icethesite - Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus news site

Comments

• Posted by Chris Bowles, January 23, 2010 20:50:

  I literally came back from ABBAWORLD a few hours ago,tired but happy. I thought the event itself was great. It ncluded some rare old clips that I hadn't seen, and many of the groups costumes. There were even brand new interviews with ALL of the fab four, which were just great.
  
  The quiz's were great fun, but I particularly like the Mixing Desk challenge. I will probably go back to ABBAWORLD at least one more time before it leaves London. So much to see not quite enough time! - still at least it prevented me from splashing out on goodies in the shop !

  
  
• Posted by warren thrower, January 23, 2010 21:33:

  Had a good time, plenty of costumes and gold discs on display, well worth the money. The commentary was good as well as the quizzes and Tretow mixes to hand. I even performed after some hesitation on stage with the holograms.. oh dear.
  
  I wasn't convinced that all costumes on display were original, but replicas. Many looked too immaculate - there were also two sets of Waterloo outfits on display.. I did notice Abba's costume designer being interviewed. I should have asked him. I was also interviewed in the tour costumes section..I hope I didnt make myself look silly... they asked various questions as to why i was a fan.
  I was impressed with the polar studio layout, Stig Anderson's office as well as the island cottage where B&B sat and wrote many of their hits. Looked very authentic.
  
  I was a little disappointed with the lack of memorabilia on display. I expected the original abba annuals , abba soap, perfume (lol), abba dolls, original British fan club merchanise to be there. Seriously, I would be happy to contibute all this to the exhibition if they want it, even the abba puzzles and original manuals and magazines.. if theres a contact point...??????

  
  
• Posted by Alex Jones, January 24, 2010 10:33:

  I was very lucky to be in amongst the fan club preview brigade yesterday, and I thought it scored a great 9 out of ten from me, a lifelong fan. However, I think that there were some obvious things that the "public" would have loved to have seen but were sadly missing.
  
  I adored it all, of course, but "the public" probably wouldn't care to see a replica of Stig's office in such detail but may have been looking for things like a "park bench" to re-create an iconic shot.
  
  The Visitors would have been an ideal album cover re-creation opportunity too rather than being almost airbrushed out of existence and not having it's own room like all the other albums. I wonder what the reasons were for this being dropped from the final project after being included on the original drawings/plans?
  
  The actual costumes section was the most professional "looking" room to me, all beautifully lit and housed. I think the public might enjoy that bit the most too.
  
  The headsets were incredibly annoying for me as it drowned out the external audio, and they were not really needed anyway as the script was all up on display in each room anyway except for words like "English" in the audio being changed to "British" on the text.
  
  I loved the interviews, and Agnetha did look great (and very cute when she gave a short blast of Our Last Summer!) but it did look as if Frida's botox was wearing off on one side and one cheek was moving much more than the other while she spoke making her look a bit lopsided! Great interviews though, although I think the British public might be a bit intolerant of them all being in Swedish. I also thought the audio level of all the plasma screen interviews and music clips were a little too quiet.
  
  How great was it at the Polar Studios section to separate the original tracks of Money Money Money and Super Trouper (even for only thirty seconds) and to hear the crisp vocals in total isolation?
  
  A bit strange that all the "points scored" from the various electronic quizes taken throughout the event weren't given to you at the end. I wonder also why we were told to select our favourite group member on the way in...?
  
  All in all I think it was wonderful from a hardcore fan perspective, and I think the public will still enjoy it very much, although Earl's Court is not the best location in terms of attracting impulse tourists like Covent garden or the Trocadero might have been, but with a little tweaking ABBA WORLD should be fabulous when it eventually reaches a permanent home in Stockholm.
  
  When I was in the merchandise section, it struck me on how much the world had moved on since 1985 when I scored London to find any kind of remaining ABBA merchandise from an almost forgotten band. Here we were twenty five years later with, not only merchandise everywhere, but hit stage shows, films, albums and a MUSEUM to soldify their place in history forver...as icons!
  

  
  
• Posted by SUE A, January 24, 2010 15:33:

  FAB......i loved it.The costume section was my favourite and i told Owe Sandstrom in person myself (though im too not convinced they are all genuine origionals)The holograms are hilarious for a bit of fun but i suspect hardcore fans would love real images of ABBA.The new interviews are great but i thought there was much sadness in Agnethas eyes.It would be nice to see more fan memorabilia and i would have loved to have seen more pages from Stigs diaries.Dont miss it if it comes your way!

  
  
• Posted by Gary, January 24, 2010 17:31:

  A big 9-and-a-half out of 10 from me!
  
  I thought that ABBAWORLD was simply superb, and hats off to everyone who has worked their socks off to make it happen. I felt very honoured to be able to walk into the exhibition at 12 noon and be one of the very first people to experience the event. I think that all at the International ABBA Fan Club deserve huge thanks for the effort they made in ensuring that member had a brilliant day, as well as the ABBAWORLD staff. It really was appreciated!
  
  Make no mistake, this a classy event! It treats ABBA and their music with all the respect deserved. Quite frankly, ABBA battle it out with the Beatles as the most outstanding pop group of the 20th Century - let's not mince words! And the exhibition shows you why....
  
  The rooms and their sequences are well-thought out and I got the impression that every part of it had been lovingly put together. From the 'folkpark' area, where each ABBA member has their own little corner with video clips and memorabilia, through the 'Tunnel of Love' where we encounter 'People Need Love' being played on screen, to the 'Ring Ring' room with its gloriously cringe-worthy 1970s 'wallpaper' effect....and on through the chronological sequence of events that was the ABBA journey....every aspect had been professionnally crafted and put together. I got the distinct impression that humour had played a big part in the proceedings!
  
  So many highlights in my view; here are just a few:-
  
  1. The 'Film Clip' - seen between the 'Ring Ring' and 'Waterloo' rooms in its own little mini-cinema, this was a new take on clips we have seen from DVDs such as 'ABBA in Concert' and 'ABBA - The Movie'. It was a very 'full-on' presentation that gave you a high-energy buzz as you went forth to contemplate the signifcance of the Eurovision win - a brilliant idea and very well executed!
  
  2. The 'ABBA' room - significant for me, since 'SOS' was my first moment of fandom. ABBA had 'made it' with this album. The room transported me back in time to a year when all was joyous about the group. The room covered the Australian perspective of the group's success nicely, which will surely go down well when the tour lands in that country.
  
  3. The little 'Greatest Hits Corridor' that led down to the 'Arrival' room - with the British LP cover on one wall, and the Swedish version on the other. Such a great touch and completely in line with the series of events...
  
  4. The helicopter in the 'Arrival' room - yes, I did sit inside it!
  
  5. The island hut - with the glorious view of the Stockholm archipelago from the 'window', comnplete with moving speedboats etc! A real 'tear in the eye' moment! What a great idea!
  
  6. The 'Super Trouper / The Visitors' room. These 2 albums hold such a special place in the hearts of so many fans, and I guess it is a pity that they did not have one room on each, but I loved it. The glorious 'wall mural' featuring an alternative 'Super Trouper' sleeve shot took my breath away, and I loved Agnetha's video-clip where she sang a little of 'Our Last Summer'.
  
