Ask Ian.....25 April 2003

Q		A
Why didn't Benny & Bjorn put the songs: ‘Get On The Carousel’, ‘I Am An A’, ‘I'm Still Alive’ and other unreleased songs on the albums: ‘ABBA - The Album’, ‘Voulez-Vous’ etc.? Thanks for the answers. Regards Gabby Keren, Israel		There are many reasons why some songs were never released – Benny and Björn may not have been satisfied with the tune, a tune may be recycled in another song, or they may not be happy with the recording. In the case of those songs you mention, ‘Get On The Carousel’ was performed at concerts during ABBA’s 1977 tour as the fourth song in the mini-musical ‘The Girl With The Golden Hair’. The song was not recorded for ‘The Album’, and part of the tune was used in ‘Hole In Your Soul’. ‘I Am An A’ was also performed on the 1977 tour, and was only intended as a song to introduce the individual group members. Parts of the tune were used in other songs over the years, the chorus ending up in ‘I Know Him So Well’ in Benny and Björn’s musical ‘Chess’. ‘I’m Still Alive’ was performed on the 1979 tour, and there was talk that it would be recorded for the next album (which was to be ‘Super Trouper’), but this didn’t happen, nor did they see fit to release a live recording.

There are two versions of the DVD ‘ABBA: The Definitive Collection’ available from Universal – the original, which has very poor synchronization and balance, and a corrected release that is now coming into general circulation. Unfortunately, it is impossible to tell which copy you have purchased until the shrinkwrap has been removed. If ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!’ is listed in the menu, you are the lucky owner of the corrected version, but if it reads ‘Gimmie! Gimmie! Gimmie!’ then you have been stuck with the defective version. I have already returned one copy to the store for a refund, and I would like to avoid having to do that again. Any ideas as to where we might stand the best chance of getting a corrected copy? Richard, USA		The second version has been replacing all stock since around November 2002, so it’s likely that any copies received in stores since then should be the new one. I have heard of several instances where fans (particularly in the US) contacted their local Universal Music office and had their original copies replaced with the new version, so if you still get stuck with the original, that could be an option. BTW, the problems with the original version were not "poor synchronization and balance" in general, but poor picture quality on several clips due to incorrect filters used in mastering, footage inserted where it shouldn't have been in a couple of clips, the wrong remix of ‘Ring Ring’, poor synchronization of ‘On And On And On’ (which unfortunately remains in the new version), and problems with the menu, screens, including the aforementioned 'Gimmie! Gimmie! Gimmie!' mispelling.

I'm currently writing my dissertation on Australian cinema and was wondering whether the recurring theme of ABBA throughout hit films in the 1990s had any specific cultural meaning or is it just coincidence? If you could get back to me I'd be grateful. Mozza		There is cultural significance in both 'Muriel's Wedding' and 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert'. From 1975 to 1977 ABBA were ubiquitous in Australia, though after their concert tour in 1977 a backlash evolved (the good old Australian tall poppy syndrome no doubt being a part of it), ABBA’s popularity plummeted to a point where anyone known as an ABBA fan, especially those of school age, was ostracised. During the 80s, ABBA had broken up and were essentially forgotten by the Australian public, though a loyal fanbase maintained its devotion. The image of a lonely outsider listening to "old-fashioned" ABBA music in the 80s and 90s was reflected in ‘Muriel’s Wedding’, though by the end of the film both Muriel and ABBA were rehabilitated. Meanwhile, during the late 80s a significant proportion of that original fanbase had grown up to be gay men. Gay bars in both Sydney and Melbourne began to hold ABBA nights, which became a regular attraction to both those loyal ABBA fans, their contemporaries rediscovering ABBA’s music as well as exposing ABBA to a whole new generation. This was reflected in ‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’. Interestingly, the final scene when the music is turned down and the entire audience is singing ‘Mamma Mia’ is highly reminiscent of something that happened at one of those ABBA nights in Sydney. The creators of both films would have noticed the rising interest in ABBA, but it's probably a coincidence that two films using ABBA music that both contributed to the ABBA revival were in production and released at around the same time.

Is there going to be an ABBA free e-card service where people can send e mails to each other? A lot of people I know like ABBA. Mark Hunt		There is no official e-card service, though the fan site ABBA Plaza has one.

I am looking for the best source to get ‘I Believe in Angels’ sheet music. You know, real music, not just songbook 'chordsy' stuff. Any help deeply appreciated. Donna		The full scores for ABBA’s songs as used in the musical ‘Mamma Mia!’ are progressively being released through the official ABBA site. ‘I Have A Dream’ (which is the song's proper title) is among those songs that will eventually be published.

We tried to dress as ABBA last year but didn't find good costumes... any recommendations? Sarah Rundell		The only costumer that I know of that rents ABBA costumes is this one in the south of England.

Since a day or ¾, I'm not able to reach the 'official' Universal ABBA site. I've been trying at work also; but I just can't get through. Have U got an idea, of what could be wrong?? Thank you, Astrid, The Netherlands AND What happened to www.abbasite.com? Thanks and best regards – Jim Beavers		The official ABBA site recently changed ISPs, and during the changeover several problems were encountered that made the site unavailable through its usual address. I’m happy to report that it’s now online again.

Can you give me any information what what the members of ABBA are doing these days, especially Frida? Big ABBA fan, Phillip Hatchett AND Are the members of ABBA still alive? If so, what are they doing? Thanks! Russ		Yes, all four former members of ABBA are still alive, the oldest, Björn, is just turning 58. All are leading generally private lives these days. Benny still makes music, mostly influenced by traditional Swedish folk music. He owns the record label Mono Music which releases his own recordings as well as other music close to his heart. Björn continues to write lyrics for Benny’s music, and is also heavily involved in the musical ‘Mamma Mia!, based on ABBA’s songs. Benny and Björn have also composed two musicals since ABBA ended, ‘Chess’ (with Tim Rice) and ‘Kristina från Duvemåla’. ‘Chess’ is currently undergoing a revival in Sweden, and there are plans to translate ‘Kristina’ into English for the international market. Both Frida and Agnetha released a few solo albums after ABBA. Frida’s last was released in Sweden in 1996. Today she has no plans for any future musical career, and has been involved in several environmental charities for over a decade. Agnetha has been mostly out of the public eye since her last album in 1987, but is said to be recording a new album for release possibly by the end of this year.

I have finally found the answer to who sings ‘One Night In Bangkok’. Now the question is... is there any album this was recorded on. I would even settle for one of those compilation CDs from the '80s. I appreciate any help you may be able to give me. I just want to have that song. Thanks - Rae Chapman-Eskew		‘One Night In Bangkok’ by Murray Head (with the chorus sung by Anders Glenmark) can be found on the original concept album of the musical ‘Chess’, first released in 1984 and still available.

Have any winners of the Eurovision contest achieved any notable success, if so who? Ted Gibson Minnesota U.S.A.		There are a few that come to mind, mostly from Britain or Ireland. Sandie Shaw won in 1967 with her hit ‘Puppet On A String’ and Brotherhood of Man won in 1976 with ‘Save Your Kisses For Me’, though their careers both predated their contest appearances. Bucks Fizz started their career when they won in 1981 with ‘Making Your Mind Up'. Irish singer Johnny Logan won twice I believe and had a number of hits in the mid 80s. A few Swedish acts have won and had ongoing domestic careers but didn‘t really make an impact internationally, including Carolla and Charlotte. Several other well known acts have participated in the contest but didn’t win, including Cliff Richard, Olivia Newton-John (in 1974, came third to ABBA’s win) and Celine Dion, though they were already internationally successful before their contest appearances. No doubt plenty of geeks have already told you that Celine Dion did actually win Eurovision in 1988 for Switzerland with ne partez pas sans moi..... Cheers, Terry

Is there any up to date news on when either ‘ABBA – The Movie’ or ‘ABBA In Concert’ is coming out on DVD yet? Also when are we likely to hear more of this new live CD that’s coming out? Thanks a million, Thomas from the UK		There’s no firm release date yet been announced for any further DVD releases. I believe that ‘ABBA In Concert’ is most likely to be released later this year, but it doesn’t seem likely that ‘The Movie’ will appear until 2004. I’ve heard nothing more about the plans to release a new live CD, except that it may coincide with the re-release of ‘ABBA – The Movie’.

