Björn Again

Infobox Musical artist
Name = Björn Again


Img_capt =
Img_size = 240px
Landscape = yes
Background = cover_band
Genre = Pop, Europop, Disco
Origin = Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Years_active = 1988-Present
Label =
Associated_acts = ABBA
URL = [http://www.bjornagain.com bjornagain.com]
Current_members =
Past_members =

Björn Again is an ABBA tribute band, taking their name from Björn Ulvaeus, a member of ABBA, and a pun on the phrase "born again".

This tribute band has become so successful that as of 2007 there are five Björn Agains performing in various parts of the world. Björn Again originated in Australia, it has been performing since 1988. Its twenty-year existence exceeds that of the original ABBA.

Björn Again was created in 1988 by Melbournians Rod Leissle and John Tyrrellcite web |url= http://www.westernherald.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticlePrinterFriendly&uStory_id=ccc122a6-d90c-4eb4-8286-3e5129e9df4c |title= Concert Preview: '70s pop culture will be be Björn Again |author= A&E Editor Matt Russell |work= Western Herald, Western Michigan University |date= October 22 2002 |quote= ] cite web |url= http://www.abc.net.au/gnt/history/Transcripts/s1105171.htm |title= Bjorn Again |author= ABC Television Interview transcript |work= George Negus Tonight |date= 10 May 2004 |quote= ] who not only oversee all of Björn Again's global touring activities but occasionally play in band; [ [http://www.harrogateinternationalcentre.co.uk/hic-199 Bjorn Again - Harrogate International Centre ] ] Rod bass, John drums. After Björn Again's first show at a small pub in Melbourne called "The Tote" on May 6th 1989 the band's popularity increased quickly, which took it Australia-wide then overseas to international acclaim. The band is now regarded as the most successful tribute band ever and one of Australia's most successful musical exports. Fact|date=March 2008

Björn Again takes a quite light-hearted approach to their portrayal of ABBA. [ [http://www.bbc.co.uk/leicester/music/2003/10/bjorn_again_review.shtml BBC Leicester Music - Bjorn Again at DeMontfort Hall Reviewed] ] While keeping pretty faithful to the songs themselves, the rest of the performance is something of a send-up or a parody. The band members talk among themselves and to the audience in a faux-Swedish accent, and they have stage names that resemble the original group member's names in a whimsical way: Agnetha Falstart, Benny Anderwear, Frida Longstokin, and Björn Volvo-us. The band is supported by the bass guitarist Rutger Sonofagunn and the drummer Ola Drumkitt (from long-time ABBA session musicians Rutger Gunnarsson and Ola Brunkert).

Björn Again has also occasionally covered songs by other artists. When Erasure produced an EP of ABBA covers called "Abba-esque", Björn Again responded with an EP of covers of Erasure songs done in the style of ABBA, called "Erasure-ish". The EP included the song 'A Little Respect' that achieved Number 25 on the UK charts in September 1992.

The band Björn Again has performed at many of the large rock festivals world-wide including Reading and Glastonbury, [ [http://www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/glastonbury/1999/review-bjornagain1.shtml Bjorn Again - review by : Mark Champken - Glastonbury Festival 1999 ] ] plus has sold out shows at The Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Arena in London, The State Theatre in Sydney, the SECC in Glasgow Scotland, and Irving Plaza in New York. The band is also in high demand for private shows - having played at parties for top UK golfer Colin Montgomerie, Microsoft's Bill Gates, comedian Rowan Atkinson (Mr Bean), and at Russell Crowe's Wedding in Australia in 2003 making some headlines.

To date the various franchises of Björn Again have performed around 4,000 shows in more than 50 countries, and there seems to be little sign that the band's popularity is diminishing.

In 1996, three of the original Australian group members Janette Stuart (Agnetha). Peter Ryan (Benny),and Gavin Charles (Björn) left the band and returned to Australia permanently, but they were quickly replaced to continue the success. Now there are several Björn Again groups across the globe to cater to the demand.

A few of the current members have successful careers of their own outside of Bjorn Again, including TJ Davis who played "Frida" had a hit in 2001 with "Wonderful Life", and Aileen McLaughlin who plays "Agnetha" has toured as a backing vocalist with several artists such as Tom Jones, Lisa Stansfield, and Jason Donovan. Joanne Rowden who plays "Frida" has had a good career in acting starring in "Coronation Street" in 2000 and other TV roles.

References

External links

* [http://www.bjornagain.com/global.htm Björn Again - ABBA Tribute Band]