  7. Owe Sandström's costume displays - simply stunning! And, for us fans on Saturday, the chance to meet the man himself! I heard more than one fan call him a 'legend' to his face, which he coped with using typical Swedish modesty and self-deprecation, even though it was well deserved!! It was such a great honour to meet the wonderful man behind the sewing kit!!
  
  I could go on and on (and on!!), but I might end up making a case for everything being a highlight! Would I have wanted anything done differently? Not very much - perhaps a little colour booklet with a map and a 'contents' list, being offered at the outset, to help you make sure you don't miss anything. And the 'remix challenge' only extends to 2 songs (at the moment, anyway), where I'd envisaged perhaps a choice of 6 or 7 tracks....
  
  The shop was well stocked with quality items. The downside is, of course, that quality costs, but that didn't stop some fans from spending £100s on t-shirts, posters, books, mugs etc. Personally, I was just happy to 'window-shop', amazed that such items were available, when say, 20 years ago, there was nothing like this around to commemmorate the band's success.
  
  I left thinking that the exhibition puts ABBA'S global success - from the early 1970s to the current day - in complete perspective, and with full honours. They really were quite good, you know!! ;-))

  
  
• Posted by bluewillow, January 24, 2010 18:33:

  Sorry for the interjection, but I thought there was a very good review by Ian on this page previously (third or fourth comment). Has it disappeared?
  
  Thanks very much for the reviews everyone, I *so* wish I could go as well.

  
  
• Posted by Ian, January 24, 2010 18:56:

  I had an amazing time at ABBAWORLD today, from start to finish! The best thing for me were the new interviews with the four band members, particularly Agnetha's. She still looks radiant and it was so lovely to hear her speak about the past, about her writing and playing music, about Bjorn and how listening to ABBA's music if she's ever feeling a bit down makes her think, yeah, I did good there! This was the most moving part of the whole exhibition for me and I would love to thank everyone involved for putting this together for us fans.
  
  I also loved all the interactive stuff which is brilliant (even if I did look a wally singing with ABBA it still felt bloody great!) The Tretow mixing challenge was incredible, to be able to strip down an ABBA track and hear individual parts, only wish there'd been more to do! The quizzes were great too though realised (to my shock/horror) I'm only a fan, not a superfan (or whatever the top category was). Also what was great was there were loads of interactive machines so you would never have to wait too long for one.
  
  There were very many costumes which it was great to see in detail up close but the real highlight here was their original designer was there in person (his name escapes me, I'm sorry - you see, I said I'm not a superfan, or just an old one!) Anyway he was gracious enough to pose for a photo and assured me that the costumes are the real thing from his own private collection - he has obviously cared for them very well. Also, I was amazed how slender the group must have been (even the guys) to fit in these tight outfits!
  
  Other highlights for me included the backstage section (just imagining what it must have been like in yet another town/country before going out on stage) and the audio commentary from Stellan from Mamma Mia! really helped! Also, the helicopter from Arrival (couldn't belive they'd let you get in!) and the island cottage as mentioned by previous reviewer - some beautiful relaxed photos of the group here.
  
  Slightly disappointed there was not more about their post-ABBA solo work, particularly CHESS and Kristina but then I guess this is an ABBA exhibition.
  
  Overall a truly amazing experience, not forgetting the shop which is another experience all in itself, complete with lifesize three dimensional, multi-coloured ABBA letters (with miniture versions of same for sale!) My credit card was seriously stung and somewhat appropriately as I was making my purchases they were playing Money, Money, Money...
  
  Can't wait to go back to see everything I missed and marvel over all those ABBA goodies again! Better leave the plastic at home this time!!

  
  
• Posted by izadeparis, January 24, 2010 18:59:

  Back to Paris from ABBAWORLD
  It' was great , a very good exhibition .
  Costumes , interview , game , quizz ...
  lot of Fun .
  

  
  
• Posted by Ian, Essex, January 24, 2010 19:00:

  Forgot to say, a HUGE thank you to Anita & Helga and everyone from the Fan Club for organizing this exclusive advanced preview day for all us fans! Was lovely to see you again too!

  
  
• Posted by Ice, January 24, 2010 19:21:

  There must have been a glitch in the database back up for these comments this afternoon. Ian's comment is back. Apologies!

  
  
• Posted by SteveH, January 25, 2010 08:27:

  This is going to sound like a very negative account but it isnt intended to be. Thanks firstly to the Fan Club that arranged for us to see this first. However before this opens on Wednesday, there needs to be some serious attention made to helping people find it. All the way there we saw no Billboards or posters, and once we arrived we were sent on a wild goose chase to the far side of Earls Court, and then twice were sent by Staff to the wrong place as clearly no one knew much. There were no signs at all, and so we arrived late. Then we couldnt find a loo and had to be taken upstairs for a widdle. Then the queueing started.
  Once in, it became interesting. The Multi media things are a nuisance however, especially for us old farts that dont understand them. there were bottle necks where we got caught in queues we didnt actually want to be in, this needs sorting. The scenario's like the Recording Studio etc were fantastic, so much detail in there, Costumes as usual were stunning and in general, exceedingly well done. Not sure what to make of the Hologram, incredibly clever, but didnt look like ABBA.
  Occasionally we went through doors as there was no clear path to follow and found we'd jumped 2 years in time and had to go back and at times it was very hot. Im sure all these things will be sorted .
  The Shop should have had MoneyMoneyMoney playing on a loop as the prices were horrific...
  Despite all these negative comments, Im sure a lot will happen in the next few days and things will run smoother. Im glad I went but I wouldnt go again.
  Quite what will go through Frida and Bjorns heads when they see it will be interesting, especially the scenarios, it will be like someone has rummaged around in their memories and created them again.
  Its an ambitious exhibition and with some tidying up, will please people enormously.

  
  
• Posted by sadabbalad, January 25, 2010 08:44:

  Thanks for your reviews guys, I couldn't be there on Saturday as I was at a wedding. I will be there this week tho, Nobody has mentioned checking you photos etc online at home, what's this like? When do they take photos and are you allowed to take photographs yourself or is this a no-no? Thanks I CAN'T WAIT! :o)

  
  
• Posted by Nick Hardy, January 25, 2010 13:04:

  Questions for anyone that's been:
  1. Do you have a finish time as well as a start time? In other words, can you take as long as you like?
  2. Can you turn round and walk back to an earlier room or do you have to stick to 'forward'?
  3. Photos, as above, can they be taken?
  

  
  
• Posted by Frenchy, January 25, 2010 14:12:

  Hej Nick !
  I can tell you what happened on Saturday's special fan club preview but I wouldn't dare to say it will be the same when the exhibition is opened for the general public.
  We were a total of around 200 "visitors" which is probably not much. So, rules could be different on a more crowded day.
  
  1. We had a "20 minutes" moment to get in, say like 12:00/12:20 and went out at about 5:00 pm. I can't imagine anyone urging you to walk faster than you want...
  
  2. From the moment we were in on we could then stay as long as we wished and go back if we wanted to. But this too could also be different on a regular day.
  
