ABBA's Björn gives sad update on ABBA Voyage weeks after show refresh
Former ABBA member Björn Ulvaeus has shared an update on the band's virtual concert residency following the third anniversary of its launch earlier this year. He was asked about the future of ABBA Voyage in an interview this week.
It opened at the purpose-built ABBA Arena in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London in 2022. The residency features digital avatars of Björn, 80, and his three former bandmates Anni-Frid Lyngstad, 79, Benny Andersson, 78, and Agnetha Fältskog, 75, alongside a 10-piece live band.
ABBA Voyage, which features songs like Mamma Mia and Dancing Queen, is currently allowing fans to book tickets up to early January next year on its website. Björn was asked about its future in an interview broadcast earlier today.
The singer-songwriter was interviewed this morning by Jane Mulkerrins on Times Radio. Looking ahead to the future, she asked him if the ongoing residency will continue, if it's still going by that point, when a member of ABBA dies.
Björn revealed that he wasn't sure, saying that he "hadn't thought" about that scenario before. He told radio host Jane that he would need to speak to Anni-Frid, known as Frida, Benny and Agnetha to make a decision on the matter.
Responding to the question, he said: "That's a question I've never had before ... I honestly don't know, hadn't thought about that. It's good you raise that question - I'll talk to the others about that as we need to decide beforehand between us if it's okay for all four of us to go on after we're gone."
His comment comes after ABBA Voyage relaunched earlier this year with four songs added to the setlist. The purpose-built stadium closed its door in May, ahead of the third anniversary of its launch, as updates took place for the show.
ABBA, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with their song Waterloo, said that they wanted to add "a little something" to the concert for the special occasion. The update saw the Name of the Game, Super Trouper, Money, Money, Money and Take a Chance on Me added to the setlist.
In a joint statement issued at the time, Björn, Frida, Benny and Agnetha said to fans: "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."
They added: "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)."
The former bandmates concluded by revealing that the new version of the show would launch in late May. They said: "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!"
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