Elvis to Make Comeback via AI in London Concert

Portrait of American singer and actor Elvis Presley (1935–1977) holding a 1965 Gibson EBS-1250 Double Bass (a combined 6-string and bass guitar), circa 1966. Elvis is seen playing the guitar in his 1966 film, “Spinout.” (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Elvis may have left the building in both the figurative and literal sense, but the late “king of rock ‘n’ roll” is set to return for another concert by way of artificial intelligence.

That’s according to a report by Variety, which said this week that a holographic AI version of the singer will take the stage in London this November in a show called “Elvis Evolution.”

The show will feature a life-sized digital Elvis sharing his most iconic songs and moves.

U.K.-based company Layered Reality is behind the production and says it’s bringing it for the very first time to a U.K. stage, describing it as “a major new show celebrating the world’s biggest star of stage and screen, Elvis Presley, with a jaw-dropping concert finale and a personal invite to the after party.”

“A life sized digital Elvis will share his most iconic songs and moves for the very first time on a U.K. stage. Elvis fans can look forward to a memory-making experience like no other,” the company said, noting that through AI and groundbreaking technology, viewers will be able to witness iconic Elvis performances as if they were really there, and celebrate defining moments in his life and career.

“The show peaks with a concert experience that will recreate the seismic impact of seeing Elvis live for a whole new generation of fans, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy,” the company added.

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The production will take place at a yet-to-be-confirmed central London venue.

Layered Reality is behind such shows as “Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds: The Immersive Experience” and “The Gunpowder Plot.” It’s known for melding technology and theatrical elements with projection, augmented reality, and multi-sensory effects. According to its website, it “combines the latest in virtual reality, projection mapping, and volumetric holograms together with live theatre plus real physical sensations to create a unique immersive experience that is truly memorable.”

Deal Brokered Through Presley Estate

The company was able to garner a deal with Presley’s estate owner, Authentic Brands Group, in order to make the show. It also plans to bring the AI concert to Las Vegas, Berlin, and Tokyo.

“‘Elvis Evolution’ is a next-generation tribute to the musical legend that is Elvis Presley,” said Andrew McGuinness, founder and chief executive of Layered Reality.

“Elvis maintains superstar status globally and people around the world no longer want to sit there and passively receive entertainment – they want to be a part of it. It’ll be a memory-making experience that will be a bucket list item for Elvis fans and admirers around the world; people can step into the world of Elvis, walk in his shoes and celebrate his extraordinary musical legacy.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with Layered Reality to give fans a new, immersive way of experiencing Elvis Presley’s life and legacy,” said Marc Rosen, president of entertainment at Authentic Brands Group.

American popular singer and film star Elvis Presley (1935 - 1977) was the undisputed 'king of rock ‘n’ roll' to his fans. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

Presley, who died in 1977 at the age of 42, is one of the highest-selling music artists of all time.

The show comes after the late singer has been spotlighted recently, first with the release in 2022 of Baz Luhrmann’s Oscar-nominated and BAFTA and Golden Globe-winning “Elvis” and 2023’s Venice-winning “Priscilla,” which chronicles the relationship between Priscilla Beaulieu and Presley.

In terms of deceased celebrities being brought back to life through AI, this isn’t the first time. Legendary actor Jimmy Stewart, known for his distinctive voice and talking style, has come back to life for a “sleep story” from the subscription-based wellness app Calm, as reported by Breitbart.