INTERVIEW: State Theatre to host concert with holograms of Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly
Photo: Buddy Holly’s hologram image will be part of a special rock ‘n’ roll concert at New Jersey’s State Theatre. Photo courtesy of BASE Hologram / Provided by Metropolitan Entertainment with permission.
For lovers of old-time rock ‘n’ roll, Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison are two singers who defined a generation. Holly’s “That’ll Be the Day” and “Peggy Sue” still play on the radio, while Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman” and “Only the Lonely” have proved immortal. These are but a few of their impressive hits.
Seeing the two in concert is not an experience fans can enjoy anymore, but now thanks to sophisticated hologram technology, likenesses of the two singers will be center stage on The Rock ‘N’ Roll Dream Tour, which pulls into the State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 8 p.m.
The event, which is touring the nation, will feature holographic images of the two singers in front of a live band and backup singers. There will also be remastered audio to hear plenty of the top hits.
The technology comes courtesy of BASE Hologram. Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Marty Tudor, CEO of production for the company, about the concert experience. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
How would you describe this concert experience for audience members who are thinking about buying a ticket?
An extraordinary show with hit after hit after hit!
How complicated is the technology that brings this concert experience to life?
Very complicated proprietary technology driven by digital laser technology.
What is the rehearsal process like for a tour of this kind?
A very complicated mixture of digital artist creation, live musician and stagecraft and precise human interaction that is rehearsed for 12+ weeks.
How many live musicians are on stage?
Seven, including a live band and backup singers.
Do you personally like the music of Orbison and Holly? Are they influences?
Orbison and Holly are part of our musical zeitgeist. I would bet you hear their music on an everyday basis (commercials, TV shows, movies, etc.) …
When did you first fall in love with rock ‘n’ roll?
I fell in love with r&r when I was 12 years old. Seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan and then becoming aware of Roy, Buddy, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis and then on to Cream, Hendrix, Zeppelin, The Who …
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Roy Orbison & Buddy Holly: The Rock ‘N’ Roll Dream Tour plays the State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. Click here for more information and tickets.
