Bjorn Again play Marbella
It was “flares and platforms again” as the world famous ABBA tribute band Bjorn Again played the Marbella Bullring. marbellas.com was there to sing along with the 70s feel-good frenzy…
Photography Gary Edwards
The enduring appeal of all things ABBA has taken on greater significance since the rebirth of their hitswith box office smash, Mamma Mia which burst onto our screens two summers ago in the form of the slushiest, most romantic feel-good movie ever.
Not surprisingly, news that Bjorn Again, the super troupers of ABBA tribute bands, were going to play the Marbella bullring this summer, spread a wave of anticipated delight among the locals, Spanish and foreign residents alike. What could be better than a family-friendly show in the height of summer – finally an option to keep everyone happy, enjoying a few hours of sing along fun on a warm summer’s night.
Success Again
For those of you who have never heard of Bjorn Again, let us fill you in. With an ABBA-inspired career spanning two decades – this particular foursome have wowed crowds from Sydney to New York , playing more than 50 countries and grossing millions with a show which affectionately mocks the original Swedish supergroup, while playing ABBA numbers with almost as much zeal and zest as the real deal.
Marbella’s international community was out in force at the Plaza de Toros, a venue which creates instant atmosphere for a crowd of two to three thousand people. Local Wow Factor winner Rebecca Tate got the evening going, followed by X-Factor finalist, Ruth Lorenzo. Like a Spanish Bonnie Tyler for the 21st century, rock chic Ruth belted out a repertoire of rock classics including Highway to Hell and Purple Rain. She even sang a couple of rousing Spanish numbers, before giving up the stage to the stars of the show.
ABBA-solutely Fabulous!
It only took one song to discover why Bjorn Again have had such a hugely successful and enduring career. ”Angnetha, Benny, Bjorn and Anni-Frid (Frida)” are much more than mere ABBA look-a-likes. This particular famous four have managed to capture the essence, the sound, the mannerisms and routines of the original ABBA members. Then they add a sprinkling of their own special magic, injecting humour and elements of surprise into the show to make it much more than a simple tribute to a super group gone by.
Playing a wide range of ABBA hits, from Waterloo, Thank You For the Music, Take a Chance on Me, Ring Ring, Why Don’t You Give Me a Call, through to the now iconic Mamma Mia, Bjorn Again brought ABBA back to life and gave Marbella the chance to sing her heart out to the kitsch classics of the 70s and 80s pop giants. Ruth Lorenzo made another appearance to perform Chiquitita in her native Spanish, a nice touch which warmed the hearts of the Spanish audience who are less familiar with the artist than the TV watching Brits abroad.
As Bjorn Again reached the end of their set, the whole crowd was on its feet, crooning and swaying along to the feel-good repetoire. Ending the night with an encore, Bjorn Again finished the show with the ever popular Dancing Queen, having given Marbella a generous dose of good-humoured and well-executed nostalgia to go home with.
