ABBA Fanatic

My ABBA Book

2012-02-10T20:28:00.000-08:00

I have received the first feedback on my book from an overseas fan and I am glad to say it's all good ! Here is what he had to say:

"What can I say ??? I love it !!!! The thing that makes this so professional is its hard back and I love that. Also its a fab coffee table style picture book. Not full of words. The set list, the dates, the odd caption and "your story" say it all. The pix say the rest. And we all LOVE photos of the band in their heyday. There were pix in there I hadn't seen and I love seeing press cuttings in a book because they don't fade or get creased. I just love it and it shows your love of ABBA and the fact you have spent a lot of time and effort on it. One word - FABBA." Peter - United Kingdom

Be sure to check it out here:

http://www.abbafanatic.com/#/1977-australian-tour-book/4559632343

ABBA 12" Limited Edition Vinyl

2012-02-10T20:18:00.000-08:00

In follow up to my previous post regarding this single being released on 21 April, it will apparently not be available from all record stores listed on the Record Store Day website. It will definitely be available from The Official International ABBA Fan Club and select record stores in some countries. More information to follow as it becomes available.

http://www.abbafanclub.nl/

ABBA To Release A Limited Edition 12-inch Single For Record Store Day

2012-02-09T01:55:00.000-08:00

ABBA will release a limited edition 12-inch vinyl single for Record Store Day on Saturday, April 21. Side A features Voulez-Vous (Extended Dance Remix), originally released as a promo-only single in the United States and France. This marks the first commercial vinyl release of this remix. On side B is the equally danceable If It Wasn't For The Nights, originally released on the Voulez-Vous album.

This special Record Store Day release is pressed on blue glitter vinyl and packaged in a cardboard sleeve. The 12-inch single, which is limited to 4,000 numbered copies (catalogue number 00602527957302), is for sale exclusively in participating stores. For more information, please visit recordstoreday.com .

New ABBA Collection Item - 1977 Tour Banner

2012-01-21T21:57:00.000-08:00

Beautiful large vinyl banner

ABBA Live In Australia 1977 - Celebrating The 35th Anniversary

I designed this and am having it printed professionally

It is 90 x 50cm - just awesome !

For more details go to my website:

http://www.abbafanatic.com/#/1977-australian-tour-book/4559632343

My Book

2012-01-19T00:14:00.000-08:00

I have finally finished editing and reorganizing my book for printing !

Check out the new details here:

http://www.abbafanatic.com/#/1977-australian-tour-book/4559632343

I decided to change the cover - love this new one

New Cover For My ABBA Book

2012-01-16T05:41:00.000-08:00

I have changed the cover for my 1977 Tour Book now to take into account that this year it is 35 years since ABBA toured here:

My ABBA 1977 Australian Tour Book

2012-01-16T05:04:00.000-08:00

I have finally put together a little book about ABBA's Tour of Australia in 1977.

It's full of great photos and tour details.

It is A4 size in landscape with a hard cover and is 116 pages.

I may still do some alterations to it but am pretty happy with it so far.

A nice keepsake of their tour here :)

Shown here are a few of the pages.

Agnetha At The Elle Awards Ceremony 2012

2012-01-15T04:06:00.000-08:00

Some more fabulous photos of Agnetha accepting her award for Fashion Legend at the Elle Awards 2012.

Agnetha Faltskog Receives Standing Ovation !

2012-01-14T05:06:00.000-08:00

On Friday evening hailed the world's most beautiful Agnetha Fältskog on ELLE Awards when she was appointed as ELLE Fashion Legend. She received a standing ovation from the audience and backstage caught our photographer moved an Abba Queen of the picture. It was a powerful, and dignified, close to the show when Agnetha got up on stage and the evening's final prize was awarded.
The jury said:
"A brilliant superstar - one voice in a million. A fashion legend, just as stylish now as then. Thanks for all the glittering outfits. Thank you for the music. You are forever our dancing queen - Agnetha Fältskog "

The Awards Ceremony took place at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm Sweden.

*Article translated from the Elle website

New ABBA Collection Item

2012-01-13T04:50:00.000-08:00

Absolutely beautiful picture disc !

This is a Limited Edition release made for the Japanese fan club - this one is number 249 of 250.

It is unusual as it is larger than a single but smaller then an LP.

The album is called 'Super Trouper' and plays on both sides. It has 3 songs on side A and 4 songs on side B.

A really lovely rarity !

ABBA Competition Winner

2011-12-31T17:40:00.000-08:00

'Happy New Year' Limited Edition Vinyl Single - Competition

And the winner is ....

Karine Azeredo Paixao from Brazil

Congratulations Karine !

Karines' entry was chosen from close to 300 entries.

Karines' Entry:

"The brightness of this LP represents how brilliant my heart has become since ABBA came into my life and gave me amazing friends and love."

Thank you to everyone who entered my competition and for all the wonderful entries - it truly was a joy reading them all. I honestly wish I could give everyone a prize.

The person I chose to decide the winner had a very difficult time selecting just one entry to win this single. There were many clever entries as well as heartfelt ones but after much consideration the judge chose Karines' entry because:
"It represented what ABBA means to people - and the affect ABBA has had on peoples' lives".

Wonderful !

Thanks again for the effort put into the entries - and be sure to check this space again for the next fabulous competition !
Happy New Year to everyone !

Roxy
ABBA Fanatic

ABBA in Australia doco for ABC

2011-12-20T23:21:00.000-08:00

By David Knox on December 21, 2011 - TV Tonight

New funding approvals for documentaries from Screen Australia include ABBA: Bang-a-Boomerang, which tells the story of ABBA in Australia for ABC TV.

Eight doco projects attracted $2.6 million of investment.

ABBA: BANG-A-BOOMERANG
57 mins
Gulliver Media Australia
Producer Larry Zetlin
Producer/Writer/Directors Rebecca McElroy, Matthew Crocker
Broadcaster ABC TV
Synopsis The inside story of Australia’s role in the rise and reinvention of Swedish Supergroup ABBA.

*This is the doco all us fans know about and many are a part of. How exciting !!!!*

ABBA Competition !

2011-12-18T04:48:00.001-08:00

Win the fabulous new Limited Edition 'Happy New Year' vinyl single !

http://www.abbafanatic.com/#/abba-competition/4558658616

ABBA November 1975

2011-11-10T21:11:00.001-08:00

In November 1975, 'The Best Of ABBA' was released in Australia.

This album sold over 1 million copies here - when we had a population of just over 14 million.

It stayed at number 1 on the charts for 16 weeks.

It was said that 1 in 4 households in Australia had an ABBA record - my guess is they all had this one !

