Swede Dreamz ABBA Tribute

Swede Dreamz has been mentioned on national television twice in recent weeks ...

 

The first mention came on BBC TV’s 'The Weakest Link' quiz programme when Anne Robinson asked a contestant which group Swede Dreamz and Bjorn Again were both tribute acts to? Thankfully, the contestant got the question right!

 

The second mention came on Easter Sunday 12/04/2009 when Channel 5 aired 'Mamma Mia! Where Did It All Go Right'. The documentary, celebrating ten years on Mamma Mia!, made reference to a select number of ABBA tribute bands including Swede Dreamz.

 

 

 

Swede Dreamz brings a touch of ABBA to the Bothwell Bridge Hotel (Bothwell), Glasgow of four dates in December 2009:

 

Swede Dreamz ABBA Party Nights as follows:

 

Friday 11th / Saturday 12th / Friday 18th / Saturday 19th December 2009

 

Hotel details as follows:

 

Bothwell Bridge Hotel

Main Street

Bothwell

Glasgow G71 8EU

 

Telephone 01698 852246

 

 

Please contact the hotel direct for further information, availability and bookings.

 

 

 

Swede Dreamz are branching out!  You can now keep up-to-date with everything to do with Swede Dreamz via MySpace. 

 

MySpace website:

 

Likewise, you can now view video footage of Swede Dreamz in action via YouTube.

 

YouTube website:

 

As usual, Swede Dreamz always welcome your comments.

 

 

 

 

The instrumental intro into the start of the show consists of two pieces of music linked with a helicopter sound effect. The first piece of music is called ‘Bridal Dancing Queen’, a slower instrumental version of ABBA’s biggest-ever selling single. The track is credited to the Wedding Band and features in Paul Hogan’s 1994 film ‘Muriel’s Wedding’. The second piece of music is Mike Oldfield’s version of ABBA’s ‘Arrival’ which features on his 'QE2' album and was released as a UK single way back in 1980.

 

The helicopter landing sound effect which bridges the two tracks replicated the cover of ABBA’s 1976 ‘Arrival’ album.

 

 

All the stage costumes are either custom made-to-measure by the bands very own costume maker or by a number of UK suppliers who specialise in ABBA stage costumes. The attention to detail usually results in a time-scale of 4-6 weeks per costume!

 

The ‘Mamma Mia’ stage show costumes (used in the show finale) were shipped in from the USA.

 

 

Obviously, the majority of shows include all of ABBA’s biggest and memorable hits. However, on occasions the band also performs some of ABBA’s album tracks including ‘Eagle’, ‘When I Kissed The Teacher’ and ‘Slipping Through My Fingers’. As with stage costumes, the band is constantly working on introducing new songs to keep the shows fresh and appealing.

 

 

Yes, ‘Bjorn’ met the Benny at Mono Music Studios in Stockholm (Sweden) in 1997 then again April 2004 at the Prince Edward Theatre in London along with Frida and the real Bjorn at the ‘Mamma Mia – The Musical’ 5th anniversary celebration.

 

 

 

The three-star Great Barr Hotel at Great Barr, West Midlands is fast becoming a second home for Swede Dreamz with a number of cabaret dates just confirmed throughout 2009. Swede Dreamz first played at the Great Barr in April 2008. This initial date quickly sold out and a second date (October 2008) was added with similar results.

 

Confirmed Great Barr cabaret dates for 2009 as follows:

 

Saturday 24th January 2009

Saturday, 21 March 2009

Saturday, 16th May 2009

Saturday, 13th June 2009

Saturday, 19th September 2009

Saturday, 14th November 2009

Thursday, 31st December 2009 *** New Year’s Eve Party Night ***

 

For bookings and further information please contact the Great Barr Hotel direct on 0121 357 1141.

 

The Great Barr Hotel

Pear Tree Drive

Great Barr

West Midlands

B43 6HS

 

Telephone: 0121 357 1141

 

 

 

Swede Dreamz are soon to embark on their own ABBA tribute UK tour (ten gigs in eleven dates including three consecutive nights at the popular Holiday Inn Hotel in Plymouth) in the run-up to Christmas 2008.

