ABBA Voyage Show "A Concert Like No Other" (My Thoughts)

[@stevenwaite3158]

My wife and I went to see the show on 1st Jan 24. Not massive Abba fans but have grown up with the music which is timeless. We went into the arena early and watched it fill to capacity. Just sitting there waiting looking at the forest scene on the screen and listing to the music is haunting. And then, well let's just say the show starts with a bang. It's mesmerising and totally spellbinding. The most incredible 90 minutes I have ever seen. Yes, it looks like ABBA are really on stage and the only giveaway are the close up avatars on the big screen. I think it's 20 hits and every song is stunning. The visuals, sound and lighting are incredible, and the 10 piece band are outstanding. You come out from the show in a daze, it doesn't quite sink in what you have just seen. Suffice to say we've booked to go again, being very lucky that the arena is less than an hour from us.

[@daviebevan]

I booked my ticket and the coach last week. But it's for next June 025, so a bit of a long wait. I'm looking forward to this!

[@ABBADiego]

What a fantastic, sincere review! As an original era fan I got to see ABBA a few times for real but when I got to go to the première, I saw then again. They appeared after their present day selves (that you saw). The general concensus is the actual look is 1977, you are indeed correct it is 65 million pixels. Do go again as there are more songs to be incorporated at a later date. Buy merchandise as a lot of it is limited edition, so always grab something that might not be available for very long. Ever since they announced this I was frightened it wouldn't work but after seeing the work and tech involved I knew this would become historic. When looking for tickets at ticketmaster, put the slider over to show resale tickets. In August I return for my 5th show. In May I did premiere 26 May, first revenue show May 27 then first afternoon show May 28th. Flew up from Spain again in July and return August with my niece. It is something people should put on bucket lists. Diego.

[@AGNETHAFALTSK0G]

Hello James, yes you're correct about the pixels on the screen.

[@bobtrouper]

I agree, nice honest review.

[@speedlearner]

I'm glad you were able to see them in the 1970's and I'm glad you got to see this concert. Did you find any unique merchandise in their store? And if so, what did you find?

[@thebuttonsblog]

Went to see them with my mom last month. Absolutely mind-blowing. Had such a great time. Yes, there's a little bit of "uncanny valley" on the big screens. But it doesn't detract from the experience. Worth every penny and definitely worth the hype. When the aged band members came on at the end, it was a very emotional moment. I''d definitely go again.

[@treasurehiding220]

I went there last Friday and 100% you're review is very accurate. We were treated to a special surprise has at the end it was announced over the speakers that Bjorn was watching with us! All eyes were on him of course and the crowd went crazy with cheers and claps. Abba fan or not, you really must go and experience it.. mind blowing :)

[@georgedanson4759]

I saw ABBA in Melbourne in 1977. It was AMAZING! I was 13 years old. I travelled to London in October, at 59 years of age. I was front and centre of stage. ABBA Voyage was even better than the Australian concerts in 1977. Back home now, Nov 30, I am still on a high. Went twice. This was the best musical event I could ever experience. Love Stratford. Love London. Love the UK. Love ABBA. Sending love from Australia.

[@joycegibbs5267]

WOW. You could be part of the Abba Movie which I absolutely LOVE. Legend or what !!

[@peterphillips4566]

@@joycegibbs5267when they sing Dancing Queen we are just on the edge of the shot but it’s quite dark.. but we know we are there .. lol

[@Harriet78]

I flew in from the US to see it. Absolutely worth it. I wish I could see it again.

[@StripeyR]

I'm hoping to go & see it again. A truly an amazing experience

[@jakobgrimminger]

I was there 2 days ago and as a life long fan, it blew me away. Everything you're saying is spot on and as i say, 2 days later , i'm still on a high. I'm definately going back

[@astrayalien696]

I saw it in august and 3 months later still can't describe what I saw. No words do it justice. This guy has done well. 2nd song in I was trying to comprehend what I was witnessing when the guy next to me tapped me on the arm and asked is it really them. I couldn't respond because I didn't even know. Just Awesome

[@Chudnut]

I totally agree with you, 5 weeks since the wife and I went, like going back in a time machine, it was really them!

