It is easy to remember the shock that gripped many across the globe when Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009. Today, six years on, the whole world remembers the phenomenal artist as millions of fans took to social media to celebrate his illustrious career, celebrating a star who stunned the world with his unique sense of style, powerful dance moves and a big heart.
He “moon walked” his way into people’s hearts, a similar effect that other iconic legends like Elvis Presley or Tupac Shakur had on their fans. It is however only a few that got the chance to be resurrected using a computer-generated hologram. This league of extraordinary artists paved the way for other upcoming artists, but six years later, he still reigns as the king of pop.
The man who wanted to be a child forever, had an ensuing comeback when a digitally-recreated Michael Jackson stole the show at the 2014 Billboard music awards. The four-minute performance was a strangely convincing illusion which was carried out with the aid of technological breakthroughs in human animation, facial modelling and visual effects. It was also combined with techniques first pioneered by 19th century magicians.
The spectral Jackson performed “Slave to the Rhythm,” one of the singles from “Xscape,” a new album of subsequently released Jackson music. The back-up dancers were however physically present.
Although this wasn’t welcomed by everyone, it was a chance to reconnect with the musician, getting to see him perform one more time. He sang, danced and even moonwalked across the stage like old times. Emerging successful with this “live” performance test last year, it may have been expected that other dead artists would come alive on stage at shows or subsequent tours, but none just yet as there is no other like Michael.