The idea of a holographic performer appearing on stage has captured the public imagination since the famous "resurrection" of Tupac Shakur at Coachella in 2012. While that performance actually used a technique called Pepper's Ghost -- a reflection trick that dates back to the 19th century -- genuine advances in display technology are bringing the idea of convincing holographic performances closer to reality.
What we mean by holograms
It is worth clarifying what "holographic" means in the context of live events, because the term is often used loosely. True holograms -- three-dimensional images created by the interference of light beams -- exist in laboratory settings but are not yet practical for large-scale live performance. What the events industry typically refers to as holograms are actually sophisticated projection techniques that create the illusion of three-dimensional images.
The most common technique, Pepper's Ghost, projects a 2D image onto a transparent screen (typically a thin foil) at an angle, creating an illusion of a three-dimensional figure on stage. Modern versions of this technique use high-resolution LED screens and precision optics to create impressively convincing illusions, particularly in controlled lighting conditions.
Newer technologies are pushing beyond Pepper's Ghost. Volumetric displays, which create genuine 3D images visible from multiple angles, are advancing rapidly. Laser-based systems that project images into mid-air by heating tiny volumes of air to create glowing points of light have been demonstrated in laboratory settings. While these technologies are not yet ready for large-scale live events, they point towards a future where truly three-dimensional stage images could become possible.
Applications in live events
The potential applications of holographic or holographic-style technology in live events are diverse and exciting. The most headline-grabbing is the virtual performance -- a deceased or unavailable artist appearing on stage as a lifelike image. ABBA Voyage, the residency show in London where digital versions of the band perform to a live audience, represents the current state of the art. While not strictly holographic (it uses motion capture and projection onto custom screens), it demonstrates the audience appetite for high-quality virtual performances.
Beyond virtual performers, holographic technology could enhance live performances in numerous ways. Visual effects that interact with live performers -- holographic animals, environments, or abstract visuals that share the stage with real people -- could create spectacular visual experiences without the constraints of physical set pieces.
Product launches and corporate events could use holographic presentations to showcase products in three dimensions, allowing audiences to see objects from all angles without physical prototypes. Conference keynotes could feature remote speakers appearing as lifelike holograms on stage, combining the engagement of in-person presentation with the convenience of remote participation.
Theatre and dance could explore entirely new forms of storytelling, combining live performers with holographic elements to create scenes and environments that would be impossible with conventional staging. A character could interact with a holographic version of themselves, walk through holographic landscapes, or share the stage with virtual creatures.
The ABBA Voyage precedent
ABBA Voyage, which opened in London in 2022, is the most significant commercial deployment of virtual performance technology to date. The show uses motion-captured performances of the four ABBA members, rendered in real time and projected onto a purpose-built stage with a live band. The show has been a commercial success, running for years and attracting audiences from around the world.
The success of ABBA Voyage has demonstrated several things. First, audiences are willing to pay premium prices for high-quality virtual performances. Second, the technology, while expensive to develop, can generate substantial returns over an extended run. Third, there is a genuine emotional response to seeing beloved artists perform, even when the audience knows they are watching a digital representation.
Whether this model can be replicated for other artists and in other formats remains to be seen. The ABBA Voyage show benefited from an exceptionally strong catalogue of songs, a massive global fanbase, and a purpose-built venue in one of the world's most visited cities. Not every virtual performance will have these advantages.
Ethical considerations
The use of holographic technology to create virtual performances raises ethical questions that the industry is still grappling with. The creation of virtual performances by deceased artists, in particular, has been controversial. Who has the right to authorise such performances? How should the artist's estate, family, and creative legacy be respected? Is it appropriate to create new performances that the artist themselves never gave?
These questions have no easy answers and will likely be resolved differently in different cases. Clear consent mechanisms -- ideally established during the artist's lifetime -- and respectful creative approaches are essential. The alternative -- a free-for-all in which any deceased artist can be virtually resurrected for commercial purposes without meaningful oversight -- would be ethically troubling.
For living artists, virtual performance technology raises different questions. Could an artist license their likeness for virtual shows while they continue to perform live elsewhere? Could virtual performances cannibalise demand for live shows? The economic and creative implications are complex and largely untested.
Technical and commercial realities
The current reality of holographic technology for events is that it remains expensive, technically demanding, and limited in its capabilities. Creating a convincing holographic-style performance requires significant investment in motion capture, rendering, projection equipment, and venue design. The results can be impressive, but they are not yet at the point where a holographic figure is indistinguishable from a real person.
As technology advances and costs decrease, more events will be able to incorporate holographic elements into their productions. But widespread adoption will depend on whether the technology can deliver experiences that justify the investment -- and whether audiences continue to value the authenticity and spontaneity of real, live performance alongside the spectacle of virtual alternatives.
The future of holographic technology at events is bright, but it is a complement to live performance, not a replacement. The magic of being in the same room as a real person creating art in real time is something that even the most impressive hologram cannot quite capture.
