If you haven’t been to see Abba Voyage yet, then where have you been??? Seeing Abba in concert seemed like a distant dream for generations of fans so when news first hit the press in 2021, that ABBA’s Voyage was coming it sent the pop world into meltdown. But how do you put on a live concert for a band that split up over 40 years ago?
Voyage is a masterful celebration of reality and AI that will redefine the future of ‘live’ music enabling audiences to enjoy re-imagined concerts by the likes of some of our late and great musical icons – think Elvis, Wham! and, perhaps, even Shawaddaywaddy.
The Premise:
Unpack your sequins, flares and platforms and get ready to party like it’s 1979. The 90-minute concert is a celebration of ABBA in its heyday, digitally ‘featuring’ all four of the original Swedish supergroup for the first time since 1982 and delivering hit after hit – in avatar format: or should that be ABBA-tar?
The Venue:
ABBA’s Benny and Bjorn have remained a creative powerhouse since the group split in the eighties – the Mamma Mia film franchise; the Mamma Mia Live Experience at London’s O2; and the Saturday Night talent show just some of the most recent incarnations inspired by their musical legacy – and are the masterminds behind the award-winning ABBA Voyage concept, which resides in the relatively intimate, purpose-built ABBA Arena venue, near the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London – and which launched in May 2022.
The Tech:
The science behind ABBA Voyage is like nothing you will have witnessed before. It breaks new territory with cutting-edge digital technology that brings ABBA ‘back to life’, as they would have looked and sounded in their heyday, over 40 years ago.
Using over 160 cameras, technical wizardry and younger body doubles for the dancing (avoiding the criticism currently being heaped on Madonna), Benny, Bjorn, Agnetha and Anni-Frid have been regenerated in an epic ‘pinch-me performance’ that will leave the hairs on your arms standing to attention.
ABBA Voyage is reportedly the most expensive musical experience ever – with a budget of over £175 million to create – and raking in over £ 2 million per week in ticket revenue. With a capacity crowd of 99% every performance, and over 1.5 million tickets sold since it launched, it is one of the most successful live musical events, ever. It was rumoured to be dismantled and moved elsewhere in the world, but the stellar success has meant it will remain, at least until 2026. It runs seven times per week and has an average ticket price of £85.
The Experience:
From start to finish, the experience is mind-blowing – and that’s no exaggeration. For the first fifteen minutes, or so, my mouth was agape trying to match what I was seeing on stage, IRL whilst knowing that I was watching CGIs of the ABBA quartet, resplendent in costumes by Dolce & Gabbana. It was almost dizzying – and actually quite emotional at times – even though I don’t class myself as a superfan.
So good, I have experienced the show three times now and twice in 2023: the first standing, the second seated and whilst I can recommend both options, I felt I experienced more of the show from the seats, as you see more of the incredible stage set and lighting, which are as much a part of the wow factor as the ABBA-tars.
Kudos also must go to the ten-piece live band and backing singers who elevate the show yet further, adding an extra, live dimension to the concert, blending seamlessly with the pre-recorded vocals across the 22 chosen tracks, which include Knowing Me, Knowing You; Chiquitita; Fernando; Mamma Mia; Lay All Your Love On Me; Gimme Gimme and so many more bangers, as well as some of their more recently recorded tracks, such as I Still Have Faith In You.
Could we recommend it?
In a heartbeat. It truly needs to be seen to be believed. 5/5.
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.abbavoyage.com
