ABBA Voyage in London: The Concert of a Lifetime
Few comebacks in music history have created as much anticipation and global excitement as ABBA Voyage. After nearly four decades away from the stage, ABBA stunned the world in 2021 with the release of their new album Voyage and the announcement of a revolutionary concert experience in London.
Unlike anything seen before, ABBA Voyage is not a simple reunion tour—it is a technological marvel, a fusion of music, theatre, and digital innovation. Staged in a purpose-built arena, the show features digital avatars of Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Anni-Frid performing alongside a live ten-piece band. It is both futuristic and nostalgic, allowing audiences to relive ABBA’s golden era while embracing cutting-edge artistry.
For fans, ABBA Voyage is more than a concert—it is an emotional celebration, a chance to sing, dance, and connect with the music that has defined generations. In this blog, we’ll explore the story behind ABBA Voyage, how it was created, what to expect when you attend, and why it has quickly become one of the most talked-about live shows in the world.
The Road to Voyage
After ABBA parted ways in 1982, the idea of a reunion became one of pop culture’s biggest “what ifs.” Over the years, the band consistently declined offers to reunite, despite staggering sums being proposed. Fans had resigned themselves to treasuring the legacy left behind.
Then, in 2016, reports surfaced of a mysterious project involving ABBA and digital technology. Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson hinted at something “new and groundbreaking,” but the details remained secret. Finally, in September 2021, ABBA revealed their plans: a brand-new album, Voyage, and a spectacular live show in London using state-of-the-art digital avatars—known as “ABBAtars.”
The announcement electrified fans worldwide. Not only was there new music, but ABBA was set to perform live in a way that no other band had ever attempted.
The ABBA Arena: Built for a Vision
To bring ABBA Voyage to life, a dedicated venue was constructed in East London. Known as the ABBA Arena, this purpose-built space sits at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. With a capacity of around 3,000, it is designed to create intimacy while delivering a stadium-level production.
The arena itself is a work of art: a futuristic, wooden-clad structure that feels both temporary and timeless. Inside, it boasts state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and visual systems specifically engineered for ABBA Voyage. Unlike traditional concert venues, every detail—from the stage layout to the seating arrangements—was created to enhance the illusion of ABBA performing live before your eyes.
Digital Magic: The ABBAtars
At the heart of ABBA Voyage are the digital avatars—lovingly nicknamed ABBAtars. These aren’t holograms but hyper-realistic digital recreations of Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Anni-Frid as they appeared during their late 1970s prime.
The technology was developed by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the visual effects company founded by George Lucas. Over five weeks, the real ABBA performed in motion-capture suits, singing and dancing to their classic hits. Every gesture, expression, and movement was captured, then digitally transformed into younger versions of themselves.
The result is astonishing. The ABBAtars don’t just look real—they feel real. When they smile, dance, or wave to the audience, the connection is immediate and emotional. Fans describe the experience as “like stepping into a time machine,” where the magic of ABBA’s prime years unfolds before your eyes.
To ensure that ABBA Voyage feels like a genuine concert, the ABBAtars are accompanied by a ten-piece live band. Handpicked by Benny and Björn, these talented musicians bring the songs to life with raw energy.
The combination of live music with digital performance creates a unique synergy: it feels both nostalgic and fresh, honouring ABBA’s original sound while giving it a contemporary spark.
The Setlist: A Celebration of ABBA’s Greatest Hits
The ABBA Voyage setlist is a dream come true for fans. It spans the band’s career, blending timeless classics with songs from the Voyage album. While the exact order can vary, highlights include:
- Waterloo – The Eurovision winner that started it all.
- SOS – A heartfelt favourite that showcases ABBA’s emotional depth.
- Mamma Mia – The infectious hit that never fails to get the crowd dancing.
- The Winner Takes It All – A moving ballad delivered with breathtaking visuals.
- Dancing Queen – Perhaps ABBA’s most iconic anthem, guaranteed to fill the arena with joy.
