He passed away in 1988, but on October 18 a hologram of the late entertainer will be playing the Pabst Theater. BASE Hologram is presenting the show titled "In Dreams: Roy Orbison in Concert-The Hologram Tour." The tour’s international dates sold over 35,000 tickets leading to additional dates being added into 2019. Should be weird.
Following record-breaking sales across Europe, the production is being directed by Eric Schaeffer (Broadway’s "Million Dollar Quartet") and presented through theatrical stagecraft, to recreate the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame icon through cutting edge holographic laser imaging as he performs newly recorded, never-before-heard, digitally remastered arrangements of his classics, backed by a live orchestra.
“Our goal for this type of show is not just to play in major metropolitan cities, but to bring this experience to a variety of markets, regardless of size,” said Brian Becker, Founder & CEO, BASE Entertainment and BASE Hologram. “Roy loved playing smaller more intimate venues because he loved having that type of connection with fans. We also want to give fans across the globe the unique opportunity to once again experience the legend who continues to be a pivotal force in Rock ‘n’ Roll music and ensure that people in every city, in every type of venue, have a chance to witness what we truly believe is the future of live entertainment.”
Known for his distinctive, impassioned voice, complex compositions, and dark emotional ballads, many critics describe Orbison’s music as operatic, naming him “The Caruso of Rock." Between 1960 and 1964, 22 of his songs placed on the Billboard Top 40, which paved the way for his successful career, marked by entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and making him one of the top 100 artists of all time.
The tour’s initial international dates resulted in over 35,000 tickets sold with nearly every date being completely sold out – leading to additional dates being added for 2019.
Universally recognized as one of the great music legends and praised by everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Elvis Presley, Orbison’s catalogue includes such chart-toppers as "Oh, Pretty Woman," "You Got It," "Only The Lonely," "Crying," "I Drove All Night," "It’s Over" and "In Dreams." This tour will allow fans old and new to get the chance to experience one of the most iconic and revered figures in the history of the medium in a spectacular and thrilling new way as Orbison and his trademark three-octave range voice come back to the stage he commanded for decades.
“Roy’s musicianship along with his original and unique sound, raw intensity and honesty made him a force in the music scene and he continues to influence today’s younger generation,” said the show’s director Eric Schaeffer. “Combining the artistry of Roy with the ground-breaking realism of the hologram technology and the live elements of a full orchestra creates a whole new experience to share with all fans around the world.”
Orbison’s impact continues today as the newly released album, "A Love So Beautiful: Roy Orbison With the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra," has quickly skyrocketed up the UK and Australia music charts. Recorded at the historic Abbey Road Studios along with contributions from Roy’s three sons and grandson, the album was a global success when it was released last November (including approaching platinum status in the UK) that a sequel is currently in the works.