The four letters in the name of this iconic quartet signify not just a group but an entire era. ABBA, without a doubt, is a legend, and this fact is undisputed. For billions of people worldwide, ABBA is synonymous with New Year celebrations, thanks to their timeless hit “Happy New Year”, which has become a symbol of the festive season for decades.
As all good things must come to an end, the group reached a point where it was time to bid farewell. For the residents of Alberta’s capital, Edmonton, it is a point of pride that this legendary quartet began their farewell tour right in their city. Here’s a look back at how it all unfolded on edmonton-trend.
ABBA: The Journey of a Legend
ABBA was formed in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972. The group’s name is an acronym derived from the first letters of its members’ names: Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Anni-Frid.
Their albums have sold over 350 million copies, a feat few artists have achieved.
In 1982, ABBA disbanded, and 18 years later, in 2010, the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
During their ten-year career, ABBA released nine albums, nearly one per year, showcasing a pace that modern artists can only admire.
While their accolades are too numerous to count, our focus today is on the year 1979, when ABBA embarked on their final tour, starting in Edmonton.
The Farewell Tour: “ABBA. The Tour”
Unlike their studio albums, ABBA only embarked on three major concert tours. The 1979 North American and European Tour, also known as their farewell tour, was launched to promote their sixth album, “Voulez-Vous”. The tour lasted a year, during which the group performed 52 concerts, concluding in Tokyo on March 27, 1980. The tour began on September 13, 1979, in Edmonton.
Why Edmonton?
Before the farewell tour, ABBA’s situation was reportedly challenging. Edmonton’s audience was known for being appreciative and forgiving, which made it an ideal starting point. The city’s warm and welcoming reputation likely influenced the decision.
The September 13 concert at Edmonton’s Northlands Coliseum was ABBA’s first live performance in two years, marking a carefully chosen starting point for their farewell.
To build excitement, the group began promoting their performance nearly a year in advance through various television appearances.
A Historic Night in Edmonton
That evening, a special moment occurred that resonated deeply with the audience, especially a notable spectator, Wayne Gretzky. At just 18 years old, the local hockey star was already a hero in Edmonton as the center for the Edmonton Oilers. The crowd erupted in applause when Anni-Frid stepped on stage wearing Gretzky’s iconic #99 jersey, a gesture that endeared her to the city’s residents.
During the concert, ABBA performed 25 songs, but the now-iconic “Happy New Year” was not among them—understandable given the September date.
The vibrant evening at Northlands Coliseum was bittersweet, as fans understood they were witnessing a historic performance that would never be repeated.
Legacy of ABBA
While ABBA’s journey as a group ended, their music continues to live on, especially during New Year celebrations when memories of the Swedish quartet come alive.
For Edmonton residents, there is an enduring sense of pride in knowing their city was the starting point for ABBA’s farewell tour—a moment etched forever in the city’s cultural history.
