Tragic Amy Winehouse lined up for controversial world tour as a hologram

IT is seven years since Amy Winehouse died aged just 27. But that won’t stop the singer’s family putting her back on the road.

Her father Mitch has announced a worldwide tour for Amy next year — as a hologram.

The late singer, above, whose hits included Back To Black, Rehab and Valerie, will be ­digitally remastered on stage for the controversial shows, backed by a live band and singers.

Mitch announced the news yesterday during the Amy Winehouse Foundation’s annual gala at London’s Dorchester hotel.

He said: “As a family, we felt ready to bring Amy’s incredible talent back to the spotlight, give her fans a chance to experience her music again and for new generations to continue  to ­discover her.

“We experienced first-hand how these hologram shows ­celebrate great artists.

“This is a wonderful way to bring focus back to her musical legacy, as well as raising funds for the Amy Winehouse Foundation. All of the money that we get — the Winehouse family — will go  to the Amy Winehouse Foundation, 100 per cent. It’s an incredible way to give Amy’s fans what they want.

“We are excited but at the same time it’s going to be tough for the family.”

The company Base Hologram is behind the show, having  previously brought late 1960s  rocker Roy Orbison and opera star Maria Callas back in hologram form.

Mitch insisted the tour would be   a celebration of Amy’s legacy, raising money for the foundation set up in her name which works to keep youngsters safe from drink and drugs.  The tour is set to begin at the end of next year, with dates to be announced in the months ahead.

The idea was first raised in 2014, when a businessman pitched the idea to Mitch.

Amy’s father said at the time: “No truth in the hologram  story. Utter rubbish, as usual.”

Two years previously, Mitch insisted he had no interest in seeing his daughter digitally recreated on stage. He said at the time: “I can’t watch Amy on TV or listen to her songs. It’s really difficult.”

Amy was an icon and deserves to be fondly remembered as a chart superstar who made a lasting mark on music —   but nobody needs an eerie hologram to make that happen.

Profits are going to Amy’s foundation, but I can’t see such special effects capturing her ­electric personality.

I think I’ll stick with the memories.

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