ABBA’s Concert Tours - Australia 1977 | ABBA History

[@marikesl]

All I can say is: WOW!!! Thank you so much for all of these fascinating insights into the Australian Tour, many of which I had no clue of before! I knew about the heavy rain and the bugs in Sydney, since Björn and Benny have talked so often about that as one of their strongest concert memories. Watching "ABBA - The Movie", of course we get glimpses into the level of fan ecstacy, but I have to say I didn't know to what extend they also were hunted down by the press and photographers everywhere they went, even when they were supposed to be in private! I must admit, those snippets on the boat with the reporters following them and always saying "Keep going, keep going" made me feel really uncomfortable for ABBA's own sake. And I had no idea at all about the death threats and about Benny being left alone on stage, completely unaware - to think of what could have happened is terrifying, thank God nothing happened! Those negative aspects being said, I am so happy that we have all of these brave fan recordings and of course the professional recordings to capture what an awesome and joyous experience the whole thing was as well at the same time! God, how I wish I could have been there among all those thousands of other fans during those outdoor concerts...! I can watch the intro to "Tiger" at the Sydney concert a million times and never get tired of it! Everytime Frida starts singing backstage before the band breaks into that heart-racing instrumental and the Ladies eventually start singing, I get the chills, all up and down my spine! The same with the sing-along encore of "Fernando" - what an amazing feeling it must be to hear 50.000 people singing your song! The electricity can literally be felt through the screen! And last, but not least, the thought of a live album from the 1977 tour is SO incredible, if only it could happen someday! For me, the most treasured part of the professional live recordings in the movie is "Get On The Carousel" - why that song was never officially released on "ABBA - The Album" is beyond me - such a rocker that would have taken off for sure, in my opinion, and what a way it would have been to close the mini-musical on the record! I love that track! These concert recordings and your videos about ABBA's tours make me even more excited for my own very first ABBA live experience when I'm going to London to see "Voyage" - I imagine it's going to be similar electricity there!!! Again, thank you, and looking forward to the next one!

[@bobbysbrother137]

I totally feel you with „Tiger“. Pure goosebumps. Also, I just really have to blast this one LOUD as soon as the „heart-racing instrumental“ kicks in (beautiful description), and then have Agnetha and Frida‘s voices filling the room! Something about that „Fernando“ sing-a-long: in Europe, they actually started out to have the audience sing the entire chorus, until they realized that most of them didn‘t seem too familiar with the words, lol. Then they changed it so that they just have to sing the word „Fernando“. Really appreciate your amazing feedback, Marike. And I can tell you: I felt all of that electricity once I was caught inside the ABBA Arena!! 🎶

[@marikesl]

@@bobbysbrother137 Thank you! That sounds fantastic, I cannot wait!!!

[@toby9999]

@@bobbysbrother137 I feel the same. I love what you're doing. This one was awesome.

[@GomersPile01]

Hi Marike, I am Australian and I was 13 in 1977 when this tour happened. Yes, some members of our press are "pests" and will push too hard for that "best photograph". This is because the media in Australia paid handsomely for such photographs in those days. A person could get paid a years salary for just one photograph they were able to snap if it made the front page of some of the newspapers. But they are quite harmless apart for having sore feelings if they don't get the picture they want. The bomb threat in Perth was always assumed to be just pranksters. It used to happen quite often in the 70s and early 80s at large events. Finally there was legislation written to punish such pranksters. Even so, it was standard procedure that if a bomb threat was called in, even if it was assumed to be a prank, people would be cleared from the area and a check would be made. This is why the delay was only 20 minutes. No one seriously believed there was a bomb. You have to remember there had never been such a bombing in our countries history so they were not taken very seriously. Just clear people out, a perfunctory check, and go again. In 1978 we had what I believe to be the only political motivated bombing in our countries history. The bomb being planted in a garbage bin outside the Hilton Hotel where leaders of commonwealth countries were meeting. The garbage man who picked up the bombed garbage bin was killed along with a police officer standing nearby. But I don't recall another bombing similar ever. It was only some years after the Hilton Hotel bombing that it was made a crime to call in a false bomb threat. I just thought you might like to know that background since you mentioned it. 🙂

[@marikesl]

@@GomersPile01 Thank you very much for this valuable information, I really appreciate it!

[@petafriend2854]

I was at the Sydney concert on the 3rd March 1977, I was in the front row in the pouring rain, words can’t describe how I felt, I was 15 years old and seeing ABBA was a dream come true. Thank you for this amazing video.

[@michaelrochester48]

One thing about the group is that when they did their tours they had an amazing backup band. They had an orchestra they had several guitarists and drummer’s and percussionists and bass players, and a full range of background singers. That’s why they sounded phenomenal live

[@bobbysbrother137]

That's absolutely right, the live band and multiple players were the big secret!

