[Chris92]

In case you didn't see, at the Coachella music festival, there was a performance by rapper Tupac Shakur. The problem is, he's been dead since 1996. Using a hologram, his image was broadcasted to the stage, and he sang along with another rapper, Snoop Dogg.

Now, I'm not a fan of Tupac, or even rap in general, but I had to see it when I heard about it. It's considered a milestone since it wasn't "found or archival footage." After all, Tupac interacted with Snoop Dogg, as well as the audience, using phrases he's never said before.

The most surprising thing is that this hologram of Tupac may even go on tour with Snoop Dogg.

What do you guys think of it? Would you pay money to see a live performance of a hologram, especially if they were able to make the projection actually interact with everyone as if it were alive?

[TODD]

Can't say I'm a big fan of that.Probably would not pay to see that.Its cool tho !!

[MDH-IV]

it's weird, but remarkable technology. I didn't realize Tupac was on 25 when he was killed. He had a fast and furious life.

[johnofphilly]

I don't "get" any of them. While I love R&B back to its pre-R&R origin, musical evolution hit a fork in the road - one way to smooth jazz, which has its high points, and the other to crap like disco and rap. The market for the toilet matter amazes me.

As to the topic of a hologram as part of a tour - imagine (for instance) Natalie Cole (whose singing I don't like - not saying she can't act) bringing a hologram of her Pop along with her on tour. It would seem to be more of an amusement park feature rather than a melodic performance. Poor Pop. (love ya, Nat)

[Richard]

Originally Posted by johnofphilly

As to the topic of a hologram as part of a tour - imagine (for instance) Natalie Cole (whose singing I don't like - not saying she can't act) bringing a hologram of her Pop along with her on tour. It would seem to be more of an amusement park feature rather than a melodic performance. Poor Pop. (love ya, Nat)

I think that would be sweet, John. And for what it's worth, I love 2pac.

[Rich_Silverman]

I would definitely not pay money to see such a thing. It's ridiculous on many levels.

In Japan, this pop singer character "Hatsune Miku" is a giant star right now. I'm talking HUGE and getting bigger in the U.S. The thing is... she doesn't exist. She's an auto generated animation that uses some kind of software to do her singing. You input the lyrics and music and she sings it in a simulated voice. Her concerts are huge.

It's a brave new world... and I don't like it.

Youtube sample of this nonsense.

Wiki.

[Ace917]

Originally Posted by Rich_Silverman

Youtube sample of this nonsense.

That's crazy....

[JamesDeFrances]

Didn't they do something similar with FS at Radio City in '02 ?

[JamesDeFrances]

http://www.squarezero.co.uk/what-we-do/holograms

[Rich_Silverman]

Alicia Keys sang "Learning the Blues" with Sinatra at the 2008 Grammys, but it was a projection from a TV appearance. I thought I would hate this, but it's a nice performance. It doesn't have the creep factor of a hologram that's trying to represent something living.

Alicia does a really great job. Awesome live performance by Frank, too.

Here's a video of it I found online.

Originally Posted by JamesDeFrances

Didn't they do something similar with FS at Radio City in '02 ?

[Keith]

Originally Posted by Chris92

What do you guys think of it? Would you pay money to see a live performance of a hologram, especially if they were able to make the projection actually interact with everyone as if it were alive?

I think it's a good question, for me personally if it was an artist I had previously seen live in concert then it would be an emphatic 'no'....but for those of us who have never had the opportunity to see our favourite performers in real life it might be the closest we can get to the real thing!

For example we went to see 'Sinatra at the London Palladium' a few years ago which featured Frank on massive moving screens alongside dancers and a full orchestra which was a very enjoyable night.

Does it come anywhere near the real thing? Of course not. Would I go again to an official production (whether hologram or screens or whatever) and enjoy an evening of my favourite music from a legend that I never had the pleasure of seeing on stage? Of course!

[Chris92]

Originally Posted by Keith

Would I go again to an official production (whether hologram or screens or whatever) and enjoy an evening of my favourite music from a legend that I never had the pleasure of seeing on stage? Of course!

I think this is the best way to use this technology too. The possibilities are endless.

I'd pay very good money to see a quality, family-approved version of a "hologram" Frank performance. I'd consider it more of a "tribute" than anything.

[ceruleus]

Technologically it's very impressive.

Ethically, I think it's revolting.

[Ace917]

Originally Posted by Keith

For example we went to see 'Sinatra at the London Palladium' a few years ago which featured Frank on massive moving screens alongside dancers and a full orchestra which was a very enjoyable night.

I agree, an incredible production, well worthy of the black tie and pearls we wore.

[marydaly]

As a fan of all kinds of technology, I would enjoy seeing a hologram characterization tied in with music and/or performers I love. As for the type of thing "Hatsune Miku" is, I would be interested in the technology, but would not pay to see a performance "live."

[Richard]

I think it's a great way to keep an artist's legacy alive.

[Marty]

I definitely need to open a glo-stick store in Tokyo