  3. Photos were possible and there are already quite a number on the Internet. I guess it is virtually impossible for the staff to collect say, cell phones although of course, they could eventually stop you from taking pictures. Well, on Saturday, they didn't. Besides, isn't the helicopter just here to let you pose on a photograph like ABBA did ?
  
  Generally speaking, there were many staff members along the way but they were probably more used to prevent "problems" or help you around.

  
  
• Posted by Sean, January 25, 2010 16:17:

  Really interesting exhibition, obviously created with lots of love and attention to detail - and with the impression, at that, with no expense spared. The interviews with the people who worked behind the scenes were really interesting (e.g. Lasse Hallstrom, the musicians, the designer who created the famous logo, etc). The new interviews with the four members were very well done, each reflecting on how they started out and their journey to super-stardom - all seemed very fresh and 'new'. Especially lovely to see and hear Agnetha, as she's the one we see least of now - she tell us what her favourite ABBA song is (I won't say here so as not to spoil it for those who haven't been yet) but she can't remember the title, so she sings a couple of lines to remind herself (and it's not a song that she leads on) - lots of 'ahhhs' from the small crowd gathered around the screen at that point. She seems to have been very self-assured of her talents and ability from a young age. The main highlight for me was the Tretow Mix Challenge, where you get a short time to play around with the different instrument/voice levels on 'Money Money Money' or 'Super Trouper' - it's amazing to be able to single out the girls' precise harmonies, Benny's keyboard skills or Bjorn's guitar. After the recent discussion on icethesite about the vocal arrangements in Fernando it was a real pleasure to be able to listen to those two tracks. My only criticism would be that two tracks aren't enough and the amount of time you get (about 40 seconds on each one) isn't long enough to really experience it and, especially considering after all that it's the music is the real reason we all love ABBA so much. I guess the problem would be on a regular day when there are more people milling around, that people would spend too long on the machines and other people wouldn't get an opportunity to go.
  Someone asked about the web content that you can access when you get home (within 4 hours, I was told, and it stays there for 7 days only.) As you enter the event you have your photo taken and you're asked to select your favourite member of the band but you're not told why - a word of warning, be careful who you choose - an impossible decision really but I went for Agnetha - when I got home and logged in I found that my face had been morphed onto a photo of Agnetha, which looks pretty weird (considering I'm a guy) - my 5 o'clock shadow looked a bit odd against her silky blonde hair. Amazing technology though (and I would say that goes for many elements of the exhibition) as the 'photo' actually moves, eyes blink, mouth smiles, etc. - a little difficult to describe exactly what it's like, you'll just have to see for yourself. Other web content: quiz scores, Tretow Challenge scores, video of you dancing/singing with Guitar Hero-type cartoons of the band, other videos and photos.
  Overall 9.5/10 - but probably more for the die-hard fan rather than the casual Mammma Mia! fan.

  
  
• Posted by Kirsty, January 26, 2010 09:37:

  It's really not fair, I've just spent Christmas in the UK and just missed out on the opening - sometimes living in New Zealand really has its disadvantages! If only I had a spare few hundred dollars, I could have extended my trip. But I'm glad everyone else has enjoyed it ;-)

  
  
• Posted by Paul Russell, January 26, 2010 20:47:

  Interviews with Frida and Bjorn can been seen and heard at:
  
  http://video.news.sky.com/skynews/video?videoSourceID=2174325&flashURL=feeds/skynews/latest/flash/ACT-BB-TU-ABBA-HARGRAVE-260110.flv
  
  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8481755.stm

  
  
• Posted by Michael Salkeld, January 26, 2010 22:11:

  I just got back from seeing Björn and Frida arriving at ABBA world I have to say after most of the fans had waited in the freezing cold for hours it’s a shame they did what I hoped they wouldn’t and almost walked strait in from the car, just stopping for a photo shoot with the press with there backs tuned to the crowd, I must say I felt sorry for fans that had brought flowers for Freda as Björn and Frida just spent about three seconds (and that’s probably an exaggeration).waving to the crowd and the fans had to take the flowers away,
  
  On the positive side Earls court looked great with the ABBA world illuminations,
  So I cant wait for to tomorrow to see the exhibition.
  

  
  
• Posted by Michael Salkeld, January 27, 2010 01:00:

  here is my video of Björn and Frida ariving at ABBA world
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCORfjSr5ks

  
  
• Posted by Sapphie, January 27, 2010 09:16:

  There was going to be an item about Abbaworld on BBC Breakfast this morning at 8.45. I didn't see it as I had to go to work.
  
  I wonder if anyone saw it?
  
  Lee

  
  
• Posted by Elaine, January 27, 2010 15:50:

  Hello everyone
  
  I did not manage to catch Abbaworld on the BBC this morning but found the following links.
  
  Bjorn and Frida talk about the exhibition here:
  news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8482776.stm
  
  Abbaworld in pictures:
  news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8480496.stm
  
  Enjoy!
  
  Elaine

  
  
• Posted by Dion, January 27, 2010 16:01:

  I just got back from the exhibit. I absolutely loved it.
  
  So many of you guys have said it all above, so i wont repeat it all - but i thought it was incredible. The attention to detail on certain things were just terrific. Whoever ran the Archive at Polar deserves a medal.
  
  All the original fans know - this kind of thing could go wrong, very easily... i was pleasantly surprised.
  
  I know a lot of people love the singstar, dancing in the videos and all that... but for me? to see studio set up, the offices, Stig's phonebook. The Gööööööööörel! sign we have all heard about - the archipelago writing room. It was a dream come true.
  
  I stood there looking at the stars on the Fernando guitar close up! (As a kid, i always thought they were gold stickers!)
  
  The Remix Challenge was the best. But i did Money Money Money - and then you can only do the other song 30 Minutes later! ... That's crazy. I have been wanting to hear Abba tracks like that for 30 years.
  
  To see the backstage dressing rooms, to see setlists, tour itineraries given to the crew, the gold discs - many i remember looking at for hours on end in photos. The original 7" singles disc from The Singles is there - i could go on for hours.
  
  The interview with Michael T. The musician interviews, to see things like Polar Studio adverts. So UNBELIEVABLE. Björn's script from Chess, etc. I too wish there would have been more about the solo stuff. -
  
  Benny's interview was amazing. As it always is!
  
  I know lots of people love the costumes, but I'm an Abba geek that went crazy when i saw original Abba microphones, and Lasse's guitar pedal board and all that stuff... so definitely something for everyone. Thank you for putting those details in for us folks!
  
  I got my picture in the Arrival-copter.
  
  ONE FANTASTIC PLUS? They let you take photos! Congratulations! I took pictures of all kinds of crazy things. And those are the kind of things that will never land up in books! That alone makes me take my hat off them.
  
  The gift shop? Where were these things when i was 12 years old. Some of it is NOT great though. They could have done SO many better things. No one wants ABBA WORLD caps. Though a classy real Abba logo on a cap? I'd buy that. But prepare yourself... EXPENSIVE... wow!
  
  There are some great T shirts there... but they do them for girls only. Don't they know their market?
  
  The exhibition needs to be signed better. I think i went backwards in some places.
  
  I'll go back once more. I only had a couple hours and it really was too much to take in.
  