[@clay9185]

Thankyou for the fantastic review of ABBA’s Australian shows, some information I wasn’t aware of. My friend & I were at both Sydney shows, including the first night in the pouring rain. We slept outside the Showground arena the night before. I remember being interviewed by radio station reporters in the early morning about the upcoming concert that night. As BB mentioned, no seat numbers, so we ran to get a good vantage point, ended up being about 7 rows from the stage. My memories of that first night were a sea of umbrellas, dealing with the pouring rain & regardless of the sound quality, we were there, we were seeing Abba in front of our very eyes. My favourites there were Tiger, Dancing Queen, Fernando & Get On The Carousel. A highlight of my life, which continues now, still collecting everything Abba related worldwide on my travels. Thankyou BB for the amazing memories in your video, Thankyou ABBA!

[@FlamingCockatiel]

Thank you for sharing memories. I would have loved to hear how much more Tiger rocked live. There is little footage of Get on the Carousel, and I am limited to bootlegs for full length audio. What endeared it to you?

[@supertrouper2550]

This insight into the Australian tour and the hysteria that followed them is chillingly like the Beatles tours..mishaps, plane problems, rain, bomb threats, press, unrelenting fans. Must have been absolutely overwhelming for them. But it's beautiful that they never wanted to let down the fans, who, while assertive in their love, never seemed threatening.

[@erikskifte8862]

MY FAVE LIVE PERFORMANCE FROM ABBA IS : GET ON THE CAROUSEL. I SOOOO WISH, THAT ONE DAY, THEY'LL RELEASE IT ON VINYL/CD. AGNETHA AND ANNI-FRID PERFORMANCE= FLAWLESS 🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@jay_ooh]

MINE TOOOOOOOO!!!! I would love and actual studio recording of it, That would be just amazing!

[@erikskifte8862]

@@jay_ooh YEP YEP YEP 🤗

[@The_Jupiter2_Mission]

I was at the Sydney rain concert. I remember you could wander back and forth from the front of the stage to the middle. No-one seemed to care about seating after the show began. One thing I remember as to the sound of the show was it was better to hear them at a distance more than close to the stage. The side speakers were so enormous and loud that the bass drowned out their voices to the ear up front and you just heard this loud bass rumble more than the singing. I remember doing a back and forth. Go to the front of the stage and see them, then wander back to the middle to hear them properly. I don't know how they captured the sound of the concert but I know close up near those speakers you really struggled to hear a proper mix of bass and treble. Up front it was all bass.

[@bobbysbrother137]

Thanks for these very nice details about the acoustics! This is most fascinating, since I actually experienced the very same on the „Voyage“ show!! Interesting!

[@melaniewaggoner1989]

Watching this movie on the big screen back in 1978 or 79 was the closest I ever got to seeing ABBA in concert. It was so thrilling I sat there and watched TWICE. Big speakers, big picture in the dark-- it was AMAZING.

[@bobbysbrother137]

To experience "ABBA: The Movie" on the big screen is the real deal. Even more so in 1978/79!! I had the chance in 2017, unforgettable.

[@georgedanson4759]

BB, your posts help me relive the most exciting time of my life. I was 13 and ABBA was all that was on my mind. I still cherish the Australian tour, and love them till this day. My parents did not buy me a concert ticket. But I went to the concert anyway and climbed the fence to catch a glimps of them from afar. I was so so lucky. I was one of the 6000 greeting them at the Melbourne Town Hall. I was only metres away and almost had an out-of-body experience. How lucky am I! ABBA shows were on national TV each week. Their music was constanty played. Australia has never experienced such affection for music artists since. Going to London to see ABBA Voyage Oct 10 and 13. Sending best wishes from Melbourne Australia. Now 59... the ABBA magic still enriches my life. You are amazing BB. BB if ever you meet one of the ABBA members, please share my story and send them the collective love of Australian fans. Even at my colleagues', friends' and relatives' funerals... it is the music of ABBA that features... that is how much we live them.

[@georgedanson4759]

Thank you BB. ABBA were on TV almost weekly, from their 1976 promotional visit. Their music dominated the charts. There were ads for National. Every where and on every airway, they were played and loved. I was smitten. I was there as a 14 year old in Melbourne. I saw them at the Melbourne Town Hall and at their concert. The whole city was at a standstill that weekend. I still cannot express the excitement and joy that filled my heart. My only and loved group travelled from Sweden to my home, half way across the world! And they came for those like me. It was pure joy. 45 years on, this was the greatest memory of my life. I saw the movie once a week in Melbourne post their Australian tour, and continued to cherish the experience. I saw ABBA Voyage twice last October. And their magic isstill alive, as you know. I was front and centre of stage. I laughed and cried with joy. I even waved and blew kisses to the images before me. BB, thank you for your public expression of love, for ABBA. Your love is my love, and that of the world. XO

[@marcabbott8134]

What a fantastic job you did with this, Thank you so much! I have been waiting for a complete live concert release from this tour since I saw Abba Live in Perth 10 March 77. Yes at the bomb scare concert! We all must do everything we can to lobby Universal, Bjorn& Benny to honour their true fans by releasing this magical 1977 LIVE Material!.At the very least I would like to see an audio set released on CD and Vinyl of the complete rehearsal from 8th Jan, a complete Royal Albert Hall concert from London and a complete Australian show. I can dream!!