Could you tell me if Universal will be re-releasing Agnetha’s and Frida’s solo albums but with bonus tracks like they did with the ABBA albums? Thanx, Ant		There are no plans to re-release any ABBA member’s solo material at this time.

`Can you advise whom or where to contact for permission to record a song originally recorded by ABBA? Thanks. Rick Reed`		`I suggest that you contact your nearest Universal Music office.`

Am I right in believing that ABBA did a commercial for Woolworths in the UK? From what I remember, it was shown 1981-83. I was about 7 at the time, so perhaps my memory is tricking me. From what I remember the four members of ABBA were in a deserted store, and held up different products to the camera. I think the song went something like "Have a happy Christmas at Woolworth, many things to choose on your shopping spree". I recall that they didn't smile and looked pissed off. The advert isn't mentioned in any of the books or articles I've read about ABBA, and I've never seen the advert replayed in documentaries. Please could you investigate? Thanks very much. Gordon :)		I’ve never heard of ABBA doing this advertisement. Nor can I imagine that they would have done it at such a late stage in their career, when they were barely publicising their own product. Had it been around 1976/77, it could have been likely, as ABBA did such quickie advertisements for the Keep Australia Beautiful and Keep Britain Tidy campaigns, an Australian television network and an Australian newspaper, among others. re: question on Ask Ian about ABBA doing a UK Woolworths advert. It was a 'Super Trouper' (the song) rip-off which sounded pretty close to the original in terms of tune, arrangements and vocals. I THINK it aired in December 81, and I also remember that it was a very LONG (2-3 mins) advert. As far as I am aware, there was no actual ABBA involvement (which would have been unlikely anyway). Graham Piper, UK

I am trying to locate a good quality instrumental version of ‘SOS’ by ABBA. It cannot have any vocals at all. The web site indicated that an instrumental version was recorded but how can I get a copy on CD or download. Please advise ASAP. Thank you for help, Kelly Warsaw		ABBA did indeed prepare an instrumental backing track for ‘SOS’ and several other songs. These were used when ABBA performed on some television shows, singing live vocals over the backing track, and are simply the studio recordings without vocals, rather than proper instrumental versions. None of these have been commercially released, nor have they appeared through unofficial sources (except for one, ‘Mamma Mia’).

Some internet sites I've found state ABBA played four songs on the 1975 Sylvester-Tanzparty or Sylvestergala shown on German television on New Years Eve of 1975 (‘I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do’, ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘Waterloo’ and ‘SOS’). Others only have ’I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do’ and ‘SOS’. Which information is correct? Andreas Demmel, Germany		Only ‘I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do’ and ‘SOS’ were performed on that program.

There's a very interesting internet site, which analyses the musical structure and style of all Beatles songs from a theoretical point of view (Alan W. Pollack's 'Notes On' Series), which is also a perfect issue for most of ABBA's songs. Do you know if there is any information like that available about ABBA? Thank you very much for your help. Andreas Demmel, Germany		I’m not aware of any ABBA site like that. Unfortunately I don’t know of anyone with enough musical knowledge to create such a site on ABBA, though there would certainly be merit in it. Coincidentally, I came across this Beatles site myself a few weeks ago - it's fairly brilliant!

I have been looking for the ABBA silver ingot from late 70s/80s but can't find it anywhere. It is the one with the four heads on and ABBA written on the bottom as I believe there were 2 different ones made, the other being like a disc or coin? Do you have any idea on how much this item goes for these days, I just don't want to be ripped off if I eventually come across one! Many thanks for any help you can give me, James.		I’ve never encountered these items for sale anywhere since they were first advertised in the ABBA Magazine in 1978. There were indeed two, one was an ingot 1 ½ inches long by ½ inch wide, the other was a circular pendant 1 ½ inch diameter, both on a silver chain 21 inches long. Both originally sold for £12.95. Because I’ve never seen them available, I really couldn’t estimate what they might sell for today if one ever became available.