 

Date and venue details as follows:

 

11/12/2008 Cramlington Village Club, Cramlington, Northumberland

12/12/2008 Old Smokies, Oldham, Lancashire

13/12/2008 Bizarre Bar (M&D’s Theme Park), Motherwell

14/12/2008 Duke Of Lancaster, Lancaster

16/12/2008 Holiday Inn Hotel, Plymouth

17/12/2008 Holiday Inn Hotel, Plymouth

18/12/2008 Holiday Inn Hotel, Plymouth

19/12/2008 London Inn Hotel, Cheltenham

20/12/2008 Warners Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel, North Wales

21/12/2008 Eston Labour Club, Middlesbrough

 

 

 

Swede Dreamz will be returning to the Sands Centre in Carlisle on Monday, 1st December 2008 (2.15pm and 7.15pm) to perform a selection of ABBA's greatest hits at the national award-winning Concert For The Community event.

 

The band first appeared at the 2007 event and are delighted to be invited back again in 2008.

 

 

 

Swede Dreamz will be performing in front of a home crowd of 30,000+ at the Christmas Lights Switch-On on Sunday, 16th November 2008 in the heart of Carlisle city centre.

 

Swede Dreamz will be performing a selection of ABBA’s greatest hits from 2.30pm (30 minutes) then again at 4.50pm just before the big Christmas Lights switch-on at 5.30pm with Britain’s Got Talent star Andrew Johnston. Listen out for a very special rendition of ‘Thank You For The Music’ with David McNeill (Cumbrian Newspapers Promotions Manager) and Robbie Dee (CFM Radio Presenter).

 

Photographs of the event will appear in our Picture Gallery as soon as possible.  This event is organised by Carlisle City Council in association with Cumbrian Newspapers Group.

 

Swede Dreamz are taking their ABBA tribute show to Workington (Cumbria) for the Christmas Lights Switch-On this coming Sunday, 23rd November 2008.  The band will be on-stage at 2.00pm in Pow Street, Workington.

 

Details only just confirmed so apologies for the late notice.  This event is brought to you in association with Allerdale Borough Council and the Workington Times & Star newspaper.

 

 

 

Swede Dreamz will be performing live at Vue Cinema in Carlisle at an exclusive charity premier screening of Mamma Mia! The Movie on Tuesday 08/07/2008 (two days before the official UK release date). A carefully selected charity audience representing the Prince’s Trust, the Eden Valley Hospice, Carlisle Volunteer Bureau and the Teenage Cancer Trust are sure to be having the time of their lives at this exclusive preview screening. Swede Dreamz will be performing a 30 minute set from 7.00pm.

This invite only event (sorry) is brought to you in association with ITV Border Television, Universal Pictures and Vue Cinemas.

Swede Dreamz will be performing a second gig at Vue Cinema in Carlisle on Thursday 10/07/2008, the official UK release date for Mamma Mia! The Movie. Swede Dreamz will be performing a 45 minute set from 7.15pm before 8.00pm screening of the movie.

This is a public event, brought to you in association with Vue Cinemas.

 

 

 

The two boys were recently interviewed by BBC Three Counties Radio. Based in Luton, the radio station broadcasts across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. They discussed various aspects of Swede Dreamz including their favourite songs, forthcoming gigs and different stage outfits before going on to performing an acapella version of ABBA’s ‘Take A Chance On Me’ live on the mid-morning radio show!

The telephone interview took place on Friday 29/02/2008 at 10.30am.

 

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Swede Dreamz were recently interviewed for a special tribute acts article that appeared in the News & Star newspaper.

Here is the interview in full:

Q): HOW / WHEN DID IT ALL START?

Bjorn: It all started by accident one Boxing Day night in Keswick, Cumbria. We host a karaoke night twice weekly at a particular music bar and it just so happened to fall on Boxing Day night. We decided to make the evening a bit special and incorporate an ABBA tribute show with two girls that came along to karaoke every week. It went down so well there was actually a queue forming at the door! We done our first proper gig in April 2006 in Carlisle and we were subsequently doing one or two gigs a month. Now we are gigging every week.