[@bobbysbrother137]

Those three releases, exactly my wish! Why not?! Thanks for your lovely feedback and memories!

[@veronicasiegfried2712]

Excellent job! I am really enjoying all this information on ABBAs concerts you are sharing with us, and I am looking forward to the next one.❤❤❤❤

[@bobbysbrother137]

I enjoy it, too. It’s a lot of fun when these ABBA stories are so damn good to discover and assemble. Many thanks, Veronica!! So appreciated.

[@chelseacharger]

There is definitely enough footage from 'ABBA - The Movie' as well as from the multitude of film/photographs from local News programmes to put together a proper documentary of the Australian tour.

[@bobbysbrother137]

Maybe an entire series even, an Anthology-like series!

[@christianoazzuro6711]

@@bobbysbrother137 Yesss!plz someone must SAVE all this and gather it in the precious box!

[@supertrouper2550]

Yes..tons of footage. If anything, I'd love to see a full concert, especially of The Girl with the Golden Hair.

[@TheGadgetPanda]

I was at the 2nd Sydney concert in 1977. I was 8, it was my very first concert and I was ABBA obsessed. I went with my friend David and his family. We both brought our little portable tape decks to record everything (recent Christmas presents) but we were too far away and the sound was barely picked up. My friend David decided he wanted to get closer so he ran off, leaving me with his mother and little sister. When he returned, he had a great story. He'd managed to convince one of the camera people to get his tape deck close to the stage. And yes, when we played back the tape back, the volume was excellent, except... his batteries were practically flat and after a minute or so music got slower and slower and slower and eventually stopped. He was so disappointed. Still, a great night, and TONIGHT some 46 years later I'm going to see the ABBA Voyage "concert". I cannot wait!

[@dimitriosdaskalakis6127]

I was at the Saturday night concert in Melbourne. It was a warm evening (and no rain) Fabulous concert. I sat in the 9th row from the front. Earlier that day we waited to see them at the Town Hall at close distance. Such a surreal experience. They were like gods. 🙌❤🎉

[@GomersPile01]

Hi BB, wow, what a wonderful video. Thank you. I lived about 500 kms from Sydney and 400 kms from Melbourne. So as a 13 year old I could not actually go to any of their concerts. But the whole country was a buzz for the Abba concerts in 1977. There were those Australians who poo-pooed Abba and said they were over-rated. There was no shortage of "Abba-bashers" before the first concert. I think almost every radio station in the country carried the first concert and commentary of it. The national stood still. I still remember sitting next to my radio listening to the build up and the commentators talking about it. When the rain started, and the rain can be very heavy in Sydney, we wondered if the concert could actually go on. I can tell you that when Abba came out and went ahead they won the hearts of the entire nation, bashers and all. I heard the commentary of Fridas fall and I personally thought maybe it is just too dangerous. High heels and water do not mix. The next day every newspaper in the country praised Abba for persevering through the rain for their fans even though there were such obvious dangers. There was not a person in the country who could get away with bashing Abba ever again. They proved themselves true professionals dedicated to giving their fans a great show. Everyone would have understood if the concert was called off. It had happened before to other bands. The reception at the Melbourne Town Hall was Melbourne's way of "out doing Sydney". I believe far more than 6,000 people showed up. The footage I saw at the time, and the commentary on news channels said more than 20,000 showed up at the Town Hall. There were some comments made by Agnetha that she felt uncomfortable with the rather fanatical Australian fans, but each time she asked about this she was assured that "That is just how us Australians are" and we meant no harm. A raucous Australian crowd would be something that would scare most people, but we are quite harmless in that way! They did the number one music show called Count Down and the host of the show "Molly Meldrum" even apologized for his past criticism and noted to them that there is not a single Australian who has not been touched by their music. It was simply the biggest event of its type. Everyone was just amazed they had travelled so far to come and play for those who were lucky enough to be able to get a ticket. Many Australians not being able to find Sweden on a map before Abba Mania. What a wonderful video. Thank you so much. It brings back so many good memories!

[@alexioverdo5225]

