ABBA sold millions of records worldwide – at one point the Swedish band was the country’s second-largest exporter, trailing the car manufacturer Volvo.

What many probably don’t realise is that the band rarely tours. Benny and Bjorn were miraculously fastidious in trying to create their recording sound in a live environment. One of the cities that they did play in the country was Glasgow, which is mentioned in their 1980 hit Super Trouper: "I was sick and tired of everything when I called you last night from Glasgow” details how the touring was taking a toll on the group – families were left at home, and by this particular time, relationships were beginning to dissolve.

Since the group broke up, there have been the inevitable tribute acts which in reality are a pastiche of the real thing. Four years ago ABBA Voyage opened in the east end of London in the purpose-built ABBA arena by Pudding Mill Lane train station.

Lasting one hour and four minutes and with two performances a day, there is still an appetite for the group who not only conquered the pop charts in Europe but Australia too. It was only after the Mama Mia film and stage show franchise that the act became more popular in America.

The digital avatars (ABBAtars) are modelled after the group’s 1979 tour. The experience for anyone used to live music is slightly surreal; the four members look larger than life, and all the big hits are there, along with tracks from their last album, Voyage, which is their first album of new songs in forty years.

There are individual introductions from each member; however, the interaction between the audience and those on stage was missing. Only when the full live twelve-piece band takes centre stage (when the main stars are taking a break) is the normal chemistry that was missing earlier reinstated.

With video clips of ABBA winning the Eurovision Song Contest with Waterloo (the UK gave the song null points) and some cartoon imagery along with the spectacular suspended light display that emanates from the ceiling, you can see where your money, money, money was spent.

One of the most annoying aspects of attending a seated show is when someone in the row in front of you stands up. Unless you are in the standing area in front of the stage, this will not bother you. Those in the seated area are promptly told by the stewards to get back into their seats—it is only for the last few songs that the whole audience is asked to stand up and dance.

With no photography or mobile filming allowed, it was refreshingly reminiscent of how concerts used to be – and of course this is 1979; mobile phones were not even invented!

The whole Avatar experience could easily apply to other acts who no longer tour or are rocking on the other side of Heaven’s door, though few would have the same allure and popularity as ABBA.

Is it worth taking a chance to see ABBA Voyage? Most definitely – whether you are a Dancing Queen or want to know The Name of the Game: the realistic experience was joyful and mesmerising and most certainly deserves to be awarded twelve points.

https://abbavoyage.com/