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It’s really no exaggeration to say ABBA were the Swedish Beatles.
Marie-Claire Follett – who lives in Irvine but hails from London – is the bubbly musician who plays ABBA’s Anni-Frid Lyngstad in her ABBA tribute band which returns to the Gaslamp on Saturday, July 2 at 8:00 pm. Almost Tina – Tribute to Tina Turner co-headlines the show.
Quite the niche profession one might say, but one that is arguably necessary on this side of the pond.
Across the country, there’s no shortage of Beatles or Elvis tribute shows but ABBA tributes are a bit harder to come by. In Europe, they’re just as common as Elvis tributes here.
“When we were living in London, we were one of 100 ABBA tribute bands,” said Follett.
Five years ago, Follett and her musician husband, Andy Marshall, moved to the United States and cast another ABBA tribute band, The FABBA Show. Marshall plays Bjorn Ulvaeus, ABBA’s guitarist.
The FABBA Show now tours nationally, performing in 1000 – 1500 seat performing arts centers and casinos. The production features costumed performers singing and playing dance floor classics such as “Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo,” “Take a Chance On Me,” “Super Trouper,” and “Voulez Vous.”
Follett says the American audience reception to their touring show has been overwhelming and appeals to people ages 1 – 100.
“We’ve literally had babies and people in walkers at our theater shows throwing all kinds of shapes in the aisles,” said Follett.
“Our audiences enjoy the band re-creating the huge energy and hilarious sense of fun of ABBA,” she said.
“We will have you singing along and if you are very brave, you will get up and dance with us. Yah? Yah!!!”
For tickets or more information, click here.