Another valid, precious, tutorial, delightful little masterpiece that you made B'sb.Got no words!Thank you.When i first saw the film in the movie,i got imediately struck by the first exciting seconds of the TIGER intro when Abba stepped out.Then got stunned by Agnetha's piercing delivery in SOS.It had also insistently stuck in my teenage mind the tender way she handled her microphone with her beautiful hands while singing this.In some parts it seemed to me as if she was holding softly with care someone's broken heart.I also remember that FERNANDO had a longer sing-a-long part.It was a 'crime' that this was chopped in the DVD version,cause the edited version didn't show out the progression of the strong build up bond between the audience and the Abba touch.Fortunately it was featured full length in the 1986- rather unofficial- "live album' and in the early '80s VHS edition that i still own.Also (i will say this again )in the dvd version there has been a digitally reduced proccess of the raw sound of the audience's hysterical response and all the real screamings all way through the songs.This way it diminished some portion of the electricity that was transmitted in such loving atmosphere between the group and the fans.In the VHS release it's all there and sounds just explosive!As for I WONDER...The sax part was really fantastic.Heard it in a bootleg from one of their German gigs!Fits so fine to the song and reforms it to something even more 'luxurious'.Frida's live performance was also flawless and outstanding.I also loved all the collage of the cuttings from media articles.I got carried away back there, feeling i was living in 1977. Finally thanx for mentioning the fact that thousands of people were attending the gigs outside the arenas(in some gig they were even more on the outside than on the inside packed crowd),cause it shows the amount of people that gathered was phenomenal,regarding the population of the country!Also liked your reference to the testimonies of the lovely devoted fan Roxanne Dickson.She also attended the VOYAGE premier last May saw ABBA again there after 40+ years!.Till your next video,Hugs.

[@ferdinandkenmaurent226]

March 10, 1977...I will NEVER forget My Dad brought me To The ABBA Concert in Perth!!!!!!!

[@grzesiektg]

I would sit and binge watch all the footage. bring it on! :O

[@christinejackson3922]

Wow the memories!!! I was 14 in 1977 and LOVED ABBA so my mum got me a ticket to see them at the Myer Music Bowl I remember it was an afternoon concert my ticket was on the grass area and when they opened the gates we ran and I was lucky enough to get one row back from the reserved seating still the best concert ever

[@achristoffersen6850]

I saw them in Copenhagen / Denmark on February 1, 1977. I was 15 and even to this day, it’s one of the greatest experiences I ever had. LOVE LOVE LOVE ABBA❤

[@robert9495]

Wow! Basically another Woodstock. On the 17th and 19th september 2023, they're showung throughout Europe in cinemas a new version of ABBA the movie which includes never before seen footage, baxkstage scenes, interviews, scenes from their live performances in Australia, etc etc. It's a one time event only. I'm glad this movie will show in cinemas in the city i live in, i'll be sure to attend. As for their live performances in Australia, i hope one say they will be remaatered on blu ray and rekeased in 4K with atmos sound. Imagine the experience of watching their live performances at such A/V quality.

[@bobbyyounger7632]

Fantastic ! Love it !

[@kingmarshmusic]

A wonderful summary of ABBA’s amazing Australian tour. Love the details you have given, including reviews. Thanks, BB!

[@grahamsmith408]

Thank you so much. I was at the Melbourne afternoon conference i rember they really rocked. You bought tears to my eyes.

[@chrissouvlis4406]

Please tell us more about your experience. x

[@georgedanson4759]

Hi BB. The 1977 Australian performances are my favourite of all time. The standard may not have been at ABBA standards for a live release. But for me, being there and listening, their standard in my opinion was world class. Was so loud and modern. Sending love from Melbourne Australia.

[@smokiebear3099]

I was 10 when I saw ABBA at the Myer Music Bowl (Melbourne) with my older sister. I don’t remember much about the concert but I do remember the crowds and how hot it was that day. The venue back then wasn’t great if you had tickets for the grassed area unless you were at the front, so I can’t say I saw much and have refused to go to concerts there ever since. I made up for it last year when I saw ABBA Voyage 3 times and loved every second.

[@Pedro-im1tt]

Complimenti Bobby's per questo bellissimo video degli Abba in Australia . Forse il loro tour più bello ed affascinante...!! Grazie mille.

[@abbascots]

Thanks again appreciate … Fantastic documentation some amazing insights 😍

[@dwblurb]

I was at the Perth concert where there was the bomb threat. I was only six at the time, so I don't remember much of the concert itself, but distinctly remember having to vacate the arena and hang around in the foyer until the arena was cleared. So proud of Australia's role in ABBAs rise.

[@TorkG8]

I can relate to the excitement Roxanne felt, I saw them on their 1979 tour when I was a child. When Agnetha and Frida walked out on stage I burst out crying and was shaking! 😂

[@whojanson6751]

Thank you Bb! Very well done. Much new info I haven't heard of before. Keep up your good work!

[@michaelrochester48]

When you get up to the United States tour..:You should do a special attention to the time when they were flying in an airplane and lightning hit the plane and Agnetha was so sick to her stomach, that she had to rest for a day and force the cancellation of their Washington DC concert of which a young Amy Carter was supposed to attend, who is the daughter of President of the United States Jimmy Carter

[@davidewin6833]

Thanks for this amazing recounting of the Australian Tour. I would love to have had a Live '77 album of which I would hope would include the mini musical versions of the songs especially GOTC & IAM, the latter of which I've always preferred due to its more playful style.

[@RickDanner]

Hey buddy , in 1979 I was in a kind of succesful band in Boston Mass USA , I was 19 and ABBA played at the boston Garden exactly 7 miles from my house ! I believe that was the plane ride that they had to abort the landing at logan airport and it freaked Agnetha out on flying ( i dont blame her ) and of ourse her famous quote about planes she said "they are very heavy and have a lot of tiny screws and things" everything about her is adorable . Great work my friend look forward to all your video productions

[@supertrouper2550]

Wow! Forty five hours from Australia..yep, there needs to be a Beatle like documentary immediately! Also, they should put out the Olivia Newton John special from 1978 and the ABBA Meets Dick Cavett interview and concert. They are in excellent music form in the Cavett special, singing live and with a band. No lip synching.

