Friday, June 15, 2012

Elvis tribute artist entertains in Holland


Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Elvis Presley holograms being readied

just because your favorite rock stars are dead doesn't mean you have to miss out on seeing them in concert. In the wake of the Tupac Shakur hologram 'performance' that caused a sensation at the recent Coachella festival, estates of other deceased music stars are exploring the possibilities of similar events, possibly on a grander scale.
According to Billboard, fans could very well be treated to concert performances and even tours of 'virtual' rockers such as Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley and Jim Morrison. Even the estate of Marilyn Monroe, the actress who was known to turn in a musical performance or two in her time, is investigating the hologram option.
Jimi Hendrix's sister Janie, who is president/CEO of Experience Hendrix, confirmed that she has been working with the London-based company Musion Systems to create a virtual version of her late brother. However, she stressed that "for us, of course, it's about keeping Jimi authentically correct. There are no absolutes at this point."
More of an absolute could be coming from the Doors camp. According to the band's manager, Jeff Jampol, he's been working on a idea to present a 'virtual' Jim Morrison concert (one featuring the band) for nearly eight years. "We're trying to get to a point where 3D characters will walk around," he said. "Hopefully, 'Jim Morrison' will be able to walk right up to you, look you in the eye, sing right at you and then turn around and walk away."
As for The King, he might be entering the building sooner than you think. Digital Domain Media Group, the company responsible for creating the Tupac hologram, has inked a deal with Core Media Group to produce a variety of 'virtual' Elvis holograms for events that could range from concerts to tours and even residencies.
What do you think of deceased rockers being brought back as holograms? Are there any music stars you would pay to see in 'virtual' form?

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Elvis Presley crypt put up for auction

Elvis Presley crypt has been put up for auction, it has been reported.

Beverly Hills auctioneer Darren Julien has opened up the late star's tomb to bids from fans.

The tomb, located at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee, is set to be auctioned off on June 23 as part of a 'Music Icons' collection.

After his death in 1977, Presley was laid to rest in the tomb for two months until his remains were moved to his Graceland home.

According to TMZ, a winning bidder will gain ownership of the crypt, a memorialisation inscription, opening and closing of the vault for burial, and use of the chapel for committal service.

Julien's Auctions has in the past sold Michael Jackson's famous 'Thriller' jacket, as well as a jacket worn by John Lennon.

The Beatles, Elvis, Cliff Richard

The legendary band beat Elvis Presley and Sir Cliff Richard to the number one placing, while Madonna and Michael Jackson completed the top five.

The Beatles
© Rex Features
Rihanna poses in khaki for Esquire
© Esquire / Matt Irwin


The specially commissioned Top 60 of the past 60 years from The Official Charts Company was broadcast by Tony Blackburn on BBC Radio 2 yesterday (June 4).

Rihanna was the most recent artist to make the top ten, beating the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones and Kylie Minogue to the tenth position.

Sir Elton John, Queen, ABBA and David Bowie completed the top ten, while Take That as a collective are higher than Robbie Williams at 15 and 22 respectively.

Lower down the chart, Britney Spears, Lady GaGa and Black Eyed Peas feature at 26, 28 and 32.

BBC Radio 2's Head of Music Jeff Smith said: "This list is intriguing; Adele is missing and we've all forgotten just how huge artists such as Shakin' Stevens, Boney M and UB40 were in the UK in the '70s and '80s."

Elvis Presley concert confirmed by Tupac

Elvis Presley is set to tour once again, the maker of the Tupac Shakur hologram has announced.

Digital Domain Media Group - who created the Tupac illusion at this year's Coachella Festival - has confirmed an exclusive deal with Core Media to produce a series of Presley holograms.
The company has announced plans to create the images for a range of projects including film, television and a collection of live performances, reports Billboard.

Digital Domain's partnership with Core Media - which owns the rights over Presley's likeness - means the company has the go-ahead to replicate his image.

"His lifelong fans will be thrilled all over again, and new audiences will discover the electric experience of Elvis the performer," said Jack Soden, president and CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises.

"The high level of quality entertainment that both Core Media Group and Digital Domain deliver gives us great confidence that these projects will help continue the growth of Elvis's rich legacy all over the world."