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Holograms: A Slippery Slope?
Tuesday 24th April 2012 | Osh
As the ghostly apparition of the late Tupac Shakur rose through the floor at Coachella last week, it was greeted with reverence from hip- hop fans and technology geeks alike. The uncanny replication of the late star as he ran through ‘90s rap classics Hail Mary and 2 of Amerika's Most Wanted with former label mates Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg. This stole the show in a decisive fashion but, where now? While Dre has squashed rumours of plans for a tour, though he didn’t ruled one out, Michael Jackson's brother Jackie has said a resurrection of MJ in hologram form would be “wonderful”, while Dre has commented on how he'd love to see holograms of Marvin Gaye and Hendrix. Certainly, a modern day Woodstock would appeal to many and it’ll be interesting to see what attempts are made to top the Tupac stunt.
However, the idea of bringing back dead stars in this manner has its detractors. Some say that it exploits devotees who would pay through the nose for what is little more than a glorified music video and a Top of the Pops- esque pre-recorded track. It is no stretch of the imagination to think of MJ worshippers parting with a significant sum of money just for a glimpse of their digitally recreated idol. Also possible is damage to the idea of a live show: a joke poster of an 'all hologram' Coachella boasting Johnny Cash, Biggie and Bob Marley among its line- up highlights the vague ridiculousness of the idea.
Thus perhaps these stunts are best as surprises at festivals; a 21st century Nirvana show seems tasteless and no matter how convincing the fake is, it can never recreate the true experience.
As if there weren’t already enough ways to profit from dead artists!
