Of all the pipe dreams we could have had granted today, I'm sure I speak for many of us when I write that I'm glad the Big Woman in the Sky landed on ABBA making a comeback. Although, if we're being totally honest with ourselves, one might ask did ABBA really ever leave? If you were to trawl through my Spotify for an answer you'd find a resounding no! (and an ABBA playlist for every mood)
Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid will once again rule our ears (and our hearts) with the announcement of their new album Voyage. Set for release on November 5, Voyage will be followed by a virtual tour which will be held in the purpose-built ABBA Arena at London’s Olympic Park and feature a ten-piece band, starting from May 27, 2022. As you may have guessed, this will be the Swedish bands first musical venture in 40 years and honestly, after the last couple of years we've had, it's the news we all deserve.
"We took a break in the spring of 1982 and now we’ve decided it’s time to end it," read a band statement released yesterday.
The band reunited at Benny's studio in Stockholm to record the album and Anni-Frid said of the sessions, "such joy it was to work with the group again. I am so happy with what we have made, and I dearly hope our fans feel the same." Already, you can stream two tracks from Voyage, namely I Still Have Faith in You and Don't Shut Me Down — with a Christmas item rumoured to feature on the album also. They sure know how to get a girl all riled up!
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For those planning to tune in to the concert, expect a "weird and wonderful" sight. The group have endeavoured to bring 'ABBAtars' or holographic-esque versions of their younger selves on-stage, specifically their 1979 vintage, thanks to the help of George Lucas' special effects company, Industrial Light & Magic, with over 850 people working on the live show.
"They say it’s foolhardy to wait more than 40 years between albums, so we’ve recorded a follow-up to The Visitors...We’re going to be able to sit back in an audience and watch our digital selves perform our songs on a stage in a custom-built arena in London next spring," the band explained in a statement.
“To all of you who patiently have followed us in some way or another these past decades: Thank you for waiting — it’s time for a new journey to begin. We simply call it ‘Voyage’ and we’re truly sailing in uncharted waters. With the help of our younger selves, we travel into the future. It’s not easy to explain but then it hasn’t been done before.”
Tickets for the "strangest and most spectacular" concert you could ever imagine go on sale September 7. In the meantime, nosedive into I Still Have Faith in You and Don't Shut Me Down — the two tracks released alongside the announcement — now and feel your body begin to caper about in a way that only ABBA can elicit.
On with the dancing! and on to another one of our favourite musical comebacks, that is Diana Ross' new album. Amp yourself up for her new sounds, which we expect are just around the corner.
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