Björn Again - University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, England - 09.12.02

Going to see Björn Again in December is almost as much a part of the tradition of Christmas as turkey, mistletoe and getting sozzled down the pub or at the office party (incidentally, I was accompanied at this gig by my drunken workmates from the office - when you can't bring the party to the office, bring the office to the party).  I've seen the band 4 or 5 times now but I enjoyed this gig as much as the first one.  The boys sported nice white satin jumpsuits and the girls wore white satin, well, something like togas, but changed into powder blue bat wing sleeved dresses later on. 

Björn Again concerts are always tongue-in-cheek affairs, with plenty of humour thrown in by "Björn", "Benny" (with his Volvo headlight/grill mounted keyboard), "Agnetta" and "Freda" who all spoke throughout the whole evening with fake Swedish accents.  However, although many of us might not want to admit liking Abba songs for fear of losing any street cred we have managed to cling on to, I challenge anyone to attend a Björn Again concert and not to have a good time.  

The songs came pouring out - "Gimme, Gimme, Gimme", "Knowing Me, Knowing You", and "Money, Money, Money" and the lighters were lit and the arms were swaying for "Chiquitita" and "Fernando".   The girls imitated the Abba sound and dance moves with perfection and the boys played the guitar and keyboard with as much gusto as the real Björn and Benny.  They also got the opportunity to throw themselves loose from the Abba ties and show us their other talents - the boys did a suitably rocky version of Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" and the girls did Joan Jet's "I Love Rock 'n' Roll". 

Björn Again seem to support the sentiment that you should always leave the best until last as we had to wait until the encore before "Dancing Queen" resounded around the auditorium.  Finally, we were invited by the band to say "Thank You for the Music" and so we did.

Rating: *****

Date of Review: 19.01.03