logo
Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad reunite for third Abba Voyage anniversary

Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad reunite for third Abba Voyage anniversary

Leader Live28-05-2025

The Swedish musicians, who were married until divorcing a year before the influential pop group split in 1982, were at the arena in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, where fans were treated to new songs added to the Abba Voyage show on Tuesday.
The group, also made up of Agnetha Faltskog and Bjorn Ulvaeus, who tied the knot in 1971 before splitting almost a decade later, 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.'
The new tracks added to the concert's setlist included Abba hits The Name Of The Game, Super Trouper, Money, Money, Money and Take A Chance On Me.
Famous faces including British singers Elvis Costello, Myleene Klass, and Mahalia along with U2 star Adam Clayton, author and Pointless star Richard Osman, comedian Rob Brydon and Poldark actress Eleanor Tomlinson were in the audience, Abba Voyage said.
A post shared by ABBA Voyage (@abbavoyage)
Since opening in May 2022, the series of shows that brings to life younger versions of the Abba members through 'Abba-tars', and a 10-piece live band has had more than three million visitors, and according to consultancy Sound Diplomacy, brought an estimated more than £1 billion to the UK economy.
The concert series was created by the Swedish group, directed by Flashbacks Of A Fool director Baillie Walsh and produced by Svana Gisla and Andersson's son Ludvig Andersson.
Abba were the first Swedish winners of the Eurovision Song Contest, performing hit song Waterloo in 1974 in Brighton.
They have had 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.
Their songs also inspired the musical Mamma Mia!, which began in London in 1999, and became a hit worldwide sensation.
It has resulted in two movies, 2008's Mamma Mia! and 2018's Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
ABBA Voyage is booking until January 2026.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Why Lydia Bright refuses to end bizarre friendship with ex James Argent – despite beauty queen assault and social swipe
Why Lydia Bright refuses to end bizarre friendship with ex James Argent – despite beauty queen assault and social swipe

Scottish Sun

time6 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Why Lydia Bright refuses to end bizarre friendship with ex James Argent – despite beauty queen assault and social swipe

