Abba Voyage relaunches with huge changes including four 'forgotten' songs added
Abba Voyage has undergone a dazzling makeover with four new songs added to the setlist. After thrilling fans for three years, the purpose-built stadium closed its doors in May while preparations got underway to transform the show that celebrates the Swedish supergroup.
Abba Voyage - which features lifelike avatars of the Eurovision winners - has been visited by millions fans since it opened To mark the three year anniversary on May 27, the show has undergone a dazzling revamp. As before, the show features an unbeatable run of hits from Waterloo to Mama Mia to keep devoted fans happy.
Speaking about the new changes, the band said in a rare statement: "When we first opened, we never imagined that we'd still be in London 3 years on. We're very grateful that so many of you have joined us. Of course, the reason for us being able to sustain our concert for so long is because of our incredible audience. As we say in Sweden… Vilken resa!"
Speaking at the event, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, who was joined by Benny Andersson told fans: "The only thing that I can say is that I love you very much, thank you for all your support over the years. It's hard to imagine it's 50 years now. I'm turning 80 this year! I love you, thank you," as the crowd erupted into cheer for the music legend.
Fans can now enjoy, The Name of the Game, Super Trouper, Money Money Money and Take A Chance on Me.
Abba were thrust into the spotlight after winning the Eurovision Song Contest back in 1974 and over 50 years later their music continues to delight fans all over the world. The state of the art custom-built venue has given fans the chance to see the band like never before with lifelike creations of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.
The show features younger 'Abba-tars' of the Swedish group performing songs from their back catalogue alongside a live 10-piece band. It has been going since 2022 in London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
In a joint statement, Abba members Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Agnetha Faltskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad said: 'When we first opened, we never imagined that we'd still be in London three years on. We're very grateful that so many of you have joined us.
'Of course, the reason for us being able to sustain our concert for so long is because of our incredible audience. As we say in Sweden … Vilken resa! (what a journey in English).
'So, to celebrate we'll be adding a little something to our concert from the 27th of May to thank you for your love and support. We hope you enjoy it!'
The concerts have generated £1.4 billion in turnover – meaning total sales and spending by those who visited – in its first two years, according to the consultancy.
The report also estimates nearly £775 million in gross value added to the UK economy, which is worked out by calculating the total generated from sales, minus production and other operational costs.
The arena, which seats 3,000 people, was designed to be portable, meaning it can be taken down and relocated elsewhere once the show runs its course.
After winning the Eurovision Song Contest with hit song Waterloo on April 6 1974, the band went on to have a string of chart-toppers including Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!, Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, The Winner Takes It All and Mamma Mia!
The group split in 1982 after 10 years but reunited and released their first new music in almost 40 years with their ninth studio album Voyage in 2021, which topped the UK album charts.
The musical Mamma Mia!, based on their song catalogue, premiered in London in 1999 and became a worldwide hit – leading to two movies, 2008's Mamma Mia! and 2018's Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
The launch party comes after the band were dealt a blow last week when it was revealed their talented sound engineer, Michael B. Tretow, had diedat the age of 80. After being chosen by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson to be their sound engineer in 1970, Michael worked on all of the 'Waterloo' hitmakers' albums except for 2021's 'Voyage'.
In a touching tribute, Björn Ulvaeus said the way he shaped their sound 'cannot be overestimated.' Benny Andersson said: 'You meant more to us four in ABBA than anyone else. I hope and believe that you felt it throughout all the years that have passed since we worked (and continuously laughed) in the studio. Our music lives on, it seems, and you are the one who made it timeless. You were a fantastic inspirer and joy-maker, and the finest sound engineer the world has ever seen. I miss you. And I've saved all your coconuts!'
Anni-Frid Lyngstad said: 'No one fit the bill as well as you. For us, you are forever part of the ABBA sound and you will never be forgotten.' Fourth band member, Agnetha Fältskog, recalled spending time with Michael just recently.
She reflected: 'So glad I got to spend some time with you a few weeks ago… You were so sick, but your laughter and humour were still there.
'So many memories are preserved, your encouraging words during the recordings meant so much. We are sad now, a talented and unique person has left us. Sleep well Micke, you are in our hearts forever.'
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