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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2019 20:14:27 GMT
Interview with Björn in Austin, Texas including some statements regarding the new songs and the Abbatars
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Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2019 23:07:27 GMT
Thanks for the Video Clip, Abbafan2018.
So, Bjorn discusses the 2 New Songs in the first half of the Interview. He is only asked
about those 2, which is probably why he gives no indication of any more Songs than
that. He also discusses The ABBAtars. It looks like The ABBAtars will be completely CGI,
in any Videos that ABBA use to promote the New Songs. However, they will not be entirely
CGI on Stage. There will be 4 'Real Humans' on Stage - 'Body Doubles' of ABBA. Over their
faces/heads will be CGI, to make them look exactly like ABBA in 1979. So, The ABBAtars
on Stage will only be CGI/Holograms from the neck upwards. A Live Band will be with them
on Stage...
As long as they really do move as ABBA did on Stage. I've seen the Roy Orbison 'Orbitar'
performing on Stage. It was awful! For a start, the Guy, pretending to be him, was bending
his knees all the time. Roy Orbison never, ever did that. He stood very still when he sang.
They also had the 'Orbitar' wearing light grey clothes. Roy Orbison only ever wore black on
Stage. So, the whole thing was a mess from the very start. It looked very wrong. I do hope
that The ABBAtars are more convincing than that...
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Post by Deleted on Mar 16, 2019 21:33:12 GMT
For the music videos "digital copies" are planned. He also said there won't necessarily be a tour but an "attraction" in a big city somewhere. And he also doesn't want to call it a "concert" either, but a new "experience" or so... or whatever.
Hmh..., they still don't know what they actually are working on? This all sounds still very vague and so even a single release this autumn or Christmas seems not really likely. I repeat myself, but I don't hold my breath because of the new songs anymore. The joy is completely gone.
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Post by chron on Mar 17, 2019 2:31:17 GMT
Roy Orbison only ever wore black on Stage. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2019 1:34:27 GMT
Orf -- I'm aware that Roy Orbison often wore shirts, on Stage, that were white etc.
I was referring to his suits, when I said that he only wore black on Stage. I guess
they could have sometimes been dark blue too. It is hard to tell, when a lot of his
early 60's performances were filmed in black and white. He certainly did not go
in for light coloured suits - which is what I've seen The Orbitar performing in.
Regarding ABBA's 'Plans'. Well, I too have lost a lot of interest in them. ABBA no longer seem
to know what they are doing. Maybe they don't even know what they want. There was a huge
Media hype, about their 2 New Songs, but it has all pretty much faded away now - because
nothing came of the April 2018 'Announcement'. They told 'The World' that they'd recorded
2 New Songs, and about the 2 Hour Global TV 'Special', to launch one of the Songs. How we'd
also be introduced to The ABBAtars via the TV 'Special'.
Then nothing happened. December came and went. No ABBA. Now we are in March 2019 -
no ABBA. Just Bjorn seeming unsure of what their 'Plans' are - and always the delays, in
which nothing happens...
I no longer even know if we are to actually get our hands on physical copies of the New Songs.
I don't like Downloads. They are not 'Real' to me. I like to be able to hold a Single, or an Album.
I like to buy proper - 'Real' - Books, of which I have about 1,500. I don't see Kindle Books as at
all the same thing. However, I'm finding it harder and harder to retain interest in ABBA's 'Plans'.
I go to Chart Sites etc., to tell ABBA Fans, if I hear any 'ABBA Plans News', but nothing ever comes
of them. Just delays. So, now I feel like I'd better stop trying to 'Update' Fans, about any 'ABBA
News', that I hear - as I feel like an idiot, for repeating any of it! You end up looking like a fool,
when nothing ever happens!
It was all so much easier before April 2018. Before then, we never expected ABBA to record again,
so we weren't disappointed when they never did. Then April 2018 came and ABBA became all about
'Plans' and 'Delays' and 'Hope' and 'Disappointment. How I wish that ABBA had kept quiet, about all
of it, until everything was right and prepared...
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Post by HOMETIME on Mar 18, 2019 11:36:52 GMT
Well, I dare say everybody's interest will bubble right back to the surface as soon as the release dates are confirmed and the formats announced. From a marketing perspective (and Universal, Polar and the members of ABBA themselves will want to maximise profits for the investments they've made) I would be amazed if there weren't several commercial formats aimed at fans.... downloads, CD, vinyl - possibly including picture discs and/or coloured discs. And what's the betting on a new compilation (live or studio) based on the running order and artwork oft he ABBAtar tour?
