ABBA made a comeback on May 26 but only digitally as the famous four returned as digital avatars for a new London concert.
Performing favorites like Mamma Mia and Dancing Queen the Swedish supergroup comprising Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Agnetha Faltskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad were brought to virtual life as digital versions of themselves from their 1970s heyday, thanks to motion-capture technology.
The group last performed together more than 40 years ago and are now all in their 70’s.
The did however turn up for the event posing for pictures at the venue dubbed the ABBA Arena.
Speaking to Reuters, Faltskog said “I think we all are very happy to be back in London because I haven’t been here for I don’t know how many years.”
“It is so nice to see all the faces and all the expectations and everything. It goes right into your heart.”
ABBA worked with an 850-strong team from Industrial Light & Magic, founded by Star Wars creator George Lucas, for the project.
The show which was titled Voyage saw the digital avatars nicknamed ABBA-tars perform 20 songs during the 90 minute event. They even had costume changes and made jokes.
The actual ABBA four who also watched the digital concert came on stage at the end and greeted the enthusiastic crowd.
The group launched a comeback in November last year with Voyage which was their first album in 40 years.
ABBA was formed in 1972 and was a worldwide phenomenon at the time selling an estimated 385 million records. The group split up in the early 80’s with fans around the world constantly hoping they would reunite.
“ABBA has never left us,” Faltskog told one reporter.
Asked if this was it for the band, Lyngstad told Reuters: “Depends how long we stay alive… If we are lucky.”
“I don’t think we’ll do another one… Definitely no but never say never,” Andersson added.
“The avatars go on living,” said Ulvaeus.