When the Future Takes the Stage: Why Holograms Are Poised to Transform Live Performance

Imagine standing in an arena, lights dim, the band walks or appears out in full glory, and no, they’re not there. Their digital holograms are. Or perhaps, you’re at home streaming a live show that’s happening simultaneously in five cities, with the artist never having left their studio. This is no longer sci-fi; it’s reality, and it’s transforming how we define a “live performance.”

What’s Driving the Shift

Several technological, economic, and cultural forces are pushing this evolution:

• Advances in visual effects, motion capture, AI, and streaming infrastructure mean that show quality is no longer sacrificed for convenience. The realism is getting better every show.

• The cost and logistics of touring are enormous. Travel, lodging, equipment, staff, logistics, health, everything adds up. Having a virtual or holographic performance can reduce many of those costs while expanding reach.

• Expanded accessibility: people who can’t travel, who live in remote places, or who have mobility issues can still attend.

• Audience expectations: We live in an on demand, digital and visual culture. People expect more immersive, experiential entertainment. Holograms can offer novelty, nostalgia, and spectacle in ways traditional concerts often cannot.

To put numbers behind the trend: the live event holograms market was valued at about USD 4.66 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to USD 16.31 billion by 2030. That kind of growth signals that this isn’t a fad.

ABBA Voyage: The Hologram Concert Done Right

One of the most high-profile examples of hologram or virtual performer success is ABBA Voyage. It’s not quite what many call a hologram show in the purest sense but it embodies the idea: digital replicas, live band accompaniment, a custom arena, and massive audience interest.

• What it is: Digital avatars of the ABBA members as they appeared in 1979, built using motion capture and CGI by Industrial Light & Magic. The vocals are their original ones or re recorded in some cases, and they’re supported on stage by a live 10 piece instrumental band.

• Venue and audience: Shows are held in London in a purpose built venue, the ABBA Arena, seating about 3,000 people. The show runs frequently (seven times a week) and has thus far attracted over 1.5 million ticket sales by September 2023, generating more than USD 150 million in ticket revenue.

• Production scale: It took years of work. ABBA wore motion capture suits and performed to 160 cameras over multiple weeks. The visuals are delivered via high definition LED screens and mixed with advanced lighting and choreography.

• Economic impact: Near perfect attendance, high ticket prices (about £85 or $105 on average), and shows bringing in over USD 2 million per week at peak.

What this demonstrates is that fans will pay for the premium experience, not simply “seeing ABBA” but seeing a crafted spectacle that feels alive, even if the performers are not physically present. It also shows how an artist can perform without being on tour in the traditional sense.

Elvis Evolution (and the Cracks in the Mirror)

Elvis is also being brought back in digital form. The show Elvis Evolution is a newer immersive theatrical experience premiering in London in 2025 that aims to celebrate Elvis Presley’s life and music with a digital replica of him, archival content, and immersive elements.

However, its reception has been mixed and it highlights both the possibilities and pitfalls of hologram shows:

• Expectation vs Delivery: Some audiences expected a hologram performance akin to ABBA Voyage. Others found parts of the show misleading or disappointing, especially where production values didn't meet the hype. In some cases tickets were very expensive, and some attendees argued they were misled about what they would get.

• Authenticity and Emotional Response: When you use existing archival footage, photos, and AI, there’s a question of how “live” the performance feels. Some fans feel a disconnect, especially if the artificiality is more obvious.

• Ethics and rights: Using deceased artists' image, voice, and likeness involves estates, legal rights, and moral questions about consent. Elvis Evolution claims to have access to large archives from his estate.

What the Future Could Look Like

Putting ABBA and Elvis together gives us a kind of roadmap. It shows what is already happening, what is possible, and what needs refinement.

1. Pre recorded, Live Streamed and Multi Location Performances
Artists could record one perfect show or multiple shows, then stream or project it live into multiple venues simultaneously, or offer virtual attendance from home.
This could massively scale reach without the costs of global tours. It also offers more control over quality because the show can be pre mastered.

2. Real Time or Interactive Holograms
As AI and control systems improve, there’s a possibility for partial live performance: the artist controlling a digital hologram from a studio, or interacting with multiple audiences via projection and stream.
Fans could even choose setlists or influence the experience in each venue. Imagine one city gets “Waterloo” as the encore, another gets “Dancing Queen.”

3. Hybrid Models
Some shows may combine live presence with digital support. The artist might be physically on stage in some cities and appear as a hologram in others.
Physical concerts will still matter for the energy and shared experience, but holograms can become a powerful supplement.

4. Democratization and Global Reach
With lower cost barriers, more artists can offer holographic performances.
Fans in regions rarely visited by world tours can finally be included.

5. Possible Drawbacks to Address

• Authenticity and fan sentiment: When the performance feels artificial, emotional impact can drop.

• Cost and production values: High budget productions set high expectations. Poor execution can hurt reputations.

• Legal and ethical issues: Image and voice rights, especially for deceased artists, require careful handling.

• Oversaturation: If every act tries this, the novelty may fade. Audiences may demand higher creative standards.

A New Era, Not a Replacement

While the numbers and examples suggest hologram concerts are a huge opportunity, they’re unlikely to fully replace traditional performances:

• Many fans still cherish the “in the flesh” experience, spontaneous moments, crowd energy, real-time emotion.

• Artists often thrive on live engagement and the energy of performing in new locations.

• Not every artist has the archival content, budget, or brand strength for a high quality hologram experience.

If ABBA Voyage has taught us anything, it’s that the future of live performance doesn’t have to be either-or. It can be both. Holograms can sit alongside traditional tours, offering flexibility and spectacle. They allow artists to deliver consistent, far-reaching shows with fewer constraints while still delivering a real emotional connection.

Elvis Evolution shows that expectations will be high and the risk of disappointment is real, but also that demand for holographic nostalgia is growing.

The stages of tomorrow may be digital, but the feelings and the crowds will still be very real.