Elton John, 79, has reportedly signed a multi-million-pound deal to star as a hologram in a Las Vegas residency, enabling fans to watch him perform even after his death. The show is set to become a headline attraction at the new Hard Rock Hotel, opening next summer, and promises technology more advanced than London's ABBA Voyage.
Digital transformation at Pinewood Studios
According to reports, Elton will film performances later this year at Pinewood Studios before being digitally transformed into a lifelike hologram. He will be joined by Dua Lipa, who collaborated with him on the 2021 hit 'Cold Heart', and Kiki Dee, who recorded 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart' with him nearly 50 years ago.
A source told The Sun: 'Elton, Dua and Kiki will be holograms. It's similar to the ABBA Voyage show in London, but far more advanced as the technology has come on so much. Elton signed a seven-figure deal with Hard Rock. It's a shift away from a traditional residency and is billed as a fully immersive experience. It's going to look phenomenal.'
Contradiction of earlier stance
The project marks a surprising next chapter for Elton, who officially retired from touring after his record-breaking Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in 2023. He still performs occasional one-off shows but has been increasingly selective due to severely limited vision following an eye infection. The hologram deal appears to contradict his 2018 comments to NME, where he told his son Zachary: 'When Daddy dies, promise me there won't be a hologram going around the world doing concerts.' He added: 'It's like doing a duet album with someone who's dead – it's so spooky.' In classic fashion, he also said: 'Who knows – they may go broke and then put me back on the f***ing stage, but I think that's a bit freaky.'
Evolving technology and audience acceptance
At the time, hologram concerts were associated with resurrecting artists like Tupac Shakur. However, the success of ABBA Voyage has shown audiences are willing to pay for digital versions of artists. If reports are accurate, Elton is the latest icon to embrace this future. Metro has contacted representatives for comment.
