`ABBA-TARS'
Group reunites after 40 years for album and live-ish concert
The members of Abba have officially reunited after almost 40 years, and when they returned to the studio they said “it was like no time had passed.”
They have released the first songs from their new album, Voyage, with a sound reminiscent of their 1970s heyday. An accompanying stage show will see the foursome perform as their younger selves thanks to motion-capture technology.
The band split up in 1982 after weathering two divorces, documented in their song The Winner Takes It All.
When Benny Andersson, 74, and Bjorn Ulvaeus, 76, got together in the studio again with Anni-frid Lyngstad, 75, and Agnetha Faltskog, 71 — their respective ex-wives — it was emotional.
“The memories were rushing back — or, should I say, the relationships and bonds that we had,” said Ulvaeus.
“It was like no time had passed. Quite amazing,” Andersson said. “It was so joyful to be together in the studio again, hearing Frida and Agnetha go for it. Although five minutes before they came in, I thought, `I should have asked them if they could still sing.'”
That question is answered on two newly released songs from the album, I Still Have Faith In You and Don't Shut Me Down. The album will be released on Nov 5.
Andersson and Ulvaeus were in London this week to launch the album and give details of a stage show that will open at a purpose-built Abba Arena in East London's Olympic Park next May. The original plan was for the band to appear as holograms, but Andersson said that technology is “old hat.” Instead, they will be rendered in digital form using technology more commonly used in Hollywood movies.
The visual effects have been devised by Industrial Light and Magic, the firm founded by Star Wars director George Lucas.
The band members were put through their paces in the studio wearing special suits fitted with sensors. The resulting “Abba-tars” are an uncanny likeness of the group that has sold 400 million albums globally.
Ulvaeus said he enjoyed the process “even though we looked ridiculous.” But Andersson admitted: “The only big problem was that we had to shave our beards. I've had my beard for 50 years.”
Asked why the show is launching in the U.K. rather than the band's native Sweden, Andersson replied: “Because London is the best city to be in. When it comes to entertainment — theatre, musicals, concerts — it's all here. And there is a big audience from all over the world travelling here for that reason. It was a no-brainer, really.”
The show will feature the two new songs and 20 of their greatest hits.
It was like no time had passed. Quite amazing. It was so joyful to be together in the studio again, hearing Frida and Agnetha go for it.