  I took the Abba Expert Quiz - and i clearly know nothing! ha, ha -
  
  Icey... In my humble opinion, they sould have given you a room!
  

  
  
• Posted by Terry Malloy, January 27, 2010 16:08:

  I thought it was brilliant!!! The island hut was a fav definitely, and the interviews all 4 gave..really special. Agnetha singing a line from Our Last Summer!! And talking lovingly about Bjorn too..awww!! Great fun too! But cannot get my items to come up on the website, so bit of a shame there but will be going back to do it all again!! Hi to all I saw there!! I won the hologram singing thing but didnt get my prize as had gone to the pub to quench my thirst and the staff at the museum gave it to the runner up!! Thanks for the votes though guys ..!! Cheers! Terry ;-)

  
  
• Posted by Neilinstructor, January 27, 2010 18:19:

  Can I just state unreservedly what a brilliant experience the day has been at ABBAWORLD. I implore anyone to set aside a good 3 hours to relive many fantastic memories. In addition to this to get a real insight into all 4 members thoughts and memories of their ABBA days. I found the Agnetha interview particularly poignant as she spoke very fondly of her relationship with Bjorn and reflectionthat ABBA does some good for even today 
  Alot of time and effort has gone into the lay out and there I'd definatley a journey to be had. 
  I have so many personal memories of ABBA through the 70's, 80's and as single members the decades since and I now have an added memory. 
  Genuinely thank you to the whole machine of ABBA, production, costumes, touring and filming. I am so pleased it was a collaboration for which we are indebted as we still have ABBA in some form. 
  Good luck and please hurry up bringing a dvd ourcapturing the whole collection of interviews and footage. 
  Fan bloody tastic..... By the way did I also say what great fun it was.
  Favourite bits Inc the introductory film and the fantastic chat with costume designer Owe.

  
  
• Posted by Steve, January 27, 2010 19:09:

  Really enjoyed our 3 hours spent in ABBAworld, we had already booked again for Saturday and will spend more time in there. I don't have any highlights as I enjoyed it all, anything with ABBA involved is always good. Only one downside was the shop. Why no pens? Every museum we go in they always have souvenir pens, I could not see any, plus I think the shop was too expensive, I mean £9.00 for a keyring? maybe I might buy one when we go on Saturday. I also note that it was not as crowded as we thought it might be, maybe it was because it was a weekday and there might be more going at the weekend but as we left no one else was seen coming in while we filled out the questionaire on the way out. We are going again on Saturday and will definitely go again in March before it closes.

  
  
• Posted by Michael Salkeld, January 27, 2010 21:10:

  I thought it was most highly excellent and absolutely superb from beginning to end, when I saw the Eurovision medallion I felt like kneeling and praying in front of such a hallowed artefact,
  And talk about a room with a view. I will definitely go back as it closed before I had reaches the end, and I had to rush though the last bit.there wasn’t many people there today Wednesday , but I expect like Camden market it will be a different story at the weekend.
  All in all a top notch attraction.

  
  
• Posted by JAMES BUCKLAND, January 27, 2010 22:41:

  I was limited to just 2 hours but that flew by. I found the place easily although i did expect the entrance to be at the front of earls court and not around the back. It took a good while before i could register my ticket id. I have taken pictures that i will treasure forever. I was only 9 when i witnessed the triumph in 74 and have been a fan ever since. I never got to see ABBA live, my dad said i was too young and wouldn't allow it. so to be able to get so close to artifacts actually from my idols themselves is the best i can hope for. THANKYOU ABBA! But please just one more song PLEEEEEEEEEEASE. XXXX

  
  
• Posted by Johnny Rathlau, January 28, 2010 01:39:

  Hi everyone of you lucky fans, who has been there - lovely reading. Now I almost can't wait to go, obviously sometime before it closes down again!
  Michael Salkeld mentioned the Eurovision medallion, and others mentioned other stuff like silver-, gold- and platinum discs, that will never be photographed or shown in any books etc.
  I remember being in Stockholm in 1996, visiting Hard Rock Café. Some very kind employee noticed, that we photographed the discs on display there, and invited us upstairs to the 1'st floor, and WOW!...
  There were two rooms with all walls literally covered in golden discs, music awards, golden statue of Stickan AND the Eurovision medallion etc.
  Was any of that, apart from some golden discs for record sales, on display at ABBAWORLD? If not, you all have to go to Hard Rock in Stockholm to see these wonderful items, if they're still there though. I was stunned, standing there between all those things. The guy there told us, that they were all given to Hard Rock from Stickan, when he left business. There were golden discs in all kinds for the sales of singles as well as albums, from all over the world. And all those awards of many kinds. Amazing.
  
  From all the nice pictures to judge, I sure have to book a hotel and a ticket in near future, to explore ABBAWORLD for myself. I can't wait :-)

  
  
• Posted by Gary, January 28, 2010 11:27:

  Hi,
  
  I had my second tour of the event yesterday, and can absolutely confirm that everyone is free to wander back and forth through the rooms at their leisure, also being allowed to take as many photographs as possible - so please don't worry about that! No-one will hurry you through the exhibition.
  
  At times, some 'bottlenecks' of queueing may occur - especially around the 'You and ABBA' section (where you can have you can be photographed onto an album cover) and also at the 'singing challenge' area. It is perfectly OK to move through these areas and then go back, if so, and in fact the staff will recommend it if it is very busy...
  
  If you want to use the 'SingStar' booths, or the 'dance mat' things, they are better left until the end in my view - maybe after you have handed your head-set back.
  
  Also, please don't miss the corridor which is accessed to the right of the ABBA shop counter, which contains lots of displays of material originally sent by fans to Polar Music in Sweden, such as drawings, letters, photos - it loops back to the start of the exhibition near the 'folkpark' area (also handy if you want to do it all over again!!)....
  
  I'm still going to catch it again before it leaves London - I am obsessed !
  
  Gary

  
  
• Posted by jdaz, January 28, 2010 18:02:

  Best bits of Abbaworld exhibit in my view are the option to listen in Swedish or English to the commentary going round. Also the interviews with the individual group members I was pleased were in Swedish as it is easier to convey one's personality and individuality in one's own language so gave all 4 members an even playing field. The interview with Görel Hanser was fascinating, one of the highlights for me, and I was very pleased to meet Owe Sandström and chat to him.
  It was fun to sit in the 'Arrival' helicopter. On the other hand I am not quite so convinced by the post exhibit reason for revealing who is your favourite member of the group. Who's idea was it to morph the fan into their fave band member? So girls choose Benny if you want to see how you'd look with a beard! You have been warned...this is well dodgy!
  If the reason for saying who is your favourite is to see who is the favourite overall then sorry B&B I think you may not win!
  The other interactive things are rather better but be warned you have a limited time to answer the Abba quiz questions so may not get through all in time.
  I am concerned that the shop items were overpriced and the selection was poor. They certainly missed a trick not producing a 'copy' of the girls' 'ABBA' necklace. A better choice of male T shirts and the option to have a T shirt just of one band member would be good. I got the feling the exhibition organisers only had rights to limited pics ie the album covers. I also expected all the books published on ABBA might be available. Björn's story book was a lovely surprise.
  I have to say the actual entrance fee is high especially if the permanent exhibit is on Djurgården in Stockholm next to Skansen and Wasa it will NOT be value for money but a total rip off. Even as an ABBA fan from the start I would choose Wasa over this exhibit if the prices are not adjusted downwards or maybe hope it is part of the Stockholmkort then it would be a bargain!
  Couple of points we noticed in lack of attenion to detail:
  1) Agnetha is spelt Agnehta on the board of Benny's Waterloo diary. Was this mistake from the original or just a typo and poor proof reading?
  2) The Exhibition book (£15...I kid you not!) refers to the exhibit opening in 2009 in London...oops. Maybe the next print run will amend that?
  I'll give the exhibition more points than UK jury (not the public) gave Abba in 1974, but that wouldn't be hard!
  