New ABBA Collection Item - Jigsaw Puzzle

2011-10-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

Another jigsaw added to the collection .. these ones are from the UK and there are 4 or 5 different designs.

I now have 2 - still need the rest !

My other one from the UK:

This beauty is from Sweden - it's a wooden puzzle rather than the usual cardboard:

And of course, the fabulous Aussie one:

New ABBA Collection Item - Concert Ticket

2011-10-16T01:04:00.000-07:00

Fabulous ABBA concert ticket from Adelaide in Australia - 8th March 1977

I love the Aussie tickets ! They are unique in the world with the photo of ABBA on the front and printed signatures on the back ... each concert here had a different colour ticket (although Perth did seem to miss out on these lovely tickets - theirs was just a basic ticket)

Still searching for other concert tickets from Australia apart from the ones pictures below which I already have ... please contact me by email if you have any to sell :)

More Frida Pics From Zurich

2011-10-12T03:20:00.000-07:00

These were taken on 1st October at the Awards Ceremony for the Zurich Film Festival ... obviously it was mentioned that Frida was in attendance and she was given the attention she so rightly deserves.

She seems quite pleased :) Love that !!

Frida Attends Zurich Film Festival

2011-10-10T03:34:00.000-07:00

50,000 attended the screenings at the 7th Annual Zurich Film Festival - and one of those people just happened to be our very own Frida Lyngstad !

Looking lovely here as she waves from the VIP box !

New Australian Collection Item

2011-09-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

The latest addition to my collection ... number 6 Australian pillowcase ... love this one with the picture taken of them on the set of the Banstand Special 'The Best Of ABBA'

Frida White Vinyl

2011-09-10T21:13:00.000-07:00

I have also just added this beauty to the collection ... love coloured vinyl !!

Agnetha Faltskog Solo Albums

2011-09-10T21:10:00.000-07:00

I have just added these gorgeous albums to my collection .. really love these early covers of Anna as well as the Tio Ar Med one.

New ABBA Dance Game Coming In November !

2011-09-07T06:37:00.000-07:00

Ubisoft® announced the development of a new video game based on the music and performances of Swedish supergroup ABBA. The name of the game? ABBA You Can Dance. Developed exclusively for the WiiTM system from Nintendo by Ubisoft Paris, the studio that created and defined the genre with the Just Dance® series, as well as Ubisoft Montpellier and Ubisoft Bucharest, ABBA You Can Dance will be released worldwide in November.

ABBA created music that spanned generations and has inspired millions to sing and dance. ABBA You Can Dance features 25 ABBA songs, including all of the group’s biggest hits, such as “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Take a Chance on Me” and “Waterloo.” The game’s professionally choreographed routines and unique environments were inspired by the group’s music videos and live performances.

“In the video game market, Ubisoft is the dancing king,” said Tony Key, U.S. senior vice president of sales and marketing at Ubisoft / Geoffroy Sardin, EMEA chief marketing and sales officer at Ubisoft. “With ABBA You Can Dance, players can dance, they can jive, and they can have the time of their lives, all thanks to ABBA’s music and Ubisoft’s latest entertaining dance video game.”

With ABBA You Can Dance, Ubisoft is making it possible for more people to join in on the fun of a dancing game. Two players can sing along to lyrics that appear on-screen, while up to four players can simultaneously perform the dance moves. A mini-musical mode lets players act out the key roles in a love story based on some of the group’s classic songs. ABBA You Can Dance also includes original video clips and displays anecdotes about the group that even die-hard fans will find entertaining and informative.

Check out the trailer !

ABBA September 1975 and 1976

2011-09-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

In September 1976, ABBA are in the UK filming for the 'Seaside Special' on which they performed 'Waterloo' and 'SOS' live ... fabulous performances !

In September 1976, recording for 'Arrival' is completed !

More Australian ABBA 'National' Brochures

2011-08-29T05:20:00.000-07:00

These are the latest 'National' brochures in my collection .. I even have an actual catalogue !

Check them out !!

Special Deal On 'ABBA: Let The Music Speak'

2011-08-22T04:08:00.000-07:00

Fabulous new deal on the book 'ABBA: Let The Music Speak' by Christopher Patrick
Now just $45.00 including postage with Australia and New Zealand or $60.00 including postage for the rest of the world.
Will also be personally signed by the Author to you.
Grab one now and see why it was approved by ABBA and included for sale at ABBAWORLD in Australia ! Here is the link to buy the book: http://www.christopherpatrick.com.au/index.html
A little on the book:

Remember the feeling of elation when you heard an ABBA song for the very first time?

Christopher Patrick explains in his book 'ABBA: Let The Music Speak', why you felt that way ...

Abba is known as the ultimate ‘pop‐kitsch’ band but, as Chris explains, their music is much more than that…

Revealing the secrets of ABBA’s musical success and surprising facts including:

How, contrary to popular opinion, Frida could sing as high as Agnetha (Anna) in falsetto and did so on several ABBA songs.
Why the ballad The Winner Takes It All and feisty Super Trouper have a lot in common.
Why humming the first verse of Dum Dum Diddle and The Way Old Friends Do betrays the secret to much of ABBA’s success.
How certain songs have the same melodic hooks – and you will be surprised at which ones…
Which songs fell short of the ABBA blueprint for success and why.

Why B‐sides and cast‐asides like “Crazy World”, “Put On Your White Sombrero”and “Just Like That”deserve their moments in the sun, excerpts from each appearing in print for the very first time!

New Collection Item - ABBA The Movie

2011-07-26T18:49:00.000-07:00

'ABBA The Movie' original cinema film reels !

A major addition to my collection are these mega rare film reels.

These are the original reels used to show the movie in a cinema in Australia - and very rare to find these days as cinemas used to destroy these films after the movie was finished it's run.

The canisters even still have the Reg Grundy stickers !

New ABBA Collection Items - National TV Brochures

2011-07-13T23:46:00.000-07:00

National TV Brochures

In 1976 ABBA signed on to advertise National products to help fund the 1977 Tour.

These double sided brochures could be found in all electronics shops in Australia .. there were many versions of these .. here are 6 of them !

New Collection Items

2011-07-06T03:06:00.000-07:00

I have just recently added these 2 beautiful T-shirts to my collection.

They are official Polar Music International merchandise and were probably sold in the 80's.

Just stunning to see up close. Although I think they could have chosen better images - especially for Frida.

Nonetheless, beautiful rare items !

ABBA July 1976

2011-06-30T02:55:00.000-07:00

During July in 1976

An Australian film crew is in Sweden with Molly Meldrum to interview ABBA for the TV Special "ABBA In Sweden". This special also features the Musikladen Special 'The Best Of ABBA'.

