From the moment the lights go down and the opening notes hit, SOS: The Australian ABBA Tribute show will transport you to a time when ABBA ruled the world stage. SOS is a full-throttle show honouring ABBA’s timeless music with two FREE matinees on the 12th & 13th of April chock-full of passion, energy, and authenticity that will leave you believing you’re seeing the real thing.
Performed by a talented cast of musicians, SOS takes you on a musical journey from ABBA’s unforgettable Eurovision debut with ‘Waterloo’ all the way to the present day, ABBA's music has left a sparkle in our eye and a beat in our hearts. With Bridie Pamment as Agnetha, Eilannin Harris-Black as Frida, Sam Bennett as Björn, and Jon Harris-Black as Benny, along with Steve Virgona "Volvo” on bass and David DeBono “IKEA” on drums the master songsmiths of ABBA, are breathed back to life.
But it's not just about the music, SOS brings the authenticity with fantastic costumes, choreographed dances, and an amazing live band, creating a vibrant and immersive experience. Sam Bennett, who plays Björn shares, “The show’s been running for 12 years now and we visit Airlie Beach at least 3 times a year because we love to have a good time, and this is just the perfect show and place to do that.”
For SOS it’s all about engaging with the audience and creating lasting memories. As Sam explains, “We love all our audience and our fans, our Chiquititas, and they are very important to us. We’re always coming off-stage and talking to them afterward,” and that connection with fans is one of the things that sets SOS apart from other tribute bands. They don’t just perform for you — they perform with you!
Sam reflected on the joy of seeing the audience react to the music as “We all grew up in the 90’s, and I think it'd be hard to come across a house in Australia that didn't have ABBA Gold. Whether you love ABBA or tolerate ABBA, you’re going to know it.” Whether it’s the sight of a crowd packing onto the dance floor for ‘Dancing Queen’ or seeing someone’s eyes light up when they hear their favourite ABBA track, it’s that magic that makes everyone say ‘Thank You For The Music’.
One of the best things about SOS is its audience participation as Sam warns to “Expect to have sore feet at the end of the show because you'll be dancing so hard! Expect to have a dance off with a stranger and expect to have a sore voice the next day because you've sung so much!” Whether it’s a wild performance moment or a surprise interaction with the crowd as ‘Frida’ serenades an unsuspecting local with ‘The Winner Takes It All’, SOS knows how to keep things exciting and engaging.
If you want to experience the bodaciousness of ABBA with an unforgettable live performance, don’t miss SOS: The Australian ABBA Tribute show at The Pub for Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th April from 2:00pm – 5:30pm. Ring Ring all your Chiquititas, and book your table now through the QR code or via the Airlie Beach Hotel’s website for two free shows full of spontaneous fun, and an afternoon you won’t soon forget!
WHAT: SOS: The Australian ABBA Tribute
WHEN: Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th April, 2pm – 5.30pm
WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel