticular performances. Numerous other musicians have been revived or depicted in their youthful prime through the wonders of technology.
Abba
The tribute to Abba’s music kicks off with a graceful and youthful Benny Andersson reassuring the audience, “This is truly authentic. I must say, I look remarkably youthful for my age.”
The 90-minute extravaganza, raking in £1.6 million weekly, unfolds exclusively in east London, offering a nostalgic journey through the band’s 1970s classics. These legendary figures are brought back to life on 65m image LED screens, emanating an incredibly realistic presence.
At 77 years old, Andersson emphasizes the convenience of this venture, stating, “We can be on stage while I’m at home walking the dogs,” a sentiment that is bound to strike a chord with both new fans and long-time followers alike.
Shakur Tupac
Despite the tragic passing of the rapper in a 1996 drive-by shooting, spectators at Coachella in 2012 were amazed by the resurrection of Shakur Tupac during Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre’s headline performance.
Tupac’s declaration that “nothing will ever change” was put to the test by the revolutionary lenticular display, a pioneering achievement that seamlessly fused the rapper’s original footage with AI-generated elements, facilitating interactive collaborations with fellow artists on stage. The intricately crafted image was ultimately beamed onto a reflective surface crafted from stretched Mylar.
Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison emerges as another notable figure in the realm of holographic shows, alongside Abba. In his 2018 tour across the UK, the late singer, who had passed away 35 years earlier, drew an average of 1,800 attendees per performance.
Accompanied by live musicians flanking him on either side, Orbison’s realistic 3D projection serenaded and interacted with the live audience, delivering a surreal yet captivating spectacle.
Theodore Houston
In a reflection of the harsh realities of the entertainment industry, some holographic ventures encounter unfortunate obstacles – exemplified by the case of Holo-Theodore Houston, whose debut was met with disapproval from her family due to its lack of resemblance to the late star.
The virtual replica’s portrayal, marred by awkward movements, limp arms, and a desynchronized mouth that failed to sync with the singer’s potent vocals, resulted in the cancellation of the Evening with Whitney tour and the delay of the scheduled appearance on The Voice.
Moving Stones
Among the veteran legends contemplating holographic interpretations is the legendary band Moving Stones. Guitarist Keith Richards anticipates this inevitability, while lead singer Mick Jagger takes it a step further, envisioning a posthumous tour to uphold their musical heritage, sparking contemplation on the enduring influence of their artistry and the legacy they will leave behind.