[@matts80s90s]

I saw it a few weeks ago. As you say, it's a mind-blowing emotional experience. Could watch it over and over again.

[@YAMR1M]

Went today. We all avoided seeing anything about the whole experience. No spoilers and no one who we know even tried to spoil it for us. They only comments we got were they didn't see a show that was trying to pretend to be ABBA, they saw ABBA... They said they would go again and still enjoy the whole thing and still feel the same. We arrived and the lobby was a really great place to chill before going in and exactly what you said. The moment they came on it was a total shock to the system. The screens at the side did look a little off, but just watch them on stage and you are watching ABBA. One video where it took you back onto the stage to see them performing was seamless and that was a real WOW moment. Would go again in an instant. It was an immersive and even a bit emotional experience.

[@alexioverdo5225]

Getting us emotional was what they aimed for.Bjorn kinda said it in an interview long before the show got exposed...'I want you to come there, see it and cry'...now it seems his aim was completed.They did it again!

[@karenbaker1148]

I went to see this on the 10th of October this year on my brother's birthday . It was really good I couldn't believe it. I have been a fan for 48 years I grew listening to them I never get tired of listen to the old and new music. I want to go again 😄

[@peterphillips4566]

I saw them back in 1977 in Melbourne….coming over to the UK next year and hope the show is still going strong then so I can see them again.

[@djs250]

we went 3 weeks ago and didn't know what to expect and it's the most amazing emotional thing I've ever watched,it totally messes with your brain anyone thinking of going then you need to go we have booked to go again at Xmas

[@officialsimonharris]

It's an amazing show (I've been and are going back next month) . . . funny about the disappointed guy who expected the real ABBA to be there :) . . . this is an incredible virtual performance but it's their real isolated vocals from the 70s and a real band playing the music. ABBA looks REAL, it's only when you see the huge projections you can tell they are a bit like perfect photoshopped versions of the real people but they move and perform exactly like they are real, the lights and sound are meticulously presented, no other show has timing like this or this level of technology, it's the future right in front of your eyes. You will feel like you've been to see Abba and you'll be hooked on Abba music again, it's like a drug.

[@Trepica]

ABBA one of the few groups that were born with a musical gift, lived in music since childhood, became musical scholars, and had some coincidences of finding themselves with the same objectives and with a similar musical level in addition to the vocal frequency that combined between the pairs and with tone that pleased most of the good music, they were doomed to success, ABBA with vocal tuning among the best known almost perfect. Yes they were born for success.

[@thecritter5589]

I loved your review and assessment of this show. I have been a fan of ABBA since before they were ABBA (still Benny, Bjorn, Anna & Frida) and for years now I've said that "Abba are the soundtrack of my life". To hear someone else say something similar cracks me up! Yes, I know that you said "they are part of the soundtrack of your life" but still that was awesome to hear. I went from Texas, USA to London to see this show and absolutely loved it (was...to use an English slang term... "Gobsmacked"). The show was beyond my expectation and comprehension and was one of the best days of my life. I'm like you when trying to describe the night to people when they ask about it. I find it hard to describe and words escape me and end up telling people "you really just have to experience it yourself". I've seen many dozens of acts and concerts over my life and this one just stands out as extraordinary. Being a uber-fan I had to see this new technology and honestly it was just amazing to experience. I will be shocked if this isn't copied by other big 70s and 80s acts...KISS, Stones, Fleetwood, Mac, etc. I could see this type of specialized arena being built in a place like Las Vegas, or Paris, etc and these recorded concert acts get replayed and scheduled, etc, etc. I believe the Abba Voyage is supposed to run in London for four years. The music you mention being played pre-show is some of Benny Andersson's solo work by the way.

[@lorraineslee7926]

I went last night with friends and it was just incredible!! Loved it!

[@tommyeriksson6044]

Thanks for your Great reaction..I would like to see this show.. Abba are one of The greatest!