Do you have any information on what became of Inger Brundin, the stand-in Agnetha? Did she have a career in Sweden? Or elsewhere? Is she the Pete Best of the ABBA story? Genevieve, Australia		To the best of my knowledge, Inger was a friend of Frida’s and was not a singer or involved in the music industry at all. I’ve heard on the grapevine that they are still friends today. She only appeared with ABBA on a handful of television appearances in the first few months of 1973, when Agnetha was unable to travel due to her pregnancy and then caring for her newborn. So she hardly qualifies as the "Pete Best" of ABBA, being sidelined on the cusp of international fame.

I know that Michael B. Tretow’s CD was released in 1999. Is it still possible to find it for sale anywhere? As an ABBA fan, do you think I would enjoy this CD? Thanks, Mike Gilbert, AZ, USA		The average ABBA fan should find it enjoyable – though the music is nothing like ABBA’s, all four can be heard on various songs vocally and instrumentally, including the rare treat of Agnetha playing piano on one track. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be available anymore - neither the ABBF Record Service nor Skivhugget has it listed, though they do have the compilation 'Michael B. Tretow's Greatest Hits', which has some tracks from 'Let's Boogie'.

Do you know the entire lyrics to the French musical ‘ABBAcadabra’? Or at least, the plot of it? I look forward to your response!! Sincerely, Clint Escandell		I’m not aware of anywhere where you might find the lyrics, though they were published on the inner sleeve of the LP. The plot was reproduced in issue no. 23 of the International ABBA Magazine in 1983: At school one day, John, Ellen, Peter and Linda become bored with their lessons and misbehave. As punishment, their teacher (who also plays the Witch!) sends them to clean the school library. While there a book on fairy tales falls from the shelf and from it seven popular fairy tale [such as Snow White, Pinocchio, Cinderella, Aladdin - Ian's note] characters appear. These characters thank the children, for they have been released from the book in which they have been imprisoned by the witch ‘Carabosse’. She caught them crossing a forest which she controlled on their way to the ball thrown in the honour of the marriage of ‘La Belle’ and ‘The Prince’. The four children decide to help them try again but this time the witch throws them all into a ‘video-gaol’. John is the only one to escape and who manages to enlist the Prince’s help and save the rest. Before the ball can start the Prince must kiss the Princess to wake her from her many years of long slumber. It is then that the song ‘Belle’ is sung. At the end of the musical the children return to school and along with their teachers sing ‘Thank You For The Music’ (‘Envoyez le Generique’) at an annual school assembly. Clint has since found the lyrics for the whole album at http://generikz.free.fr/generikz.php?t=g&v=557

I'm Brazilian and would like to know whether there are websites in Portuguese. Thanks, João Carlos		There are a few, including ABBA Brazil and ABBA Super Troupers. Visit the links section of ABBA World – go to Sites by category > foreign sites.

What are the "gold coin necklaces" Agnetha and Frida always wear? See ‘ABBA: The Book’, pages 104, 113, 115, 117, 118, 120, 123, 126, 128, 129, 130, 131, 133, 134, 138, 145. ‘Dancing Queen’ single, cover shot. Paul Nethercott, Brisbane		I presume that they were simply matching pendants bought to be part of ABBA’s image at the time, with the group members wearing coordinated costumes. Unfortunately, though there’s a close up photo of Frida’s pendant on page 115 of ‘ABBA – The Book’, the inscription can’t be seen.

This may sound ridiculous but I have been to 3 different (but all huge) music stores, Target and K-Mart, Toyworld etc. I am trying to buy a VHS video for my daughter displaying the best of ABBA hits. We live on the Gold Coast, Australia. Can you please advise me what the best ABBA video out there is and where I can get it? I do not have a credit card so I cannot buy online. I would appreciate any help. Kind regards, Susy and Abi, ABBA Fans		There are a couple of VHS tapes that you should be able to get, though VHS sales are dropping and it’s getting harder to find them. You should be able to find ‘ABBA Gold’, which has 19 of ABBA’s greatest hits, or ‘The Definitive Collection’ which includes all 30 of ABBA’s video clips plus 5 bonus tracks. If they’re not in stock, you should be able to order them from any good music shop such as HMV, Sanity or Leading Edge Music - all of which have branches on the Gold Coast. The catalogue number for ‘ABBA Gold’ is 085 548-3, and ‘The Definitive Collection’ is 017 445-3.

