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Post by Alan on May 5, 2022 21:58:07 GMT
Thanks for that, @harry.
I wonder if this will be sequenced like a normal live concert, ie. costume changes after a few songs, or, as it’s not live, will the costumes be rotated by song?
The Tron outfits have become iconic in their own right, as they’re closely associated with the album artwork and the initial advertising for the whole project. They are ABBA as they never would have looked, whereas some of the other costumes, though all new, look as though they could have been worn by the real thing back in the day.
It would be fitting if the sequence for Don’t Shut Me Down has them in the Tron outfits - that would make sense of the link with the album artwork.
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Post by bennybjorn on May 5, 2022 23:04:43 GMT
Maybe they would sit in 4 big Chairs with cups of tea beside them, belting out their Hits...Just as Barbra Streisand does. That sounds awful. I really wouldn’t want that! I’d be sitting there wondering why they hadn’t done this much sooner. I honestly wouldn’t want to see the real ABBA live now. It’s too late. And I wouldn’t want them to be put through it either. Blondie and all those other acts… aren’t they just a bit sad for carrying on and on? My view is that as long as singers can still sing reasonably well, why not carry on playing live? I'm no fan of Cliff Richard or Tom Jones but I've heard them both sing recently and they still sound pretty much as they always did, even though they're in their 80s, so I say good luck to them and I'm sure the fans love seeing them play live. McCartney seems to struggle with his singing quite a bit these days, so that might suggest it's time to retire soon, but his concerts still go down well. I do think people should act in an age appropriate manner (I wouldn't want to see Madonna writhing around in a leotard in her 70s), but if they can still belt out the songs, it seems to me like a healthy thing to do, and a positive celebration of getting older. |
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Post by undertheappletree on May 6, 2022 5:20:08 GMT
I'm no fan of Cliff Richard or Tom Jones but I've heard them both sing recently and they still sound pretty much as they always did, even though they're in their 80s, so I say good luck to them and I'm sure the fans love seeing them play live. it seems to me like a healthy thing to do, and a positive celebration of getting older. My Sentiments also, the reason these Vintage Acts are still performing, is because many of their fans still want to pay to see them. And a good time is had by all. Nothing sad about people enjoying themselves no matter what age they are. I think Benny is Touring with his Band this Month, l am sure people paying to see him are not concerned he is 75. Watching Frida and Agnetha performing some dance movements in their Abbatar sensor suits l am sure they would still be able to stand up for a one off Concert if they had the urge to do it |
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Post by Deleted on May 6, 2022 10:31:57 GMT
Can't see So Long on anyone's wish list???!!! Great fun in The Movie! I prefer it to Waterloo and Ring Ring!
As for Agnetha being at the show, I feel for her as I suffer from anxiety in certain social situations. This is all speculation of course, she may be really looking forward to it! But if she feels she can't, then that's fine. I would hate, as would all of us, for her to feel pressured or unhappy/anxious. All I have wanted over the years is to hear her voice, together with Frida's, so I am very content. Maybe a pre-recorded video message on the screens on stage could be a possibility?
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Post by Deleted on May 6, 2022 17:31:35 GMT
Alib, I too suffer from anxiety and it can take over if you let it. I also understand Agnetha's reluctance after all she is a very private person and content to stay out of the limelight. She doesn't like interviews or the media. The press have not been kind to her over the years and I don't blame her for her dislike of the media. As you say we may be proved wrong. We have indeed heard her beautiful tones and Frida's too. Never did I think ABBA would reform but they did and " Voyage " is awesome as I'm sure the concert will be too.
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Post by HOMETIME on May 6, 2022 19:08:48 GMT
I have swiped some images from Twitter for your info. Someone has placed images of the ABBAtars side-by-side with still from the KMKY video and it certainly makes sense of the likenesses. There's also a very sharp close-up of Frida in her gold D&G costume (couldn't find similar shots for the other three - anyone come across them?). The detail looks pretty amazing. 