[@toby9999]

Lucky you 😀 I'm still a huge ABBA fan but never had the opportunity to see them live. Would love to see Voyage but doubt I'll be able to in the UK 😞 Hope the show comes to Australia eventually. Anyway, thanks for the nice review.

[@mysteriousjudgement9128]

Loved the video, I live in the UK and been a HUGE fan of ABBA since a child and I'm going to be 30 this year so I'm planning to go to ABBA Voyage for my birthday! I've been wanting to go since I heard about it.

[@amacuro]

Saw this amazing show last weekend, never been a massive Abba fan, but now I'm obsessed. That show was just as unbelievable as you describe it. The visual effects are cutting edge and something i've never seen before. But also the sound was incredible, that live band to the left really beefed up the sound. And also the whole arena and the stuff hanging from the ceiling, was just on point. Needless to say, I want to go again. I live in Scotland so it's not straight forward, but I will make it happen somehow!

[@StripeyR]

It was amazing. My Wife & I want to go again. Glad you had a good time 👍

[@joycegibbs5267]

how can people NOT be an Abba fan ???? Greatest band of all time IMO. So true though, everyone uses their phone and see nothing and is very rude to the performers. Fantastic review, I will definately go.

[@StripeyR]

Thank you, Joyce. It is an experience like no other. you will love it, I did.

[@Rich168]

Your feelings about the show completely mirror mine. My mind was blown! Great video.

[@moniaesther3064]

Went to see Abba Voyage last week...as an Abba fan from the 80´s, I knew it was the closest i would get to being to an Abba ´live´ concert.It didn´t disappoint.....the lights and the Abbatars are simply amazing...it´s like they are really there on the stage.I still think a couple of things can be improved.I would have prefered the Abbatars featuring on all songs instead of ´videos´.But these r simply a matter of personal opinion.I got so emotional that I actually cried during several songs.Auduence went wild during Gimme Gimme Gimme & Dancing Queen.Now I am planning when to go again and this even if I live on the other side of Africa

[@grantwalker147]

Fantastic review, I went late December, truly the most unbelievable thing I've ever seen. Great review mate 👍

[@David-uf8ex]

Great review . I saw the show couple of weeks back and thought exactly the same it’s an amazing show and il definitely be going back 😎👍

[@mjb22]

Great review. I felt exactly the same. I thought it was fantastic and would go back tomorrow!

[@AlexanderVanDelden]

Absolutely love your review! Can't wait to hear your next one when you've been for the 2nd time to see it, as many advise you to, because you'll notice a hundred things more! Have fun, lots of fun again, and give my fond regards to your wife, whom I applaude for bringing you down there, and making you appreciate ABBA even more! Greetings from the Netherlands, and me, Alexander 😉

[@edward9460]

You lucky I love ABBA you can’t go wrong

[@mlne15159]

Hi Stripey , i seen the show early june , and it was fantastic , tech wise , probably the best I've ever seen . quite emotional actually . glad you liked it too . I'm going back also .

[@carolinehoneini9881]

Went to see this show it was totally amazing, no need to say more as your review was spot on. We could immortalise all the old bands, way of the future? Probably.

[@grantc61]

No, it doesn't work like that. ABBA were motion-captured, so the performances are based on their real movements. Recreating the moves of dead performers wouldn't work in the same way. Plus, the market is limited. ABBA appeal to different generations and have maintained a popular profile - there are few performers who can claim that.

[@ladymiriamful]

Saw it last night, still can't get it out of my head. Seeing them in the past but through cutting edge technology is incredible and so moving

[@AGNETHAFALTSK0G]

Excellent video! Handsome guy too !

[@juliebabygirl]

Great video! You almost poppet out the screen! :D Can't wait to see the show myself :)

[@Kevin-1969]

This was awesome, thank you very much, ABBA in their prime, wow, I am going in February, I double checked my ticket, I have tickets for the 3 pm show, lucky I checked.

