As New Zealand’s only dedicated tribute to the Music of ABBA, “ABBA HEAVEN – All the Hits” is a concept that occurred naturally out of a love of ABBA. The line-up is vocalists Pauline Berry, Gabby West, Dixon Nacey (guitar and vocals) and Stuart Pearce (keyboards).
This is a heartfelt, passionate reproduction and tribute to The Music of ABBA itself, rather than being an impersonation of the ABBA band members. ABBA’s music stands the test of time and is loved across generations, around the world. ABBA still sell a million albums each year. There is no chance of slowing down anytime soon. The soundtrack to “Mamma Mia: Here We go Again” was No. 1 around the world in 2018 – deservedly so! The soundtrack music was produced by Benny Anderson.
Benny & Bjorn have said that each recording is like a Swiss time piece, everything fits together precisely. The vocalists and the producer of The Mermaids align themselves with this aim.
This band’s producer Stuart Pearce spent 2000 hours in a recording suite creating the tracks for the show. Top session musicians from New Zealand and Australia were hired and recorded. Bringing to life, as authentically as possible, the sound of ABBA, this included some some exotic instrumentation. Having put the work in on top of this superb musical foundation, the band are well pleased with their tribute to The Music of ABBA. Sound files just below.
All vocals are very detailed and the harmonies chosen are those that dominate on the original recordings. Considered as well were the musical roots of ABBA themselves, in order to not put a different “stamp” on the way the songs are sung. ABBA were influenced by European folk music, classical music, English pop, jazz, (but no blues), and also American pop music, such as The Beach Boys. Agnetha, Frida, Bjorn & Benny recorded in Swedish, German, French and Spanish as well as English. Their English diction being very pure, thus enhancing the songs with ringing vowel sounds.
Highly interactive, the audience and the band irresistibly take part in celebrating the love of ABBA. The audience often dresses up in their disco glories and glam 70’s gear, and always sings along because everyone knows the words. So much fun! ABBA fans travel 100’s of kms to attend shows again and again.
The female vocalists wear eye popping Glam Rock outfits authentic to the era of ABBA. These include 1970s jumpsuits, knickerbockers, gold lame, metallic over the knee boots, sequins galore. Many costumes have been added to the show since it began. The band are delighted to see audiences dress up similarly all over New Zealand – so much fun!
The songs currently performed are:
Playlist of videos (2019 line-up, includes two members who have been since replaced in 2020).
Knowing You, Knowing Me demo
Mamma Mia demo
Fernando Demo
Does Your Mother Know demo
Gimme Gimme Gimme (A Man After Midnight) demo