Nicole Zabaleta
Music legend Elton John announces in an unparalleled way his farewell to the stage. Among his repertoire of music mixed with virtual reality revealing his last upcoming tour “Farewell Yellow Brick Road”. With a list of 300 dates taking about three years to finish. This will be the end of his shows since he already announced his retirement.
The video was revealed during an event held at Gotham Hall in New York City. We can add that more than 100 journalists with their Samsung Gear headphones were part of the worldwide broadcast audience to embark on a VR journey. The event culminated with a short live performance by Sir Elton John himself.
Elton John Always Going Big
On YouTube, you can appreciate the six-minute virtual reality video. It can also be watched in Google Cardboard or Google Daydream, as well as in the normal 2D video.
The video begins with John’s first American show on 1970 in the Troubadour in New York. It’s marvelous to relive Elton John’s first presentation. It makes us feel that we are there. Also, in his legendary concert at Dodgers Stadium since 1975. Although there were no VR cameras to capture those moments, Elton went to the Spinifex special effects assistants to recreate it.
Sir Elton in 3D
Using a series of combinations of motion capture and CGI, Spinifex was able to give life to John’s career. Using a double of the singer to recreate his younger self. “It was one of the most amazing parts of the process. We had done the green screen session, and we filmed the troubadour on August 25 of last year. Its opening show was only two blocks away from the road,” said the CEO of Spinifex, Ben Casey.
The team in charge of this arduous but exciting task had to recreate all the ensemble of the iconic singer. Also, the long evolution of the singular glasses that change through the ages. Without passing even a sequin. Sir Elton himself even participated in the motion capture. He played 10 songs on the piano.
“This is not just technology by technology. The digital assets that we are capturing and creating will spread the magic of Elton for generations to come,” said Casey. “Great songs stand the test of time and we believe that reviving them in this way will allow people within 50 years to discover and experience the full impact of Elton’s music.”
