Freddie Mercury could be the next artist in line to 'appear' onstage as a hologram - if Queen get their way.

The Tupac effect could well ripple through pop's pantheon of icons. 'Appearing' onstage at Coachella, the stunt drew global attention and immediately opened up the possibility of other stars being resurrected.

Now it seems that Freddie Mercury is the next in line. Speaking to BBC News, Queen guitarist Brian May indicated that discussions are already well underway to bring the iconic frontman back to the stage.

May explained that the new "effect" was not a hologram, but rather "an optical illusion of sorts". He added: "People will come out saying, 'did we actually see Freddie?'"

Brian May admitted that Queen's plans had been somewhat put in the shade by Tupac's appearance at Coachella. "It's a little unfortunate they did that thing with Tupac as we've been trying to make Freddie appear on the stage for quite a while," he said.

The technique is set to be unveiled during a special performance of We Will Rock You, taking place at London's Dominion Theatre tonight (May 14th).

"(That technique) is something we've looked at ourselves but I think probably for a show that runs eight shows a week it's not really quite practical" the guitarist finished.

Here's Queen at Live Aid.