Abba Band
If you were anywhere near the Kep restaurant area in Phuket last Saturday night, there’s no way you could have missed the electrifying energy radiating from the one-night-only KEP Phuket ABBA Band event. Organized by the dynamic KEP team, this was one of the best music events that has been in Phuket in months, drawing ABBA fans from across the island and beyond.
As someone who has attended more than my fair share of concerts and music festivals over the years, I have to say the production value of this show blew me away. The open-air stage was set up right on the pier, and the band was super amazing. With a warm ocean breeze and green grass surrounding the dinner tables, and stunning views of the Andaman Sea providing a truly magical backdrop. The night was very relaxing and enjoyable to all who stepped through the doors of KEP.
But the real magic happened when the ABBA cover band took the stage in their blaze the remake of the 1970s glory. I have never seen so many grown adults disco-dancing in a marina restaurant in my life! This was the first time in a long time that I and my friends have enjoyed a live band that covers amazing music in so long.
From that electric opening number, the hits just kept on coming. “Dancing Queen”, “Mamma Mia”, “Super Trouper”, and “Fernando” – they played all the ABBA classics we know and love with incredible authenticity and flair. If you are looking for live music away from the bustling city and busy Patong area then coming to Chalong and visiting the amazing KEP restaurant is the place to be.
The band’s two lead singers, a dazzling blonde and brunette channeling Agnetha and Frida respectively, were
pitch-perfect vocal doppelgangers and had remarkable stage presence.
Of course, no ABBA tribute would be complete without the costume changes, and these performers did not disappoint. Shimmering catsuits, sheer flares, capes, and 70s-chic jumpsuits made their appearances throughout the two-hour show, drawing hoots of excitement and approval from the audience with each new dazzling look.
They put on a show and made everyone in the audience feel like they were at a real ABBA band concert and it was such a sight to see, and a way to enjoy the night with friends, family, and significant others.
The energy from both the band and the crowd was simply electric all night long. From dancing on the dance floor to sipping drinks at your table or the local bar. Whenever there was a brief pause between songs, you could hear the roar of cheers and applause echoing off the cliffs behind the beach. Bathroom breaks were a must, but as soon as you arrived back the feeling of the music brought you right back to the joy of music. People were dancing wildly on the grass, singing and swaying along to every single song with joyous abandon.
One of the most impressive moments was the band’s seamless transition from “Gimme Gimme Gimme” to “The Winner Takes It All”. Going from an upbeat disco number to that emotional power ballad was no easy feat, but they pulled it off flawlessly. Not one dry eye on the pier during those haunting lyrics about love and heartbreak. Many people you can see admiring each other and enjoying the night.
After that incredibly poignant moment, the setlist took off into a frenzied sprint through hit after hit after hit. “SOS”, “Money Money Money”, “Take a Chance on Me”, “I Do, I Do, I Do” – there didn’t seem to be a single ABBA song they left off the setlist. This band will leave you dancing and smiling all night long. Of course, they saved the biggest hits for the encore: “Chiquitita” and “Dancing Queen” (again!) to close out the incredible two-hour show. What more of a better way to end the night with one of the best songs ever of the night?
As the disco beats faded and the lights went down, the audience was nothing but a sea of sweat-soaked, beaming smiles under the moonlight. It was one of those warm tropical nights that will be etched in my memory forever – a truly perfect night to celebrate the music and legacy of one of the biggest pop groups of all time. Long live ABBA!