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Post by Alan on May 6, 2022 20:33:30 GMT
Thanks Tony, I’d not seen that image of Frida Tar before.
So Frida’s hair is more red, Björn’s is straighter (and slightly chubbier face), Benny is slightly older and Agnetha?! Still undecided. Maybe it really is the Knowing Me Knowing You video. The slightly worried expression (perhaps indicating her marriage problems).
Good on Benny… even given the opportunity to look younger, he still doesn’t mind having crow’s feet round his eyes.
It would be good to see a re-creation of a 1977 tour concert, complete with costumes. Unfortunately if there are no decent sound and film recordings of an entire show to base it on, it would be difficult.
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Post by HOMETIME on May 7, 2022 9:38:51 GMT
I have to say that the slightly older Benny is surprisingly cute! Maybe they have distilled Agnetha's Tragedy Queen™ essence to make sure that the public perception is met? She does that near-to-tears frown in the KMKY video during the revolving shots. It's more concentrated in TWTIA during the scenes where she desolately gazes at Benny playing the piano, so maybe they have aged her at that point (while dialling down the blue eye-shadow and eschewing the shaggy hairdo). Which raises the question of whether the myths embedded in the public perception were exploited.
Assuming the technology (and ABBA!) allows, I like the idea of them eventually recreating a 1977 show. Ludvig implies that the vocal recordings don't really allow for that, so a live/studio hybrid might be necessary. Would we mind too much? A recreation of a 1979 concert would be much easier, given that we have a fully mastered live album to synch it to. It seems like the sort of thing where the body doubles would be recreating the movements based on video clips.
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Post by Alan on May 7, 2022 11:14:42 GMT
 Someone just sent me this. Quite a good likeness here so it does seem to vary. |
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Post by HOMETIME on May 7, 2022 11:44:47 GMT
That's definitely the most Agnetha-y the AgnethaTar has looked. The costume is cool too.
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Post by foreverfan on May 7, 2022 13:24:42 GMT
Seriously if you didn’t know^^^^ that’s a fantastic likeness....
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Post by joseph on May 7, 2022 17:07:04 GMT
I need to do my Voyage list again really as I messed it up. I need to properly think what I'd like it to open and close with, etc.
The new Agnetha avatar is great and hopefully it will shut up all those who keep banging on about how it doesn't look like her. This clearly does. For all we know, some previous images might not have been fully tweaked, if you know what I mean.
I'm slightly anxious about reading any reviews of the concert. I most likely won't be going until September and we all know how nit-picky fans can be. I don't want it to too clearly affect my anticipation of the show. But of course honesty is best. One other thing... what's with comparing Blondie to ABBA and the nonsense about ABBA not "bothering" to tour? I really take exception to this. There could be myriad reasons why they won't, not least of which is the fact they're all in their seventies. And it's all very well saying they're alive and well but we don't know HOW well. Looks can be deceptive. I'm considerably younger than ABBA and people say how well I look and yet I suffer chronic daily pain that really debilitates me at times so don't judge a book by the cover. Just because Debbie Harry can do what she does doesn't mean every member of ABBA can. It's pointless comparing others, everyone is different and fair play to Blondie (love her and the group, HUGE fan) but what's good for one person might not be for another. ABBA have given us Voyage (album and concert) so stop bleating.
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Post by Hunter on May 7, 2022 17:42:13 GMT
I don’t think the transport issue is a problem, because from Covent Garden to the Abba Arena is the same distance and time as Covent Garden to the 02 Arena, which is probably where Abba would have performed in person anyway.
And I don’t have a problem with D&G designing the outfits. Although some won’t agree with their opinions about gay adoption, it is their opinion and obviously as gay men themselves they had thought about the issue.
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Post by Deleted on May 7, 2022 17:57:27 GMT
Joseph
By referring to comments you disagree with as bleating and dragging your own health issues you have weakened your case.
