A world tour featuring the hologram of late legendary metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio is currently being planned with an eye toward launching it towards the end of the year, according to the CEO of the company behind the hologram technology.
The tour will feature the hologram appearing with the Dio Disciples, which includes Ronnie's former bandmates Craig Goldy, Simon Wright and Scott Warren, along with former Judas Priest singer Tim "Ripper" Owens and Yngwie Malmsteen bassist Bjorn Englen.
The hologram made its debut during the annual Wacken Open Air festival in Germany last year and was again seen during the Pollstar Awards in Los Angeles earlier this year.
Jeff Pezzuti, the CEO of Eyellusion, the company that developed the hologram revealed during an interview that plans are being made for a world tour that will begin towards the end of 2017.
He said, "The tour is currently being worked on and we are hoping to make an announcement for an end of year kick-off in the coming months. This is not just about the United States. It is truly a world tour.
Ronnie's fans are spread around the world and we intend to bring this exciting show to as many as we can.
The show will not only feature Ronnie and his band but also live singers like Tim "Ripper" Owens [Judas Priest] and others to complete the overall show vision. The show will feature effects and stage design that Ronnie made famous in the '80s and will also incorporate new technology into what will be some pretty awesome special effects.
It will be a fun experience for all ages, and a way to experience the incredible catalogue of music [Rainbow/Black Sabbath/Dio] that Ronnie made famous. We will feature both the expected songs, as well as some crowd favourites that will be surprises."
The show will feature live singers/band alongside the hologram version of the master of the devil horns himself RJD. Dio’s image will appear during songs, adding in his famous vocals, there will also be duets and much more.
The show has the approval of Ronnie’s widow Wendy and that will make fans realise just how special this will be as a show. Wendy controls her late husband’s estate with an iron fist and does not let anything bear his name, likeness, or music unless she approves.
This is why Def Leppard’s Vivian Campbell and others were forced to perform as Last In line during their live shows. Only performing the album’s they were a part of.
There have been some very successful hologram tours in recent years including ones dedicated to Tupac and Michael Jackson.
Heavy rock fans will be chomping at the bit for these shows when they go on sale.
