15 July 2024 (gig)
15 July 2024
The ABBA phenomenon shows no sign of abating. The ABBA Arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London was purpose-built and specifically designed for the innovative ABBA Voyage concert experience in 2022, is still packing them in. This state-of-the-art arena accommodates up to 3,000 guests and features cutting-edge technology, including a 360-degree sound system and advanced lighting effects. The architecture of the arena itself is modern, with sleek lines and a minimalist aesthetic, allowing the focus to remain firmly on the incredulous performance within.
From the moment Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad rise from the stage in a breath-taking opening sequence you are transfixed. The ABBAtars are totally lifelike, performing a setlist that spans ABBA's greatest hits, with familiar classics "Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia," "Waterloo," and "The Winner Takes It All" delighting the crowd. Each song is accompanied by a visually stunning backdrop, with elaborate light shows, holographic effects, and LED screens which cover almost 180 degrees of this arena.
The Swedish legends are seen in their prime, during the late 1970s and early 1980s, motion capture technology ensures the real-life performances are near perfect. Each member has their moment in the spotlight addressing the audience in a feat of technical wizardry.
The 10-piece live band, positioned to the left as you view the sage, adds to the authenticity allowing you to buy into the crazy visuals your brain is questioning. Throughout the 90-minute show the setlist has clearly been carefully curated to make this journey as pleasurable and realistic as possible. I found myself staring at their feet as they walked on the physical stage, seamless unable to see anything but the real thing, with the huge screens reinforcing what you can plainly see on stage.
ABBA Voyage is a revolutionary concert which opened my eyes to exactly how far we have come with technology, I dare say we won’t be too far from them appearing in our front rooms, but for now, I certainly urge any Abba fans to experience this for yourselves, there are standing and seated sections surrounding the main stage. It’s crazy but you will leave believing you have seen Abba live in London, even if their last London show was 45 years ago. Amazing.
