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| Björn Again |
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Björn Again is an ABBA tribute band, taking their name from Björn Ulvaeus, a member of ABBA, and a pun on the phrase "born again".
This tribute band has become so successful that as of 2007 there are five Björn Agains performing in various parts of the world. Björn Again originate from Australia, and have been touring since 1989. Their seventeen-year existence exceeds that of the original ABBA by some margin.
Björn Again was created in 1988 by Melburnians Rod Leissle and John Tyrrell who not only oversee all of Björn Again's global touring activities but occasionally play in band; Rod bass, John drums. After Björn Again's first show at a small pub in Melbourne called The Tote on May 6th 1989 the band's popularity increased quickly, which took them Australia-wide then overseas to international critical acclaim. The band is now regarded as the most successful tribute band ever and one of Australia's most successful musical exports.
Björn Again take a very light-hearted approach to their portrayal of ABBA. While keeping pretty faithful to the songs themselves, the rest of the act is something of a send-up or parody. The group talk among themselves and to the audience in a faux-Swedish accent, and have stage names which resemble the group's original names in a humorous way: Agnetha Falstart, Benny Anderwear, Frida Longstokin and Björn Volvo-us. The band is supported by bassist Rutger Sonofagunn and drummer Ola Drumkitt (from long-time ABBA session musicians Rutger Gunnarsson and Ola Brunkert).
Björn Again have also occasionally covered songs by other artists. When Erasure produced an EP of ABBA covers called Abba-esque, Björn Again responded with an EP of covers of Erasure songs done in the style of Abba, called Erasure-ish. The EP included the song 'A Little Respect' which achieved Number 25 on the UK charts in September 1992.
The band has performed at many of the big rock festivals world-wide including Reading and Glastonbury, plus has sold out shows at The Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Arena in London, The State Theatre in Sydney, the SECC in Glasgow Scotland and Irving Plaza in New York. The band are also in high demand for private shows having played at parties for top UK golfer Colin Montgomerie, Microsoft's Bill Gates, comedian Rowan Atkinson (Mr Bean), and at Russell Crowe's Wedding in Australia in 2003 which made world headlines.
In the words of ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus:
“The best of luck. I always thought that someone who looked like me ought to have a successful career!
— "Telegram from Björn Ulvaeus to Björn Again, Sweden ‘90
In the words of ABBA's Benny Andersson:
"“Fans had better make the most of Björn Again because that’s the closest they are going to get to seeing ABBA. ABBA will NEVER reform!"
— Benny Andersson, live on Capital Radio London Feb ’99
To date the various franchises of Björn Again have performed around 4,000 shows in over 50 countries, and there seems to be little sign that their popularity is diminishing.
In 1996 three of the original Australian group members Janette Stuart (Agnetha) Peter Ryan (Benny) and Gavin Charles (Björn) left the band and returned to Australia, new members were quickly brought in to continue the success. Now there are several Björn Again groups across the globe to feed the demand. A few of the current members have successful careers of their own outside of Bjorn Again including TJ Davis who played "Frida" had a hit in 2001 with "Wonderful Life" and Aileen McLaughlin who plays "Agnetha" has toured as a backing vocalist with several artists including Tom Jones, Lisa Stansfield and most recently Jason Donovan. Joanne Rowden who plays "Frida" has had a good career in acting starring in Coronation Street back in 2000 and other major television roles.
References
- Bjorn Again - Harrogate International Centre
- BBC Leicester Music - Bjorn Again at DeMontfort Hall Reviewed
- Bjorn Again - review by : Mark Champken - Glastonbury Festival 1999