HELLO HOLOGRAM HIGHWAY: Virtual Elton Expected to Headline New Vegas Hard Rock


  • A British tabloid reports that Elton John has allegedly inked a seven-figure agreement for a hologram performance at the Hard Rock Las Vegas, which is rising on the former Mirage site.
  • This prospective virtual spectacle is said to employ even more cutting-edge technology than London’s acclaimed ABBA Voyage.
  • No confirmation has been provided by representatives, which contrasts with John’s earlier anti-hologram remarks.
<p>There are whispers that an Elton John hologram will headline one of the newly constructed theaters at Hard Rock Las Vegas (the old Mirage). As per British tabloid <em>The Sun</em>, the iconic musician has reportedly secured a seven-figure contract with the Seminole Tribe of Florida to initiate a high-tech avatar residency on the famed Las Vegas Strip. The Hard Rock is slated to open its doors in the fourth quarter of 2027.</p>

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    <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1200" height="782" src="https://www.casino.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/GettyImages-1438310176.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-389557" srcset="https://www.casino.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/GettyImages-1438310176.jpg 1200w, https://www.casino.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/GettyImages-1438310176-858x559.jpg 858w, https://www.casino.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/GettyImages-1438310176-430x280.jpg 430w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"/>
    <figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Elton John showcases his talent at Allegiant Stadium during the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in November 2022. (Image: Ethan Miller/Getty)</figcaption>
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<p>The anticipated production, positioned closely to Caesars Palace — where Elton enjoyed two of the all-time highest-grossing Las Vegas residencies — is expected to include duets between Elton and avatars of Dua Lipa and Kiki Dee. The leak from <em>The Sun</em> claims that all performances will be rendered using “more advanced” technology than the well-received <em>ABBA Voyage</em> show in London.</p>

<p>The 79-year-old music icon stepped away from touring in 2023 after completing 300 shows of his <em>Farewell Yellow Brick Road</em> tour.</p>

<p><strong>Bennie and the Tech</strong></p>

<p>While <em>The Sun</em> is often credited with breaking significant entertainment stories, its reports typically rely on anonymous insider information that can sometimes be inaccurate. Thus far, neither Hard Rock International nor Elton John’s representatives have confirmed the existence of any such agreement.</p>

<p>Additionally, Elton John has generally expressed skepticism regarding digital performance concepts. During a press conference in January 2018 announcing his retirement tour, he categorically dismissed the notion of a virtual avatar concert.</p>

<p>“That’s the last thing I want,” John remarked. “It’s akin to recording a duet with someone who has passed away.” He humorously added that his heirs might face financial issues, quipping, “Who knows, maybe they’ll go broke and put me back on the f***ing stage.”</p>

<p>Nonetheless, as he has retired from touring, it seems plausible that his camp has reconsidered the concept of a fixed digital residency. The impressive revenue generated by virtual concert platforms presents a viable option for artists facing substantial physical challenges. John has dealt with significant health complications since suffering a severe eye infection while vacationing in France during the summer of 2024, which left him blind in his right eye and with limited vision in his left.</p>

<p>The financial model for this rumored project already exists in Europe. <em>ABBA Voyage</em> has significantly profited the legendary Swedish group since its launch in London in May 2022. This production effectively marries advanced motion capture technology with the band's original studio vocals, allowing digital "Abba-tars" to entertain millions without the aging band members having to physically perform on stage.</p>

Corey Levitan became part of Casino.org in 2022 after an extensive career focused on Las Vegas. He currently covers topics related to entertainment, dining, and gaming news in Las Vegas.

Corey dedicated six years to covering the Vegas Strip for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, where he also authored the most popular humor column in the city’s history. In “Fear and Loafing,” he explored 176 different jobs in Vegas, from poker player to blackjack dealer to Follie Bergere dancer.

With over 100 local, state, and national journalism awards to his name, Corey’s work has also been featured in publications such as Rolling Stone, New York Magazine, and the New York Post.

A New York native, Corey enjoys playing guitar, striving to improve as a husband, and engaging in debates with strangers on Facebook.

Contact Corey at [email protected].



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