I just wanted to know if I can get a CD copy of 'Happy Hawaii' anywhere? As the 45 vinyl copy I have is old, and tends to crackle and hiss, and destroys my enjoyment. Any help Ian you can offer will be greatly appreciated. Many thanks, Alex		You’ll find ‘Happy Hawaii’ as a bonus track on the 2001 CD reissue of ABBA’s album ‘Arrival’.

Could you please advise me of ABBA’s New Zealand tour, places + dates. Kind Regards, Roberta Preston, New Zealand		ABBA never visited New Zealand.

I remember seeing the ABBA concert in Sydney about 20 years ago. Like many people Agnetha held a particular fascination for me although at the time I had no idea why. Now so many years later I've been able to answer that question for myself. Do you know whether it is possible to have a dialogue with Agnetha via email? Regards, Julie Rohan		I’m sorry, but it’s not possible. Agnetha is a very private person and does not give interviews or correspond with fans.

I wonder why ABBA or any ABBA members was never asked to present any awards in those shows such as American Music Award, Grammy Award, Billboard Music Award or MTV Award etc... Is it because they are not American??? I always think those people in American music industry do not recognize ABBA as a Super Group. Tony		I couldn’t say for sure. Perhaps the ABBA members just weren’t high profile enough in America to be asked. To the best of my knowledge, ABBA were only acknowledged with one or two American awards, and that was only towards the end of their career. in 2002 the musical soundtrack 'Mamma Mia!' was nominated for a Grammy, and the Broadway production was nominated for several Tony awards, but didn't win. Björn and Benny attended both ceremonies.

Since ABBA were so popular while they were together, did any other artists ask Benny and Björn to write songs for them? Thanks, Terri, USA		Up until 1976, Benny and Björn worked as house composers/producers at Polar Music, and wrote and produced songs for many other Polar artists. I’m not sure whether any international artists specifically asked Benny and Björn to write songs for them, though a number of artists did record cover versions of ABBA songs or songs that Benny and Björn had written for some of those Swedish artists.

I know that I go through the rules, but I ask you for one consideration. Could you give me - the guy from Russia, who loves ABBA very much - e-mail of anybody from the ABBA team. Best regards, Zany. AND I have been a great fan of ABBA for last 18/19 years. I would like to have their contact e-mail id. Kindly furnish me the same. With thanks, Ravi Anthony, India		I’m sorry, but I can’t supply that information. I don’t know any of their e-mail addresses, and even if I did it would not be appropriate for me to pass them on to anyone else.

I was just wondering which is the right way to pronounce ABBA; is it "ah-buh" or "aaa-buh"? Just curious! Thanks! Karen		There is no hard and fast "correct" way. The Swedes tend to say something like "Uh-buh" (with almost a pause between syllables), Americans say "Ahh-bah" (the first A like aardvark), Australians say "A-ba" (the first A like apple), the English pronunciation is somewhere between the American and Australian versions. Just don’t say "Arber" J

I have recently bought ‘The Definitive Collection’ and I think it's stunning – good quality, good sound and it's great to have all those videos on one DVD. But then again I have a question. I have an old article from 1979 which was published in a German magazine called ‘Popcorn’ (silly name, I know). The magazine visited ABBA in Stockholm while they were rehearsing for their autumn tour. In the article it says: ‘ABBA have filmed three videos with a discotheque atmosphere: ‘Does Your Mother Know’, ‘Voulez-Vous’ and ‘If It Wasn't For The Nights’. If this is true why then wasn't the video included in ‘The Definitive Collection’? I have never seen this video mentioned in the books by Carl Magnus Palm (fabulous all of them) so I don't know if ABBA ever made a promo clip for ‘If It Wasn't For The Nights’. Do you have any information about this? Thanks, Oliver		You’re right, ABBA never made a promotional clip for ‘If It Wasn’t For The Nights’. It wouldn’t be the first or last time that something that didn’t happen was reported like this.

