Last night, the world premiere for the 2007 production of ABBA The Show took place at the Royal Albert Hall in London. I was there, and for about two hours, I think I was surrounded by the happiest people on the planet. There have been a few people in my life who are big ABBA fans, but I didn’t realize how hardcore their fan base was until last night at the sold out show.

This was the first time that I had been to the Royal Albert Hall. It’s amazing how intimate and yet large the historical venue is. Beautiful as well. I’ve seen many concerts at the Royal Albert Hall on TV, but I don’t remember seeing an audience quite like the one at the ABBA show. Let me just put it this way – if you’re thinking about buying tickets to one of the shows when they go on tour next year, be prepared for a party atmosphere – and to dance. If you don’t, then you will feel out of place!

The show seemed so authentic, and there were times that I felt like I was in a working wax museum. The costumes, the way that the singers and musicians from Sweden’s Waterloo playing Bjorn, Benny, Agnetha and Frida moved, the songs, the audience reaction – it was as if I was transported in time, back to when ABBA was on tour in the 70’s. This seemed even more surreal when original band members including Ulf Andersson (sax) and Lasse Wellander (guitar) came on stage to play.

There was narration by Matthew Freeman, who was also conducting The National Symphony Orchestra of London. In between sets, he would introduce each era of the ABBA phenomenon – through song and music, periods of when they formed, were on tour, divorce and their 1974 Eurovision win with the infamous, “Waterloo”, costumes and all.

Of course all of the popular ABBA songs were there: “Mamma Mia”, “Dancing Queen”, “Money Money Money”, “Knowing Me Knowing You”, “Take A Chance On Me”, “Voulez Vous”, “Chiquitita”, “Fernando”, “SOS” and more.

Camilla Hedren as Agnetha and Katja Nord as Anni-Frid (Frida) looked and sounded great. The band was top notch as were the backup singers. I’m sure it will be their performance that I’ll remember for a long time whenever I hear ABBA’s music.

If you’re an ABBA fan, not to be missed. Highly recommended.

For more information, go to:

Waterloo Official Website
Flying Music
ABBA The Show
ABBA Official Website

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Read: ABBA The Show review!

You’ve seen the rest, now see the best!! There is no doubt that this is the most authentic ABBA show to date, featuring original band members including Ulf Andersson and Lasse Wellander. It’s like ABBA never left.

ABBA still sells around 2 million records a year – this show packs all their greatest hits into a 2-hour musical extravaganza. ABBA – The Show showcases the music of ABBA from their Eurovision beginnings all the way to major chart success. It is performed by Sweden’s Waterloo, a world renowned group who bring Abba to life, together with The National Symphony Orchestra of London conducted by Matthew Freeman.

ABBA – The Show has had phenomenal success around the globe reaching audiences in India, Spain and the USA, climaxing with a sold-out performance at the famous Hollywood Bowl. This new production for 2007 with even more epic lighting, sound and vision, will have its world premiere at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday 26th September, 2007.

The show always tours with at least one former original band member of Abba. Since the original production started the following members have guest starred: Ulf Andersson – Saxophone, Lasse Wellander – Guitarist, Mats Ronander – Guitarist, Finn Sjoberg – Guitarist, Rutger Gunnarsson – Bass, Ola Brunkert – Drums and Roger Palm – Drums.

The show kicks off at the tail end of the 60s when Bjorn, Benny, Agnetha and Frida meet to play together for the very first time. Throughout the course of the production, the audience is led on a magical journey through the rise and rise of ABBA. Featuring classic songs such as “Waterloo”, “SOS”, “Mamma Mia”, “Dancing Queen”, “Money Money Money”, “Knowing Me Knowing You” and many more, this promises to be the must-see event of 2007.

“Absolutely the best ABBA since ABBA” – Official ABBA Fanclub

September 26th – Royal Albert Hall:
Doors open at 6:30pm, show starts at 7.30pm.
***Standing room only! Sold out Abba the Show has just released 300 standing tickets for just 15 GBP from Flying Music Official Website

Tickets for the tour go on sale Friday 30th March 2007.

For more information go to ABBA – The Show