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Since Tupac Shakur was brought back from the dead to perform with Dr Dre at 2012’s Coachella, the world has been enthralled by the potential of hologram technology. While the technology has yet to become ubiquitous, many predict that it is set to revolutionise opportunities for both living and deceased artists. We’ve explored hologram tech and its potential in this guide.

The Technology Behind Hologram Concerts

Interestingly, the term “hologram” when referring to this type of technology is actually false, as holograms relate to a 3D still image created with laser technology. Instead, the current technology relies on advanced projection techniques and staging. According to Andrew McGuinness, the CEO of Layered Reality, the current approach is a continuation of a 200-year-old stage illusion called “Pepper’s Ghost.”

To create 3D images of a star, deceased or alive, hundreds of hours of video footage, stills and music are uploaded into a computer model. This then learns how the star walks, sings, dances, and talks. Virtual avatars can then be prompted to speak pre-written dialogue or dance in a choreographed manner.

Predicted Consumer Applications

There are currently companies looking to bring this technology to scale, with the potential to have 3D “holo-decks” in the homes of consumers or workplaces. This would undoubtedly be a game-changer and may even challenge breakthroughs led by VR and AR, whether it be for interactive conference boards or a replacement for televisions.

Consider, for example, playing Adventures Beyond Wonderland Live, the real-dealer wheel-spinning game show from Playtech. A commercial holo-deck could recreate this within a player’s living room, adding to an experience that is vastly more immersive and engaging than it already is.

Possibilities for Artists

Currently, the use of hologram performances has mostly been used for deceased artists. In addition to Tupac Shakur, Whitney Houston, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison and Maria Callas have all been given the holographic treatment, with responses ranging from wonderment to bewilderment. Now, though, living artists have embraced the technology to sell tickets.

In the case of London’s ABBA Voyage virtual concert, the four living bandmates used motion capture technology to create digital avatars that would allow them to perform as their younger selves. Other legacy performers such as KISS have since used the same technology developed by Industrial Light and Magic.

The technology creates the opportunity for living performers to appear in multiple locations simultaneously, which has obvious financial benefits. It could also give people the chance to have personal interactions with the avatars, whether it be at a concert spectacular or an updated wax museum format.

Debates About the Technology

As with any groundbreaking technology, there has been much debate around the quality and ethics of holographic entertainment. Critics say that the deceased artists’ lack of consent around being replicated and paraded in a digital format is unethical, while also saying that the pre-recorded displays lack the genuine connection of a live experience.

Proponents, however, believe that the technology can help to preserve musical legacies and introduce artists’ music to younger audiences. When produced with respect and in collaboration with the artists’ estates, the shows have the opportunity to enthrall while challenging audiences about what a concert can be.