Q): WHERE / HOW OFTEN HAVE YOU BEEN PLAYING? IS IT A FULL-TIME JOB? IF NOT WHAT ELSE DO YOU ALL DO?

Bjorn: We play in all kinds of venues … social clubs, hotels and even several outdoor gigs. We’re playing at the Sands Centre in Carlisle in early December then we’re off to Penrith for the town’s Christmas Light Switch-On. We are on the road most weekends, usually in the North East and Cumbria. We also have gigs further afield including the Isle of Wight and Inverness! As well as playing the part of Bjorn, I also manage the act, dealing with bookings and contracts, enquires via our various agents and website updates etc which takes up quite a bit of time. On top of all this I also have a full-time job with a local coach company.

Frida: As Bjorn has already said, most gigs are in the North East but some locally in Carlisle and North Cumbria. I am also a part-time student.

Agnetha: I am also a full-time Receptionist for Premier Travel Inn.

Q): DO YOU HAVE TO GET INTO CHARACTER BEFORE GOING ON-STAGE? HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A SHOW?

Bjorn: Definitely … it took me a month or two to master the fake Swedish accent but it adds to the fun! It can be difficult to relax before a show as there is so much to do … sound-checks, lighting, costumes, etc. The girls take care of the visual side of the things so they are constantly rehearsing new dance routines, etc. Benny takes care of the lighting and I look after the sound.

Benny: Absolutely! Sound-checks are important along with ensuring costumes are correct and up to the expected standard.

Frida: It’s almost impossible not to get into character before a show. I guess it has something to do with the platform boots, sparkling make-up and tight white lycra outfits. Every gig is different and I certainly need a bit of Dutch courage before going on stage!

Q): WHY DO PEOPLE GO TO SEE TRIBUTE ACTS?

Bjorn: I guess that really depends on who the tribute act is. For example, why would anyone want to see a Robbie Williams or Westlife tribute when Robbie and Westlife themselves are still touring? I guess it’s a little different and easier for Swede Dreamz as ABBA have stated on numerous occasions they will never reform.

Agnetha: In our particular case I guess its maybe something to do with not being able to see ABBA perform live any more.

Q): DO YOU EVER DO GIGS AS YOURSELVES (EG NOT AS ABBA) WHETHER TOGETHER OR WITH OTHER PEOPLE OR BANDS?

Bjorn: No, not gigs as such. We also host karaoke nights around the area.

Benny: No.

Q): WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IF SOMEONE SUGGESTED YOU WERE MAKING MONEY OUT OF SOMEONE ELSE’S TALENT?

Bjorn: Making money? It cost us a small fortune to get everything we needed to put the show on the road!

Benny: Our idea is to keep what we believe is the best music ever produced in the public eye.

Agnetha: I love performing live on-stage and the ‘Money Money Money’ is a bonus. It’s a great way of getting out and about, visiting new places and meeting new people.

Q): HAVE YOU EVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH MAD FANS WHO THINK YOU MIGHT BE THE REAL DEAL?

Bjorn: It has only ever happened once or twice (that I am aware of) and includes a dear old lady at a gig in the North East who really thought we were ABBA. Needless to say, we parted company with her still believing she had just seen ABBA live on stage at her local social club! Recently, a lady wandered back-stage and told us we were better than ABBA (and I am still trying to figure it out). Oh, and there was a woman at a gig in Newcastle who actually thought we were from Sweden and wanted to know where in Sweden we live! In fact, now that you have mentioned it, it’s a little worrying.

Benny: Sometimes, but most are in serious need of an eye check-up. ABBA were (and still are) unique.

Frida: We’ve been asked for a few autographs and photographs. It’s such a fast-paced show with quick costume changes and it can be very difficult when members of the audience want to come backstage wanting a friendly chat.

Q): WHAT IS THE SECRET OF ABBA’S ENDURING SUCCESS?