VOYAGE ALBUM
I am very happy with a new album in 40 years. Given the choice new album or a tour I was always on the side of an album. I don't feel the need for deluxe editions or release of two unfinished songs
VOYAGE TOUR
It's fair to say Abba were never really a touring band. Only about 6 months in 8 and a half years.
It's also honest to say none of us know quite what to expect. This may be one of the reasons why ticket sales are sluggish after the first 3 months.
ABBA might have been physically able to do a tour - and from the Voyage album Frida and Agnetha can still sing albeit, naturally, at a lower tone. It seems to me there was simply no desire for a real tour and so the Abbatars project.
Some 'veteran' acts can pull it off touring. Others *cough* McCartney *cough* Elton* have simply lost their voices now..
Reasonably priced tickets are not that easy to come by, and yes, the location may be an issue.
I look forward to reviews - not just from the media but from real fans. I would like to know what to expect.
Reviews and word of mouth are going to be very important imo. It is a gamble and one I hope pays off.
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Post by Deleted on May 7, 2022 18:03:30 GMT
I think the photo of Agnetha tar is absolutely awesome and Frida tar too. Nice work !
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Post by Pepi on May 7, 2022 18:09:57 GMT
I disagree with some people saying the Abbatars are too animated and that Abba were not a dance group. Have people seen the 1977 concerts? Frida and Benny were having the time of their lives!
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Post by bennybjorn on May 8, 2022 13:02:53 GMT
The poster campaign continues to be rolled out across London Tube stations.
Looks good but it only mentions Voyage. Can't help but feel that they should have explained it's effectively a greatest hits concert to help lure in the 5 million Abba Gold and Mamma Mia fans rather than just the relatively small proportion who bought Voyage...
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2022 9:24:37 GMT
After the initial flurry of activity in November ticket sales have dried up. There's plenty of seats for tge autumn where you can find £42 tickets.
But for the next 3 months, tickets are expensive. We are looking at £90 for dancing floor, £112 for a seat and £153 for a booth. This isn't attractive.
They need to improve their promotion and yes making it clear it is a Grestest Hits tour. Perhaps they could add song titles to the posters.
It would be nice if all four would make themselves available for TV interviews. Benny and Bjorn aren't really box office. We need the girls.
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Post by undertheappletree on May 9, 2022 9:28:53 GMT
Yeah maybe," We're the answer, if you feel blue, so call us and get two for the price of one.. maybe "Take a Chance on me.. Honey I'm Still Free.. "Ring Ring' why don't you give us a call? "Booking you Booking me, Aha Ahaa, maybe not.
The only Promotional News I've seen at the moment, is Bjorn having a Wobble over the risk they have undertaken, and the lovely Press all singing the same Tune that Concert Tickets for the 2nd Quarter are not Selling, as hoped and so they are Contemplating Introducing Discounts
Excellent PR, for those who are now going to wait for Discounts
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2022 18:28:33 GMT
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Post by bennybjorn on May 9, 2022 20:12:37 GMT
It is quite different to Voyage though - it's a greatest hits partly-live show that they're laying on. No-one really knows what they're getting yet. Anyone who's bought a ticket has taken a pretty huge risk so, really, it's impressive that they've sold as many as they have. If the reviews are good they'll easily sell tons of tickets leading up to Christmas as that's a big party time. If reviews are bad, they might need to rebrand. Presumably, there'd be nothing to stop them calling it, say, 'Mamma Mia - Abba's greatest hits live' as B&B must have all the copyright to these terms. A brand new song (ideally called Voyage!) released in the autumn would help no end. Fingers crossed, it'll all work out well although I'm personally more interested in hearing more new songs. If it's a flop, perhaps that will encourage the band to go and put out another album instead! |
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Post by Jinno on May 9, 2022 21:50:53 GMT
If all 4 of ABBA attend the vip night, it will be a huge help to promote the show. The money shot picture of all 4 together looking dressed up as opposed to wearing spacesuits adorned with bubbles - wow.
