ABBA Voyage and the soon-to-open Elvis Evolution dominate East London, but Live Odyssey, which celebrates six decades of British Music, is coming to Camden Market.
The immersive two-and-a-half-hour experience opening this May fuses live performances with innovative hologram technology.
The first major exhibition will be dedicated to The Beatles star John Lennon in “an intimate and personal walk-through biography, with stories and never-before-seen-artefacts curated by his sister Julia Baird.”
His sibling, who the late Beatle shares a mother with, will disclose “raw, personal stories of their unorthodox childhood and the family behind a British icon.
The new exhibit offers a chance to “step into his world through multi-sensory storytelling – with soundscapes, rare artefacts, projections, and music bringing this Beatles legend’s legacy to life like never before.”
The announcement teased: “Julia is set to reveal the battle between two strong, self-willed women – John’s mother and his Aunt Mimi – to win custody of John. Mimi finally won and removed John from his mother, aged five. But as John grew up, he would frequently return home – spending time with his mother and half-sisters, learning his love of music from his mother, and hanging out, playing guitar with his childhood friend Paul McCartney. Julia is candid about the sadness as well as the joy of their broken family life. She also details the devastating loss of their mother Julia in a road accident – and describes the painful legacy for the entire family, especially John as he garners extreme fame with the Beatles.”
Lennon’s sister shared: “I’m pleased to tell the inside story of my brother John, at Live Odyssey.”
The announcement continued: “Music fans will go on a two-and-a-half-hour musical adventure that captures the evolution of British music, from the early anthems of the 60s and 70s to the Britpop explosion of the 90s and today’s cutting-edge hits. Fans will get excited from the start as you enter via The Clash steps before moving through 6 different rooms, each immerses guests in a different musical era, recreating the sights, sounds, and cultural moments that defined each decade. There is freedom of movement between the live rooms and adjoining bars in most so people can party all the way through the experience. Live Odyssey closes with a 3D immersive travel through space with star walls and 3D visionary to a Roger Taylor (Queen) song.
“Live Odyssey boasts previously unseen live footage as well as authentic photography from the UK’s vibrant music scene. In addition, there will be heritage items from artists that will be constantly changing including Bowie’s microphone from Glastonbury, leads from Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ recording alongside original album art that includes Beatles magical mystery tour, Kate Bush’s ‘The Whole Story’ and Rolling Stones ‘Slow Rollers’.
“The space features a unique Hologram Room, a cutting-edge space within the attraction that will feature icons from British music history immortalised via a hologram. To mark the launch there is an exclusive holographic performance by The Libertines, one of the UK’s most influential 21st Century acts, known for their raw charisma and exciting live performance. Filmed, in part, in their iconic red military costumes, the hologram show recreates their classic charm while embracing futuristic technology. Unseen behind-the-scenes footage and photography from the holographic shoot will also be unveiled as part of the Live Odyssey experience, giving fans an intimate look at the band’s creative process.”
The announcement added: “Live Odyssey has partnered with Pop Nouveau, holder of one of the largest private collections of music art in the world, to curate the exhibition that will celebrate iconic album and single covers, and unseen artwork that have defined generations of artists. The space features a rotating collection of 3,500 original album and single cover artworks, live art installations, and exclusive prints for sale. A highlight will be the Lennon Wired Exhibition, created by renowned artist James Wilkinson. Each piece in the collection features intricate segments from microphone leads, which was acquired from the sale of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Tittenhurst Park estate. This collection pays tribute to John Lennon’s artistic legacy and eclectic style.
“The exhibition will also include ‘The Tapes WE Left Behind’ – a striking collection that showcases art created from Master Tapes from some of the world’s most iconic musicians, including Queen, David Bowie, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Morrissey and Duran Duran. The live bands are carefully curated using the best musicians in the business paying homage to the best and most iconic artists whilst reworking their songs in a way that befits their legacy. This spectacular music show will stand alone letting the music speak.”
Tickets, which include £25 early birds until March 31, can be purchased here.