  
  
• Posted by David Brown, January 28, 2010 22:07:

  What I saw was fantastic and for everyone that has managed to complete the tour through Abbaworld I am jealous!!!! All your exciting reviews have created such excitment for me and everyone else on icethesite. My problem was I ran out of time. I got tickets for entry on Wednesday's opening day for 5pm and had only just made it to the Viggso hut when security told us at 6pm that the venue was closed and we had to leave!!! It doesn't make any sense selling entry tickets to a venue with 25 rooms with only an hour til closing!!! That leaves just over 2 minutes for each room...impossible to achieve that?!
  The manager was very sympathetic and very generous in giving us tickets to come back and complete the tour at a later date of our choice.
  There is just so much detail in the exhibition that you really need to allow yourself alot of time.....I am so thrilled by the little (I really mean number of rooms as there is just so much in each room) I saw and knowing what I have missed, thanks to comments on here, has filled me with much anticipation for my next visit.

  
  
• Posted by Michael Salkeld, January 28, 2010 23:36:

  That’s what happened to me the exhibition was SUPERB but my ticket was for 5pm and I was told to leave before I had reached the end, I didn’t have the presence of mind to ask for a free ticket for anther day.

  
  
• Posted by Steve, January 29, 2010 04:19:

  A lot of people have spoken of the high prices in the ABBAworld shop. As the exhibition closes on the 28th March do you think they may hold a closing down sale in the shop? Only reason I ask is that not everything in the shop is available on the ABBAworld site shop and all items in the shop are stickered up in GBP.

  
  
• Posted by marco dirven, January 29, 2010 08:44:

  I absolutely loved ABBAWORLD. My expectations where low but I was blown over from minute one. I have to compliment the staff who where all very friendly and helpfull!
  I wasn't planning on seeing it twice, but I have the feeling that I have missed so much, that it's tempting to take the train for just one day and visit again. Pity it will finish it's run end March.

  
  
• Posted by Gary, January 29, 2010 10:08:

  Regarding unsold merchandise at the end of March, I would imagine that it would be re-stickered, and shipped to the next country.....I think we'd be very lucky to see any discounted prices!

  
  
• Posted by Enrique Soriano, January 29, 2010 11:38:

  Abbasolutely fabulous!!!!
  From 12:00 to 17:00, I had the time of my life. It surpased my expetactions by far!
  My big favourites were Arrival and the helicopter, The Brighton scenery, and singing and dancing Mamma Mia with virtual ABBA!!!
  I think that it´s been a lot of work to recreate in such a professinal way the cottage at Viggsö, the Cinema, the Polar Offices and Recording Studios, the Owe Sändstrom tailoring room or the Lasse Hälstrom Studio.
  The interactive side of the museum was super: the Quiz, being part of an album cover, dancing with ABBA in one of their video-clips, or mixing one of their songs.
  I missed some things like Björn´s starred guitar, the Matchbox ABBA dolls, or a recreation of the Julius Kronbergs room. And I missed a lot some Spanish memorabilia: singles, LP,s, Golden or Platinum Discs...
  Anyway, the museum is a highlight for any ABBA fan and it´s worth visiting at least once.

  
  
• Posted by Marco, January 29, 2010 19:10:

  I can relate to James Bucklands comment I was 9 when abba won the eurovision concert....but didn't know they exist ...or was interested in music...like xmas '77 I got abba's greatest hits twice for xmas ,and didn't know what other lp to exchange it for,so I bought arrival...and was hooked!I'm fromthe east coast of Canada(although living in Berlin now) and the closest abba got on their tour in Canada was Montreal ,and also wasn't allowed to go ! I got over that ....BUT unfortunately missed seeing Frida & Bjorn at Berlin premiere of Mamma Mia ...!! It's abit long to tell here..but was late for the red carpet...and well the rest is history..THEY WERE RIGHT UNDER MY NOSE!!AHHH Long story short got drunk ,wrote along fan letter to Frida &Bjorn ,delivered it to the hotel (Where supposedly they were staying ,and the looks from the staff..ha! This middle age guy!) Well to this day can't look easily at pictures from that particular event...c'est la vie ,but definite a sore spot and I blew it!! Anyway cheers to all abba fans and hope this comes to berlin! I'm on Anni Frids facebook by the way (Marc St. Pierre)

  
  
• Posted by Steve, January 30, 2010 18:33:

  Just come back from our second visit to ABBAworld. Our tickets were for 10am and we thought it might be busy but we were surprised that there was much less than what turned out for the 12pm opening on Wednesday. I know that it is open until the 28th of March but with it being the 30th of Jan today it will soon pass and the chance to experience this wonderful exhibition will soon be lost. Again everything was superb and I really enjoyed the interviews with the ABBA members, especially Benny's. We will definitely go one more time in March.

  
  
• Posted by Michael Salkeld, January 30, 2010 22:36:

  I noticed they put a fantastic video on the abba world website of the opening ,with video of the fans that turned out, and great footage in side. It doesn’t seem to be available on you tube, and is by for the best video I’ve seen.
  I cant wait to go back for another look.

  
  
• Posted by izadeparis, January 31, 2010 09:40:

  Now on you tube. It's true it's a very good vid
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEI7fk3YivU

  
  
• Posted by Phillip Darlington, January 31, 2010 20:37:

  Took the family to Abba World on Saturday 30th - pleasantly surprised to see how many other families there were there! My opinions are...
  1. Dreadful Signposting. We turned up at the main Entrance to Earls Court only to find out we had to go round to the back. Tip: The entrance is opposite West Brompton tube station NOT Earl's Court! It was very low key...
  2. Exhibition Itself: Excellent! We all thoroughly enjoyed it and the children had a great time on stage with holographic Abba! I thought the rooms were very well laid out, excellent interviews - my Wife thought the one with Lasse Hallstrom was the most interesting - Agnetha was mine.
  3. The Shop - OUCH!!! The prices were just plain stupid, far too much. £15 for a Guide Book/Souvenir, £49 for the Abba Logo made out of blocks, £9.50 for a keyring and so on.. I ended up buying three postcards at £1 each! Surely the shop didn't have to be this expensive!
  4. The Website. I've just uploaded our tickets and enjoyed watching what we did yesterday! A word of warning... you can add multiple tickets to one profile but I can only see one 'morphed' photo now and can't get the others back.
  
