Since its formation in 1988, Björn Again, the popular ABBA-inspired tribute band from Australia, has been going, just as the song says, "on and on and on."
The quartet, whose members perform under stage names inspired by the original members of ABBA, is once again hitting the road, with Philippine stops at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino on August 7 and The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque on August 8 and 9.
Performing ABBA's timeless hits for decades is an impressive feat.
Yet after decades of performing ABBA's music around the world, one can't help but wonder what continues to fuel the members' passion and enthusiasm every time they step on stage.
“Well, for me, it is hearing the audiences singing along and dancing along,” singer Frida told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in a video interview.
“It doesn't matter how many times we do the show because it is a new magic every night.”
Singer Agnetha added, “Yes, for sure. And even if we're playing to a room full of 30 people or 300,000 people, it still has the same amount of magic in every show, and we just love touching people with that music.
“It doesn't matter how many times we do the show because it is a new magic every night.
“Even if we're playing to a room full of 30 people or 300,000 people, it still has the same amount of magic in every show, and we just love touching people with that music.”
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CLOSEST THING TO THE REAL ABBA
Bjorn Again started as a fun idea that grew into a global entertainment phenomenon.
To date, the group has performed thousands of shows in over 125 countries, dishing out ABBA’s memorable songs such as “Fernando,” “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” “Mamma Mia,” and “Dancing Queen,” among many others.
Beyond the beloved songs, Bjorn Again's performances are known for their theatrical flair, featuring humor inspired by Swedish wit, vibrant '70s disco aesthetics, dazzling costumes, and nonstop sing-alongs.
Whether you're among the lucky ones who got to see ABBA perform live or someone who never had the chance to experience the iconic group in concert, Bjorn Again is a must-see, capturing the music and magic that made the Swedish pop act music legends.
While the members of ABBA reportedly remain on good terms, a reunion appears unlikely anytime soon, as the band members themselves have repeatedly indicated.
In fact, ABBA songwriter and keyboardist Benny Andersson once remarked that watching Bjorn Again is "the closest you can get to seeing ABBA."
Interestingly, Bjorn Again has become an icon in its own right, earning a devoted following that extends well beyond ABBA fans.
Among its notable admirers were the late singer-songwriter Kurt Cobain and his Nirvana bandmates, a testament to Bjorn Again’s wide cultural reach.
“So [drummer] Dave Grohl and Nirvana were instrumental in the band being invited to perform at the Reading Festival in the UK [in 1992], which was a huge breakthrough moment,” said guitarist Bjorn.
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BJORN AGAIN: A GROUP AHEAD OF ITS TIME
In hindsight, Bjorn Again may have paved the way for the rise of tribute acts that have since become a staple of the live music scene, paying homage to legendary bands and artists while giving longtime fans and new generations of listeners the chance to experience the music live.
Bjorn Again even predates the critically acclaimed and commercially successful Mamma Mia! stage musical, which premiered in 1999, as well as the blockbuster film adaptations Mamma Mia! (2008) and its sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018).
“We don't really think so much about anyone else. We are having the best time singing these wonderful songs,” smiled Frida, when asked how they feel about being perceived as pioneers of tribute acts.
“There's definitely a sense of pride. I think the legacy that this band has had for so many years, and we're proud of what it's achieved,” keyboardist Benny chimed in.
He continued, “The fact that we helped blaze a trail, if you like, of what the tribute act scene is all about.
“Hopefully we've made a lot of people happy along the way and entertained many tens of thousands.”
Bjorn added, “We'd like to think that we set the bar, we set the standard nice and high.”
It certainly helps that the act they admire, emulate, and pay tribute to is widely regarded as one of the greatest pop groups the music world has ever seen.
“Oh, the music is just so beautiful, and it has such a wide reach. Everybody loves ABBA. You know, from the hardest rocker to, you know, the smallest child, you know, everybody, everybody loves ABBA and can find something, some joy, something about heartache or something about their life in ABBA's music,” beamed Bjorn.
Tickets for the Philippine leg of Bjorn Again – The Abba Forever Tour are available at all Ticketworld and SM Ticket outlets. Purchases can also be made online at www.smtickets.com or www.ticketworld.com.ph. Call 8470-2222 or 8891-9999 for more details.
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