The ABBA Logo officially has the backwards B - created by Rune Soderqvist - although if you notice in this photo shoot from February 1976, Benny already had ideas !

The backwards B logo is first used on the Dancing Queen single.

ABBAWORLD Sydney Closing !

2011-06-24T13:02:00.000-07:00

After an amazing run of 7 months, ABBAWORLD in Sydney will close tomorrow.

Where to next ?

I hope everyone who wanted to see it had the opportunity to do so ...... it was definitely a 'not to be missed' exhibition.

BAO New CD

2011-06-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to grab a copy of Benny's new BAO CD 'O Klang Och Jubeltid'.
The album has 13 tracks, with 8 having vocals including:
3 with Helen Sjöholm
2 with Tommy Körberg
3 with Helen Sjöholm, Tommy Körberg and Kalle Moraeus
A Mono Music production, produced by Benny Andersson and released with Universal Music Sweden.
Available now !

Frida Answers Fan Questions

2011-06-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

Frida has answered many fan submitted questions for the latest edition of the Official International Fan Club magazine.She was asked a variety of questions including: "Do you have a favourite ABBA costume?" -- her response: "Yeah, Agnetha's white body stocking".To read the full Q and A and all the other fabulous items in the magazine, simply go to http://www.abbafanclub.nl/ ... join the club and order a copy !

A thank you-message from Björn regarding the congratulations on his birthday!

2011-04-28T16:21:00.000-07:00

A birthday at a certain age

Becomes a dreaded day

You reach it and you turn the page

And hope it goes away

But all good wishes you have sent

Are making me feel great!

They make a total non-event

A day to celebrate!

So thank you all for being there

For always staying true

For showing once again you care

The way that old friends do

/Björn Ulvaeus, Stockholm April 28th 2011

New Australian ABBA Trading Cards

2011-04-12T07:15:00.000-07:00

This is a set of 60 trading cards - 1977 Australian Tour Set
These cards are the same size as the original Australian Trading Cards

When put together they make a nice poster on the back

These cards were made by me !

If you wish to use the image of the cards, please contact me with details of use
Unauthorised use is not permitted

Greying Men Of ABBA Still Going Strong

2011-04-10T17:34:00.000-07:00

by Mari Koppinen, Helsingin Sanomat

Benny & Björn in Helsinki - photo: Olle Lindberg

Life wasn’t easy for the artists in the 1970s. When the Swedish band Abba won the Eurovision Song contest in Brighton in 1974, the performers had to wear costumes that were uncomfortably tight.
“Björn couldn’t sit on the bus with the overall that he was wearing”, laughs Benny Andersson at the plight of his friend Björn Ulvaeus.
He forgets to mention that he would never have managed to get into Björn’s costume himself.
So here they are, these Nordic superstars, known simply as Benny and Björn. Both are easy-going and cheerful, with a good sense of humour.
Both could be any one of us – unless we consider that few of us have had to wear full-body lurex.
It is Monday, and the men are in Finland with director Lars Rudolfsson. They are here to work on and market their musical Kristina från Duvemåla, which has its premiere at Helsinki’s Swedish Theatre in less than a year.
Tickets are now on sale.
When the trio joined the project, at the suggestion of theatre director Johan Storgård, they joined in with full vigour.
Last autumn they spent three weeks in Finland listening to nearly 700 singing actors in Finland. When rehearsals begin in Helsinki in November, the trio will move to Helsinki.
The men would not need to do this, as they are massively wealthy – but they want to. “Because this is fun”, says Ulvaeus, who is 65 years old.
They also want to make the effort because the musical is their “baby”.
“We are very proud of this. We don’t want to give this musical to anyone else, or to tell someone that they can do what they like with it”, says Benny, 64.
Abba’s career spanned just ten years, and later the two very active men have been involved with any number of projects.
They have come up with three musicals, all of which are projects spanning several years.
They have also had other business activities. Benny has racehorses in Sweden and Britain, as well as his own hotel in Stockholm, loosely themed after Abba.
Then there is folk music.
Back in 1987 Andersson was among the founders of the Orsa Spälman group, and today he has a 16-member Benny Andersson Orchestra.
“Five violinists, a tuba, two singers, myself, and Lars on the accordion, and Björn writes for us”, Andersson says with enthusiasm.
He also looks enthusiastic in the numerous YouTube videos where he plays music ranging from Bach to Swedish folk music and dance music. “We have eight gigs in the summer. We will bring a dance floor with us to let people dance to the music.”
They also have time for their beloved grandchildren. Benny has six of them and Björn has four, and a fifth one is on the way.
The grandchildren may be the reason why the Abba grandfathers have kept their feet firmly on the ground.
Benny tells about three-year-old Viola who, like many other children, loves the musical Mamma Mia! more than anything else.
“Her father tried to explain that the music from the movie was from Abba, which her father used to be a part of. Viola did not understand it at all. For her we are Mamma Mia men.”
Although next year will mark the 40th anniversary of the first Abba single, the group follows Benny and Björn wherever they go.
They are not bothered by this.
“You have to be proud and humble. Our music is still being played, even though it happened 35 to 40 years ago. It’s a miracle”, Björn says.
Amazingly enough there has also been a renaissance in the colourful overalls, shoes, and other paraphernalia of the 1970s.
Now they can be admired at exhibitions in Sydney and Stockholm.
But do the Abba men ever wear these clothes themselves for the benefit of the people at home? “Not very often”, Benny jokes.
“Well, I tried on one suit”, Björn unexpectedly discloses. And he adds: “It still fitted. However, I didn’t look quite the same any more.”

Eurovision Anniversary

2011-04-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

Today, 6th April 2011, is the 37th Anniversary of ABBA winning Eurovision with 'Waterloo'

Who would have thought that we would all still be here talking about ABBA now !

Agnetha Portrait

2011-04-05T04:15:00.000-07:00

This fabulous portrait of Agnetha was drawn by my cousin Brooke a few years ago

Agnetha !

2011-04-05T04:01:00.001-07:00

This was always one of my favourite pictures of Anna when I was young

Happy Birthday Agnetha !

2011-04-05T03:56:00.000-07:00

Today, 5 April, Agnetha turns 61 !

Happy Birthday from Australia !!

New Collection Item

2011-04-05T03:52:00.000-07:00

A new addition to my collection is this genuine Aussie cap from the 70's - as seen in ABBA The Movie ....

And it cost me next to nothing - just $5.00 ! Bargain :)

ABBAWORLD Heading To Prague !

