Roy Orbison's son on his father, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty, Bono, John Cleese, growing up in the Midlands, and Birmingham hologram gig
Roy Orbison's voice is among the most distinctive of all time and the Texan icon is not only regarded among the Greatest Artists Of All Time by Rolling Stone, but is also included in five different halls of fame.
He was best friends with Johnny Cash, mentor to Bono, an inspiration to John Lennon and even formed a supergroup with Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty.
And while Roy died back in 1988, his musical legacy very much still lives on.
Fans will be treated to a 'live' spectacular showcasing an array of the singer/songwriting icon's best-loved hits when the late star returns to the Midlands in the form of a hologram accompanied by The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
Roy Orbison In Dreams comes to Birmingham's Genting Arena on April 9.
The tour follows the release of album A Love So Beautiful, released in November last year by Roy's sons who used old recordings of their father's songs, stripped them back and added in music from The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
And fans can expected even more Roy-related treats, as his family is now looking to open a museum dedicated to his legacy, a musical set to open on Broadway and even a film of his life.
"Though it may seem strange that he’s still very much on people’s minds nearly 30 years after his death, it feels normal to us," says Roy's son Roy Orbison Jr.
"He’s been at the forefront of the music industry for the last 60 years - and now is no different. He’s still kicking in doors all these years later.
"Roy did 150 years of living in 50 years on Earth.
"He was among those who invented rock and roll.
"Roy invented wearing dark sunglasses and dark clothing, with Johnny Cash.
"He even changed copyright laws. His case was part of the rulings which made sampling possible. The case was back in the 80s and even went to the Supreme Court.
"Pretty Woman has been sampled more times than any other song.
"That drum sound on the record is so clear. Whenever I’m in Europe I hear it on songs all the time.
"Roy made a huge contribution to guitar music as a whole in every aspect; from publishing to songwriting.
"We’re very thankful for it.
"There may be people who have sold better, but they’re not more than 25 years dead and still selling.
"Roy goes through generations. He’s been reaching the hearts of teenage girls for the last 60 years.
"He has a very high profile on social media and kids have never been faster or smarter than they are today. The fact he reaches such a young audience may be surprising to older people, but he sang about such timeless topics.
"If you’re a teenage boy and you’ve just lost your girlfriend, and you can’t talk to your parents or your friends… Somehow people just find music which they need at that time. Then they stumble across Crying, and suddenly Roy’s your only friend. It happens every day."
Looking ahead to the hologram tour, Roy Jr says he and his family 'can't wait' for it to reach fans.
"We’re very excited. We’re hugely involved in all different aspects," he says.
"The hologram is amazing and it will be backed with great music. We’ve got his voice on some great songs. And the quality of the hologram is just the icing on the cake. Without Roy’s voice there’s no cake at all.
"The music will be played loudly too - if you play his music loudly in a large auditorium, it takes on a new dimension.
"There’s some fascinating technology being used on the tour.
"The hologram looks great. I’ve been to look at it from all sides too, to make sure it’s angle-free.
"The same thing that has happened to TV over the last 10 years has also happened with holograms.
