The first virtual concerts are over, the critics have spoken. Now the shows in the specially built performance hall in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, connoisseurs call it the ABBA Arena, go on the long haul. The 90-minute shows will run seven times a week at least until December 2022. Depending on audience demand, the time span can be extended to April 2026 – like a Westend musical. A huge project for man and machine.
After the international cultural criticism enlightened us about the message of the abbatare for our time, the live band of the project, who, in contrast to Agnetha, Benny, Björn and Anni-Frid, act as real people from the back of the stage, speaks for the first time in the “NME”. . The ten-strong crew was assembled under the aegis of Klaxons singer James Righton.
“To do that, I went through an extensive mental bank of musicians I’d played with or otherwise known,” Righton said. It would have definitely helped to have been on the London music scene since the mid-noughties. He could only have selected the first candidates “very carefully and confidentially”. Under the dictates of a “Non Disclosure Agreement” (duty of secrecy) he could have put out feelers for people who might come into question.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwnebHgdFPI
“You didn’t just have to be an above-average musician and professional, it takes feeling, character and groove. It was about personalities and people with style. If you look at ABBA footage from the 70’s they were always brilliant and had great cast members.”
Ultimately, the challenge would have been a lot of fun because he was also interested in it as a fan. “This band had to be as good as the original line-up.”
East London guitarist Dom John recalled the first time he met ABBA at rehearsals. Suddenly Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson appeared to keep an eye on him. “We played one of their songs and I played both guitar parts. They just looked at each other and said, ‘Uh yeah, maybe we don’t need two guitars after all’ – and then walked away without saying hello or anything.”
When asked by the “NME” for what period of time he personally plans this commitment, he only replied: “A few years, maybe. We will see!”
Sarah Burrell, responsible for synths and piano, remembers the crucial call that allowed her to be there: “Like in a dream. At first I couldn’t tell if it was real!” Endless rehearsals followed until everything was in place and the formation was well-rehearsed. “Anyway, it was pretty nerve-wracking playing keyboards in front of Benny,” Burell says. A high requirement for quality and empathy, which her colleagues emphasize again and again.
Electropop singer Little Boots, who is also a member of the London crew, tells a story of her own. She misses the premiere and the first shows because her baby was born at that time. “Incredible opening night for ABBA Voyage which was also first night as a mom,” she wrote on Instagram. “Sooooo happy to soon be supporting my amazing band family who made it amazing!”
She can’t wait to be on stage. “I’m so proud to be a part of this groundbreaking project that will bring joy to so many people. Go and watch this show! Especially when I’m back from maternity leave. It will change your life.”