Introduction
ABBA Voyage Opening Night at the ABBA Arena, London, UK – Sunday, 27th May 2022
The long-awaited and groundbreaking “ABBA Voyage” concert officially opened on Sunday, May 27th, 2022, at the specially constructed ABBA Arena in London. The show marked a monumental return for the legendary Swedish pop group ABBA, decades after they last performed together live. Fans from all over the world gathered in Stratford, East London, for the premiere, eager to witness a revolutionary blend of music, technology, and nostalgia.
ABBA Voyage is not a typical concert. Instead of the physical presence of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, the show features digital avatars—lovingly called “ABBAtars”—of the four members in their youthful 1979 form. These hyper-realistic digital recreations perform alongside a 10-piece live band, bringing some of the group’s biggest hits to life in a way never seen before. The technology behind the show is the result of years of work in collaboration with Industrial Light & Magic, the visual effects company founded by George Lucas.
The opening night was a dazzling spectacle, filled with cheers, tears, and thunderous applause. The arena itself, built specifically for the show, holds 3,000 people and was designed to provide an intimate yet immersive experience. As the ABBAtars took the stage and performed classics like “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!,” and “The Winner Takes It All,” the crowd erupted with joy, many visibly emotional at the sight of their idols “performing” once again.
The four original members of ABBA were in attendance for the opening night, making a rare public appearance together. Dressed elegantly, they walked the red carpet, waved to fans, and received a standing ovation when introduced before the show. Their presence added a deeply emotional layer to the evening, reminding fans of the enduring magic and legacy of the band.
The concept behind ABBA Voyage pushes the boundaries of live entertainment. It combines motion capture, virtual effects, and state-of-the-art sound design to create an entirely new form of concert-going. While some fans were initially skeptical about the idea of digital performances, the reactions following the debut were overwhelmingly positive. Many described the experience as “surreal,” “moving,” and “unforgettable.”
The show features 22 songs, mixing ABBA’s golden-era hits with newer material from their 2021 reunion album, also titled Voyage. The setlist and visual production are meticulously crafted to take the audience on a journey through ABBA’s music and evolution.
ABBA Voyage is not just a tribute show—it is a celebration of innovation and the enduring power of music. With performances scheduled well into the future, the opening night proved that ABBA’s appeal transcends generations. What started as an ambitious dream has become a stunning reality, reigniting the world’s love affair with one of the greatest pop bands of all time.