  All in all, excellent.

  
  
• Posted by Gareth, January 31, 2010 23:09:

  All in all an excellent experience.
  Most of what I wanted to say has been said here already, but ill give my views.
  
  Had tickets for 12pm on Wednesday 27th, and although the queues were long, I was near the front and althrough out, I was never rushed or felt crowded in.
  the staff were all amazing and very helpful. on my second visit on Thursday 28th, one member of staff even offered to perform on stage with me for the holographic Abba, I still declined, as I thought I would still look stupid! hehe.
  
  The biggest shock and nicest surprise was the very start of the Frida interview, they played part of 'Just like that'!! My all time favourite song hasnt been airbrushed out of exsistance, and seems to be accepted! Yay!
  
  Before my Thursday visit, I stopped in a cafe near Earls court for a coffee, and on the table next to me were 2 people high up in AbbaWorld, a Swedish man and an Australian lady. The overheard conversation was amazing! The fact that no one can even change a light bulb in the exibits, because the casings would need to be dismantled, what to do if an item is stolen, the damage to the 360million and 375million awards, due to the fact they are too heavy for the walls. One of the things they discussed was what to do in a fire. A list is needed of what is most valuble and what needs to be saved first! Fascinating stuff!
  
  All in all, a great time, and hop to go back again before it closes.
  
  Love to you all
  Gareth xx
  

  
  
• Posted by Sue W, February 02, 2010 15:11:

  I went to ABBA World on 29th Jan.
  
  I loved the content - really great to see the costumes in particular.
  
  Wasn't sure about the interactive stuff - but that's probably just me.
  
  We found the staff to be a bit unhelpful and the sign posting not great and the prices in the shop were horrendous!
  
  But I was in room after room of ABBA - died and gone to heaven!!!

  
  
• Posted by Neil Partridge, February 02, 2010 19:06:

  Has anyone been able to upload the interactive content yet?

  
  
• Posted by Lisa Hubball, February 03, 2010 21:30:

  Wow, where do I start?
  Went to Abbaworld on Sunday, still on a high from the whole experience. The most moving part for me was actually seeing those iconic costumes up close. After all these years of watching Abba concerts on video/dvd to see some of their outfits was just amazing and whoever thought we would ever get the chance to sit in the Arrival helicopter?
  
  It was finally realising a childhood dream. Abba have been part of my life for the past 35 years and to experience this journey through their story in 2010 is just mindblowing. I even plucked up courage to mime along to Mamma-Mia with the holograms, if someone had told me I would be able to do that back in the day I would never have believed it!!
  
  I did manage to access some of the interactive stuff on the website, the holograms clip only lasts for about 30 secs but my husband filmed it on our camera so I can cringe to my hearts content in the privacy of my own home.
  Also much to my amusement they had morphed my husbands face onto Bjorn on my webpage. They ask you to choose your favourite member when you scan your ticket. I had already read that they put your photo on who you choose so i told my hubby unless he wants to look like a drag queen he'd better choose one of the guys!!It was hilarious, it even blinks and moves!! I chose to be Frida but mine hasn't showed up, never mind it will be an excuse to go back again before it closes!
  Many detailed photos we took can be seen here:
  http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/304404015

  
  
• Posted by Terry Malloy, February 04, 2010 15:45:

  Hi,
  Regarding the comments about the costumes "not being original "or "too immaculate to be original"..please note the following!!
  1. The Eurovision room ones are copies so the public can touch them and feel the kinds of materials used- the originals ARE there in the glass cabinets, though Agnetha's trousers are not the same used at the Dome, but are worn by her on subsequent tv shows. In Eurovision at Dome, they had elasticated bottoms, but these are the other vesion, stitched and flared bottomed.
  2. The white /gold mini-dress is the one they wore on ABBA In Japan, and not the 77 tour one, nor the one in the photo next to the display.This version of the costume was only used in ABBA In Japan...if you look..it has a clubs ( as in a pack of cards_)shaped sparkly decoration on the chest, as opposed to the round decoration on the other versions. Watch The Name of Game/If It Wasnt.. in Japan to see ABBA girls in this version of the costume.
  They are immaculate because Owe has stored them very well all these years!! Hugs, Terry xx
  
  
  

  
  
• Posted by Michael Salkeld, February 04, 2010 16:44:

  I just found this high definition widescreen version of the official video
  I soooo cant wait to go back to ABBA world.
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USa5ytw_yMs

  
  
• Posted by StephenUk, February 05, 2010 08:56:

  Thank You Lisa Hubball - the photos are superb - I have limited myself to a few so that the show still holds surprises when I do get to visit but for anyone abroad or who may not be able to make it Lisa (or her partner as Lisa seems to be in a fair few!) seems to have snapped most things and gives a great idea of the layout and items on show. Can see why so many of you are saying it needs a second visit as it looks packed with items - thanks again Lisa hope the pictures stay on the site for a while.

  
  
• Posted by Frances Quinn, February 05, 2010 09:02:

  A couple of people mentioned that it's a shame the exhibition is only running till March. I was at the press preview and we were told that if ticket sales are good enough, the run will be extended. Not quite sure how this works as you would think the space would be booked well in advance, but they seemed to think it was quite likely that it would stay in London for longer. They also haven't decided where it will go next, which also suggests they're counting on an extended run in London.

  
  
• Posted by gerry uk, February 08, 2010 19:26:

  I had a wonderfull time at ABBA world & was so looking foreward to seeing all the interactive stuff on the web site, only I can't get the username or password to work, leaving me very frustrated and annoyed that all the fun I had is now just a memory :-( any one else had the same problem?

  
  
• Posted by Nick Hardy, February 09, 2010 10:27:

  Anyone asked the exhibition people why there appears to be this cock-up with the interactive stuff? Are refunds due?

  
  
• Posted by Michael Salkeld, February 09, 2010 12:18:

  I went to ABBA world on the27th which was absolutely Brilliant but I didn’t bother logging on to look at my interactive stuff
  However I just tried it and I was able to log on with my user name and pass word
  
  Its usually best to cut and past pass words,
  
  But when I enter the ticket number it says
  
  This ticket is not available for registration yet. It can take up to 24 hours after your visit before your content is made available.
  
  Which is strange sine I was at abba world over a week ago

  
  
• Posted by Lisa Hubball, February 10, 2010 21:18:

  Thanks for your kind comments about my Abbaworld photos. I have made a virtual book out of some of them. If anyone wants to take a look here is the link:
  http://www.photobox.co.uk/creation/312990301

  
  
• Posted by Sean, February 11, 2010 09:32:

  @Michael - I think the interactive stuff is only available for seven days after your visit, so although the error message you get says 'not available yet' I would suspect it's because it expired even before you tried to access it. You'll just have to go back!

  
  
• Posted by Jakob Faldt, February 11, 2010 14:31:

  Please email info [at] touringx.com (and substitute the [at] with an @) if you have any problems accessing your content. Please remember that the content only remains on the site for seven days.

  
  
• Posted by Michael Salkeld, February 11, 2010 21:54:

  Thank you Sean
  
  Then it looks like I would have had no problem axising my interactive stuff,
  I’m planning to go back as its so incredible there, I need a 12 noon booking, as you need hours to take in all the exciting wonderment on display.

