Mama Mia, here we go again. ABBA reunion and new music after 40 years
ABBA, one of the most successful pop groups of all time has announced that, for the first time in 40 years they are back, with a revolutionary new concert that will see Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid performing digitally with a live 10-piece band, in a purpose-built arena in London from 27th May 2022, and a brand new studio album.
The wait is (almost) over and this is some of the best news to come out of 2021
"To all of you who patiently have followed us in some way or another these past decades:" - ABBA
It’s been a while since we made music together. Almost 40 years, actually. We took a break in the spring of 1982 and now we’ve decided it’s time to end it. They say it’s foolhardy to wait more than 40 years between albums, so we’ve recorded a follow-up to “The Visitors”. To tell the truth, the main inspiration to record again comes from our involvement in creating the strangest and most spectacular concert you could ever dream of. We’re going to be able to sit back in an audience and watch our digital selves perform our songs on a stage in a custom-built arena in London next spring. Weird and wonderful!
ABBA, one of the most successful pop groups of all time has announced that, for the first time in 40 years they are back, with a revolutionary new concert that will see Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid performing digitally with a live 10-piece band, in a purpose-built arena in London from 27th May 2022, and a brand new studio album.
The digital versions of ABBA have been created following weeks and months of motion-capture and performance techniques with the four band members and an 850-strong team from Industrial Light & Magic, the company founded by George Lucas, in what is the company’s first foray into music.
Now, an incredible 40 years since their last studio album The Visitors, ABBA have not only recorded two new songs, ‘I Still Have Faith In You’ and ‘Don’t Shut Me Down’, which will both feature in the concert, but they have recorded - and produced - an entirely new album. Recorded together at Benny’s studio Riksmixningsverket in Stockholm, Voyage will be released worldwide on 5 November.
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The iconic band opened up about the new project(s) and shared why this is so special for them and their global fanbase.
“We simply call it “Voyage” and we’re truly sailing in uncharted waters. With the help of our younger selves, we travel into the future. It’s not easy to explain but then it hasn’t been done before.” It’s hard to say what’s been the most joyful thing for me with this project. If it’s the involvement in creating the concert together with everyone or being back in the studio together again after 40 years. I think hearing Frida and Agnetha singing again is hard to beat. When you come to the arena you will have the four of us together with an absolutely glorious 10-piece band. And even if not in the flesh, we will be right there, thanks to the work of the creative team and ILM.”
- Benny
“Those first sessions back in 2018 were such fun and when Benny called and asked if I’d consider singing some more I jumped at it! And what songs!! My respect and love go out to these exceptionally talented, truly genius songwriters! Such joy it was to work with the group again. I am so happy with what we have made, and I dearly hope our fans feel the same.”
- Anni-Frid
“When we got back together in the studio I had no idea what to expect…But Benny’s recording studio is such a friendly and safe environment, and before I knew it I was really enjoying myself! I can hardly believe that finally, the moment has come to share this with the world!”
- Agnetha
“They’re such amazing singers those two, I () was completely floored by the way they delivered those songs. They’re true musicians; totally unimpressed by pop star glamour but still having a great time being creative in a recording studio. The “Voyage” project has injected new life into us in more ways than one.”
“So, again, thanks for waiting! We hope to see you in the “ABBA Arena” and yes - see - because we have infused a good deal of our souls into those avatars. It’s not an exaggeration to say that we’re back.”
- Björn
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Björn caught up with Apple's Zane Lowe to discuss the Swedish group's Legacy and their exciting reunion:
Let's take a look back at the band's history
In 1972 songwriters Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson from The Hep Stars and singers Agnetha Faltskog and Anna-Frid Lyngstad, who had scored success as solo artists joined together to form the band, Abba. And they have since been one of the most acclaimed pop bands in the world. They now return with an exciting new project!
So, if you have been following the Mamma-Mia hit-makers you will know they recently launched a new website yesterday titled "Abba Voyage" asking fans to register their interest to be the first in line to hear more about this upcoming project. It has been a long 39 years since they last shared music with the world. Abba fans, get ready to jam to your fave Swedish band real soon.
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The band announced in 2016 that they would be having a hologram tour. Thereafter they took to the studio in 2018 to record two new songs, I Still Have Faith In You and Don't Shut Me Down which were then delayed.
Get in the mood with some of the bands greatest hits below:
For loads of fantastic 60s, 70s and 80s classics, listen to East Coast Gold via the ECR app or here. We’re also on various other platforms, including Alexa (just enable the ‘East Coast Gold’ skill); MyTuner, Radio Garden; iono.fm, Radioline or OpenRadio.
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Main Image Courtesy: ABBA/Universal Music Group (supplied)