[@123billydog]

Interestingly you say you were more of a casual fan and wasnt sure what to expect, well as a huge fan for years, it was the same for me. Sure, I could nitpick at parts of the setlist and a couple of omissions but, the lights, the athmosphere, the tech... I was blown away as well.

[@mikec32001]

Spot on review. Saw it tonight - amazeballs...incredible!

[@michaelspangler1324]

My family and I came over from Florida last summer and saw the show. It blew our minds. It was emotional just like you said.

[@raythomas4812]

I went yesterday - fantastic

[@dominicmcleman5579]

Fantastic and accurate review. Have seen it twice now and it's as you say 'mind blowing'.

[@timderry8458]

Great review! You were hoping it was going to stay in London for a while & the good news is that it’s just been announced it’s booking until May 2026!! Haven’t been yet but hoping to before it moves on…❤

[@PeKe999]

Hi mate Glad you had a nice day off enjoying this show. I had never any intetest in them but for sure they were a sensation in the 70ties. And Bjorn and Benny are good songwriters and know how to write hits. Take care, mate.

[@laisiasanaigulevu8139]

Thank you so much.I loved your awesome review and I can only dream that they will one day come to Australia.

[@fjh4379]

Thanks for that nice and interesting way to share your impressions with us. Can‘t wait to see the show…

[@popcult]

Yes this concert is a game changer.

[@terrykemp1876]

Damn you've made me even MORE envious. I can't wait to see it one day.

[@StripeyR]

It was a show like no other mate

[@codyknoxable]

That sounds really interesting! Would love to see it.

[@ofirt5903]

Do yourself a favour, dont wait!!! But ticket and don't missk it!

[@davidkelly111]

Great review (ramble). Like yourself I am a 50+ year old bloke who can take or leave Abba music. I love music concerts though and following your video, we are booked to go to see this in September. Hopefully I will get the same buzz you did

[@StripeyR]

I think it'll blow you're mind, mate. Let me know, once you've been. Cheers

[@seanb6259]

Wow, you were there at the same time as us Sunday 24th July at 3pm! Totally agree with you - an mind blowing experience and deffo going back!! Good honest review matey! Did you go to theatre party over the road - amazing finish to a brilliant day!!

[@JB-lm9ws]

Great review, going to see the concert for the first time in August 2023. James Righton (The Klaxons / Shock Machine and he is married to Keira Knightly), Victoria Hesketh (Little Boots) and Dom John (Miles Kane) form part of the band so an up-to-date indie vibe going on, and from what I've read the music is played totally live, the band can also add slightly different rhythms into the songs if they so wish as the stage technology adjusts to the music being played.

[@nicolaknight66]

I was at the premier of Voyage. Loved this review 🥰

[@ItsmeBarry]

You have a great way of talking to the camera that feels like you’re taking directly to the person watching. That’s a hard thing to find on KZbin. Your review will certainly encourage people to go, ABBA fans of course but also people who want to experience something new for the first time. Great review! Now for a technical question, if you don’t mind me asking, what camera are you using? The picture looks great.

[@StripeyR]

Thanks Barry, I use a Nikon D5600 & a Sigma DC 18-35mm lens

[@AlexanderVanDelden]

Ps: the whole technical execution of the ABBA-Voyage experience was done by the 'Industrial Light An Magic' department of LucasFilm ltd. Corporation, you know: Star Wars, and all such... and I do believe that these ABBA-tars have been patented, which seems the most logical thing to do, otherwise every other band in the world, and even as some suggested, the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, could have a go at it as well, and then it would become 'common' within a year or so!? Best for ABBA to keep it going as ABBA-tars, and they will be going on, as the lease for the ground on where the Arena stands has been prolongued, and new tickets for the coming year have become available! As Benny's son (Ludvig Andersson: creative producer of the ABBA-Voyage concerts) has stated: ABBA_Voyage may go on for years and years, even after all original ABBA members have passed... we still always have ABBA.. for real! 😉🤩😉

[@whitsundaydreaming]

If it comes to Los Angeles I will pay any price. I will go alone so I can be emotional and not care. Thank you for the review love.