- Don’t Shut Me Down – A standout track from Voyage, proving ABBA’s brilliance endures.
The show weaves these songs into a story-like journey, complemented by stunning visuals that transport the audience from glittering discos to starlit skies.
The Emotional Impact
What makes ABBA Voyage truly special is the emotional connection it fosters. Fans young and old find themselves singing, dancing, and sometimes even crying as they watch.
For those who grew up in the 1970s and 80s, it’s a chance to relive their youth. For younger generations, it’s a rare opportunity to experience ABBA “live” for the first time. Parents bring children, and even grandchildren, making the show a multi-generational celebration.
ABBA’s music has always had a universal quality, and Voyage brings that universality to life in the most powerful way.
Behind the Scenes: A Groundbreaking Collaboration
Creating ABBA Voyage was a massive undertaking involving over 850 people from around the world. Directors Baillie Walsh and Johan Renck worked closely with ILM to design the visuals, while choreographers captured the energy of ABBA’s movements.
The production also involved set designers, costume creators, and lighting experts, all working to ensure that the ABBAtars would feel indistinguishable from flesh-and-blood performers.
It is this meticulous attention to detail that makes the show so convincing. When the ABBAtars take a bow at the end, audiences often forget that the real ABBA aren’t physically on stage.
The Global Reception
Since its premiere in May 2022, ABBA Voyage has received rave reviews from critics and fans alike. Newspapers hailed it as “a mind-blowing spectacle” and “the future of live music.” Fans often describe the experience as “magical,” “overwhelming,” and “utterly unforgettable.”
Demand for tickets has been phenomenal. What was initially planned as a limited run has been extended multiple times due to popular demand, with fans travelling from all over the world to London to witness the spectacle.
Why London?
You might wonder why ABBA Voyage was staged in London rather than Stockholm. The decision was strategic. London is one of the world’s leading music capitals, easily accessible to fans from across Europe and beyond. ABBA also has a special relationship with the UK, where many of their biggest hits topped the charts.
By situating the show in London, the band ensured maximum visibility and accessibility. The location has turned the city into a hub for ABBA fans, boosting tourism and creating a lasting cultural landmark.
Visiting ABBA Voyage: What You Need to Know
If you’re planning to see ABBA Voyage, here are the essentials:
- Location: ABBA Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London.
- Tickets: Best purchased in advance from the official ABBA Voyage website. Prices vary depending on seats or standing tickets.
- Experience: The arena offers both seated areas and a dance floor for those who want to immerse themselves fully in the disco atmosphere.
- Duration: The show runs for about 90 minutes with no interval.
- Accessibility: The venue is fully accessible, with facilities for guests with mobility needs.
Many fans choose to make a weekend of it, combining the show with visits to other London attractions.
ABBA Voyage and the Future of Live Music
ABBA Voyage is more than just a concert—it’s a glimpse into the future of entertainment. By blending digital technology with live performance, it creates possibilities for artists past and present.
For ABBA, it is a way to perform without the limitations of age, allowing them to present themselves as they wish to be remembered. For the music industry, it sets a precedent for how iconic acts might be celebrated in years to come.
Yet at its core, ABBA Voyage isn’t about technology—it’s about people. It’s about the joy of singing Dancing Queen with thousands of strangers, the thrill of seeing ABBA’s magic come alive, and the comfort of music that has stood the test of time.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss the Voyage
ABBA Voyage is not just a show—it’s a cultural milestone. It bridges past and future, memory and innovation, nostalgia and discovery. Whether you are a lifelong devotee or a newcomer curious about the magic of ABBA, this concert will leave you spellbound.
So book your tickets, step into the ABBA Arena, and prepare for an evening where music, technology, and emotion unite.
And when you return home, keep the spirit alive by tuning into ABBAradio.com—because the Voyage never truly ends.
Would you like to know more or get your tickets for ABBA Voyage today?
Check the website: https://abbavoyage.com/
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