Established since 1998 Abba Tribute Band, Abba Forever have performed many international and national theatre tours, open air festivals, civic halls and corporate events. Abba Forever have performed numerous times on live television and radio broadcasts. They have visited Iceland, Austria, Romania, Denmark, Northern and Southern Ireland, France and Norway!
A considerable landmark in their career was their sixth sell out theatre tour of Sweden, the 'home of the original super group Abba'. They enjoyed standing ovations and an abundance of positive feedback from the audiences. Countless comments were attributed to Abba Forever stating that they are 'just like the real Abba!'. Making front page of the Swedish tabloids and television interviews, not to mention being followed by a Norwegian camera crew for a top music channel documentary on Abba Forever on a programme called The Next Best to the original Abba, which was broadcast in Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
The unique Abba sound is replicated using an all live band featuring electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, piano, drums and bass guitar. People will always remember the vocal sound of Abba and Abba Forever have took it upon themselves to break down and build back up all of the enticing harmonies in an effort to bring the full sound of Abba Live to their audience.
Recent Reviews
The Stage
Abba Forever - Live in Concert
Published Wednesday 7 July 2010 by Mark Ritchie
The curtain was a little late going up on this balmy evening at the end of Bournemouth Pier, but once raised, what was revealed was a clever recreation of a seventies-style TV studio pop show set. Gold hooker boots, headbands, silk scarves and other trailing sartorial frippery are featured in the costumes. However, the tight, well-rehearsed band and strong female vocal sound-alikes, Jane Ellis and Harriet Shaw are the factors which truly bring this touring show/gig to life. The most famous acronym in pop has been the subject of many a tribute. The live music factor and sheer love of the music is what makes shows like Abba Forever the box office success that this show is surely set to be. The Swedish accents are a little implausible, but the audience plays along as around 30 Abba hits are included during the two halves. What is attempted is on the face of things a big ask - for a live band to recreate on a theatre stage what were perhaps some of the most superbly produced pop songs of all time. The biggest compliment I can pay James Lawley and Danny Gamble as Benny and Bjorn, as well as the accompanying musicians on stage, is that they manage to get at least within shouting distance of the real thing. What is sure to define this show is the attention to detail. Most notably the portable stage drops, the adopted roles which are played totally straight and the lighting effects, which include illuminated reminders of the band’s finest hour and their members, namely Anni-Frid, Benny, Bjorn and Agnetha.
SOUTH WALES Evening Post
Abba Forever, Swansea Grand Theatre
Having attended many an Abba tribute concert down the years, I would venture to suggest that Abba Forever rates among the best. The performers remain in character throughout and the songs are played straight, with none of the comedic self-mockery of Bjorn Again. Comedy has its place , but while some tribute acts are almost parodies of the original, Abba Forever takes itself far more seriously — and rightly so. All the classic hits were here: Dancing Queen, SOS, Waterloo, Voulez Vous, Thank You for the Music and so many more, all served up with joie de vivre and the kind of vocal skill guaranteed to delight the most ardent of fans. While other Abba tribute bands, such as Voulez Vous, utilise clever lighting design and projection techniques to enhance the experience, Abba Forever relies upon the music itself — together with showmanship and slick choreography — to make the show work to its best advantage. To say that it succeeds in its aim is an understatement. Abba Forever? You bet!
