Tupac as a Projection at the Coachella Festival

Nearly 16 years after his death, Tupac stood on stage once more. At the Coachella festival in Indio, California, a lifelike figure of the rapper appeared on Sunday, April 15, 2012-shirtless, right in the middle of the headlining set by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg.

A Duet with Snoop After “California Love”

Dre and Snoop had previously played “California Love”. The figure performed “Hail Mary” as well as “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted”, the latter as a duet with Snoop. Guests that evening included Eminem, 50 Cent, Wiz Khalifa, and Kendrick Lamar. Warren G paid tribute to Nate Dogg, who died in 2011.

Technically Impressive, but Disturbing

Rolling Stone found the moment technically impressive, but also strange and disturbing. According to Billboard, the audience reacted partly enthusiastic, partly bewildered. A recording of the duet was viewed more than 3.4 million times in its first week. The German magazine juice spoke of a concert “for eternity” and the craziest moment in recent times.

How the scene was built is detailed in the report on the technology.