2011-03-23T16:29:00.001-07:00

The glamour and glitz tour of ABBAWORLD, the spectacular multimedia exhibition show, continues. After London, Melbourne, Sydney and Györ in Hungary, the next stop on the calendar is Prague. The members of ABBA are happy to see ABBAWORLD arrive in the blooming capital of the Czech Republic in springtime.
”ABBAWORLD is going places where we never had a chance to play when we were still active as a group and that’s great!” says Bjorn. “We wish all visitors a happy experience.”

The exhibition, which will premiere on 6 May 2011 at Slovansky Dum in the centre of the Czech capital, is presented by Sony Music Prague, in cooperation with Viva Art Music.

”We are looking forward to this exhibition with great excitement,” says Zbynek Knobloch, managing director of Sony Music Entertainment Czech Republic. ”This is an exhibition that allows the visitors to engage and interact in ways that we never thought possible a few years ago.”

Magnus Danielsson, President of Touring Exhibitions, the production company of ABBAWORLD, has followed the tour over the world.

”It has been a very succesful tour and our visit in Hungary showed us that there is a pent-up demand for ABBA in a lot of the countries that never saw them tour there. Now you don’t have to regret that you never got to see ABBA live – the exhibition even adds another dimension to the experience, you can take part on stage too.”

Tickets will be available 24th of March 2011, by TicketPro.

Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Anderson from ABBA leaving The Prince Of Wales Theatre in London.

2011-03-13T23:12:00.000-07:00

Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Anderson from ABBA, pictured leaving The Prince Of Wales Theatre after watching Mamma Mia The Musical on it's 10th anniversary and attending the after-party at Cafe De Paris in London.

ABBAWORLD extended to 26 June Media Release

2011-03-13T23:08:00.001-07:00

ABBAWORLD, the exhibition about the 70s global pop sensation ABBA whose music almost four decades on continues to attract a new generation of fans, has now been extended at the Powerhouse Museum until 26 June 2011.

Powerhouse Museum Associate Director, Mark Goggin, said: “Tens of thousands of Sydney fans have really enjoyed this exhibition for the pure fun it offers visitors as they relive the era of ABBA that captured audiences worldwide through their engaging music, glitzy costumes and invigorating performances.

“We have been fortunate to have the opportunity to extend ABBAWORLD’s season in Sydney before the exhibition returns to Sweden.”

ABBAWORLD captures the music, memories and magic that made the Swedish group a worldwide phenomenon. It explores where the four members of the group came from, the formation and success of ABBA and the post ABBA years. It features ABBA’s first major international live performance and Sweden’s first win at the Eurovision Song contest in 1974, their highly acclaimed concert tours including the Australian tour in 1977, and the impact of their music that has inspired several hit movies and a stage show - Muriel’s Wedding, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Mamma Mia.

On display are more than 20 original costumes, the epitome of 70’s glam, live concert footage, promotional and behind-the-scenes photographs, album artworks and other ABBA memorabilia, as well as exclusive interviews with members Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Agnetha Fältskog.

The ABBA concert dressing room, the writing studio on Viggsö - an island in the Stockholm archipelago where many of ABBA’s songs were written, and ABBA’s recording studio Polar Studio in Stockholm where the group recorded its last two albums, are also recreated in the exhibition.

Visitors can relive ABBA’s music and sing and dance their way through the exhibition using a series of interactives including perform on a stage with ABBA, dance in an ABBA video, record a sing-a-long with ABBA, or be photographed on an ABBA album cover.

For more than 35 years, ABBA has maintained international success with their songs that remain a fixture on radio playlists today. ABBA is one of the top three selling artists in the world, having sold 375 million records worldwide. They still sell over 3 million records a year.

Band member Björn Ulvaeus said: “It always seemed to me that people in the music press and also in the music industry sort of took it for granted that ABBA would be a one hit wonder. Why would we be different from any other Eurovision winner?

“We really had an up-hill struggle after Waterloo and our follow-up singles didn’t do well. Then the Australians came to our rescue. They released SOS and Mamma Mia and both songs made the charts in a big way down under. Suddenly everyone else around the world realized there was life in the band that was supposed to be dead. I’m forever grateful to the Australians for that!”

Jonathan Parsons, Sydney Curator, ABBAWORLD said: “ABBA’s appeal was first and foremost because they were consummate pop artists producing some of the most well-crafted, memorable and enduring pop songs in pop history. They were pioneers in the pop form breaking new ground in recording, concert production and promotional music videos. For Australia this culminated in the extraordinary scenes of adoration for the group that traveled across the globe to perform in Australia in 1977. Their music spoke to the heart, through joy and pain, and left a musical legacy that is still vibrant today.”

ABBAWORLD Sydney

2011-03-12T20:24:00.000-08:00

There is a new announcement that ABBAWORLD at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney will now be extended until 26 June .. Good news for all those who haven't had a chance to get and see it yet ..

PRINCE William and Kate Middleton will seal their love by boogying to Abba songs at their reception.

2011-03-04T14:34:00.000-08:00

Tracks by the smash-hit Swedish group are being lined up especially for fan Kate.

A Royal source said: "It'll be a wedding disco like those enjoyed by millions of other happy families and friends up and down the country."

The DJ is being given a list of special requests by club entrepreneur Guy Pelly, best man Prince Harry's closest friend.

There will be a 1980s theme for the knees-up with hits by Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran and Culture Club blaring out for Wills - as well as the Abba classics for Kate.

The decision would have thrilled Wills' late mum Princess Diana, who was a huge fan of the '80s sounds.

ROYAL ABBA TOP 10

1 - Ma'amma Mia

2 - Dancing Queen

3 - Knowing One, Knowing You

4 - The Windsors Take It All

5 - (I Don't Carry) Money, Money, Money

6 - Take A Chance On Bea

7 - Super Trooping (The Colour)

8 - Thank You For The Monarch

9 - One Does, One Does, One Does, One Does, One Does

10 - Chiq-Kate-ita

Abba fab ... Prince William, Kate Middleton, Chelsy Davy and Prince Harry as they might look in Abba gear

Super Trouper Deluxe Edition Coming Soon !

2011-03-03T19:41:00.000-08:00

A Deluxe Edition of ABBA’s seventh studio album, Super Trouper, will be released on May 9, 2011.

Originally released in 1980, Super Trouper features classic hits such as the title track, ‘The Winner Takes It All’ and ‘Lay All Your Love On Me’, along with the original version of one of the more poignant songs in the Mamma Mia! musical, ‘Our Last Summer’.

Super Trouper Deluxe Edition is a 2-disc release, featuring a CD with a remastered version of the original album along with relevant bonus tracks, plus a DVD of rare television performances and interviews from the archives, including previously unseen footage.

