It’s really no exaggeration to say ABBA was the Swedish Beatles.
Marie-Claire Follett, who lives in California, but hails from London, is the bubbly musician who plays ABBA’s Anni-Frid Lyngstad in her ABBA tribute band and will bring her show to the Hemmens Cultural Center at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6 iin Elgin. Tickets are $25-$60 and may be purchased by phone at 847.931.5900, at the Theatre Box Office or online at www.hemmens.org. The Hemmens Cultural Center is at 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. The show is appropriate for all ages.
Quite the niche profession one might say, but one that is arguably necessary on this side of the pond.
Across the country, there’s no shortage of Beatles or Elvis tribute shows, but ABBA tributes are a bit harder to come by. In Europe, they’re just as common as Elvis tributes in the United States.
“When we were living in London, we were one of 100 ABBA tribute bands,” said Follett.
Five years ago, Follett and her musician husband, Andy Marshall, moved to the United States and cast another ABBA tribute band, The FABBA Show. Marshall plays Bjorn Ulvaeus, ABBA’s guitarist.
The FABBA Show tours nationally, performing in 1,000 to 1,500-seat performing arts centers and casinos. The production features costumed performers singing and playing dance floor classics such as “Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo,” “Take a Chance On Me,” “Super Trouper,” and “Voulez Vous.”
—La Jolla Booking Agency