Tampabay.com
JULY 03, 2009

From King of Pop to Dancing Queen? ABBA is promoter's pick for London shows

Abba Michael Jackson's death has left a gaping hole of 50 open dates at London's O2 Arena. What music act in the world could possibly fill the seats for a run of shows like that?

Promoter AEG Live is reportedly wooing '70s/'80s pop/disco legends ABBA to take over Jackson's concert dates. The report comes from the Sun in UK, and is being discredited nearly as fast as the news is spreading, but still ... what an idea!

 "There's a little foursome out in Sweden we keep talking to," The firm's chief David Campbell said to the Sun. Presumably he's not talking about their Olympic curling team.

ABBA -- Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad -- called it quits in 1983. But can a huge payday bring them back together?

"There are millions on the table," a source tells the Sun. "But there are many hurdles to overcome."

Still, with ABBA's music still on people's minds thanks to the Broadway and Hollywood versions of the musical Mamma Mia, the timing couldn't possibly be better.

Another name in consideration to fill those dates, according to other reports: Whitney Houston, who has a new album due in September.

Who would you want to fill those 50 open dates?

Join the discussion: Click to view comments, add yours

About the blogger

Relive the '80s music, movies and culture with Tampa Bay Times entertainment news editor Steve Spears. A teen during the greatest decade ever, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to Reaganomics.

E-mail Steve Spears:
stuckinthe80s@tampabay.com
Visit the Stuck in the 80s Facebook page
Follow Steve on Facebook
Get '80s updates via Twitter

Advertisement

Follow us on Facebook

TampaBay.com on Facebook

Registration FAQ

Read our Frequently Asked Questions on how to register to comment on the site.