At Wiltern, video saves a radio star

Paul Oakenfold’s debut artist album, “Bunkka,” is a variation on the duets idea, with an eclectic array of vocalists, from Perry Farrell to Tiff Lacey, taking their turn playing Gwen Stefani to Oakenfold’s Moby.

Although that works fine in a studio, the British superstar DJ had to address the challenge of how to re-create it live. Oakenfold, who wrapped up his first tour with a band at the Wiltern on Saturday night, settled on a giant video screen, projecting images of the vocalists.

After an hourlong DJ set, Oakenfold (a.k.a. Oakey), positioned behind a low-rising wall of computers and keyboards, returned to the stage. With guitarist/bassist Tim Hutton on the right, drummer John Tonks on the left, and an Imax-size screen behind him, Oakenfold opened with the new album’s “Time of Your Life.” The band raced through the fast-paced dance beats while a larger-than-life Farrell filled the screen.

The video, if anything, was too compelling. During the first few numbers, the images dominated. So much so that it was almost jarring to look on stage and see live musicians. Thankfully, things turned around early, due to a surprisingly compelling guest appearance by Crazy Town’s Shifty Shellshock. The hard rock singer/rapper belted out the chorus to Oakenfold’s current radio hit, “Ready Steady Go,” then re-created his vocal turn on the jangly, warm “Starry-Eyed Surprise.”

Hutton also handled vocals on a couple of tracks. That human element seemed especially important, as it was a risky endeavor for Oakenfold to tour without the actual singers.

Ultimately, he pulled it off, however, finding just the right mix of man and digital man.