Disc 01: CD
01 Super Trouper
02 The Winner Takes It All
03 On And On And On
04 Andante, Andante
05 Me And I
06 Happy New Year
07 Our Last Summer
08 The Piper
09 Lay All Your Love On Me
10 The Way Old Friends Do

Bonus Tracks
11 Elaine
12 On And On And On (Full length version, stereo mix)
13 Put On Your White Sombrero
14 Andante, Andante (Spanish Version)
15 Felicidad (Spanish Version of Happy New Year)

Disc 02: DVD
01 ABBA On German TV (SHOW EXPRESS, ZDF) – Songs performed: The Winner Takes It All, Super Trouper, On And On And On
02 Happy New Year (SVT)
03 Words And Music (DOCUMENTARY)
04 Somewhere In The Crowd There’s You – On Location With ABBA
05 Super Trouper (Remastered promo clip)
06 Happy New Year (Remastered promo clip)
07 Super Trouper TV commercial I (UK)
08 Super Trouper TV commercial II (UK)
09 International Sleeve Gallery

ABBAWORLD Sydney Extended

2011-02-26T17:16:00.001-08:00

Official word is that ABBAWORLD in Sydney will now be extended until 1 May 2011 - it was originally going to close in March.

I am still hoping it will come to Brisbane next !

ABBA Picture Discs - New Item

2011-02-22T23:01:00.000-08:00

These fabulous 12" Vinyl Picture Discs are unofficial releases - but they are fabulous anyway !

Latest one is the Megamix which is available on 3rd March

I think they originate in Thailand

Bjorn Presents Prize at QX Gay Gala in Sweden

2011-02-16T07:53:00.000-08:00

16 February 2011

Bjorn Thanks Gay Public

Watch the video of his presentation with English subtitles here:

http://www.qx.se/gaygalan/16714/abbabjorns-tack-till-gaypubliken

Björn was back in spandex for an appearance at yesterday’s Gaygalan (“Gay Awards”) at Cirkus in Stockholm.

He was the presenter of the prize for “Homo/Bi-sexual Person Of the Year” to the photographer Elisabeth Olsson-Wallin (who took the photographs of Benny for the feature in Vi magazine last year).

Björn made quite an impression on the Cirkus audience when he appeared wearing a Mamma Mia! type stage show costume!

He also, on behalf of all the ABBA members, thanked the gay audience for all their support.

Swedish gay magazine QX has many pictures from the evening.

'ABBA The Movie' Poster

2011-02-10T23:29:00.000-08:00

My newest addition to 'The Movie' poster collection

This one comes from the USA - extremely rare !

Check out my whole collection at:

http://abbafantic.bounce.com.au/

TV Week Street Poster

2011-02-10T23:25:00.000-08:00

TV Week - 21 August 1976

These newsagent posters are just fabulous !

New Street Poster from Australia

2011-02-10T23:24:00.000-08:00

Daily Telegraph - 4 July 1976

I just love these !

ABBA The Vinyls Box Set

2011-01-29T05:25:00.000-08:00

Here is a pic of the fabulous ABBA The Vinyls Box Set that I won - signed by all 4 ABBA Members !!

ABBA's Songwriting Cottage May Be Saved !

2011-01-20T05:54:00.000-08:00

Following on from the original news that ABBA’s ‘songwriting cottage’ is up for sale comes an intriguing and exciting development reported today by the Swedish press.
Björn Ulvaeus and his wife Lena have offered the municipality of Värmdö their famous writers cottage on Viggsö. The municipality is positive to the plans.
Both ABBA-couples and their manager Stikkan Andersson bought properties on Viggsö during the seventies. In 2007 the Ulvaeus family bought another house on the island from Stikkan Andersson’s son Lasse Andersson. It is these two properties that have now been sold. Combined these beach properties are 14,540 square meters in size plus a large water area. The Ulvaeus family bought a farm in January 2010 on the island of Hölö, outside of Stavsnäs.
“This is a place with a lot of history that could be quite good to secure for the general public. It could possibly be turned into a mini ABBA-museum”, said the head of the culture department Lena Gullmert.
In December the municipality was contacted by the well-known real estate broker Christer Magnusson, who had earlier sold the two Ulvaeus family properties on Viggsö.
“No cottage is a world famous as this one, so I highlighted this specifically in our ad”, said Christer Magnusson.
A significant number of ABBA’s hits were created in this very cottage.
The offer came as a very welcome surprise for Värmdö. The municipality recently announced plans that to strengthen its brand and to position itself better as a tourist destination.
We have confirmed to the family that we are positive and that it would be great if all would indeed work out. In the ideal scenario we could turn the writers hut into an attraction with a mini-exposition of objects from the ABBA era, says newly appointed mayor Stellan Folkesson.
Just before Christmas a meeting was held between the mayor, the culture department head and the Ulvaeus family. Initially the idea was that the municipality would get the opportunity to open the writers cabin to the general public. But after discussions the agreement was made to leave that decision to the new owners of the property.
Johan Bengtsson, buyer of the Ulvaeus family property on Viggsö is unaware of the details of the discussions.
“We think it’s important and have set as a goal that the cottage shall be protected. We have engaged in a discussion with the municipality if and if so, how it can be made available for showings to the public or can be used in another way. It has to happen though in a way that is satisfactory for all parties”, he says to NVP.
The Bengtsson family owns several properties and museums, among others the museum of flight F15 in Söderhamn. They also invite the general public to “Byarnas Dag” in the province of Hälsningland once a year.
Initially there were plans to include the famous writers cottage in the ABBAWORLD exhibition that goes on at the moment. However the plans were rejected as the location and its history was seen at least as important as the cottage itself.
“It is a memorable place, which in my opinion is getting more and more interesting as time goes by”, says Stellan Folkesson.
Real estate broker Christer Magnusson hopes that the plans for a mini-museum on Viggsö will become reality: “If done properly, this can be really, really good”, he says
Björn Ulvaeus has declined to comment on the project.

Wanted ABBA Memorabilia

2011-01-08T23:22:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of the items I am specifically looking for .. if you have any of these items, please let me know !

I am always after Australian merchandise so if you have anything at all, drop me a line ....

The Best Of ABBA Promo Poster - Australia

Scanlens Cello Wrap for Trading Card Packs - Australia

Mirror - Australia

Anna & Frida Perfumes

ABBA The Movie Jacket - Germany

Doodle Art Kit - Australia

Rubik's Cube

Amnesty International Picture Discs

Silver Ingot - UK

Silver Medallion - UK

Waterloo - Domino - Complete Performance 1974

2011-01-08T17:20:00.000-08:00

So many great new clips showing up - where have they been hiding ?

