Hologram of Frank Zappa Preparing for “Live” Tour

Known for his progressive music, social satire and political activism, it seems somewhat fitting that a tour featuring a hologram of Frank Zappa, along with members of his former band, is in the works.

Members of musician Frank Zappa’s family recently announced that they are working on recreating a performance of a rock opera originally released in 1979. The Zappa Family Trust has partnered with LA-based production studio Eyellusion and says that they hope to reproduce “Joe’s Garage”—a three-act rock opera, with a hologram emulating the late musician’s parts, according to The Washington Times in “Frank Zappa estate announces posthumous hologram tour.”

“Frank was an innovator and his art transcended so many different mediums,” said Diva Zappa, his youngest daughter and co-trustee of his estate. “He left behind such an extensive body of work and we want to celebrate his music with really creative and unique live hologram productions that will introduce his music to a new generation of fans and let so many that enjoyed his music when he was alive experience it again.”

Some of the rocker’s former bandmates have joined the project. Production is expected to begin within the year, the Zappa estate said.

Born in 1940 and best known for producing and releasing dozens of albums spanning several genres during a long musical career, that included political commentary, Zappa died in 1993 from prostate cancer at the age of 52.

Zappa earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He’s also recognized posthumously for his defense of free speech and opposition to censorship.

Eyellusion previously produced a hologram of late metal singer Ronnie James Dio. That started in 2016, six years after the singer passed away from stomach cancer. Dio’s estate announced in July that his hologram will set out on a world tour later this fall.

Jeff Pezzuti, CEO of Eyellusion, told reporters that he and his team are thrilled to be working with the Zappa family in creating the “live music hologram.” He said that this is a way for fans to experience important music from the past in a concert setting.

Reference: The Washington Times (September 22, 2017) “Frank Zappa estate announces posthumous hologram tour.”