  
  
• Posted by Paul C, February 14, 2010 21:09:

  Some interesting detail from Claes af Geijerstam's handwritten song list of the songs due to be performed on the '79 tour that is in the exhibition - Agnetha's song Turn Of The Tide is mentioned, so this was either an earlier title of I'm Still Alive or else was a different song that she was working on at the time (it has been speculated this later became Kicki Moberg's Men natten är vår).
  
  Also, The King Has Lost His Crown was on the set list, after SOS, which may suggest it featured in the early rehearsals for the tour?

  
  
• Posted by Tricky Dicky, February 17, 2010 12:19:

  I had an amazing time at ABBAWORLD. I went on a Friday, at 10am. It wasn't busy which was ideal. Way too much to take in. I felt dizzy most of the time because I really didn't want to miss a stitch. The highlight had to be the original costumes. I think I spent a good ten minutes alone just staring at every tiny detail of Agnetha's Waterloo outfit. So unbelievable and surreal to be so close to such iconic pop items.

  
  
• Posted by Janet, February 17, 2010 13:50:

  Wouldn't it be good if Abbaworld could be extended to at least 14th April. Could then visit it on the same day as seeing Kristina and make a full day of it. Fingers crossed.
  

  
  
• Posted by StephenUK, February 20, 2010 14:26:

  I expect everyone has had a email from Albert Hall or Livenation but if you are going again (or even the first time for some of us) you can use the code Sw3den24 to get tickets at £15 - all dates and times seem to be up for sale - interestingly they are showing the last date as Sunday 28th but not advertising it as a limited must end event.

  
  
• Posted by Damo, February 21, 2010 20:07:

  I visited on Saturday afternoon and having had to go half way around London to get there from the north because of Underground closures, arrived late.
  I also went the wrong way out of Earl's court despite being aware of the issue. The signposting is non-existent. The publicity at the venue is non-existent. It's so sad.
  
  The exhibition itself was fantastic. There was so much to see and take in: Details such as what the members did after they arrived back from Brighton, vowing to do nothing over Easter, the pictures of them privately, the pics of them doing the video for KMKY. I wish they'd inlcuded the wheelbarrow shots when they filmed the one for TWTIA. Apparently the view from the cabin is a live feed- if it was, boats and ferries passed by at 3pm! The costumes were amazing, and it was great to see all members contributing new interviews. Frida looks fabulous though she should go red haired again - so warm and inspirational. Agnetha bit her lip and did that 'nod' and her laughter is as infectious as ever. Truly outstanding. I'm so sorry how so few people were there, however. I'd go again.

  
  
• Posted by vera, February 23, 2010 21:20:

  Hi there, I loved reading all the infos and seeing the pictures of ABBA WORLD that were posted here, great! Now that the exibition will not go further than 28th March I booked a flight to London. Unforntunately I had no luck booking tickets for ABBA WORLD: Can anyone tell me, if I would have luck by just going there and get a ticket that same day? Usually it is no problem, or does it have anything to do with the special online features that I have to order a ticket beforehand? Would be so lovely if anyone could tell me. Thanks and see u!
  Vera

  
  
• Posted by Will, February 25, 2010 05:02:

  Hi Vera,
  I just went twice last week without having bought tickets beforehand. No problem buying them at the venue.
  You won't regret your visit.. it's much fun and there's enough to see. By the way: the best stop is West Brompton Underground station. You'll just get out and there's ABBA World!
  Have fun!
  Will

  
  
• Posted by StephenUK, February 25, 2010 16:22:

  Two for the price of one becomes reality!
  
  No longer do those words "two for the price of one" need to send a shiver down ABBA fans backs as they remember one of ABBA least favourite songs!
  
  Ticketmaster are offering a two for one offer for all dates up to and including the 25th of March (I presume they are expecting a stampede of distraught UK fans over the last three days as it would seem unlikely these items will grace UK shores again) Offer starts from midday on Friday 26th for 72 hours and you need to enter the code word Countdown on the ticket ordering site against the ticket offer box marked countdown. - extra £2 booking fee per ticket but still a bargain if you have a someone you can bring along (willingly or not!)
  .
  Good for us but not for the success or prestige of ABBA to offer these ticket reductions over such a short run - Lack of coverage and an out of centre location seem to have taken their toll on the success of this event which is a shame as the organisers seems to have done a outstanding job in presentation and design of the show, it should have got more coverage for the interactive aspects alone - is it took late to get someone from "the one show" to visit it and drum up some publicity?
  
  Hope to finally get to it on either the 6th or 13th which will leave the chance of a return if needed!
  
  

  
  
• Posted by vera, February 26, 2010 10:03:

  THANK YOU WILL, thats nice to read! I´m sure the exibition is worth traveling :O)))) London is also cheaper than Melbourne for me....and thanx for underground tip. My Hotel is at Earls Court so I have short ways. Have a nice weekend and thanks!
  Vera

  
  
• Posted by Michael Salkeld, February 27, 2010 22:34:

  I would like to go back for another visit.
  It it cheeper if you buy the ticket at the door.

  
  
• Posted by Jason, March 01, 2010 15:34:

  I enjoyed the exhibition IMMMENSELY and as a group we spent nearly 4 hours there, taking it all in, reading everything, photographing and taking advantage of all the interactive elements.
  
  Loved the attention to detail, and the features on the post ABBA careers I really wasn't expecting that much at all. Had great fun on the interactive stuff, a LOVELY idea that you can keep them. Agree that the choice of songs for the holograms, dancing in the music vids, karaoke, Tretow challenge is too limited. I wanted to sing Under Attack!! I was not expecting to think it was value for money -most London attractions are overpriced IMO, but I thought this was worth it! Obviously the thing is NOT selling as well as they hoped. For a Saturday, it was not busy at all. The many booths and dance mats provided were not even being used. I don't think it's been publicised well - most friends and colleagues of mine had no knowledge of it. The fact ticket offers have started and coming off early is an obvious indicator. Mamma Mia seems to have an infinitely bigger draw than ABBA themselves, which is frustrating. I think the film has become a double edged behemoth!

  
  
• Posted by Michael SALKELD, March 02, 2010 00:37:

  Mamma mia isn’t a bigger draw than ABBA , a museum is a different entity to a stage show or film.
  
  I notice ABBA world isn’t mentioned anywhere on the official ABBA you tube channel , and only gets a small mention in the news section on the mamamia web site, for some season there isn’t the cross fertilisation of publicity you would expect.
  I’m still hoping our song for Europe show on march the 8th will give it a plug.
  
  I also think the organisers will be thinking of the long-term not short term ,exhibitions at somewhere like Alexandra palace are promoted six month in advance not two/three month as in the case of ABBA world.
  
  The publicity from London will make it a success in Australia and the publicity from Australia will make it a success in new York, at which point we can all start campaigning to have it return to London.

  
  
• Posted by Adam, March 03, 2010 21:20:

  Of course there is little to say what hasnt been said,il just offer a few points,I went on Tue and must say really enjoyed it,I was a bit skeptical at first,thinking was it just going to be a few old costumes and some pictures tacked up,well there was so much to see,and many pictures I had never seen before.
  