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Post by foreverfan on May 10, 2022 9:05:46 GMT
I must admit, I’m getting a little fed up of those that are slating the concert, obviously my choice to read such posts/ articles, but come on, apart from a very select few, ie those that are staging the show, NOBODY knows what’s going to happen.
It’s a shame that we can’t wait for a few more days,to comment objectively rather than speculate( yes I’m guilty on speculation, but always on ifs buts and maybes on single release etc ). If it turns out to be a complete disaster all well and good but we don’t even officially know the set list yet....
We waited 40 years for something to happen and now that it is we are pulling it to pieces before it even starts..
Am I totally disillusioned.......
But hey it’s free speech and each to their own thoughts.....
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Post by HOMETIME on May 10, 2022 9:35:23 GMT
Some great points. I'd add that, even in the unlikely event that the show is some kind of disaster, there'll be few here who wouldn't want to have seen it anyway. I'm so curious about how they're going to achieve the whole 360° experience - the lights, the digital-not-digital-not-holograms. Just over two weeks to go!
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2022 9:37:33 GMT
I don't think anyone has slated the shows for the simple reason we have not seen it.
It is fair to point out the lack of information, ticket sales, importance of reviews and word of mouth.
Positive reviews probably will increase ticket sales until December. I will be interested in what others say. But probably won't be swayed by music critics who don't like ABBA or fans who think ABBA can do no wrong.
I'm not sure anyone expected the Voyage album to have sales in the same league as their studio albums from 1976-81 in particular. That said it was a huge success.
Ticket sales for the show are more Voyage album rather than Gold Greatest Hits. It's not being negative to point that out.
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2022 9:43:16 GMT
Some great points. I'd add that, even in the unlikely event that the show is some kind of disaster, there'll be few here who wouldn't want to have seen it anyway. I'm so curious about how they're going to achieve the whole 360° experience - the lights, the digital-not-digital-not-holograms. Just over two weeks to go! I am curious too about what to expect. I think it's not that people who haven't got tickets don't want to go but rather want to know what to expect before buying tickets. |
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2022 10:17:02 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2022 11:55:47 GMT
They are not "alleged" poor ticket sales. They are. You can check the Ticketmaster site yourself. Not many tickets for the next 2 to 3 months but plenty from September onwards. I don't have to be "supportive". As for "constructive" I am just pointing out facts. Most of the London Shows in Westend are currently booking until September/October(apart from Wicked). And in general, travel/ tourist travel is far from getting normal or even back to pre- Covid status. So it might be that ticket sale has slowed down, but more than 300.000 Tickets sold is not a bad thing. If it is helping to combine ticket sales with hotel booking is another case... personally I don't like this combination. Also, currently 3 events run with ABBA music: Mamma Mia, Mamma Mia The Party AND Voyage. Maybe a little ABBA too much... And no Jonny, you don't have any obligations but constantly negative vibes concerning the whole Voyage project just suck. To me it seems you are so negative because you do not want to be disappointed... |
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2022 12:25:42 GMT
Maybe a little ABBA too much... And no Jonny, you don't have any obligations but constantly negative vibes concerning the whole Voyage project just suck. To me it seems you are so negative because you do not want to be disappointed... I don't think I am negative. I have said several times now ticket sales, which are low for the autumn, will probably pick up with good reviews/word of mouth. You are right, I don't want to be disappointed. The Concert is likely to be the last new thing ABBA do. Of course I want it - and ABBA's career to end on a high. Ditto the unreleased songs. Fine, if they are like Don't Shut Me Down but no thsnks if more like Little Things. Finally, if people don't like my posts, you can scroll down. Saying people's posts "suck" is not constructive criticism.😀 |
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2022 12:48:56 GMT
I have the feeling that you nag on everything!
E.g. You constantly rated down the Show as "not even 3D" , "who wants to see them on a screen for so much money" etc. etc. etc.
Without knowing any bit or piece of how the Show really works and how it will all look like.
That sucks!
I hope I have precisioned my critisism sufficiently, to be more constructive🙃
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