[@bobbysbrother137]

"Dick Cavett Meets ABBA" is one of my absolute favorite performances. It would make for such a beautiful 9-track live album, it's long overdue!

[@FlamingCockatiel]

Someone has footage from the first one in stereo. I enjoyed the Cavett special, particularly because they threw in a few lesser-known songs and did them justice.

[@looseme2000]

I was at the 3rd March concert I was 14 years old. That was the best night, despite the rain. When we arrived and the gates open all I heard is 'RUN' as the seats were not allocated. We managed to sit two rows from the front and centre. There were so many umbrellas and people screaming especially when ABBA finally came on. No one cared about the rain it was a fantastic night that I will never forget. I even got my photo in the ABBA Official Photo book during the concert! They sounded great live and the show was full of surprises. My next dream is to attend the ABBA arena in England or even hoping it comes to Sydney!

[@PeterNolan-009]

Wow. You were actually there. I was in wagga wagga listening to the broadcast on the radio. I remember the commentators talking about how there was very real danger from the electricity and rain and how they were so brave. When agnetha fell over they were saying surely they must stop now, its too dangerous. But they played on. Everyone talked about that night for months. It is still talked about. It must have really been something to be there. Lucky you!.

[@PeterNolan-009]

Ps. I was 13 and I had a HUGE crush on agnetha. She looked just like the girl I wanted to marry at the time.

[@chrishaas2376]

I would love to see the rehearsal tapes. If you've never been involved in a big production you have no idea what goes into s show. It's also when you get to see performers as real people.

[@bobbysbrother137]

Absolutely this! It would just get us hooked even more in marvel at the extraordinary achievement and perfection of their music and shows, I think! The same goes for early studio versions and demos. You'll get an insight into the process, and will appreciate all of the finished outcome even more (and with new perspectives, too).

[@ofirt5903]

Well done amazing and interesting as always. Thanks you ABBALOG!!

[@dionneking8]

thank you

[@kyria3357]

It would be so wonderful when we gett a live-Album from 1977, ABBA and Ludvig do this please 👍🏼❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@GN-cf5lg]

Let's get Peter Jackson to clean up all the 1977 Australia unused footage and put together a tour film of ABBA on the road with full performances, interviews, backstage passes, cultural and context of the times. Wow.

[@marikesl]

I second the notion!!!

[@bobbysbrother137]

THAT would be something. He'd bringt it all out for us. Let's hope he stumbles across this little video, hears the hot facts, and gets an appetite!! What about an Anthology series? "ABBA: The 1977 Tour", 10 episodes á 50 minutes! That would get us a sixth of the material available...that's how much there is!!! However, I just read that Peter Jackson plans to do another project with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr next.

[@GN-cf5lg]

@@bobbysbrother137 Considering how successful the Get Back project was for the Beatles it would be great to get a streaming service to invest in something similar with ABBA. The commercial and creative potential is so great and it would help to promote ABBA Voyage Concert globally in the future.

[@marikesl]

@@bobbysbrother137 To be honest, after watching the AMAZING things he has done with "The Beatles: Get Back", I am SURE he could do it, if he gets the appetite for it!!!

[@marikesl]

@@GN-cf5lg You said it!!!

[@georgedanson4759]

BB I was there. Love your post. Sending love from Melbourne Australia. X

[@johnadam5179]

Amazing piece of ABBA videography and moderating by our host. Thank you! Looking forward to Part III.

[@Bernhard2024]

I would love to have an Live-Album from their 1977 Tour. In 2005 I bought ABBA The Movie on DVD.

[@FlamingCockatiel]

Definitely. I enjoy my Wembley Arena CDs but have a slight preference for some of the tracks (Tiger, I've Been Waiting for You, I'm a Marionette) from the 1977 tour and would love something better quality than bootlegs and less truncated than the Movie.

[@indy26211]

Abba forever.❤

[@carlosgarjon8340]

Astonishing documentary. Thank you.

[@bobbysbrother137]

Bless you, Carlos. Happy you enjoy it. Thanks for the kind words!

[@710LL59]

what a great video production my friend

[@wasiuuu1]

they should do another documentary with never seen footage and have include live recorded music from the shows, that would be as a vol 1 then have another release as vol 2, release of these 24 tracks recordings and presented them as recordings without audience and stage noise, just mixed like studio recordings, that would make new takes of the songs we all know, and vol 3 full show live recorded with music and video show to watch, i think would be on Blu-ray, dont know i think Blu-ray a finish now, Anyhow that would make a big bonus to ABBA history and a treasure to FANs around the globe.