Pals have shared how Lydia reacted after Arg was arrested for attacking his beauty queen ex ARG'S ROCK Why Lydia Bright refuses to end bizarre friendship with ex James Argent – despite beauty queen assault and social swipe HE cheated on her multiple times, sent her abusive messages and at one point she told him: 'I despise you". Yet to the confusion of millions of Towie fans who have followed their journey from lovers, to enemies, and now the best of friends, Lydia Bright is sticking by James Argent after he violently assaulted his Swedish girlfriend Nicoline Artursson. 12 Lydia Bright has stuck by James Argent in the wake of his assault arrest Credit: Instagram 12 James in Spain attending a court 'rehabilitation' programme Credit: BackGrid 12 Argent attacked Nicoline Artursson who had shared a social media post which appeared to take a swipe at his close relationship with Lydia Credit: Doug Seeburg 12 James and Lydia's up and down relationship get Towie viewers hooked for years Credit: Rex A friend who knows both Lydia and Arg very well tells The Sun: 'When it comes to what happened with Arg and Nicoline, Lydia would never condone violence and has made that very clear to James, but she doesn't think that he is a violent man and she knows he deeply regrets the events of that night. "She has stuck by him, even though she doesn't agree with his actions - just as his other mates like Mark Wright have." Caught in the crossfire Lydia found herself publicly dragged into the fallout when a deleted instagram post from Nicoline, shared in the hours before the assault, appeared to take aim at her. Nicoline's social media message - deleted after she posted it to her 32,000 followers around 10:44pm on May 4 - read: 'Is it OK if your boyfriend is talking and hanging out with their ex and the family daily and liking their Instagram posts? The post continued: 'Then your partner blames you for seeing it, now the ex is supposedly their 'best friend'. If you're in a serious relationship you've got to respect your partner and leave the past in the past.' Hours after she deleted the message, disgraced James got into an explosive row with Nicoline and pushed her down some stairs at her apartment in La Cala de Mijas on the Costa del Sol. Quickly arrested and brought to court, Argent received a six-month suspended prison sentence for domestic abuse and was banned from contacting Nicoline. He pleaded guilty to 'mistreating' the former Miss Sweden, who was taken to hospital with horrific injuries. But while many would forgive Lydia for running a mile from her friendship with Arg after this latest scandal, she has remained loyal because, as those in her inner circle tell the Sun, the pair are "more than just mates, they're like family." Why Lydia stayed loyal A pal reveals: 'James and Lydia went through a lot when they were young and in a relationship but despite all the drama - they have stayed the closest of friends. Horrific injuries James Argent inflicted on his beauty queen girlfriend revealed as star avoids jail for horror attack 'There have been rocky moments, but they've both grown up together and there's a bond between them that can't be broken. 'They think of themselves as being kids on Towie, young and silly. Now they're adults and support each other. 'James is very much seen as part of her extended family and is very close to her mum, Debbie, and sister Romana. Their families are very tight knit." Indeed, Lydia becoming a mum to her daughter Loretta, five, who she shares with her ex, Lee Cronin, has only brought her closer with James - who is said to be 'like an uncle' to the little girl. Our insider adds: 'James was thrilled when Lydia became a mum and loves to spend time with her little girl Loretta – he absolutely dotes on her and loves treating her. He wants children one day and is very paternal, like an uncle." 12 James in 'like an uncle' to Lydia's daughter Loretta Credit: Instagram 12 James and Nicoline in happier times before that dark night in May Credit: Instagram @real_arg His darkest hours Lydia has also been Arg's rock at every testing time in his life including his long battle with obesity and drug addiction. When he revealed that he feared eating himself to death as his weight skyrocketed to 27st during his lowest ebb, later enduring several stints in rehab, Lydia was always there for him. 'Lydia's been a constant to James during his struggles with his weight and when he was losing himself to drugs," says a pal. 'She's only ever wanted the best for James and when he's been at rock bottom, she's always been there to lift him back up. "She sees the best in him - and knows what he's really like as a person and says he has a very good heart." Of course, those in James and Lydia's orbit often thought the childhood sweethearts would one day find their way back to each other romantically. 'There was a time when people thought James wanted Lydia back - it's obvious he does think about what their life could have been like if they stayed together. 12 At one point James weight rose to 27 stone Credit: The Mega Agency 12 He also has been open about his battle with drugs - which Lydia also supported him through Credit: Rex Features 'But that ship has sailed - James values the friendship so highly, it's the same for her. 