I Do I Do I Do - Ring Parade 1975

2011-01-08T17:14:00.000-08:00

Just gorgeous !

So Long - Ring Parade 1975

2011-01-08T17:13:00.000-08:00

Another great colour version of a previously black and white clip

Money Money - Top Club 1978

2011-01-08T03:39:00.001-08:00

Money Money Money - Les Rendez-Vous Du Dimanche 1976

2011-01-08T03:37:00.000-08:00

SOS - Top Club 1978

2011-01-08T03:33:00.000-08:00

SOS - Ring Ring Parade 1975

2011-01-08T03:32:00.000-08:00

Previously only seen in black & white

Real treasure !

Fernando - Ring Ring Parade 1976

2011-01-08T03:30:00.000-08:00

ABBA Newspaper Clipping 1978

2011-01-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

I just love this picture and the headline ...

I am sorting through all the scrapbooks I have and hope to upload a lot of articles to my ABBAFanatic website very soon ...

ABBA Maybe Reuniting For Glastonbury

2011-01-04T23:07:00.001-08:00

While this at this point in time, an ABBA reunion for Glastonbury is merely hearsay, it's at least educated hearsay.

According to a report on Gigwise, bookmakers ("bookies" in American slang) William Hill are setting odds at 33/1 that ABBA will play the Glastonbury festival, scheduled this year for June 22-26 in Somerset, England. This comes in the wake of ABBA singer Agnetha Faltskog saying she would consider reuniting with the group sometime in 2011, possibly for the Royal Wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton. Mama Mia! (Sorry.)

William Hill's odds for a possible ABBA one-off London reunion this year went from 100/1 to 20/1 amid growing reports and speculation. Place your bets now.

Agnetha Magazine Interview 2010

2010-12-28T22:57:00.000-08:00

Our fabulous Agnetha has done an amazing new interview for M Magasin.

Here is a translation of part of the interview plus some of the wonderful pictures featured in the magazine.

A big Agnetha feature was published in the Swedish magazine "M magasin" available from December 28th, 2010 in Sweden. Agnetha was posing as a model for the magazine as well as she gave an interview in which she describes herself as a happy and stable person being 60.

She says that the most important thing is to be healthy. She goes long walks, training at the gym. She eats everything and she does not follow any diet but she tries to eat good stuff. She still loves ice-cream. She is talking about her favorite clothes.

About flying: it is getting better after a special therapy. She celebrated her 60th birthday on Mallorca together with her family and they went there by plane. It takes about 3 hours and it was ok...

Music: she's got lots of unfinished own compositions lying in a bag at home. She plays piano and sings.

ABBA: Sometimes she is listening to ABBA music and when she hears "The Winner Takes It All" she feels that they did it very well. Another favorite song is "Our Last Summer" performed by Frida. Strange that it did not become a world hit - such a good song, she says.

ABBA comeback: "No and yes. - A one-time basis reunion, perhaps in connection with any charity, I think maybe we all could imagine", says Agnetha.
- We will hardly be reunited for a tour as the Rolling Stones and other old bands do now. But however, I can imagine that we could do something together in the future, she says.
- It's just a feeling I have that it would be fun to get together, talk a bit about the past and may be do something together. But then it has to be something special.
I am open to see the others and do something, she adds, but points out that she had not had contact with Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.

ABBAWORLD Opening Night - ABBA Quiz Part 2

2010-12-28T22:53:00.000-08:00

This is Part 2 of the ABBA Quiz - this was filmed by my hubby John

ABBAWORLD Opening Party - Quiz Video Part 1

2010-12-28T22:52:00.000-08:00

The Opening Night at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney was just fabulous !

Part of the evening's activities involved an ABBA Quiz with the host Julia Zemiro - a very popular comedian and TV Show Host here in Australia.

The contestants were my friends Trudy and Ian plus myself ... enjoy !

This is Part 1

Merry Christmas !

2010-12-24T03:48:00.000-08:00

Wishing all a very Merry Christmas & a fabbaulous New Year !

ABBAWORLD Sydney Opening Night

2010-12-18T23:26:00.000-08:00

A fabulous fun Opening Night Party for ABBAWORLD at Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.
Julia Zemiro was the host - love her !!
During the night they she did a 'Rockwiz' style quiz of ABBA trivia.
The contestants were myself, trudy Wilkie and Ian Cole ...
it was great fun !!
Can you believe she is wearing Frida's Waterloo costume ?? Fabulous

Stars in concert for ABBA at the Powerhouse Museum

2010-12-02T01:22:00.001-08:00

A ONE-OFF concert celebrating one of the greatest 70's pop groups, ABBA, will be held in Sydney to mark the launch of the new ABBA exhibition.

The three-hour exclusive Sydney event will be hosted by Julia Zemiro, acclaimed comedienne, radio star, actor, SBS TV’s RocKwiz host and lover of Europop, promising an evening of pure ABBA fun!

Prominent Australian singers and songwriters Katie Noonan, iOTA and emerging artist Andy Bull will each perform a selection of their favourite ABBA songs, reinterpreting them to present contemporary versions of the 70s hits.

Director, Dr Dawn Casey, commented that “The artists have been especially selected to deliver a vibrant, fun evening of great music that replicates the pure pop, pure joy and energy that ABBA delivered so well to audiences across the globe in the 70s.

Gorgeous ABBA Artwork

2010-11-30T23:37:00.000-08:00

My lovely artwork has arrived ... Brian Tones is the artist ... just beautiful !

ABBAWORLD Sydney

2010-11-30T05:16:00.000-08:00

ABBAWORLD is opening on 17th December in Sydney !

So Trudy and I are off to Sydney for a couple of days for the opening .. some of my collection will be on display there ! Very exciting :)

Looking forward to catching up with everyone once again and seeing the difference between the Melbourne exhibition and Sydney ... they are apparently focusing more on the Australian side of things so it should be great !

Will take lots of photos and add them to my website so be sure to check for updates :)

Latest Collection Item

2010-11-29T04:27:00.000-08:00

Fabulous Poster Art Kit from the UK 1970's

Has 2 posters for colouring which are a large 57 x 38cm

ABBA Musikladen Box Set

2010-11-26T19:19:00.000-08:00

This is the latest addition to my collection - the Musikladen Box Set No. 1 ...
there are 10 DVD's in this set ...
DVD number 10 has the complete German Special 'The Best Of ABBA' ... the sound and quality are great - much better than any bootlegs getting around ...
Unfortunately, after a very short release time this month, this set is now no longer available due to a pending lawsuit with a record company .... apparently they didn't have full rights to release this material ... there are many artists featured so it could be in relation to any of them ...

