Elvis Presley, the legendary King of Rock ‘n Roll, is set to return to the stage in an innovative hologram concert experience coming to London later this year. Using advanced artificial intelligence and immersive technology, the new show titled “Elvis Evolution” will feature a virtual Elvis performing remastered versions of his iconic songs as well as previously unreleased live performances.
Advanced AI Brings Elvis Back to Life
The cutting-edge hologram technology utilized in Elvis Evolution was developed by Austin-based immersive content studio World Class Technology. Using archival footage and recordings, the company trained an AI model on Elvis’ voice and movements to generate a realistic digital avatar able to sing and dance just like the real Elvis.
The virtual Elvis will perform a 90-minute show of remastered Elvis classics as well as lost recordings and rehearsal takes that have been revived using the AI. This will allow fans to experience Elvis performances that no one has ever seen before.
“Through artificial intelligence and innovative immersive technology, we’ve been able to create the most authentic Elvis hologram experience the world has ever seen,” said Marc Scarpa, CEO of World Class Technology. “Fans will be blown away by the King’s virtual return to the stage.”
The technology builds on previous hologram concerts featuring deceased music legends like Whitney Houston and Maria Callas. However, Elvis Evolution sets a new benchmark for realism and showmanship thanks to major leaps in AI over the past few years.
Show Opening in Former London Church
Elvis Evolution will open at a former church in central London that has been converted into an immersive entertainment venue. The iconic venue has state-of-the-art projection, lighting, and sound systems tailored for hologram performances.
The show is set to launch on November 11, 2024 and will have an open-ended run with multiple performances per week. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly given Elvis’ enduring popularity in the UK and around the world.
In addition to the London show, there are plans to take Elvis Evolution on tour globally following its launch. Destinations under consideration include Las Vegas, Graceland, Berlin, Tokyo, and Sydney.
What Fans Can Expect
Audiences at Elvis Evolution will be transported back in time to 1968 for a virtual audience with the King at the height of hispowers. Through a mix of previously unseen live footage and new AI-generated performances, fans will experience a seamless 90-minute Elvis concert featuring close-up views of the legendary performer.
Songs on the setlist include classics like “Jailhouse Rock,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “Suspicious Minds,” and “It’s Now or Never” as well as deeper tracks including “Trouble,” “Baby Let’s Play House,” and “That’s All Right.” There will also be major audio and visual enhancements thanks to modern technology.
In addition to the concert experience, the show will utilize archival interviews and historical footage to educate fans on Elvis’ origins, musical influences, private life, and lasting impact on music and culture. It sets out to provide the most well-rounded Elvis experience ever.
“Through groundbreaking digital human technology, we are proud to bring back the greatest entertainer of all time,” said producer Simon Crocker. “Fans will be thrilled to see Elvis once again reinvent himself on stage with stunning performances they have never seen before.”
Lead Up to London Show
Elvis Evolution has been over 3 years in the making since World Class Technology first set out to create the most realistic digital version of a musician in history. Their R&D team spent painstaking hours training AI models on Elvis’ voice and analyzing archival footage to replicated his signature dance moves and mannerisms.
The company also worked closely with Elvis Presley Enterprises, which manages his estate, to curate the ultimate Elvis concert experience using both released songs and uncovered archival gems. Graceland archives provided a treasure trove of high quality audio and video to help build the virtual Elvis.
Following private test screenings over the past year, Elvis Evolution is now ready for its worldwide launch in London this November. Promoters are promising the most ambitious Elvis-related project ever – one that will introduce the King to a whole new generation of fans.
As Simon Crocker explained, “Younger generations may not fully grasp Elvis’ genius due to the passage of time and limitations of past technologies. We now have an opportunity to reinvent Elvis for the digital age so everyone can experience firsthand the magic that captivated the world.”
What Happens Next
The successful launch of Elvis Evolution in London could pave the way for many more hologram touring productions of deceased icons. World Class Technology is eyeing acts like James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, and Michael Jackson for potential future shows as the technology improves.
However, some critics argue holograms should be used sparingly so as not to diminish the power and uniqueness of live performance. There are also questions around copyright and legal permissions when using a dead celebrity’s likeness.
Nonetheless, if the Elvis London show draws big crowds and positive buzz, the hologram concert industry will likely explode. We may one day see hologram versions of stars like Amy Winehouse, Prince, and David Bowie commanding stages around the globe.
For Elvis fans though, the upcoming London show promises the chance to see their idol perform again – a surreal event many thought would never happen. As 72-year fan Marjorie Watts told reporters through tears, “I can’t believe I’ll get to see Elvis on stage one more time. I’m over the moon!”
Whether a tech miracle or hollow money-grab, one thing’s for sure – the King is set to reclaim his throne this November.
Potential Setlist for London Show
Based on archival setlists and known audio/video assets, here is a projected song lineup for the Elvis Evolution show launching in London:
- That’s All Right
- Baby Let’s Play House
- Heartbreak Hotel
- Hound Dog
- Love Me Tender
- Jailhouse Rock
- It’s Now or Never
- Are You Lonesome Tonight
- Can’t Help Falling in Love
- Suspicious Minds
- In the Ghetto
- The Wonder of You
- An American Trilogy
- If I Can Dream
Encore:
- Trouble
- Baby What You Want Me To Do
- Burning Love
- Return to Sender
The show is expected to include at least 3-4 previously unreleased songs or rehearsal takes to give fans rare glimpses of Elvis in action.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
