Plan B Forum

Youngsters who missed out on seeing musical legends such as Elvis and Jimi Hendrix in concert could get a second chance to see them 'live' on stage thanks to an incredible technological breakthrough.

A British firm has used a 3D hologram and some clever Victorian theatre trickery to create lifelike illusions of famous performers on stage even after their death.

The company left 90,000 fans stunned when they projected a life-like image of Tupac Shakur singing alongside other performers at a festival in April.

The rapper, who appeared on stage for two tracks, was shot dead in Las Vegas in 1996 while out driving.



Jimi Hendrix will be the next star brought back to virtual life.

His sister has confirmed she has been working alongside London-based Musion Systems on the project for the past year.

Fans will once again be able to pack venues to see the legendary guitarist, considered by many to be the greatest in history, performs hits such as 'Voodoo Chile' and 'Purple Haze'.

'For us, of course, it's about keeping Jimi authentically correct,' Janie Hendrix told Billboard magazine, adding: 'There are no absolutes at this point.'

Other stars who may soon return to be making an unexpected return to the tour circuit include Marilyn Monroe, The Doors and Elvis, who still remains one of music's most enduring figures despite his death in 1977.

The creation these virtual performances uses a combination of modern 3D projection with a technique first developed for Victorian theatre houses known as Pepper's ghost.

The illusionary trick uses a series of mirrors to reflect the image off an invisible on-stage screen, which creates the moving 'ghost' seen by the audience.

Speaking earlier this year, James Rock, director of Musion, said: 'It's an ongoing process but the technology just gets better and better.

'When people cotton on to what can be done, I'm certain we'll see a lot more instances of deceased performers being brought back to life. Obviously there are issues with the estate and licensing the content from them but the technology is there.' Although the technology means the acts can walk across the stage while performing along with their tracks, improvisation will be impossible.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Elvis' estate had given permission for his image to be developed into a Presley hologram for shows, as well as film and TV a appearances.

Those behind the scheme say the concerts will be far from wooden recreations of past footage.

'This is not repurposing old footage that the world has already seen,' Ed Ulbrich, the chief executive of Digital Domain, the firm behind the virtual Elvis project. 'We're making totally original and exclusive performances so that fans can have new experiences.' Those managing the legacy of other musical legends have also shown an interest in the technology.

Jeff Jampol, who manages The Doors as well as the estates of Otis Redding and Janis Joplin, said: 'We're trying to get to a point where 3D characters will walk around.' He added: '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.'

New Jimi Hendrix album to be released





Twelve previously unreleased Jimi Hendrix tracks are to be released on a new album next year.

The late musician's website revealed the songs on People, Hell and Angels were recorded in 1968 and 1969.

It is thought Hendrix had intended them for First Days Of The New Rising Sun, his follow-up to Electric Ladyland, which he was working on when he died.

The album is due to be released in the US on 5 March, although a UK release date has yet to be set.

Hendrix's website said the tracks suggest "new, experimental directions", as he worked on material separate from the Jimi Hendrix Experience.

It added he explored "fresh diversions from his legendary guitar work", trying out horns, keyboards, percussion and a second guitar.

Rolling Stone magazine revealed the album's cover artwork on Wednesday.

Hendrix is also about to hit cinemas around the world, with his set from the 1969 Woodstock festival released later this month.

It will be screened at more than 30 cinemas across the UK from 29 November to celebrate 70 years since the musician's birth.

The reassembled archive footage captures Hendrix premiering a new band and performing tracks such as Voodoo Child (Slight Return), Fire, Purple Haze and a rendition of Star Spangled Banner.