If the new songs had been released ahead of the project they were specifically written and recorded for, we could rightly accuse ABBA and their agents of undermining the tour. An important jewel in the crown would have been dimmed by having been played to death on radio, and we'd be moaning that there wasn't something new in the show.
We fans are sometimes a strange lot. There's just no pleasing us. We spend a fair amount of time on boards like this being dismissive about things that keep a cherished legacy alive. Both Mamma Mia! movies were written off before release. For instance, I remember chat on this board and its predecessors declaring that Mamma Mia! the movie was going to be an embarrassing commercial flop. This was repeated ahead of the second movie. I hold my hands up and say that I don't like any of the Mamma Mia! franchise but that is a personal, subjective opinion. The bottom line is it ensured a new lease of life for the group's fortunes among the general public. I personally believe that if it wasn't for the success of that franchise, we would not be getting (at least) two new songs. We are getting something we never dreamed we'd get! Yes, there are delays. Yes, that is disappointing. But, no, that does not in any way affect the quality of the material coming our way. And I firmly believe we will get the songs. Even if the ABBAtar thingy somehow gets abandoned, the income from the new songs would be a good way of offsetting at least some of the costs. If Bjorn is to be believed, the video for the first single is already in production. If you ask me, we all just need to a take a deep breath.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2019 16:46:07 GMT
Dear fans,
Let's be patient. I don't mind to have to wait longer. If songs/show/video would have been ready already, it would have been released already. When I read some posts, it looks like some members think they are teased on purpose by Benny/Björn.
There are many dutch sayings:
"geduld is een schone zaak"
"geduld overwint alles"
Before we realize, we will enjoy something beautifull new songs from Benny/Björn with Annifrid/Agnetha's vocals.
I am looking forward to it!!!!!!!!!
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Post by chron on Mar 18, 2019 17:18:48 GMT
I'm aware that Roy Orbison often wore shirts, on Stage, that were white etc. I was referring to his suits, when I said that he only wore black on Stage. I guess they could have sometimes been dark blue too. It is hard to tell, when a lot of his early 60's performances were filmed in black and white. He certainly did not go in for light coloured suits - which is what I've seen The Orbitar performing in. The outfit in that clip isn't far off qualifying as a suit, though - a deliberately coordinated, one-colour top and trousers ensemble (and clearly meant as a nod in the direction of Elvis's jumpsuits). I'm aware Orbison mainly wore, and was known for wearing, black or dark colours, but that word 'always' made me wonder if it was as categorical as all that. Apparently not! |
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Post by foreverfan on Mar 18, 2019 17:22:38 GMT
I have to agree^^ Janabbafan, I'm still looking forward to it all, as long as it does happen of course,!! and let's remember it's highly likely that this will be it, the last we ever get. apart from the umpteenth collection..  but as for new stuff.... They are all over 70 or vey close, I think we tend to forget, that eternal bubble, it can't go on forever..the music will but not them  The two boys can write upto whenever, but the girls voices will eventually go.. sad but true... So we wait a few more months and get more excited as the time nears.. personally as said before , all this publicity whether we think is good or bad, keeps on working.....we are still talking about it all, some negatively others positively..but hey it's all publicity...  |
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Post by Zeebee on Mar 18, 2019 20:44:17 GMT
I no longer even know if we are to actually get our hands on physical copies of the New Songs. I don't like Downloads. They are not 'Real' to me. I like to be able to hold a Single, or an Album. I like to buy proper - 'Real' - Books, of which I have about 1,500. I don't see Kindle Books as at all the same thing. How I wish that ABBA had kept quiet, about all of it, until everything was right and prepared... I couldn't agree more, Colin. |
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Post by foreverfan on Mar 19, 2019 9:32:27 GMT
It's always interesting and debatable to hear people's perspectives, on what's right or wrong, just like the Brexit debate here in the UK.
Ifs buts and maybes, the reality though is that we do know all about it and we have to live with it... and we all wait and see what happens, it may be a monumental success or failure...a lot depends on each individuals perspective on life, optimistic, pessimistic or in my case realistic...
we wait...
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Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2019 19:45:44 GMT
Whilst I - and others - see The ABBAtars as a huge risk, it looks like 'The Music Biopic' is the way
to really make cash - and have success - in the Film & Music World, in this 'Era'.
The Elton John Biopic - 'Rocketman' - is out in May and it looks like it will be a huge success. I see that
he is played by that oddly named Actor who recently played Robin Hood - Taron Egerton. There is one about
Celine Dion coming out in 2020. No doubt many other Acts will now have Biopics...
