Björn Again – Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, 17 October 2026: Review & Photo Gallery

18th October 2026

It was a busy night for musical events in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland with photographers and reviewers scattered around the city for Olivia Dean, Macy Gray and Stan Walker, to name just a few. With all these incredible shows happening I found myself as the sole photographer at the Kiri Te Kanawa theatre to see the ABBA tribute band Björn Again. It may not have been the most glamourous of all the shows, but I bet it was one of the most fun.

Even before the evening started the audience was a sea of sparkles, feather boas and (for some reason) wedding veils. Despite the available choice of shows, the theatre was packed and everyone was obviously there for a party Björn Again. The age range of ABBA fans covers multiple generations, all of whom were in attendance tonight, with everyone knowing every word of every song.

The evening kicked off (and ended) with the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest hit Waterloo and moved through all the songs you’d expect: SOS, Knowing Me Knowing You, Ring Ring, Mama Mia and of course the sublime Dancing Queen. The band, including a string quartet, performed the songs (which are more complex than they seem) beautifully and with great energy.

The addition of a children’s choir for Chiquitita and Fernando was a nice touch, although the inclusion of the Bon Jovi anthem Living On A Prayer and a drum solo, when the set missed out on songs such as Eagle seemed a shame. The Winner Takes It All, always a bit of an outlier in the ABBA lexicon, was a high point, despite its darker undertones.

I have to confess to an element of nostalgia, having witnessed ABBA live in 1979, and seeing the same love for these songs 47 years later. It’s easy to dismiss tribute acts such as Björn Again, but the way they keep the music alive with such respect for the songs and the ABBA legacy is commendable. The next time they’re in town go along and immerse yourself in the songs – guilty pleasures are ok!