ABBA The Vinyls Box Set

2010-11-23T06:24:00.000-08:00

ABBA The Vinyls Box Set Trailer !

Click the above text to see the trailer

ABBA's Songwriting Cottage For Sale !

2010-11-20T06:07:00.000-08:00

The summer cottage where Benny and Björn worked on hits such as Fernando and Dancing Queen has been put up for sale.

The cottage as we recall it

The cottage has played a rich part in ABBA’s cultural heritage. It has been featured in TV specials, many pictures and even ABBA The Movie.
The fact that it has been so pivotal in the ABBA story is borne out by the inclusion of a faithful recreation of the cottage’s interior in the ABBAWORLD touring exhibition.
The ‘songwriters hut’ belongs to a larger property on the island of Viggsö in Stockholm’s archipelago. It is this property, for sale at SEK 7,000,000 and the property next door that are now for sale.
It is believed that Björn and Lena currently own both properties. Maybe they just didn’t get over there much this Summer?!

ABBAWORLD GOING TO SYDNEY !

2010-11-17T14:50:00.000-08:00

After more than 30 years since ABBA’s first live performance in Australia at the Sydney Showgrounds in Moore Park on that wet evening of 3 March 1977, ABBA will return to Sydney in the first official exhibition about the 1970s global pop sensation. The exhibition, ABBAWORLD, is showing exclusively in Sydney at the Powerhouse Museum from 17 December 2010.
The exhibition will capture the music, memories and magic that made the Swedish group a worldwide phenomenon and whose music almost four decades later continues to attract new generations of fans.

Band member Björn Ulvaeus said: “It always seemed to me that people in the music press and also in the music industry sort of took it for granted that ABBA would be a one hit wonder. Why would we be different from any other Eurovision winner?

“We really had an up-hill struggle after Waterloo and our follow-up singles didn’t do well. Then the Australians came to our rescue. They released SOS and Mamma Mia and both songs made the charts in a big way down under. Suddenly everyone else around the world realized there was life in the band that was supposed to be dead. I’m forever grateful to the Australians for that!”

ABBAWORLD will examine where the four members of the group came from, the formation and success of ABBA and the post ABBA years. It will feature ABBA’s first major international live performance and Sweden’s first win at the Eurovision Song contest in 1974, their highly acclaimed concert tours including the Australian tour in 1977, and the impact of their music that has inspired several hit movies and a stage show - Muriel’s Wedding, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Mamma Mia!.
The exhibition will feature more than 20 original costumes, the epitome of 70’s glam, live concert footage, promotional and behind the scenes photographs, album artworks and other ABBA memorabilia, as well as exclusive interviews with members Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Anni Frid Lyngstad and Agnetha Fältskog.

Replicas of an ABBA concert dressing room where a team of costume makers and make-up artists worked; the writing studio on Viggsö - an island in the Stockholm archipelago - where many of ABBA’s most popular songs were written; and ABBA’s own state of the art recording studio - Polar Studio in Stockholm - where they recorded their last two albums, will feature in the exhibition.

Visitors will be able to relive ABBA’s music and sing and dance their way through the exhibition using a series of interactives. These will include performing on a stage with ABBA, dancing in an ABBA video, recording a sing-a-long with ABBA and photographing yourself on an ABBA album cover.

The exhibition comes from Sweden, following its successful debut in London last January and a season at Federation Square in Melbourne earlier this year. For the Sydney season, new content about the group’s appearances in Australia and their impact on Australian pop culture will be added to the exhibition by the Powerhouse Museum.

According to Magnus Danielsson, President of Touring Exhibitions, the producers of ABBAWORLD: “No group has ever had such crossover success, bringing together fans of all ages together, bridging generation gaps and cultural differences. This is a unique opportunity for the people of Sydney to see original ABBA material." Danielsson continues, "The Sydney exhibition will be running in parallel with a run of ABBAWORLD in Györ, Hungary. ABBAWORLD has a universal appeal and we work hard to make it available to fans around the globe.”

For more than 35 years, ABBA has maintained international success with their songs that remain a fixture on radio playlists today. ABBA is one of the top three selling artists in the world, having sold 375 million records worldwide. They still sell over 3 million records a year.

On View: ABBAWORLD
Date: 17 December 2010 to 6 March 2011
Address: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo, Sydney
Telephone: (02) 9217 0111 or infoline (02) 9217 0444
Website: http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/
Hours: 10.00am to 5.00pm (closed Christmas Day)
Admission: Adult $22/member $12; child $12/member $6; family $50/member $25; Concession / seniors $16

Frida's Birthday !

2010-11-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today, 15th November 2010, Frida Lyngstad turns 65 ! Still gorgeous - still loved - and still thrilling everyone when she sings ! Happy Birthday dear Frida - you are forever in our hearts xx

Latest Addition

2010-11-12T06:36:00.000-08:00

Chu Bops Display Box

Pretty cool item - display box for the chu bops ... as we know, there were 2 ABBA albums - Voulez Vous & Super Trouper

My Website

2010-11-04T06:55:00.000-07:00

If you visit my blog, don't forget to check out my website:

http://www.abbafantic.bounce.com.au/

and be sure to leave a message in my guestbook !

New Collection Item

2010-11-04T02:58:00.000-07:00

'Sweet' Magazine Flyer

Some great items here .. do you have them all ?

Another New Item

2010-11-03T20:38:00.000-07:00

Beautiful TV Times Street Poster

12 February 1977

Latest Collection Addition

2010-11-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Telegraph Street Poster from 1976

There is no date on this - does anyone know the date or what the 'real colour' item was for the foloowing Monday ?

ABBA The Vinyls Box Set Winners Announced

2010-10-28T12:41:00.000-07:00

Winners for the ABBA The Vinyl Box Set - Autographed by all 4 members of ABBA have been announced .... and the winners are ....

Me !! and Rick Vasen ....

I am so excited !!!!

New Collection Item

2010-10-28T02:25:00.000-07:00

Reporters Bag - this is one of the genuine bags from the 70's - quite a large size - really nice item

Latest Collection Additions

2010-10-28T02:20:00.000-07:00

Some fabulous newsagent street posters from Australia

ABBAWORLD Goes To Hungary

2010-10-27T05:12:00.000-07:00

The story of ABBAWORLD continues; from London by the way of Melbourne, the interactive multimedia exhibition is about to arrive in Györ, 100 kilometers west of Budapest, Hungary. Through the collaboration between promoters ShowTime Budapest, ETO Park in Győr and Viva Art Music, ABBAWORLD will open at Eto Park on the 4^th of December.
"The ABBAWORLD exhibition has been a success both in London and Melbourne," says Marton Brady, Managing Director of ShowTime Group. "We are now ready to bring this exciting event to Hungary, and we are very much looking forward to hosting this exhibition."

