George Michael’s Hologram Tour Raises Ethical Concerns

The estate of the late pop star George Michael has revealed plans for the iconic singer to return to the stage as a hologram.

Michael died on December 25, 2016, at the age of 53, due to dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and a fatty liver. Despite his death, Michael’s estate has continued to generate substantial income, and new accounts from his company project a rise in earnings due to the planned hologram performances.

According to official documents filed in the U.K., Michael’s hologram will resume “live public performances” as early as next year, an announcement that has raised questions about the ethics of posthumous concerts.

Michael’s former Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley was enthusiastic about the idea of a return to the stage via hologram. However, Ridgeley admitted he questioned the ethics of using Michael’s likeness and emphasized that any decision would be made in consultation with the estate.

Michael’s ex-manager, David Austin, revealed that the singer had explored the possibility of a hologram replica while he was still alive. However, the idea was abandoned due to the perceived inadequacy of the available hologram technology at that time. The decision to proceed with a hologram tour indicates a shift in perspective, as the value of Michael’s estate has doubled to approximately $38 million.

Critics of hologram tours point out that the technology has limitations and may fail to engage audiences fully – once the initial novelty wears off, people may become disinterested and distracted. The Tupac Shakir hologram failed to capture sustained audience attention and is often cited to support these concerns.

Despite these reservations, Michael’s popularity has soared in recent years. Documents filed by Michael’s Nobby’s Hobbies Holdings firm revealed that his estate earned $64,000 per day last year. The Wham! documentary garnered widespread acclaim, and his classic holiday song “Last Christmas” topped the charts in the festive season, 39 years after its original release.

In 2018, the late singer’s boyfriend, Fadi Fawaz, sold off Michael’s possessions, claiming he was “broke.”