Entertainment

Bjorn Again still having the time of their lives

As Bjorn Again invite Belfast fans to pull on their platforms and have the time of their lives this Christmas, Jenny Lee caught up with the group's founder Rod Stephen and current Agnetha, Carla Winters

Bjorn Again, featuring Londoner Carla Winters in the role of Agnetha Faltskog
Bjorn Again, featuring Londoner Carla Winters in the role of Agnetha Faltskog Bjorn Again, featuring Londoner Carla Winters in the role of Agnetha Faltskog

ROLL back the years, dust off your white bell bottoms, polish your platforms and get set to be a dancing Queen.

Bjorn Again, created and founded by Rod Stephen in 1988 in Melbourne, Australia, was scripted and choreographed as a tongue-in-cheek satirical parody of ABBA and the show rapidly achieved cult status.

"It was pretty much a flegling idea. Back then in the late 80s people were still listening to Spandau Ballet. They had forgotten about ABBA and wouldn't dare be seen in the fashion of the 70s. I thought it would be fun to try to make it relevant again," says Stephen.

Thirty seven years later the 70s and Abba revival continues. The band-cum-stage show plays Belfast's SSE Arena next weekend and promises ABBA favourites including Mamma Mia, Waterloo, Take A Chance On Me and Fernando, served up in their own inimitable style, as well as some festive Christmas anthems thrown in.

Ironically the 58-year-old wasn’t an ABBA fan initially. "I was a fan of Genesis and progressive rock music. On first listen ABBA was considered throwaway pop and I couldn't relate to it. But it’s actually really amazing music when you listen to it with fresh ears."

He reveals that the 1984 American rock music mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap was a huge influence in the direction of Bjorn Again, something that continues to the present day, he admits.

"Every Bjorn Again gig feels like Spinal Tap. We've even had the bit where we are walking around the corridors trying to find the stage," Stephen says.

The group have received their blessing from the original ABBA performers and been credited with initiating the ABBA revival of the late 80s and early 90s.

"We went over to Sweden and met up with Benny and Bjorn and they honestly couldn't believe what was going on because they thought their music was dead and buried. A couple of years after that they released ABBA Gold and put the ball in motion for Mamma Mia. We were at the whole edge of that and Benny and Bjorn acknowledged that."

Bjorn Again have a huge celebrity following, having played private gigs for clients as diverse as Microsoft's Bill Gates, comedian Rowan Atkinson, Russian President Vladimir Putin and even performed at Russell Crowe's wedding.

One of their fondest memories is playing at Reading festival in 1992.

"When Nirvana had a hit with Smells Like Teen Spirit they were touring Australia and were performing just down the road from us. They came down to the gig and bought all 30 of our T-shirts.

"They didn't say hello or anything, but the next thing we knew, Dave Grohl and Kurt Cobain wore them on MTV for an interview. Kurt was a huge ABBA fan and they more or less said they wanted us on the bill at Reading or they weren’t going to do it."

Bjorn Again have had a pool of performers over the years. The current Agnetha is Londoner Carla Winters, who was thrown in at the deep end at her first gig in London's GAY nightclub in May 2013, when ABBA vocalist Agnetha Falksbeg was present – releasing her solo album and duetting with Gary Barlow.

"Talk about no pressure," she laughs. "It's an honour to represent her," adds Carla, who stresses that Bjorn Again is not an ABBA tribute band.

"We play characters, that represent a parody of ABBA. It's a show in itself and the interaction with audience is what really sets us apart."

Agnetha describes the music as "ABBA’s greatest hits, but rocked out", with all songs rearranged by Rod, who even designed the boots the singers wear.

And does she like the 70s fashion? "I absolutely love the flares; I'm not so sure about the guys' long hair..."

:: Bjorn Again plays Belfast's SSE Arena on Friday December 16 at 8pm. See ssearenabelfast.com.

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