The Queen Biopic - 'Bohemian Rhapsody' - has been so huge, that it has taken far more cash, (Globally),
than either 'Mamma Mia!' Film. The 1st Film took just under $616 Million and the 2nd Film took just under
$395 Million. The Queen Film has been much bigger. It has taken just under $880 Million! It has also made
Queen the World's Biggest Group for the past several Months. They are currently the World's 3rd Biggest
Act. ABBA are only the 169th. That is what Queen's Film has done for Queen...
However, it has not been bigger than either 'Mamma Mia!' Film in the UK. They are the UK's 11th, (Film 1),
and 14th, (Film 2), 'All Time' Films. The Queen Film is only the 26th. However, it has been so huge, Globally,
that a 2nd Film may be made.
Unfortunately, ABBA look like never, ever agreeing to having a Biopic. They would not want their personal
lives to be shown, and without that a Biopic is seen as only part of a story, with a lot that is hidden. So
no Director would want to do one on ABBA, when it would not really show their story in full. Not that ABBA
would agree to even a sanitised one being made...(Bearing in mind that even Richard Carpenter let one be
made about The Carpenters - showing he and Karen's personal troubles).
So, instead of a Biopic that would not have a risk of failure, ABBA concentrate on The ABBAtars, that have
a big risk of failure. To me it makes no sense at all. Hopefully, if The ABBAtars flop, 'The World' will quickly
forget and not too much damage will be done to ABBA's long term reputation and heritage...
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Post by Zeebee on Mar 21, 2019 20:36:17 GMT
Unfortunately, ABBA look like never, ever agreeing to having a Biopic. They would not want their personal lives to be shown, and without that a Biopic is seen as only part of a story, with a lot that is hidden. So no Director would want to do one on ABBA, when it would not really show their story in full. Not that ABBA would agree to even a sanitised one being made. I saw some sort of ABBA biopic on TV sometime in the last year or so. I don't remember the title.
It's interesting to hear that there is going to be an Elton John biopic, and Rocket Man is a good title for it. My late best friend was a big Elton John fan when we were kids in the '70s.
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Post by josef on Mar 23, 2019 22:20:28 GMT
I saw some sort of ABBA biopic on TV sometime in the last year or so. I don't remember the title.
I think you might mean When All Is Said and Done? It was really dreadful, the actors looked nothing like ABBA, etc. Once ABBA are no longer here, I suppose there'll be a film. I just hope they choose truly great actors and that it has some integrity. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2019 1:12:40 GMT
I'm aware that a very poor and feeble ABBA 'Biopic' was made a few Years ago. My idea of an ABBA Biopic
is one with good Actors, miming to ABBA's original vocals. In a Film that has had at least $40 Million spent
on it. The Queen Film cost $50 Million to $55 Million. Celion Dion's cost $23 Million. (She had a TV Movie
made about her, in 2008 It was awful. The Celine Actress mentions ABBA in it. It was in a scene from 1988.
Her Manager suggests that she enters Eurovision. She replies, 'Isn't that what made ABBA famous?'. He says
'Yes', so she enters for Switzerland - and Wins. As happened in 'Real Life'. I can never recall a note of her
1988 ESC Winning Song). Elton John's Biopic has cost $40 Million to make...
Some ABBA Fans think that I want ABBA's 'Plans' to fail. That I'm getting pleasure out of such speculating.
It is not at all true. I'm genuinely concerned that it is all - or mostly - going to go wrong - and I really do
not want that to happen. Why take risks, when you don't have to? A lot of Fans feel as I do. It has caused
me such concern, that I find that the only way I can handle it, is to pay far less attention to ABBA, than I
used to. I've pretty much backed away. I now feel that I'm breaking my own 'Rules', by Posting about ABBA...
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Post by gazman on Mar 30, 2019 17:40:32 GMT
I think it will all still be huge when the time comes. New ABBA songs on the radio will make world headlines, and I don't think the 'ABBAtar' project would flop. They'll not release it unless it's spectacular.
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Post by foreverfan on Apr 3, 2019 16:30:51 GMT
Latest news...
Bjorn says new tracks September or October.. having problems with avatars video.. thinks it's gone onto long...