[@photo_n_art]

The music and backing vocals are live just the main vocals are playbacks from old albums

[@Kebabpunk]

oi Stripey! Shout when yer seein ABBA again - am right behind the venue, I''ll be happy to put the kettle on for ya ; )

[@MarcosFull]

Hello. I have a question: was the concert audio currently recorded or is it using live audio from old performances? In the track list, are the songs on the "Voyage" album a live re-recording or the same audio from the studio CD? Thank you.

[@SG-fy7lg]

I was on the fence about going but after this I’ve got my tickets booked, cheers stripe!

[@kingmarshmusic]

Thank you for your insight!!

[@skiddyskidmore4310]

Great review stripey , I must admit it surprised me when I saw this video was to be about ABBA but you sold it mate 👍🏻

[@graphiquejack]

To that guy you talked to who felt cheated he didn’t see ABBA… umm… what was he expecting? He must have known the 70+ year old members weren’t going to be bopping around in spandex and satin singing Dancing Queen, right? Lol…

[@emmany5302]

I am definitely going!

[@bobbyyounger7632]

ABBAsolutely enjoyed your review ! I so much want to fly over from the USA and experience the show. I was planning for October but airlines and Heathrow airport are now informing there will be chaos until the end of this year, bummer ! Question on tickets: did you print out your tickets, have physical in your hand tickets or on smartphone ? I am hoping ABBA Voyage show does come to Las Vegas by 2024 !

[@kward9293]

Hi.. trying to find that ‘ skulgang’ music. Any idea how it’s spelt please? Thanks

[@StripeyR]

Yes mate, it's spelt Skallgång from the Benny album "November 1989" good luck

[@kward9293]

@@StripeyR thanks so much!

[@groteabbafan]

It is the best show i seen in years

[@justinbradbury6778]

I went last Saturday I was amazed by it

[@jari2018]

that sound at 5.00might be some of the swedish electronic composer Ralph Lundsten ,he are about the same age as the rest of Abba and also that of trad jazzfusion band Kebnekaise from 70s did those "sounds"

[@spfparker]

that review is spot on...

[@tijnonline6807]

Love your accent :-) Woh-a-loo (Waterloo), Chiquiti-ah (Chiquitita)

[@Nilitara36]

Going to see this in August Stripey, so looking forward to it.

[@StripeyR]

Your going to love it, I'm sure 😀

[@plerpplerp5599]

Luvly jubbly 👍

[@jay_ooh]

Everyone keeps saying it's how they looked in 1979, actually it's not. It's a 1977 right around their Australian tour... Because if you remember in 1979 both the girls had that kind of feathered back shorter hair style for their world tour. So to get it right it's the 1977 ABBA. Just frustrates me when people keep saying it because it's a wrong perception and each member particularly went for that specific era for their look. Coincidentally they all landed in the same time frame. They must have thought that was their heyday and indeed it was!

[@GrumpyOldGit60]

I'm off to see it next Friday... I think I might like it.

[@StripeyR]

Excellent mate, let me know ow your thoughts 👍

[@GrumpyOldGit60]

@@StripeyR Will do... all the best.

[@rspratt]

Beautiful review

[@mattlonnen8664]

Hi Stripey, glad you enjoyed it, not a big Abba fan myself, but you raise an interesting point - could this technology be used on other bands like the Beatles to a similar affect? - now that would be something I would be interested in seeing, cheers Matt

[@graphiquejack]

I think it would be a LOT harder when some of the members of a group have passed away. All the ABBA members are still living and so they could do motion capture to get a good likeness. With the Beatles, they couldn’t do that… it would be a much harder job to pull off

[@markcouperthwaite3500]

I’ve thought about this a lot! I’m not sure any other band could recoup the money in all honesty. It cost abba £140m to put this on. They have the lease for 4 years where the arena is, doing 7 Showa a week. Now, there are “bigger” bands sales-wise, but there isn’t anyone that popular culture-wise that could sell tickets for that long. ABBA are in a league of their own as far as a “party” goes, which is what a lot of people go for I think. Personally, I adore them, and have done since ‘74, so I went and cried for most of it - lol! If you look at the biggest bands of all time such as the Beatles, Bowie, queen etc, I really don’t think they could sell 7 performances a week for 4 years. They have the music sales, the popularity, but they don’t have that “loads of people on a hen night having a party” bit, which is where the sales come in. It’s a shame, and I hope the technology becomes cheaper. Personally, I’d love to see a Bowie one, where he changes into all the different bowie’s as it goes through.