'They speak regularly and see each other as much as they can - it's the same with James with Lydia's family. He'll pop in for a cuppa with Debbie and she sees him like a surrogate son.' The list of women he cheated with Arg and Lydia's love story started off screen nearly two decades ago when they were teens and their drama-filled romance made legendary TV on the ITVBe show - gripping viewers with its constant twists and turns. Both were OG cast members and viewers were completely gripped by their love story. During one iconic episode he bought her Mr Darcy for Christmas - a pet 'micro' pig which ended up growing to full size. At one point, the couple were engaged and planned to move in together but were hit by a series of cheating scandals and fall outs - in one scene Arg had to read a list of people he'd cheated with. He admitted kissing Amy Childs and bedding Gemma Collins and Lydia, on the same day, on a jaunt to Marbella. Even after multiple breakups (Arg's addictions were blamed for their many woes), they managed to maintain a friendship spanning 18 years. 12 James and Lydia were childhood sweethearts Credit: Getty Images - Getty 12 Their rocky rows played out on Towie Credit: Rex 12 James slept with Gemma Collins and Lydia on the same day, causing a huge drama Credit: Rex Features Fat jibes But there's been a dark side to their union. James was accused of sending vile messages to Lydia, calling her a "sl*t" for sleeping with someone else, after their breakup in 2012. He was later exposed for sending Gemma a series of abusive fat-shaming texts -reportedly referring to her as a "fat joke of a woman," saying she had "more rolls than Greggs." As late as 2020, Gemma revealed Arg had called her a "hippo" and a "fat f**k" when she shared screenshots of the vile abuse on Instagram. Arg and Lydia's relationship timeline The Towie pair go way back with their bond spanning 18 years and ups and downs 2008 : James and Lydia begin dating he was 20 and she was just 18. : James and Lydia begin dating he was 20 and she was just 18. 2010 : Both appear as original cast members on TOWIE, bringing their relationship into the spotlight and under public scrutiny for the first time. : Both appear as original cast members on TOWIE, bringing their relationship into the spotlight and under public scrutiny for the first time. 2012 : The couple end their relationship after five years after Arg allegedly relapses into his cocaine habit. Arg's party lifestyle was a huge source of contention, with most of their rows revolving around him keeping secrets from her and slipping back into his bad ways. : The couple end their relationship after five years after Arg allegedly relapses into his cocaine habit. Arg's party lifestyle was a huge source of contention, with most of their rows revolving around him keeping secrets from her and slipping back into his bad ways. Arg and Gemma Collins begin their romantic relationship in 2012, shortly after Arg's split from Lydia and she begins dating his 'rival' Tom Kilbey. December 2014 : Arg checks himself into The Priory and is rumoured to be spending Christmas in Rehab. : Arg checks himself into The Priory and is rumoured to be spending Christmas in Rehab. 2015 : They rekindle their romance, with their renewed relationship featured on TOWIE : They rekindle their romance, with their renewed relationship featured on TOWIE 2016 : James and Lydia split again, amid claims she caught him on a cocaine binge. : James and Lydia split again, amid claims she caught him on a cocaine binge. 2017 : Lydia discovers that James cheated on her, and it comes to light he slept with both her and Gemma Collins on the same day during a trip to Marbella. : Lydia discovers that James cheated on her, and it comes to light he slept with both her and Gemma Collins on the same day during a trip to Marbella. 2019 : Despite their past, James and Lydia remain friends, with James stating they are "extremely close again" and have kept their renewed friendship "low-key and behind closed doors." : Despite their past, James and Lydia remain friends, with James stating they are "extremely close again" and have kept their renewed friendship "low-key and behind closed doors." 2021 : James expresses fondness for Lydia, acknowledging her support and their enduring friendship. : James expresses fondness for Lydia, acknowledging her support and their enduring friendship. 2023: Lydia confirms that she and James remain good friends, emphasizing the strong bond they share Lydia also spoke about Arg controlling her during their time together saying: ''He could be so jealous and in the end it killed me. 'He was suffocating me and holding me back. He was insecure. He got so scared he was going to lose me he'd say, 'I can't let you do this and I can't let you do that'. 'He didn't even like me going out and every time I did, it was a drama.' 'Sad, lost and insecure' During one scene Lydia told him that she hated him saying: "I don't want us to ever be friends. I don't want you to speak to my friends and family. You made me hate you. When I look at you, I despise you." And she insisted he was 'sad, lost and insecure.' "We were getting a house, getting engaged, but nothing was ever enough for you,' she told him. "I tried to hold your hand through life, I gave you everything. "It's really sad because you give this front that you're this really happy person, loveable Arg but there's something in you that is so sad and lost and insecure.' Friends of the pair insist, however, that this is all water under the bridge and has only made the former couple's bond even stronger. 'Lydia and Arg have been through it all together. They have seen the best of each other, but also the worst of each other, but it's cemented an unbreakable bond between them. 'There is a deep love there that goes beyond any romantic relationship and they will always have each other's back. Lydia might not always agree with everything Arg does, and he has hurt her many times over the years, but she will always be there for, through thick and thin.'

