Elvis Presley fans will be able to see a lifesized digital version of the king of rock ‘n’ roll performing on stage in the UK for the first time later this year.
The US music superstar is being brought back to life – and it’s a British company behind the project.
Layered Reality claims the event, which uses artificial intelligence and holographic projection, will be the “world’s first Elvis immersive experience”.
Elvis Presley’s estate has granted access to thousands of the singer’s personal photos and hours of home video footage, and the firm says this is being used to create “never seen before” performances.
The show has been titled Elvis Evolution, and organisers say it will allow fans to be able to “feel up close and personal” to him through the concert experience – transporting them through his rise to fame and the cultural movement he catalysed in the 1950s and 1960s.
It will be based at an as-yet-unnamed location in central London – and shows are also planned in Las Vegas, Tokyo and Berlin.
The project follows in the footsteps of ABBA Voyage, in which lifesized avatars of the Swedish pop stars perform as their human counterparts appeared in 1979, in a purpose-built arena in east London.
US rock band Kiss have also unveiled avatars of themselves, depicted as superhero versions of the musicians.
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(L-R) ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson who became virtual avatars in a digital show
Kiss have been ‘immortalised’ as avatars. Pic: Pophouse Entertainment
‘Next-generation tribute’
The Elvis show announcement comes ahead of what would have been the icon’s 89th birthday on 8 January.
Andrew McGuinness, founder and chief executive of Layered Reality, said: “Elvis Evolution is a next-generation tribute to the musical legend that is Elvis Presley.
“Elvis maintains superstar status globally and people around the world no longer want to sit there and passively receive entertainment – they want to be a part of it.
He added: “It’ll be a memory-making experience that will be a bucket-list item for Elvis fans and admirers around the world. People can step into the world of Elvis, walk in his shoes and celebrate his extraordinary musical legacy.”
Marc Rosen, president of entertainment at Authentic Brands Group, which owns Elvis Presley Enterprises, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Layered Reality to give fans a new, immersive way of experiencing Elvis Presley’s life and legacy.”
During his career, Elvis was nominated for 14 Grammy awards, including three wins, he sold more than one billion records worldwide, and received the Grammy lifetime achievement award.
He also starred in 33 films and made numerous television appearances.
Elvis died on 16 August 1977 aged 42 at his Graceland home in Memphis, Tennessee.