By Nicole Rees-Williams
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Upon discovering that an ABBA tribute band were visiting Cardiff I jumped at the opportunity to attend. Being still slightly obsessed with this summer’s blockbuster hit ÔÇÿMamma Mia: Here We Go Again,’ my minute previous knowledge of all things ABBA has grown, as has my love for their songs.
However, upon my research I found that Bjorn Again are not your typical ÔÇÿtribute band’. They formed in 1988, achieving a cult status among ABBA fans worldwide. They have toured with the likes of Cher and Shania Twain, the performance I attended being the opening night of their 30th anniversary tour.
What better way, then, to open the show than with a rendition of the song that started it all, ÔÇÿWaterloo’? The crowd, majority aged 35 or above but with a few youngsters dotted here and there were extremely responsive to the act. Many were dressed head to toe in some of ABBA’s most iconic looks whilst copying the classic 70’s and 80’s dance moves incorporated by the vocalists.
The stage design wasn’t the primary focus of the show, yet when the first few chords of ÔÇÿFernando’ were played they made use of spotlights shining at disco ball. This had a beautiful effect on the hall and created the ÔÇÿdisco’ atmosphere that the production had, before, been lacking.
Despite its effective opening, the first half of the show wasn’t promising. After performing a couple of upbeat hits such as ÔÇÿGimme, Gimme, Gimme’ and ÔÇÿSuper Trouper’ the crowd noticeably quietened down when they sung their rendition of lesser known songs such as ÔÇÿHoney, Honey’ and ÔÇÿSo Long.’
There was a lot of attempt at audience interaction, but it was noticeable that the script had not been decided beforehand. This often resulted with them speaking over each other and making slightly awkward jokes that went amiss with the audience.
Aside from the bumpy start, the show redeemed itself just before the interval when they sung ABBA’s chart topping hit, ÔÇÿSOS,’ which incorporated an innovative medley with The Police’s ÔÇÿSOS’.
The second half of the show was prominently more enjoyable as it incorporated an abundance of memorable, high tempo classics such as ÔÇÿDoes Your Mother Know,’ ÔÇÿMamma Mia,’ and ÔÇÿVoulez Vous.’ The two male vocalists also spiced up the show by performing their own ÔÇÿrock and roll’ version of ÔÇÿJump’ by Van Halen.
Before the end, of course, the band returned for an encore. The entire crowd was chanting ÔÇÿDancing Queen,’ yet the pianist humorously began playing the introductory notes to ÔÇÿThe Winner Takes It All’ before admitting he was joking, and the music to ÔÇÿDancing Queen’ finally echoed around the hall.
The crowd never stopped dancing in the second half, reinforcing the prominent and ever-lasting effect of ABBA’s music, 38 years after their last public appearance together. Although slightly corny at times, Bjorn Again was ultimately a very enjoyable show that brought together people of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of the original band, the musicals, or the films you’re certain to have a night to remember and are guaranteed to leave humming along to disco classics for the remainder of your week.
