WILLIAMSBURG — The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA will open Williamsburg Live tonight on the lawn of the Colonial Williamsburg Art Museum.
Matilda Lindell, lead singer of the group, recently sat down to give WYDaily the inside scoop ahead of the show.
The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA, began over 25 years ago.
“Over 25 years ago, the president of 21st Century Artists, while he was in Sweden producing a show for the King of Sweden, came up with the idea to bring ABBA to America, and also feature some of the original band members where possible,” Lindell said.
A member of the group since 2008, Lindell has been involved in performing in the show. She notes that while many original members of the band have passed, an original ABBA band member remains in the tribute show.
“We still have the good fortune of the youthful and talented Mike Watson, who plays bass on most of the U.S. concerts,” Lindell shared.
Lindell, who grew up listening to ABBA herself, takes great pride in being able to perform the legendary songbook of the group.
“As Swedes, ABBA is part of our culture, and it’s a great honor to take on their music, especially for an international audience. There is a tremendous work ethic to presenting the show as close to how the original ABBA would sound today,” she said.
Throughout the show, concert-goers will hear all the ABBA hits while taking in all the sequin disco costumes.
“ABBA definitely has a very special and unique sound. We take pride in sounding like them as much as we can, but it would be boring and also a waste of talent of our fabulous singers and band members to not add flare and personality. That’s what makes our particular tribute special. The audience get to know us and get the best of ABBA,” Lindell said.
For Lindell, one song remains a favorite to perform.
“My favorite continues to be ‘The Winner Takes it All.’ Such an emotional song and I often hear the audience sing along in the very raw and real lyrics. ‘Dancing Queen’ is of course a favorite too! How can anyone not love that one,” Lindell says.
Another favorite part of the show for Lindell is watching the audience members during the show.
“It reminds people of a special time, it brings out joy — even the many sad songs still bring out joy, I think. Because it’s not just music, it’s a universal phenomenon at this point. The movies and musicals have sparked new feelings for all the youngsters as well, and maybe it’s extra magical when all generations can be together in ABBA’s music. It’s not only the fantastic music. It’s the outfits, the drama, the disco,” Lindell said.
The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the concert are still on sale through the Virginia Arts Festival website.