I have been led to believe that someone known to a friend of mine, named Slim Borgunn, once played drums with ABBA. Could you please tell me if this is so? I have not been able to find any reference to him on the web, but admittedly I haven't tried all search engines yet. I hope you can help. Regards, Steve (England)		*Slim Borgudd was a Formula One racing car driver in the late 70s and early 80s. His car was sponsored by ABBA in 1981 - pictures of the car can be seen at ABBA Plaza.* Before joining the racing circuit, he was a drummer with a number of Swedish bands in the 60s and 70s, and apparently played for Björn's group the Hootenanny Singers once or twice. More information on Slim can be found at http://8w.forix.com/borgudd.html and http://www.famousnamechanges.com/html/sports.htm *Thanks to ABBAMAILers Vaughn Williams, Sarah Marchant, Sara Russell and Robert Verbeek for a timely discussion thread on the ABBAMAIL list.*

I just bought a 7" single on the net (I didn't get it so far) that I couldn't find in your singles section: ‘I've Been Waiting For You’/’King Kong Song’. Is it a real rare one, or a bootleg, or what? Best regards, Joachim Rabe, Hamburg, Germany		It is indeed a genuine single. This coupling was released only in Australia and New Zealand. In late 1974 when Polar Music released the single ‘So Long’/’I’ve Been Waiting For You’, RCA in Australia for some reason split the single into two, simultaneously releasing ‘So Long’/Hasta Mañana’ and the single you’ve bought. It’s not particularly common, but not particularly rare either. Interestingly, this was actually the very first ABBA single I ever bought.

I need to know when and where is the next ABBA day? Thank you, Marcelo from Buenos Aires – Argentina		The annual International ABBA Day in the Netherlands was held just a few of weeks ago, and unfortunately you've also just missed a couple of ABBA Days in your part of the world - one in Buenos Aires, Argentina on 19 April and another in Petrópolis, Brazil on 20 April. To stay informed of any future happenings, keep an eye on the Events page.

Huge ABBA Fan here. Even found one in Pakistan. He and I listened to the entire ‘GOLD’ CD last night. The experience was AWESOME. We both grew up on ABBA. However, we were wondering what ‘Chiquitita’ stood for. What is the English word... is it someone’s name??? Thanks, Artzgal		It’s a Spanish word which I’m told means "little girl".

`Who were Agnetha's and Anni-Frid's singing teachers? There's a photo in a book of Agnetha singing from a book of Mozart songs and I read that Frida studied opera. Would be great to hear them sing classical. From Sarah, an ABBA fan in Worthing, UK`		One singing coach they had was Inga Sundström – there’s a photo of her giving Agnetha singing training in the book ‘ABBA – The Complete Recording Sessions’. I believe she was their coach for a number of years. Frida can be heard singing a brief operatic aria in both ‘ABBA – The Movie’ and the 1978 TV special ‘Olivia’. Frida also recorded a proper classical piece in 2002, ‘La barcoralle’ with Italian singer Filippa Giordano. It has been released only in Japan on the bonus CD with Filippa’s CD ‘Il rosso amore deluxe’ - this CD can be ordered from HMV Japan.

Just a quick question - where and how can I get a hold of a complete version of the ABBA recording ‘Just Like That’? Bernd von Fehrn, Köln, Germany		‘Just Like That’ has appeared on numerous unofficial CDs. An auction site like eBay would be your best bet.

Do you know if the tour of ‘Mamma Mia!’ will be heading to Spokane, Washington in 2003-2004? Spoluxes		According to the official ‘Mamma Mia!’ site, the musical will be playing in Seattle, Washington from 17 June 2003, and Portland Oregon from 1 July 2003. Those are the only stops in the tour scheduled in your corner of the world at the moment.

Where could I get a copy of ABBA's ‘Bandstand’ TV Special recorded at Channel 9 in Sydney? Regards, Andrew		Right here at ABBAMAIL - visit the Merchandise pages. The tape you want is called 'ABBA Classic'.
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