Magnus Danielsson, president of Touring Exhibitions, the producer of ABBAWORLD, is confident that the exhibition will bring joy and happiness to all its visitors. "ShowTime Group and Viva Art Music have all the experience needed to make ABBAWORLD into a successful event," he says. "ABBA was hugely popular in Eastern and Middle Europe in the 70s, and ABBAWORLD will generate a lot of interest among all age groups – and you don’t need to be a fan of ABBA to enjoy the exhibition. It's fun for everyone!”

For the original members of ABBA, the exhibition in Hungary is a form of compensation for the past.

"We are very happy to see ABBAWORLD come to Hungary," the group says in a joint statement. "We never managed to tour Eastern Europe, and it feels great to finally give our fans there the opportunity to recreate the experience through ABBAWORLD."

The interest in ABBAWORLD not only spans generations, it crosses borders all over the world. Marton Brady hopes ABBAWORLD will do just that. "We will be perfectly situated geographically in Györ," he says. "We are as close to Budapest as we are to Vienna, and we are just 50 kilometers south of Bratislava. Six million people live within an hour's distance from ABBAWORLD. It will be the perfect day trip for anyone looking for a unique experience.

Showtime Budapest has promoted several large exhibitions in Hungary, such as the Titanic, Dinosaurs, Diana, Beatles and the CSI exhibition. ShowTime is currently running a Da Vinci exhibition at the ETO Park that will end in November. Details on tickets for ABBAWORLD will be disclosed in the near future.

-Ends-

ABOUT ABBAWORLD
ABBAWORLD is multi-media exhibition and an emotional journey spanning the successful career of the Swedish supergroup ABBA. The exhibition in Hungary spans a total of 1,000 square meters bursting with music, exclusive footage, images and never-before-displayed memorabilia from the personal collections of the world’s most cherished pop icons; Anni-Frid, Benny, Björn and Agnetha. Following the successful runs of ABBAWORLD in London and Melbourne in 2010, ABBAWORLD will open on the 4th of December 2010 at ETO Park in Györ, Hungary.

ABBAWORLD - Next Stop Sydney !

2010-10-18T22:43:00.000-07:00

We now have unconfirmed reports that ABBAWORLD will go to Sydney after Melbourne. Reports say that it will be at the Powerhouse Museum and will open January/February 2011 ....
Look out Sydney, here we all come !!

Agnetha and Bjorn Together in Denmark

2010-10-15T20:33:00.000-07:00

Mamma Mia premiered in Denmark on 15th October and Agnetha appeared with Bjorn ! How wonderful to see Agnetha at an ABBA related event and looking so happy !

ABBA Treasures !

2010-10-12T05:02:00.000-07:00

Fabulous book ! I just received my copy - it's not avaialble in stores until November - but I contributed pictures of memorabilia so was lucky enough to be sent a copy from the Publisher.

They have replicated some items and these can actually be removed from the book - the last pic shows replicas of concert tickets and tour itinerary from the 1977 Tour - these are mine.
The book comes in a beautiful slipcase.

New Collection Item

2010-10-12T04:56:00.000-07:00

Pix People Magazine from Australia - 1976

Australian Reg Grungy Glass Mug

2010-09-13T01:23:00.000-07:00

Extremely rare glass mug from 1976

Does anyone else have one of these ?

ABBA:The Vinyls Box Set

2010-09-10T12:05:00.000-07:00

Limited Edition - Release Date: 6 December

ABBA: The Vinyls Box Set

2010-09-10T11:57:00.000-07:00

Pre-order ABBA: THE VINYLS box set now. Be one of the first 2,000 and get your name featured in the pages of the ABBA: THE VINYLS book !
http://store.universal-music.co.uk/restofworld/Box-Sets/Abba-Vinyl-Box-Set/invt/0602527346465

This is an exclusive opportunity for fans to be immortalised alongside the ABBA legend and is only available by pre-ordering here before September 25th 2010.

More about this product:

ABBA: THE VINYLS is a limited edition box set containing ABBA’s eight studio albums, originally released 1973–1981: Ring Ring, Waterloo, ABBA, Arrival, ABBA: The Album, Voulez Vous, Super Trouper and The Visitors. The box set also contains a bonus album, entitled ABBA Tracks, the A-side of which contains the five single A-sides not included on the original studio albums. The B-side of ABBA Tracks features a further five non-album songs, personally selected by ABBA's Benny Andersson.
Going back to the analogue master tapes for each individual album, as originally prepared by ABBA and their associates, the albums in the ABBA: THE VINYLS box set have been remastered for vinyl especially for this release. The track listings of the albums mirror the original Swedish releases, as originally planned and conceived by ABBA. Similarly, the eight studio albums are presented in replica covers featuring the original art work and inner sleeves – exactly as they looked when they first hit record shops back in the '70s and early '80s.

ABBA Museum Gets Green Light In Stockholm

2010-08-27T17:23:00.000-07:00

Sweden's capital Stockholm gets its own museum for the legendary pop quartet Abba - but only temporary.

As the newspaper 'Svenska Dagbladet' reported that the urban 'Schönheitsrat' has given the green light for the construction of a huge, long black tent with tin roof in the picturesque district of Djurgården.
"We expect the opening of the ABBA museum in the next year," said Magnus Danielsson, chief organizer of the exhibition 'Abbaworld'. "We expect half a million visitors per year in the plant next to the amusement park Gröna Lund".
Earlier plans for a museum with original costumes, instruments, and the first recording studio with "Waterloo" had shattered.
Instead, 'Abbaworld' is now at first presented as a traveling exhibition. Since June, the show has been in Melbourne Australia.
The ex-Abba members Benny Andersson (63), Björn Ulvaeus (65), Agnetha Faltskog (60) and Anni-Frid Lyngstad (64) have given the project modeled after the Beatles Museum in Liverpool their blessing. The official approval for the tent construction is initially valid for five years and may be renewed for the same period.

Arrival Promo Poster - Australia

2010-08-24T04:25:00.000-07:00

Newest addition to my collection ... 1976 RCA Promo Poster for Arrival - Australia
I just love this !

ABBA Australian Trading Card Display Box

2010-08-23T02:26:00.000-07:00

Pride & Joy Of My Collection
Store counter display box for the Australian Trading cards
1976

New To Blogging

2010-08-23T02:23:00.001-07:00

Hi ... this is my first post .. I will add pictures etc soon of my ABBA collection ... hope to see you back again !