Bjorn: Catchy sing-a-long tunes that are instantly recognisable together with a squeaky clean image that appeals to all ages.

Benny: Their music – ABBA still has millions of fans!

Agnetha: ABBA’s songs will be eternally known. Each and every one of them is a classic and appeals to all ages.

Q): WHAT DO YOU THINK THE MEMBERS OF ABBA WOUD THINK OF THE SHOW?

Bjorn: I hope they would be flattered. We have paid a great deal of attention to detail … the harmonies, the costumes, the dance routines, the chemistry on-stage, etc. It all adds up to what we hope is the ultimate ABBA tribute.

Benny: I hope they would be impressed.

Frida: I guess they would flattered and give us a good 8 out of 10.

Q): DO YOU GET MUCH COMPETITION FROM OTHER ABBA TRIBUTES?

Bjorn: Locally no but it’s difficult to say nationally as clients tend to take a look at the various websites and agents then simply take their pick. I guess because we are constantly including new songs and making new costumes helps us maintain a fresh look which, in turn, helps us keep one step ahead of the field.

Benny: Although there are many other ABBA tributes out there, we are lucky that locally there is little competition. I believe our show is better than most.

Q): APART FROM THE MONEY, WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF PERFORMING IN A TRIBUTE ACT?

Bjorn: Fun. It’s a great honour to be able to pay tribute to one of the world’s most successful pop acts and the sight of seeing so many people swaying and singing along to ‘Thank You For The Music’ at the end of the show really does make it all worth while.

Agnetha: A little piece of fame which I’ve always wanted since I was very young.

Benny: An enormous buzz - there is nothing better than listening to an audience shouting for more at the end of a gig!

Frida: Satisfaction what we have given the audience a real night to remember!

 

 

Swede Dreamz were invited to perform to an audience of 3,000 at the News & Star’s annual Christmas Concert for the Community event held at the Sands Centre in Carlisle on Monday, 3rd December 2007.

We were honoured to be asked to close the show with a medley of ABBA hits before being joined on stage by the kids from nearby Stanwix Primary School to perform 'I Have A Dream'. And if that wasn't enough, the entire cast of this year's concert joined us on-stage for the final song ... ABBA's 'Thank You For The Music'.

Many thanks to everyone who made this such a special and memorable event for us including the kids from Stanwix Primary School Choir, David McNeill (CN Group Promotions Manager), Ian Green (Sound), Brian Entwhistle (Lighting), Chris Jones (Stage Manager) and Marion Jones (Cast Hospitality).

Additional thanks to Stewart Blair (News & Star’s Deputy Picture Editor) for some fantastic photographs.

 

 

 

Swede Dreamz will be performing live at Penrith Christmas Lights Switch-On in Penrith (Cumbria) on Saturday, 8th December 2007.

The festive fun starts at 2.00pm in Penrith town centre. Swede Dreamz will be live on-stage at 4.30pm. The big switch-on takes place at 5.00pm.

 

 

 

Swede Dreamz will be appearing live on stage at the Brampton & District Carnival on Bank Holiday Sunday, 26th August 2007.

Swede Dreamz will be live on-stage at 2.00pm.

Brampton & District Carnival is a fantastic open-air event and and the organisers have promised that this year's event will be bigger and better than ever before with a whole day of music, fun, dancing and entertainment live on stage and throughout the town centre.

Fun fair in the town centre and the annual Parade starts at 12pm followed by hours of fun.

 

 

 

Swede Dreamz were delighted to be asked to perform a free gig at a recent Golden Wedding anniversary party in Carlisle.

The golden couple had insisted on no presents. Instead, a collection was made on the evening, raising £500 for the Great North Air Ambulance. A cheque was handed over to crew members of the Great Air Ambulance at Carleton Hall, Penrith on 22nd February 2007.

Swede Dreamz performed a full show of ABBA’s greatest hits including ‘Angel Eyes’ and ‘Honey Honey’ (both performed live for the very first time).

Congratualtions to the special couple and a huge thank you to all who contributed in making this a successful fund-raising event.