Latest news with #AbbaVoyage
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
My review of Abba Voyage: what was the new setlist like?
So goes the beginning of the song that catapulted Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anni-Frid to fame at the Brighton Dome all those years ago. It also sums up my reaction, to put it mildly, when I saw a man cutting a similar figure to one quarter of pop's greatest group walking my way. Although his hair was now grey, and he was wearing a more demure look compared to the glittery flared jumpsuit of his heyday, it was clear that I was in the presence of music royalty. Me with the back of Benny's head - a brush with stardom (Image: NQ) So how do you think I reacted when, just moments later, Anni-Frid also joined Benny? Only a big occasion could draw half of Abba together – and this turned out to be the third anniversary of Abba Voyage, the ground-breaking show which has arguably changed the future of music concerts forever. Ahead of the milestone show, which saw new tracks like The Name Of The Game, Super Trouper, Money, Money, Money and Take A Chance On Me added, a variety of industry figures enjoyed a tipple and canapes outside the arena at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Anna-Frid and Benny outside the arena (Image: Abba Voyage) While Benny and Anni-Frid were understandably the star attraction, the glitterati were also out to play. During my celeb-spotting I saw Matthew Horne of Gavin and Stacey fame, Richard Arnold off the morning telly sporting an Abba Voyage blazer, Denise Van Outen cutting a rug in a tent dance floor, and (arguably most tantalisingly of all) the back of Ian Beale's head. Suitably lubricated with some Champagne and canapes, I ventured inside to take my seat for the main event. Denise Van Outen and Richard Arnold (Image: Abba Voyage) By now the concept is well established: using cutting-edge motion capture technology and other technical wizardry I won't pretend to understand, the quartet have been turned into digital avatars who can move like they used to back in their heyday. The initial buzz saw diehard fans and the curious alike flock to the purpose-built stadium to size up the spectacle for themselves. But it turns out it was not a one and done novelty experience, having a longevity that has surprised even the founding members. The opening moments of the show (Image: Abba Voyage) '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 said in a statement released after the event. 'Of course, the reason for us being able to sustain our concert for so long is because of our incredible audience.' They certainly showed up in force – a sea of bedazzled outfits, merch and feather boas in front of us in the dance floor area. As the lights went down and the abbatars rose up from 'under' the stage, the crowd erupted in applause and the show was underway. Money, Money, Money was a crowd pleaser (Image: Abba Voyage) I will say I totally understand the hype surrounding the projections themselves – from where they are positioned and the way they move, they do look totally realistic, right down to how Agnetha's dress sashayed during a rousing rendition of Money, Money, Money. The big screens are not quite as breathtakingly uncanny, the close-ups appearing more like high-quality video game characters than the 'real thing'. But the show plays on this with a knowing nod, leaning into rather than against the multimedia aspect. Some amazing lighting effects were deployed (Image: Abba Voyage) At one end of the spectrum, you had live singers and a band performing Does Your Mother Know; at the other, the abbatars danced behind archival performance footage of Waterloo, projected onto sheer fabric screens. There was even an animated film mythologising the band which played during intervals (while the headliners might not need to use the bathroom, the crowd certainly did). How strange it must be to see yourself presented like a god, I thought, as I glanced over to Benny and Anni-Frid in their VIP box. For most of the show the pair were inscrutable, Benny leaning over the railing watching intently with the focus of a director assessing the minutiae of this new incarnation of the show. Benny and Anni-Frid wave at the crowd after the show (Image: NQ) Seeing them, in the flesh, reacting to de-aged holograms of themselves was another fascinating metaphysical layer in the whole experience, and a privilege to boot. Anyway, back to the main event. Starting off with lesser known hits and pared back staging, with the abbatars taking centre stage, this set up a sense we were watching 'proper artists'. But soon enough, the stage exploded into technicolour with 'costume' changes galore. READ MORE: I tried Brighton's first seafood boil restaurant - and it was fishy heaven The abbatars even had some banter with the crowd – the only hint they weren't speaking live being the lack of reaction when the crowd laughed or cheered. Given Agnetha's historical prominence, it was nice to see Anni-Frid take centre stage during several numbers. Her 'speech' dedicating Fernando to her grandmother under starry skies was an emotional touch. The big guns went off, so to speak, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! being a personal favourite which got everyone on their feet. My unexpected favourite moment came from a gasp-worthy transition into Summer Night City, which saw the foursome wear their now-distinctive Abba Voyage spacesuits. The venue in all its glory (Image: NQ) Of the two new songs in Abba's repertoire, Don't Shut Me Down was superior – blending in seamlessly with their imperial back catalogue. Thank You For The Music hinted that the end of the night was drawing close – but there were still two of the band's biggest songs to play. Dancing Queen and The Winner Takes it All, the yin and yang that symbolises Abba's appeal, served as the perfect way to end the performance. In a normal show, the 'surprise' ending which sees contemporised abbatars take a bow would be enough to turn heads. But the gaze of the crowd by this stage was firmly on the real deals