[@booh12469]

Impressive! Thanks Bobby's B ~ you did some serious research and provide those of us who were way too young to have experienced this back then (I was only 8 y.o) with a fascinating time travel back to a very exciting time in the history of ABBA. 🙌🏻✨

[@MarcelSonnega]

Wonderful documentary! I was way too small when all of this happened, so it's lovely to hear all this ABBA history. The music always and the joy always stayed with me though.

[@bobbysbrother137]

Beautiful comment. Thanks, Marcel!

[@dorotah.2822]

Thank you BB. Your reports cannot possibly be beaten for detail. 👍👍

[@RickDanner]

Great ! watched in 3 times !`

[@freeazfridae]

Oh I was there 3rd March 1977. Hard to explain the atmosphere but the arena was alive with excitement !

[@davidmarshall5596]

Hey Bobby's Brother..you've done it again..another excellent review & so much information i will have to watch it over just to take it all in 😁👍once again you have 'educated' years messes 😆keep up the excellent work sir 👍👍

[@georgedanson4759]

Love you BB. Best wishes from Melbourne Australia.

[@taustin35]

I just wanted to say thank you so much for all the video content and everything you do I thoroughly enjoy your updates every week Sorry to post this on an old video but I just saw the movie in Dublin and was watching this clip now Thank you again! With much love Trevor, Dublin, Ireland

[@hweminnio419]

I just hope that they would release the full live version of all songs they performed in Australia on Dvd. Especially Fernando & I wonder. We just want to experience that precious moment as a whole. ABBA Live version is unique,, that makes them perfect too.

[@michaelsnaidero1671]

Thankyou so much BB ,incredibly in depth analysis of the Australian concert. You actually brought to light so many facts I never knew ,I remember at that time ,that it was really intense with the concert numbers and massive crowds at public events including their Sydney arrival,this was VOYAGE 1977 .I would love to see a live concert release of both CD and DVD of those concerts that would really complete their legacy and allow us all to experience them live and involve younger generations that couldn't relate to ABBA as a current phenomenon, but experience what it was like for us who did, at the time.It is so,so fortunate that with great foresight we actually have ABBA the movie to add to the collection.

[@sharonjohns9385]

I went to the 2nd Sydney concert. I wasn't close to the stage. Remember the opening song Tiger. A great evening. Also loved the Movie when it originally came out. Not long after that, I did a Scandinavian tour, including Stocholm. Wonderful.

[@trevorstewart-inverness]

Once again, another incredibly detailed, piece of work, which I’m sure took hours to produce, thank you for this. I went to see Abba the Movie, when in was first released in the UK, which was 1978, I think. And in those days going to the cinema was still a great evening out and I loved the film, Abba we’re hitting their peak then and the cinema was full.

[@kempro]

The atmosphere of the time and how they put on the concerts is very well achieved in the film "ABBA: the Movie". I would have liked it to include more songs and for "Mamma Mia" and "When I kissed the teacher" to have been included in their entirety. Very good and complete information about the Australian abba Tour 77 in this magnificent video. Who knows, maybe in about 10 years with ultra-realistic video generative AI we will be able to see ABBA concerts indistinguishable of a real image.

[@Avocadoz10]

Good reporting, Bobby! My favorite performance of the movie is : Why did it have to be me !!

[@MontagZoso]

Thank you SO much for this! ❤️👍

[@bobbysbrother137]

Many thanks for watching it!

[@melaniewaggoner1989]

What else can be said? Such a great overview! Thanks a Thousand times!!!!!!!

[@bobbysbrother137]

Many thanks, really happy you enjoyed it!!

[@antjetautkus5506]

Great job 👏 👍 Thx ❣ 2022

[@thecomedyspot11]

Despite the enormous success of the tour, ABBA’s popularity in Australia then plummeted. Arrival sold 960,000 copies, which was phenomenal in a country with a population at the time of around 13 million. A year later, The Album sold 50,000 copies. They became “uncool” virtually overnight. Unlike virtually every other touring act, they did not appear on the all-powerful ABC TV show Countdown and I’ve often wondered if this was a huge mistake. Its host, “Molly” Meldrum effectively broke them in Australia if not globally by playing the Mamma Mia video two years earlier. He travelled to Sweden to interview them, but they did not return the favour. I wonder if he ignored The Album when it was released later in 1977?

[@toby9999]

I would love to have seen the 'ABBA - The Movie' show performances in full. I don't give a toss about the rest of the movie, the reporter running around and all that crazy stuff. It's great that we have it for the ABBA content, but on the other hand, it seems like a wasted opportunity that we have those wonderful performances interrupted by what is basically a lot of nonsense.

[@FlamingCockatiel]

I read that the powers that be thought straight concert footage would be too much to sit through. What? It somehow worked for the live audience.

[@sudicalwig]

16:53 The man standing in between Agnetha and Frida is Alice Cooper. With a budweiser in his hand like always in the 70s. =)

[@joedefilippo2521]

Wow your right good catch

[@christianoazzuro6711]

BTW B'sb have you ever considered your doing a livestream chat even just for once?Many other you tubers do that.I suspect many of us wish this and feel the need to say live 'hallo' to you and 'thank you' and express our apreciation live.We feel you so close now and familiar.It would be so refreshing to gather all here real time for a while.If you ever decide and feel ready,let us now first.I wanna be tuned!