[@mattlonnen8664]

@@markcouperthwaite3500 you raise some good points and I think you are right that there are few universally big bands who could pull this off - and none from the last 40 years. I think Queen could - but they are still touring - a Freddie fronted virtual concert with the surviving band members would be phenomenal! I love your idea for a Bowie concert covering all his different eras - you should pitch that to his management 👍

[@TheMrdominator1997]

I picked up a £20 resale ticket. Thought it was good but until those holograms can walk forward it’s not immersive enough and focuses on the projections. No wonder they want rid of the phones as the pics would look flat

[@andrewmccririck8412]

All the music played is by the Live band I didn't believe because they are so close the original but it says it in the programme

[@petertillotson1]

Sounds like you need a drink of water matey but cracking video anyways

[@webz3589]

I've been wandering whether it actually looks as if abba are on stage or whether it looks uncanny. Sorry to say I remain somewhat skeptical until I see it. But I wander if any other bands would do it, the who perhaps might actually be worth seeing them with moon and entwistle. The arena can be flat-packed eh? Well they are sweadish so makes sense I propose we call it the IKEA stadium.

[@StripeyR]

Mate, I was blown away, I'd definitely recommend going for the experience & it does beg the question, will other bands will follow suit? I'm going to go again that tells ya I'm sold but you've gotta experience it yourself I guess. The flat pack comment... GOLD 🤣😂

[@jay_ooh]

It's called "ABBA Arena" that's the proper name of it....and be prepared to be blown away,...there's not been a bad review yet! It's the way of the future...

[@TheCAPTAINDESTROYER]

Ripped the cd to your computer? Hello 1998! 😂

[@MrSmriley]

I never understand why people are obsessed with filming concerts, in fact I stopped going to them as it ruins the experience having hundreds of smartphones held up high and blocking the view.

[@toby9999]

I guess they film it to capture the memory? Same reason people take photos when they travel. Worse would be someone standing in front or bobbing around blocking my view.

[@SebaZero]

One thing is to record yourself or take a selfie. But all those phones recording the same show? You can view later in KZbin with better quality and sound. I bet they don't see their own recordings again.

[@Bjorn9284]

😪🤗🤗✌

[@blombidobadila8084]

So, you can't look after a 2 year old for a few hrs?

[@TM-qg8ip]

Suppose we all see it in a different way. Been a life long fan , saw the show 2 nights ago and left half wY through ,just seemed like a zombie show .nothing to really engage with .

[@movieblues4614]

Um ...-having you so close to the camera was distracting.

[@megmilesringo]

Sorry can’t stand em.

[@David-uf8ex]

Who cares . Millions love them

[@megmilesringo]

True!!!!

[@richardlister3906]

Then why are you watching this video.....??? You know you love them you just don't want to admit it x

[@carforumwanker]

Couple of points ... The logistics are amazing. Super easy to get in , get coats put away (Its bloody warm in the arena ). Buy food etc . very very clean and efficient . Only issue is the "dance floor" !! You might just be able to wave your hand if lucky . Too many people . The PA gear was excellent .But most of us remember the much higher sound levels at gigs . A bit louder would be a lot nicer . The band excellent . One or two times the voice of one of the Abba girls would sound a bit "Computer" and nothing like her real voice . Its a VERY WHITE crowd ! The animation etc was great . The show goes to NY next

[@grantc61]

They're a VERY WHITE band with VERY WHITE music!