Introduction
ABBA Voyage: A Historic Opening Night at the ABBA Arena in London
On Sunday, May 27th, 2022, London became the epicenter of a musical revolution as ABBA officially launched their long-awaited ABBA Voyage concert. The special evening marked the grand opening of the purpose-built ABBA Arena in Stratford, where fans from around the world gathered to witness an unprecedented blend of technology, nostalgia, and timeless music. It was not just another concert—it was a moment of history, decades in the making.
For years, rumors had swirled about ABBA’s possible return to the stage. After their groundbreaking reunion announcement and the release of the 2021 album Voyage, expectations were sky-high. The opening night lived up to every hope and more. The show introduced “ABBAtars”—digital versions of Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Anni-Frid, meticulously created using motion-capture technology. These lifelike avatars allowed the group to perform as their younger selves, while an extraordinary live band delivered the music with flawless precision.
The atmosphere inside the ABBA Arena was electric. Fans, many of whom had followed the band since the 1970s, filled the specially designed 3,000-capacity venue. Cheers erupted the moment the digital curtain lifted, revealing ABBA in their iconic 1970s glory. Opening with The Visitors, the setlist carried the audience through a stunning journey of classics—SOS, Mamma Mia, Knowing Me, Knowing You, and of course, Dancing Queen. Each number was enhanced with dazzling visuals, dynamic lighting, and a level of detail that blurred the line between reality and illusion.
One of the most emotional highlights of the evening was the performance of The Winner Takes It All. The ABBAtar of Agnetha sang with haunting intensity, moving many in the audience to tears. For fans, it was a surreal yet profoundly moving experience: hearing the voices they grew up with, paired with images of ABBA as they remembered them best.
The production itself was a marvel. The ABBA Arena, built specifically for the Voyage concerts, was designed to immerse audiences in both sound and sight. Every seat offered a perfect view, and the state-of-the-art sound system ensured the music carried the same power as a live stadium show. Benny Andersson described the project as “the concert we never could have done before,” and indeed, it was unlike anything the music world had ever seen.
Beyond the music and spectacle, the opening night was a celebration of ABBA’s enduring legacy. More than 40 years after their initial farewell, the group once again brought generations together. Parents who once danced to ABBA vinyl records now shared the magic with their children, proving that ABBA’s appeal transcends time.
As the night closed with Thank You for the Music, the audience erupted in standing ovations that lasted long after the final notes faded. The opening of ABBA Voyage was more than just a concert—it was a groundbreaking cultural event, blending past and future, memory and innovation. For those lucky enough to attend, it was an unforgettable night that confirmed ABBA’s place as eternal icons of pop music.