Holographic technology has been around for decades, but in recent years, advancements in light, sound, and stage technology, for holographic and virtual concepts have been developed and tested:
Tupac Shakur’s virtual performance at Coachella Festival 2013 was the starting point and fans have seen the likes of Michael Jackson, Ronny James Dio and Whitney Houston in concert thanks to the holographic technology.
ABBA stopped touring in the early 1980s but has broken new ground with their virtual ‘Voyage’ show in London. The hologram concert premiered in May 2022, and on 17 April 2023, the millionth visitor saw the ‘Abba-tars live’.
In March 2023, ABBA announced that the show will tour the world: A new exciting format that could be a peek into the future for shows and events based on holographic technology.
Canadian PartyCasino asked 1000 Canadians 14 questions on hologram concerts, ticket prices, type of venues and what artists or groups they would consider paying for, in a virtual concert.
From this survey, the result is not surprising:
Michael Jackson at Rogers Centre, Toronto.
In a list of 14 Canadian venues with capacities ranging from 800 to 54 000, Rogers Centre took the first spot with 11,70% of the votes, followed by Air Canada Centre, Toronto (10,80%) and BC Place Stadium, Vancouver (10,30%).
One section of the survey looks at artists from the past and whom the poll takers would like to see in a hologram concert from each decade:
1960s:
• The Beatles 14,40%
• Elvis Presley 12,70%
1970s:
• Queen 10,50%
• Pink Floyd 6,10%
1980s:
• Michael Jackson 19,40%
• Whitney Houston 7,90%
It will be interesting to take this survey worldwide and see the results for each country.
So let’s do our own little poll here and lets imagine that the Estate create a really look-like hologram before you vote!
As hologram technology continues to improve, it’s possible that a more convincing and lifelike Michael Jackson hologram could be created, which could increase interest in a hologram concert.
The reception of the previous Michael Jackson hologram performances has been mixed, with some fans appreciating the opportunity to see him “perform” again, while others feeling uncomfortable with the idea. The interest and reception of a hologram concert will likely play a role in determining whether or not it becomes a reality.