Marcus Rashford ‘grows close' to stunning semi-pro padel player as pair are spotted on swanky St Tropez holiday
Marcus Rashford ‘grows close' to stunning semi-pro padel player as pair are spotted on swanky St Tropez holiday

Scottish Sun

time21 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Marcus Rashford ‘grows close' to stunning semi-pro padel player as pair are spotted on swanky St Tropez holiday

ENGLAND football ace Marcus Rashford appears to have found a real smasher in semi-pro padel star Jaki Palm. The Manchester United star, 27, was this week pictured chatting to the Swedish beauty and a female pal in St Tropez. 7 Marcus Rashford appears to have found a real smasher in semi-pro padel star Jaki Palm 7 Marcus was this week pictured chatting to the Swedish beauty and a female pal in St Tropez Credit: BackGrid 7 Jaki is based in Dubai is understood to have connected with Rashford when he visited in April She was seen in the French resort gazing attentively at the forward who had several chains around his neck. Jaki is based in Dubai is understood to have connected with Rashford when he visited in April. A source said: 'Marcus went to have rehab for a hamstring injury in Dubai and was introduced to Jaki. 'She then joined him with his mates and another woman in St Tropez for a holiday. It's all very casual but Jaki has told her friends she's grown close to him. READ MORE ON RASHFORD FRENCH CONNECTION Utd star Rashford spotted with mystery woman on St Tropez break 'She's being very coy about it. But Marcus is playing the field like young men his age. He is just having fun in the Premier League off-season and he's had a rough time with his hamstring so to see him having a laugh is what the doctor ordered.' Jaki describes herself as an entrepreneur and often shares sexy selfies on her Instagram account, which has 10,000 followers. She also creates content that she says gives her followers 'a front row seat to my padel journey.' On a subscription site for fans, Jaki wrote: 'From epic rallies to behind-the-scenes chaos — follow me for laughs, skills and everything padel.' Padel, a cross between tennis and squash, is one of the world's fastest-growing racket sports. Marcus, who spent last season on loan at Aston Villa, was last linked to Love Island: All Stars' Grace Jackson. Rashford to Inter Milan? Man Utd Star Eyes Shock Serie A Move! She opened up about their complex relationship on the ITV show earlier this year. She said: 'We weren't dating but we were chatting a little and texting. It's difficult because he can't go out and just go on a normal date. 'All these f****g United fans were like commenting, thousands of comments on my pictures, like, 'cause they loved me. 'When the article came out (about them) he scored two goals and he hadn't scored for ages, so they said, 'You fixed him'.' 7 The beauty also creates content that she says gives her followers 'a front row seat to my padel journey' 7 Jaki describes herself as an entrepreneur 7 Jaki often shares sexy selfies on her Instagram account, which has 10,000 followers

Abba singer Björn Ulvaeus teases fans in London with AI-assisted musical
Abba singer Björn Ulvaeus teases fans in London with AI-assisted musical

The Guardian

timea day ago

  • The Guardian

Abba singer Björn Ulvaeus teases fans in London with AI-assisted musical

After bringing a blockbuster hologram version of Abba to a purpose-built venue in east London, Björn Ulvaeus's next technological exploration is a musical that he's written with the help of artificial intelligence. Ulvaeus told an audience at SXSW London that he was 'three-quarters' of the way through writing a new musical which he has created with assistance from AI songwriting tools. He did admit the technology had limitations when it comes to songwriting, saying it was 'lousy at [writing a whole song]' and 'very bad at lyrics' but was helpful whenever the 80-year-old songwriter reached a creative impasse. 'You can prompt a lyric you have written about something, and you're stuck maybe, and you want this song to be in a certain style,' Ulvaeus said. 'You can ask it, how would you extend? Where would you go from here? It usually comes out with garbage, but sometimes there is something in it that gives you another idea.' The use of AI is a hugely contentious issue in the music industry. This year, Dua Lipa and Paul McCartney were among hundreds of artists who signed an open letter urging the prime minister to protect artists' copyright and not 'give our work away' to big tech. Ulvaeus said AI isn't the creative threat but rather a collaborator. 'It's fantastic. It is such a great tool,' he added. 'It is like having another songwriter in the room with a huge reference frame. It is really an extension of your mind. You have access to things that you didn't think of before.' The musical is far from Ulvaeus's first flirtation with technology. Abba Voyage, the concert which launched three years ago in a purpose-built arena that featured digital avatars of the band, has been a huge success and was described as a 'dazzling retro-futurist extravaganza' by the Guardian. It was a risky venture as Pophouse Entertainment, the company behind the project needed to bring in £140m in order to break even. He told the audience at SXSW London that he embraced experimental approaches to songwriting and studio technology much earlier in his career. This experimental approach is characteristic of Ulvaeus's career-long fascination with technological innovation. During his time in Abba, he along with bandmate Benny Andersson 'always wanted the latest thing', and were among the first to use the Mini Moog synthesizer and use digital recording machines in their studio. 'We were always on the lookout for, you know, you would hear a sound on the record. How was that done? And then you get that stuff,' said. The Abba songwriter told the audience that he sees AI as the latest evolution in his career rather than a threat which is how it is perceived by many. 'I actually wake up curious every morning,' Ulvaeus said, explaining the drive that has kept him creating decades after Abba's peak. 'Everything's really after our wanting to try new things.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store