  The songwriting hut was amazing,on the piano I noticed a little book called "The Little White Piano" by a certain Bjorn Ulvaeus...
  anyone know anything about this???
  I must admit I waited till there was no one around(!)I lent over the barrier and tried to look inside,it was typewritten inside but I wasnt near enough to see what it said,also I didnt want to get chucked out so was only a quick glance!
  Looked amazing with the moving lake and trees.
  
  Also the recreation of the Polar Studio was good,all the instruments and the mixing desk.
  Was fascinating.
  
  Loved the video interviews with ABBA,and all the key players.Was obvious they all look back on there time with ABBA with great affection.
  
  Not so great..............,Bjorn and Agnetha`s names spelt wrong in parts,and also photos from Voulez Vouz labelled up as 1975...Nitpicking,maybe.But in an exhibition endorsed by the members themselves,a bit sloppy.
  Also,because their music was playing constantly (no bad thing!)from screens playing different songs but which were quite close together,it did get a bit noisy at times and I did leave with a headache! (Im no old codger either,im 34!)
  
  But these only minor things,I would say to anyone who is wondering about timings,that you should allow a good 3 hours as a minimum,I didnt race round, or crawl either,but I watched every video,and read every board,and of course took part in the interactive elements as well.
  The Trewtow mix was great,but to short! And I
  was quite proud of my 73% score!
  
  All in all I was undecided whether to go or not,I live 100 miles away from London so it was an all day job,literally,with travel,but I let the train and the Tube take the strain,and im real glad I went,it was all I expected and more.
  If your undecided,I say,go see!

  
  
• Posted by Michael Salkeld, March 03, 2010 22:22:

  I went back for a second visit today , plucked up the courage to get up on stage and dance to Dancing Queen ,which I d hadn’t done the first time ,and had the best fun I have had for years, I cant sing so I was trying to copy the dance moves of the hologram’s, GREAT FUN FUN FUN FUN they let me do it three times even though it is only record the first. I want to go back for a third visit, so I can try and synchronise my dance move better with the holograms , I also danced on a video and had an album cover picture taken.
  I enjoyed it so much I could have slept there , and please don’t think I’m strange but I even like the smell of the place.
  I cant wait to check my interactive stuff.
  
  How would I rate it.
  
  Better than the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London.

  
  
• Posted by Darren, March 06, 2010 19:09:

  Intermezzo are reporting ABBAWORLD will close on the 28th March as planned.
  It does mention that the ABBAWORLD organisers are now looking for a permanent London home in the Leicester Square area for the exhibit.

  
  
• Posted by gjr, March 07, 2010 14:52:

  I am visiting ABBA World nearer the end of march. I just wondered whether photography is permitted in the exhibition - i would think it is but want to be certain before I go.

  
  
• Posted by Ice, March 07, 2010 15:25:

  Yes, you are permitted to take photos.
  
  Have a good time!
  
  Ice

  
  
• Posted by Louise, March 08, 2010 10:19:

  I went to ABBAWorld yesterday, it was great, I really enjoyed performing Mamma Mia with the band, and the costumes were fabulous to see.

  
  
• Posted by StephenUK, March 15, 2010 12:04:

  I may have been expecting too much.. I was thrilled to see so many items form ABBA's history and did enjoy the visit but I was expecting more structure and context to the displays and to have more information available than a single panel covering a years work or album release.
  A well planned exhibition will interest someone even if they have little knowledge or interest in the subject as the structure and presentation of the exhibition draws them in I doubt as it is that the world would interest many passing interest ABBA followers for very long.
  There are some superb display aspects to the show and the ground breaking interactive side but there are many areas where it is uninformative and displays amount to a few pictures to cover an album release. As this exhibition has come from the original idea of the museum it did lead me to think it would have detail and not rely on the expectation of people being thrilled to see an ABBA item.
  
  I am sure they have picked up a lot from the London reaction to the show and will incorporate changes when it hits Melbourne
  
  Top Items
  
  The new ABBA interviews and all members being open about ABBA and themselves
  The additional videos from the inner circle - good to see Michel looking so well
  The Ola tributes and Stig room (getting more recognition than we might have expected)
  The costumes sections and seeing the detail close up - (even if it was a bit odd to see single examples in most cases rather than having four together or at least the two girls side by side which would have made the greater impact.)
  The mixing desk
  The Piano
  Being able to take photos freely
  
  
  The not so good points
  
  A entire years work put in a few paragraphs - no context or info about the seventies or ABBA competitors or the music scene at that time
  Albums were done in a few pictures and covers - few if any details of singles, chart positions why the titles were chosen, promotional poster and appearances etc
  Little Fan memorabilia - the items that are on show tended to be the stuff only ABBA or the inner circle would only have had access to.
  Sound - have a common playback system - some over lap will happen but by the time you get to the "tour section" the music from all the rooms just make an unrecognisable noise (the only time I ever want to call ABBA music that!)
  ABBA have influenced more than just a stage show - no details of the tribute bands, movies and musicians which have sited ABBA as an inspiration
  

  
  
• Posted by gjr, March 22, 2010 20:30:

  Visited ABBA world on sunday 21st March. Had a fantastic time, am still trying to calm myself down.
  The display of ABBA costumes was great. It was great being able to see small details that can't be picked up in photos and videos of ABBA performing in them.
  I went on stage and performed dancing queen with the holograms. I had rehearsed a routine before my visit so hope I entertained the people watching me.
  Interviews with ABBA members were a nice touch. Agnetha's was my favourite.
  I thought a great job was done recreating certain rooms like Polar studio, Stig's office and the dressing room.
  Being in my late teens, I was not about when ABBA were together so have very little ABBA items from that time, so the shop was great for me to collect some more items. I bought the ABBA letters (could not resist, they are great), couple of posters, keyring, pin badge, coasters, mouse mat, couple of post cards, souvenir book and a mug. I had also bought the ABBA World globe tshirt from the online shop prior to my visit.
  All in all, I had a fantastic time and recommend it to anyone who has not yet been.

  
  
• Posted by Janet, March 30, 2010 17:40:

  After visiting Abba world on the preview fan day, my friend and I thought we would also visit it again on the last day (first in, last out senario). I think we just go too excited about it on our first visit to appreciate it. This time we took it all in and still had just as wonderful a time as before.
  
  We had only one problem, and that was we had to renew our tickets after 4 hours as they had expired. We were told that they didn't expect anyone to be there for more than 4 hours and looked at us in dismay when we said we had already been there 6. Well we were enjoying ourselves of course.
  
  Finally it was a shame that much of the shops stock had starting to be shipped to Australia (or so we were told). Therefore that last opportunity to buy the items we regretted not buying on the first day (due to the shock at the price) was missed.
  
  Anyway thoroughly enjoyed Abba world.
  
  Janet
  

  
  
• Posted by richard de groot, April 04, 2010 16:42:

  Hej!
  I've been with 2 friends last week at the last day....what an amazing experience! I was overwhelmed and had a very, VERY proud feeling! I was in tears at the beginning..... A fantastic experience! Hope to see it again in the future!