Music is a beautiful thing. It comes in all shapes and sizes and allows you to dig as deep into it's meaning as much as you desire. Whether it be the sheer poetry of a Leonard Cohen, as politically charged as Woody Gutherie or Bob Dylan or designed to get your body moving like Chic or Madonna.
And then some Music is the work of Genius. Classical Music has it's fair share. But Classical Music was only the popular Music of it's time. 'Modern' Music has it Genius too. Bob Dylan, Lennon/McCartney, Brian Wilson and Benny & Bjorn of ABBA.
From their breakthrough appearance in Brighton winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974, ABBA went on to conquer the world over the next 8 years before they called it a day in 1982.
Their immaculate songwriting, soaring production and live performances seduced the world and sealed their place in history.
We will never hear the band play live again - but an industry has grown around the myriad of Tribute Bands who have kept the music Alive & Live. And the connection between them all - they just want to give the audience a good time recreating the sounds and sights of ABBA,
ARRIVAL UK: The Hits Of ABBA are no different. But they are the awards show, they are the best in the UK. Tonight was a celebration of those fantastic songs played with and exuberance and passion that was as infectious as those hook-laden songs they played.
I missed them the last time they played the Chapel but this time I'm SO glad I caught them. This is life affirming music, music to move your body and soul. Indeed, ABBA had that Scandinavian melancholy by the bucketload but they wrapped it in some of the most glorious melodies in popular music to make it uplifting and joyous. And tonight, you saw those songs cast their spell once again as a Sold Out Acapela sang like it has never sung before. From Note One of the introduction of the first verse of Waterloo, the audience did not stop singing all night, Even in the sadder, slower songs. It really was a night that made you glad to be alive. And that is no exaggeration.
With Mark on Keys, Joey on Guitar and Sarah & Sara Jane on vocals, supported by Kev & Steve on Bass & Drums the band played two sets tonight. In the totally right move, they played the more reflective material first and in the second half it was a non-stop ABBA Party.
After the first verse of Waterloo, ARRIVAL then start to play the songs that defined a generation. Starting with Knowing Me, Knowing You. Swiftly moving on to the majestic Name Of The Game.
Nobody does break up songs like ABBA. Even the saddest songs are filled with a latent joyous layer that compel you to interact. And the genius of Benny & Bjorn is the skill they have to wrap up some of the toughest experiences in life in some of the most positive and melodic songs ever to be committed to vinyl. Yes, to me ABBA will always be a vinyl band.
The band use their instrumentation to the best effect as they recreate those gorgeous melodies. Behind the costumes, you can see they are seasoned musicians and have developed this show into a celebration of the music but also give the audience a small glimpse of what it must have been like to see ABBA live. Even in small venues like The Acapela it soared.
And Sara & Sarah provide the sparkle with the multilayered harmonies that ABBA laid down on those killer tracks and they play their parts with gusto and love. Both ladies can sing and their voices suit the differences of Agnetha & Frida. Throughout the evening, each of them is given a chance to shine and they do so with panache.
Money, Money, Money and S.O.S. come next and have the crowd singing along as they will do all night.
S.O.S
Two more of ABBA's slower songs come next. Firstly Fernando, where the audience are encouraged to whip out their phones and shine their lights. In the days of ABBA it would have been cigarette lighters. Quickly followed by the Nation's Favourite ABBA Song - The Winner Takes It All.
Sarah & Sara have honed their performance over the years and have Agnetha and Frida's mannerisms down to a T. And they show this throughout the night in their stage movements. Quite a challenge on the small Acapela stage but they manage it beautifully.
Angel Eyes and Chiquitita come next. It must have been some decision on which songs to sing. The band stuck with the crowd pleasers. Some of my favourite ABBA songs are ones that weren't released as hit singles but that's probably a completely different show.
We arrived at the final song of Part One as the night just flew by. The little played Summer Night City brought the first half to a close with a standing ovation and an audience of smiley happy people who had been dancing from song two.
Summer Night City
END OF PART ONE
A quick break and costume change for the ladies and we're ready for Part Two. and Part Two is PARTY TIME!!
Opening to the Disco beat of Lay All Your Love On Me from the Supertrouper album, the band are really up for a good time as they encourage the audience to sing and dance like they never have before.
The dancing and singing continues with the next song - the now Iconic, Mamma Mia - you'll see the performance on the video below.
Mamma Mia
Take A Chance On Me and Honey Honey keep up the tempo as the Acapela now becomes a Disco for the evening. As it does on special Dance Nights throughout the year.
Supertrouper provides the next singalong moment as the Acapela audience sing their hearts out. I've never heard an Acapela audience sing like this - especially for a whole evening!
It's time again for those dancing shoes as we are treated to a spirited and choreographed performance of Voulez Vous. See the performance below.
Voulez Vous
The boys finally get a chance to shine with a double vocal of Does Your Mother Know
The second half has flown by even quicker than the first half and we're only two songs away from the end. The only way to end an ABBA Party come with the next song - the one and only Dancing Queen.
Dancing Queen
ABBA always closed their shows with the now legendary final song of their 'Mini Musical' from ABBA The Album - Thank You For The Music. Tonight was no exception as the audience sung their hearts out. Ending the night with the perfect singalong music.
There was no way on earth the band were getting out of The Chapel without an encore. The reprise of Waterloo ended a perfect evening of Music.
Music is the great healer. It has a magical power to bring people together, to inspire, to uplift, to create joy. The six musicians (and sound guys) created a perfect music evening. A Night To Remember, and this is Music that should and will be remembered, long after I have thrown off this mortal coil. And it's bands like ARRIVAL UK : The Hits Of ABBA that help keep this music alive in the true meaning of the word,
And they're back again in December!!!!!!!!!
Twitter - @ArrivalUK
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