Zappa Hologram: The Saga Continues

The Zappa Family Trust is teaming up with the hologram production company Eyellusion to give Frank Zappa’s loyal fans one more chance to see the man onstage.

Image courtesy of Eyellusion – Zappa Hologram
A poster for the Frank Zappa hologram tour.

There are no dates for the tour yet, but it will feature some of his popular tunes as well as some of his unheard material. The tour may also include appearances by Zappa collaborators like Steve Vai, Ian Underwood, Arthur Barrow and more.

The Zappa family has been through some public disagreements since Frank’s death. Specifically, the brothers Ahmet, co-trustee of the Zappa Family Trust, and Dweezil, a renowned guitar player in his own right, have publicly feuded over rights to use their father’s name, likeness and music. So the following quote from Ahmet takes on even more significance: “How radical would it be to have Moon singing ‘Valley Girl’ onstage with Frank? Or to see Dweezil side by side with our father playing dueling guitar solos? That would be my greatest wish and I look forward to bringing this special celebration of Frank’s legacy to a town near you.”

Eyellusion is the same company that developed the hologram for Ronnie James Dio that premiered at this year’s Pollstar Awards ceremony. 

Check out the video of Hologram Dio’s performance at the awards show and click here for the story on that hologram’s tour.

Update:  Denny Walley is the latest of artists to state unequivocally that he will not be participating in the Zappa hologram tour. “I feel Frank Zappa’s presence every time I pick up my guitar. I see him with both eyes closed. I stood on stage with flesh & blood Frank Zappa. No hollow gram for me. I’m good,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

Based on tweets from Dweezil’s Twitter page, he does not plan on taking part in the hologram tour. Dweezil also confirmed Sept. 22 that his name was used in the press release without his permission. Dweezil’s booking agent told Pollstar that he has “no interest in performing or participating in any way with an artificial version of his dad.” 

In response to a fan who said, “I can’t believe what Moon is doing,” apparently referring to her mention in the hologram press release, Dweezil indicated that Moon will not be involved in the tour either. He tweeted Sept. 22, “Perhaps you meant to refer to ahmet and diva? Moon is doing well.” 

Adrian Belew said on social media he will also not be participating.

Pollstar reached out to Ahmet Zappa’s representatives, who said he meant what he said in the original quote with regard to the invitation to Dweezil.