By BEN CAMERON
AFTER more than 3000 gigs BABBA will clock up 20 years paying tribute to a truly magical act in December.
“Hard to believe actually as that is twice as long as ABBA were together,” band member Michael Ingvarson said, who channels Benny.
Curiously, he never saw them live.
“People tell me it was magic,” he said.
“Videos I’ve seen show amazing energy with two drummers and many backing vocalists. The whole backing band were top musicians.
“The girls looked amazing in their costumes and they nailed their vocals live which shows they are masters of their instruments. I believe they were classically trained.”
He said the grind of a touring was always made worthwhile when fans were lifted out of their seats by the legendary band’s many classic tracks.
“Seeing the reaction of the audience when they hear ABBA’s songs makes all the travelling worthwhile,” he said.
“As a musician playing the songs as many times as we have, 3000 gigs, would be very difficult if it didn’t inspire the magic that it does.”
BABBA was started on a whim by a bunch of experienced musicians one Thursday night at the Royal Derby Hotel in Fitzroy.
In a sign of things to come, the show drew 450 people.
“Melburnians love their ABBA and luckily we didn’t seem to disappoint,” he said.
He said studying their music closely had made him appreciate and recognise their skills as songwriters, producers and pop song arrangers.
“They penned songs with amazing hooks and melodies, created their own sound with a combination of Benny’s layered keyboard textures, incredible vocals and harmonies, and also many unique guitar textures,” he said.
“I have a lot of respect for Benny who has continued to write great music like the musical Kristina.
“It goes without saying the girls have incredible voices and an amazing blend that created much the sound of ABBA.”
But would he feel a bit conflicted if ABBA came out of retirement and cut into BABBA’s market?
“That’s funny! If they did reform they’d be playing in the biggest arenas in the world like Wembley arena,” he said.
“I’d love to see them perform live again because, well there is only one ABBA and they have something together that no other band has.
“It would be good for us actually because it would rekindle everyone’s love for the music.”
BABBA play the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Saturday, 18 October.
