Abba Tribute Concert Recalls 1970s Supergroup At Keswick: Review

GLENSIDE, PA — During the 1970s, several groups reached the stratosphere of success.

These were groups that were 1970s sensations for causing a craze among fans that was driven by top-charting songs, sold-out concerts, and a cultural phenomenon that lasted for most of the decade.

The Bee Gees catapulted to insane levels with the Disco era and the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack. KISS created a fan frenzy as costumed characters who stormed stages across the nation to "shout it out loud" and shoot flames from the mouth of bass player Gene Simmons.

And then there was Abba.

This Swedish foursome found a home in America with its flashy outfits, dazzling performances, and soaring vocals from its two lead female singers.

At "The Concert — A Tribute to Abba" on Saturday night at the Keswick Theatre, the "Abba Party" was at full throttle with "Dancing Queens" of all ages in the aisles celebrating the sounds of the Swedish music group.

The group included the original bass player for Abba, who played on hit after hit in concert and on their records during the 1970s. That helped to add some authenticity to the tribute band.

This band featured four people playing the roles of the Abba leaders: Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Agnetha Foltskog, Benny Andersson, and Bjorn Ulvaeus.

And they played those roles to perfection.

The two men showed their instrumental chops surrounded by a group that featured a horn player, drummer, the original bass player, a guitarist, and two backup singers.

Meanwhile, the women playing the roles of Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Agnetha Foltskog captured the soaring vocals, wore the wild costumes, and showcased well during solo spotlights.

The first set sprinkled in some of the band's biggest hits, and the second set really got the crowd on its feet.

"Waterloo" was the band's breakthrough hit, opening the floodgates for seven years of successful songs.

You know them all — even if you don't want to admit it. And the tribute band played most of them too: "SOS," "Mamma Mia," "Fernando," "Knowing Me, Knowing You," "Take A Chance On Me," "Chiquitita," "Super Trouper," "The Winner Takes It All," and of course, the show closer "Dancing Queen."

This was one "Abba Party" that showgoers hope will come back to the Keswick for years to come.