[@bobbysbrother137]

I considered it, and for now don't have any plan. As you know, I rarely talk about myself on here, we're "just here for the music". But I do have it in the back of my mind, and truly appreciate you asking and expressing the wish. Always enjoy your contributions!

[@christianoazzuro6711]

@@bobbysbrother137Oh ,Take your time and do enjoy your privacy.But if you ever feel ready,i wish you give a sign first so that i/we will be able to catch you and not miss the chance to connect!

[@bobbysbrother137]

@@christianoazzuro6711 That's for sure!!

[@79BlackRose]

I remember being so disappointed in ABBA The Movie. As a fan of the music, I was dismayed that the songs were truncated. And I found the 'plot' with the journalist seeking an interview very irritating. 😟

[@bobbysbrother137]

Lasse Hallström once said that he really wanted to have a plot, since he thought that, in his opinion, even the most ardent ABBA fan would get bored watching an entire film with just an ABBA concert. With all my respect, but I think that argument couldn‘t be more ridiculous?!

[@79BlackRose]

@@bobbysbrother137 I agree with you 100%. Imagine how awesome the film would have been with complete sections of the shows from different cities with some behind the scenes stuff shown in between? He/they missed a trick there. It is such a shame.

[@marikesl]

@@bobbysbrother137 I could not agree more with both of you, BB and Black Rose! Fans getting bored watching an entire film with "just" an ABBA concert?! What was he even talking about there?! With all my respect and gratitude to Lasse Hallström as well for all his amazing work with ABBA, but yes, this is one of the most baffling and incomprehensible arguments concerning our four friends and heroes I have ever heard...!

[@bobbysbrother137]

For that one moment, he really seemed to have no clue of what it means to be an ABBA fan, ha?

[@79BlackRose]

@@marikesl Yeah. Maybe he had heatstroke haha! 🥵😅

[@larsmorlingbibelstudium3301]

Great work again!

[@glasshalffull8471]

I attended one of the Perth concerts, not the bomb scare one though, we we're lucky enough to have seats in the 3rd row on the right hand side of the stage, I was only 12 y.o and was crazy about Agnetha, they looked even more glamoroue etc in real life, Agnetha was absolutly jawdropping beautiful.

[@samjephcote7811]

I was more of a fan of their album stuff which to me was so underrated. My top 5 for me is.. 5 -im a Marionette 4 - Tiger 3 - on and on and on 2 - eagle 1 - The Visitors If I could ask ABBA one question would be What inspired you to the best track ever The Visitors? Absolutely a gem and is my tune for when my time is up

[@Yasnoor1]

Hi Bobby’s Brother. Your videos are the most informative and enjoyable representations of ABBA on the internet. You really provide fascinating details for ABBA fans. Your videos are also beautifully produced with rare footage and excellent editing. Thank you for the great work! Sometimes I feel that you have special access to ABBA footage and information. Do you know the ABBA group members personally? 😁

[@glasshalffull8471]

I was at one of the Perth show's in 1977, in the 3rd row to the right of stage, I was 11 y.o at the time, Agnetha was my favourite, unfortunatly I can't remember a thing about the concert etc, I'm not sure if that's normal to have little to no memory of an event st 11 y.o but it is what it is, I do recall next day at school I was chosen for the morning's class news to talk about it, I recall doing the things but not the actual thing.

[@LarryRobinsonintothefog]

I can't image why anyone would want to call bomb threats on such an awesome group.

[@wespaul9345]

It's quite Evil isn't it?

[@RavennaAl]

There is an interview with Alice Cooper where he said that he was in Australia doing a concert. He was well known in the US, but not so much elsewhere. He said that he was just waking up when he thought he heard the crowd chanting “Alice ….. Alice” He was surprised and flattered that there was a crowd of people there that actually knew that he was at the hotel. He opened the balcony to see them and was blown away by thousands of people in the streets shouting. Then it dawned on him that they weren’t shouting “Alice”. They were shouting “ABBA ….. ABBA” He looked up and realized that ABBA was on the balcony right above him. It was quite a blow to his ego. It turned out ok though as he was able to meet them later. What are the odds?

[@alexioverdo5225]

Ha!ha!yes i saw that interview too!Quite brave of him to admit.

[@bobbysbrother137]

And humble and respectful, too. Great story!

[@sudicalwig]

16:53 There he is. =)

[@nesincg]

​@@sudicalwignice catch

[@ABBAziamoci8453]

But did you do the video about european, american and Japan tour? I can't find It in your channel. If you did not do It, please can you'll do? You are so smart to realize this video.