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Post by HOMETIME on Apr 5, 2019 8:39:54 GMT
I am just listening to the brand new BAO track, Om Du Var Jag (If You Were Me) and it sounds very early-to-mid-era ABBA. Think WDIHTBM meets Waterloo with a smidgen of On And On And On. It's sung beautifully by Helen Sjoholm, but IMO it's just begging to be sung in the magical "third voice" made by Frida and Agnetha. I wonder if Don't Shut Me Down is in this vein? itunes.apple.com/ie/album/om-du-var-jag-single/1458344542 |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2019 12:19:53 GMT
Bjorn has given a big Interview to Dan Wootton, in today's 'The Sun'. (Saturday 6th April). In it he confirms that there will not be an ABBA Biopic Film. Not while he's alive, anyhow. He also seems to confirm that we are to get an entire New ABBA Album - not just a few New Songs... I'm still unclear, if The ABBAtars are to only be CGI, (ABBA as in 1979), from the neck up, and 'Body Doubles' from the neck down, or if they are to be entirely CGI... LINK:
I always find 'The Sun' Site to be rather slow...
www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/8802480/abba-bjorn-ulvaeus-interview/ |
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Post by foreverfan on Apr 6, 2019 12:47:51 GMT
In the UK we all tend to know what the Sun newspaper is like  .. However this does tend to back up what was said on the "Lorraine show"a few weeks ago.. Time to get excited again  |
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Post by Alan on Apr 6, 2019 13:29:47 GMT
‘Initially, the re-formed ABBA recorded two songs together, but now there is a whole album on the way.
“So the world has heard,” he smiles, knowingly. “I heard that too.” The first tracks were meant to be released at Christmas, but it is technology holding up the release.’
It’s neither confirming nor denying, but surely if there was no truth in it, he would say something? There would be a lot of disappointment if, after this, “only” two or three new tracks materialised? Keeping people guessing is fine, as long as it’s not leading to false hope!
I don’t think The Sun has lied about his answers though. Those words from Björn must be genuine. Let’s hope “the world” has heard right.
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Post by gary on Apr 6, 2019 14:31:32 GMT
Keeping my fingers crossed for an album. But let’s hope the new songs aren’t like that ‘new’ BAO song...
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Post by Michal on Apr 6, 2019 15:00:14 GMT
...It’s neither confirming nor denying, but surely if there was no truth in it, he would say something?... Exactly… it was the same with Görel Hanser some time ago while until recently they were denying all rumours vehemently. I keep my fingers crossed. It would be a great satisfaction for the long wait :-) |
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Post by hejiranyc on Apr 8, 2019 17:57:08 GMT
In an age when most legacy artists have stopped releasing new music and are only concentrating on touring endlessly on the back of their old catalogs, it is so refreshing to hear about a group of septuagenarians feeling inspired to be creative. Surely, the Abbatar project was the catalyst, but, still, there must have been a pent up desire over these past 35 years to finally bring the ABBA story to closure. I just hope they filmed the recording of the new album and are willing to release a documentary on Netflix.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2019 19:33:07 GMT
hejiranyc , Zeebee , josef ,@onlyabba4me , gazman , foreverfan , HOMETIME , Alan , gary , Michal , hejiranyc , I am just more and more getting excited to be able to hear in a few months new ABBA music, music and lyrics by Björn and Benny, those irresistable vocals by Agnetha and Annifrid, that is all I am waiting for.....
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Post by foreverfan on Apr 8, 2019 20:17:57 GMT
They say patience is a virtue.... we must all be saints for waiting this long 😂😂😂😂
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Post by gazman on Apr 20, 2019 17:09:53 GMT
The latest news from Stockholm is that there remain 'only' 2 new songs for release and these apparently still need to be finished. The first may appear in Sept or Oct, but no definite release dates or formats have been set yet.
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Post by Michal on Apr 22, 2019 16:30:26 GMT
Well it's too early to set the release date or format if they are to be released so late. We don't know even about the Voulez-Vous 40th anniversary releases which are just around the corner. But what they are playing at with these "just 2 songs" / "many more songs" / "possibly an album" news I really don't understand...
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Post by kruspetiddies on May 3, 2019 18:19:19 GMT
They say patience is a virtue.... we must all be saints for waiting this long 😂😂😂😂 I hope they don't have to make us wait much longer. And I hope the songs are good,because if they are bad,why the long wait? |
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Post by foreverfan on May 3, 2019 19:58:42 GMT
Just a word of caution.....again....
Madonna of equal standing to ABBA, has just released her new track in the UK with extensive promotion on radio 2... it has failed to chart (so far) after Two weeks to hit the top 75...
As said before older acts can't get the hits they used to have, another good pointer will be if Kylies new hit , out now will chart...
Not looking good for that UK 10th number one....
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but as for new stuff....
..
