The Iceberg Tour - 1979/1980

Hi All,
just joined this forum.
Hello from Ireland. I was at ABBA's only Irish gig, Thursday November 15th, 1979 - the last gig on the European tour (and their last one of the 70s).
It was a magical night. I clearly remember it being Frida's birthday and they presented her with red roses, she was so happy.
I had just turned 17, and was lucky to get tickets through a friend based in Dublin. I lived in Ireland's second city, Cork - so had to take Thurs and Fri off school. In those days it was so strict, I had to pretend I was sick.
When I returned on the Monday with my sick note, word had leaked that I was at the concert, and the headmaster knew and was not impressed.

As for the gig - we walked along the Royal Canal in Dublin, and the atmosphere was feverish outside the RDS Main Hall.
Thw big triangular backdrop on stage were the first things I noticed.
Having loved the Australian gig in the movie, I had high expectations.
As the lights dimmed, Benny launched into the Irish traditional song 'Danny Boy' to open the concert.
The Voulez-Vous and at last there she was right in front of me, the woman of my dreams for years, Agnetha. It was like time stood still, couldn't take my eyes off her. Her long hair was gone! But she sang so beautifully. Frida was outstanding as well.
I did notice during the show that Frida would make eye contact with a member of the audience and hold that contact for about 15 seconds.
I also remember Tomas Ledin, and thinking 'get off, we came to see ABBA, not you'.
The highlight of the show for me was I'm Still Alive, magical.
Overall, I thought it was a very 'rocking' concert, full of energy and vigour.
During 'Eagle' Frida forgot her lines and giggled.
The encores were fantastic - the flickering ABBA sign and Waterloo/Dancing Queen/The Way Old Friends Do - an amazing night was over in a flash.
35 years on, one of the best nights of my life.

The next day, we rambled around Dublin's main thoroughfare, O'Connell Street. As we passed the Gresham Hotel we noticed crowds were gathering. And out they came - ABBA, waved to the fans. Agnetha had big sunglasses on, they jumped into waiting cars and off they went. An unexpected treat the day after the gig.

Took the train back to Cork with lots of happy memories.

That's a fabulous story Martin - how wonderful to have seen the 79 concert - and have such clear memories

I always wished that I was a bit older when ABBA toured Australia - I'd certainly remember a whole lot more than I do.

I think it's a common feeling though, no matter the age, or which concert - one of the best nights of our lives

I'm not sure if it's just me, but the link doesn't seem to be working.

Hard to believe it's 35 years to the day that I had the honour of seeing ABBA's only live show in my home country. Special memories of that November night in 1979. Just browsing through the souvenir program - one of my prized possessions!

In Japan

Thank you for the video link Martin )

Cool that jacket, is that your own photo, or from where is it? What concert? japan?

No it  isn't mine, but it is a fan photo from the Japan tour. )

I also liked the jacket. )

^^Very nice