behind them, presented to the pair as a sea of phone lights and clapping hands. A sweet exchange saw Anni-Frid giggle nervously when Benny passed her a mic on the fly to give a speech. They mouthed something to each other, and in that moment, it felt the years melted away; you could see a bond forged through a history only the two of them (in that room, at least) could understand. She went with a classic message, thanking the crowd, before declaring 'I'm turning 80 this year', to rapturous applause. (Interestingly, the one time the pair raised their hands in applause themselves was when the live band took their bows.) Cut to the next day, and here I was - back again outside the stadium by Pudding Mill Lane tube station (a name the band were not a fan of, they revealed the night before). It was quiet, all signs of glitz and glamour gone along with the stars. In amongst all the excitement, I'd forgotten to take a photo of myself at the venue for this review. While I struggled to get a half-decent selfie, a lady wearing an Abba necklace and T-shirt came over and offered to take one for me – if I could also do the same for her in return, she said. We got chatting and it turned out she had visited the night before from Amsterdam – but still preserving the Irish lilt of her homeland. Even the slightest mention of what she thought of the show had her welling up with tears, such was the emotional impact. So don't take my word for it – it really does have to be seen to be believed. My room at The Gantry (Image: NQ) During my trip, I stayed at The Gantry Hotel, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. Conveniently located opposite Stratford International tube station, a short ride away from Pudding Mill Lane, this is a great choice for an overnight stay to see the show. With a selection of restaurants, including the STK steakhouse on the rooftop of the building and Union Social for a more casual lunch and dinner, you've also got a nice meal covered too. The lunch menu ranges from small plates to a beef ragu and burger; I tried the former and found it to be meaty and satisfying. The Book of Hedonism lived up to its name (Image: NQ) Preceded by a Book of Hedonism - a caramel cocktail concoction made with a selection of scotch, whisky and rum and served in a smoking book-shaped box - it also had a touch of drama. The room, meanwhile, was well furnished and had fantastic views of Stratford; I'm a sucker for a floor to ceiling window. A comfy deluxe king bed also meant I could rest my weary head after a night to remember.
Metro
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Major Spice Girls tour 'given green light by Victoria' - but there's a twist
The Spice Girls are going to get the Abba Voyage treatment, it is reported. For the uninitiated, this would not entail the real Victoria Beckham, Mel C, Mel B, Emma Bunton, and Geri Halliwell getting up on stage and spicing up our lives, but instead fans would be paying to see digital avatars. The Spice Girls' former manager Simon Fuller has pitched the idea to the band and they are considering it, just as he did with Swedish pop legends Abba nine years ago, The Sun reports. Fans have been waiting for the moment all five women will take to the stage for a big reunion tour, with rumours circulating it could happen in 2026 to coincide with the 30th anniversary of their hit song Wannabe. Partial dreams came true in 2019 when the two Mels, Geri and Emma toured, though Victoria was absent. While VB squashed tour rumours in 2024 saying that it will 'not happen' – it's said she's up for the hologram version. A source told the publication: 'Simon is desperate to have one last hurrah with the Spice Girls and this is his latest idea. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video They explained: 'Touring again looks unlikely – someone like Victoria for example is never going to be a 'working member' of the Spice Girls – so this seems like the best option.' The outlet report the former bandmates were 'receptive' to the idea, continuing: 'Even Victoria said she would be behind it if all of them had agreed. She wouldn't stop it.' There's no wondering why, as the quintet would be making money in their sleep. Smash hit Abba Voyage celebrated its third anniversary on Tuesday night having already raked in over £1.40billion for the UK economy through its shows, attended by over 2million people since opening. The show sees the digital versions of the band – made up of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad – perform seven times a week in a purpose-built, 3,000-capacity venue in East London. The Spice Girls sold out 13 stadium tours in the UK and Ireland in 2019, reportedly pocketing around £4.4 million each. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video News of a digital avatar Spice Girls tour does check out, as reports came in April that a tour plan was in the works – but Victoria was '90% out'. More Trending This came after a telling interview in March this year, when Geri told The Sunday Times that 'there will be something' coming. 'My hope is we come back together as a collective. It's more respectful to come as one, so we'll come as one,' adding that the five of them do have a WhatsApp group chat. She continued: 'We love each other. I love them, I care about them, and we want the best for each other. We shared something so monumental. We've always believed in each other, had trust in each other, which is beautiful.' With hits including Wannabe, Spice Up Your Life, Say You'll Be There, and Who Do You Think You Are, the group dominated the charts until their devastating split in 2000. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Victoria Beckham warns there will be 'tears' in new tell-all Netflix series MORE: Victoria and David Beckham 'heartbroken' after Brooklyn makes feelings clear on family feud MORE: What is the Beckham feud actually all about – Brooklyn's family rift explained
Leader Live
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad reunite for third Abba Voyage anniversary
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.
Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
I experienced Abba Voyage's new show - here's what's different
Abba Voyage celebrated its third anniversary on Tuesday night, and I had the extreme delight of being there to celebrate. The widely acclaimed experience has been running for three years and appears to have been attended by everyone and their mums, and I don't mean figuratively, as the event has become a sweet mother-daughter event bringing together Abba fans of every generation. On Tuesday night, the Pudding Mill Lane arena opened its doors to press and celebrity fans for what can only be described as the best Tuesday night I may have ever had. Some major changes have been made, and while some fans might be sad to learn a song has been dropped from the original set list, they'll be delighted to learn the gig now includes four additional bangers. Name of the Game, Super Trouper, Money, Money, Money and Take a Chance on Me, some of Abba's most beloved hits are now included in the set list, scattered throughout the new lineup. Obviously, these songs are some of the band's most famous, and the addition has somehow made the already perfect and incredibly profitable show even more sublime. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Of course, the flawless production means that every song is unique and with frequent laser and light shows accompanying each song. These additional four hits are no different, with Supertrouper getting some of the loudest applause of the night, and the staging of each feeling fresh and exciting to keep audiences captivated. One change that won't please everybody is the removal of the hit song When All Is Said And Done. While it's a beautiful song and was very much a beloved part of the original lineup, I didn't feel like the show would have improved by keeping it in. The show felt well choreographed and while every fan might have a personal favourite song not in the line-up (for me it' could be's either If It Wasn't For The Nights or Slipping Through My Fingers) the set list is still ace, with a mix of some of the classics and some of the lesser-known hits. The additional songs also mean that the runtime is now 100 minutes rather than 90 minutes, which means fans are getting even more bang for their buck! At the beginning of the concert, I noticed fans taking snaps of people in a box, it was then later announced that the people were none other than former married couple, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid (Frida) Lyngstad from Abba! At the end of the concert, Frida said to the concertgoers: 'Thank you for all of your support over the years. It's hard to imagine that's 50 years or more. I am turning 80 this year! I love you, thank you.' In a statement ahead of the concert, Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Frida 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!' As a special post-concert treat for the third anniversary, Benny and Frida were joined by Elvis Costello and Guy Garvey for an intimate performance for invited guests. More Trending Guy sang The Winner Takes It All, while Elvis sang Knowing Me Knowing You, with Benny playing a grand piano for both acoustic performances. The audience, including celebrity guests Richard Osman, Rob Brydon, and Eleanor Tomlinson, all joined in at the chorus and listened in rapture as Benny, 78, commanded the complete attention of the room. While this obviously isn't going to be something that happens at every concert in the future, it was incredible to see the ageing popstars support their digital legacy and 'Abbatars' as they can see with their own eyes how much their catalogue of music continues to have an impact decades on. ABBA Voyage is available to book until January 2026. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Buffy The Vampire Slayer directly sparked 00s rock band's 'ridiculous' reunion MORE: Iconic actor leaves fans 'in tears' after surprise appearance at Scissor Sisters' London gig MORE: 'Gigs don't have to cost £400 – the next Taylor Swift could be down the road'
RTÉ News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Abba stars reunite for third Abba Voyage anniversary
Abba stars Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad have reunited to attend the third anniversary of their virtual concert in London. 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 Fältskog and Björn 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 host and author Richard Osman, comedian Rob Brydon and Poldark actress Eleanor Tomlinson were in the audience, Abba Voyage said. 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. 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.