[@fritziepisarski8681]

Hey Hey Bobby, it isn’t easy being a star. No peace, no privacy and sometimes very dangerous. Troopers that they were and are have managed to keep a low profile while still making the greatest music. I never got to see them in concert so these clips have been fun to watch. And to think tickets cost $9.00 back then. As always I’m enjoying your narrative 🇺🇸

[@bobbysbrother137]

It's all the price of fame, I assume. There are better ways to live, but there are worse ways, too. Thanks for your comment, Fritzie! Very happy you enjoyed the video.

[@raywright8226]

That was so fascinating. Plus I do remember in the press about that bomb hoax in Perth. As far as, what I would love to see from all the recorded footage and audio... As it was mentioned in your documentary here, "the quality is not good enough", I relate it to some boxset's that I have of Bruce Springsteen. He includes a lot of 70's footage from concerts and behind the scenes that some might consider "bootleg" or not of a professional standard. They still make for exciting viewing because they capture precious moments in history. It's about the legacy. I truly would love something similar from ABBA. [Edit] As an after thought, the Beatles documentary by Ron Howard "Eight Days a Week: The Touring Years" is full of wonderful footage, all of varying quality, that really succeeds in taking me back to a time before I was born. I think the same would be felt and enjoyed by today's young ABBA fan's.

[@scottmaca1961]

from the Guardian: In recent years, cinemas have become focal points for big events rather than, say, somewhere you can slump quietly and watch a film, places where punters dress up, take friends and dance in the aisles. The Barbie movie encouraged a wave of hot pink outfits, and TikTok is awash with footage from the Eras tour, in which viewers storm the front to sing along arm-in-arm. Last year, Talking Heads re-released their iconic concert film Stop Making Sense in cinemas prompting similarly raucous responses (and the announcement of a covers album, Everyone’s Getting Involved: A Tribute to Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense, overseen by film and entertainment giant A24). Pet Shop Boys’ concert film Dreamworld: Greatest Hits also hit cinemas this week, the final showing of which will be this Sunday (4 February). ... A concert film of the 1977 tour - with the full Girl With the Golden Hair minimusical - would we all get up and dance? Oh yeah!!!

[@ganneswilliams641]

I really wish that so called reporter didn’t throw the Swedish flag into the ocean.So much disrespect.Very unprofessional.I hope he apologised to them.As for the bomb threat,a huge embarrassment for Australia.😠

[@bobbysbrother137]

That‘s how diligent of a reporter he was…! Well, I wouldn‘t call out all of Australia because one individual got crazy. Although I did read that it seemed to have been quite a common thing back then, to give false bombing alarm every now and then. In fact, authorities apparently became so used to it, that they usually simply continued with the specific event. In ABBA‘s case, it was Björn who quickly decided to clear the venue.

[@ganneswilliams641]

That reporter was a bit of a sook.Loved himself for sure.

[@FlamingCockatiel]

I saw in the article you showed that the tickets cost AUD$9. Scaled for inflation, how would ABBA compare to acts touring today for ticket cost?

[@samuelmc3713]

It’s a massive shame that “That’s me” “I do I do I do I do I do” “I wonder” and “Dum Dum Diddle” were never released, as I really like how they sounded live from the fan recordings only the quality isn’t that good.

[@bobbysbrother137]

I‘m completely with you!

[@ianbrown_777]

21:30. The insrumental bit in 'I Wonder' I just assumed it was part of the music... never gave it a thought. I've come to prefer this live version actually, bad mix or not.

[@streetsmart73]

Oops! Confession: I watch ABBA the movie more than 20x🤭🤭🤭

[@kssa220]

الله يالدنيا

[@garrywallace1007]

I would rather see a proper film of the Australian Tour and a Live album than the Voyage Experience....

[@jay_ooh]

Honestly they release the Wembley live album. We as fans would really, really have preferred an Australian live album. To be honest, I know this may sound critical but I didn't really enjoy the 1979 tour songs. I just didn't like the way they were played on stage. They felt very high paced and I just felt that the group were trying to do something over the top. Elaborate when their best is when they're just chills and laid back and performing and giving it pretty damn good show to be honest.

[@FlamingCockatiel]

I do enjoy the Wembley albums, but I agree that the song selection for 1977 was more interesting.

[@harrybibo19]

Wig?????????

[@garrybuckley1503]

shark infested waters you mean anywhere in australia,its not that bad

[@Lavo68]

They only wanted to break even. They could have made Taylor Swift tour money.

[@79BlackRose]

The live album was a joke, but not a funny one! ☹ What on earth were they thinking? They were perfectionists and then they put out that awful album in 1986. That was the lowest point for ABBA.

[@juicyjackson822]

We need a Live in '77 album NOW!

[@Лесик-ы8д]

Самый лучший тур это Австралия! Фильм АББА впервые увидела в СССР в кинотеатре в 1981 году или 82 точно не помню,людей мало было в зале,городок где я жила был этнический и забитый,мало кто знал эту группу и ею интересовался.Я Обожала их,их показывали в СССР по ТВ ,очень редко и все же я увидела их впервые в 1976,когда мне было 15 лет.Старый телевизор черно белый и они с великолепной музыкой.Я Полюбила их навсегда.