A HARD rock version of Mamma Mia, Chiquitita played on the hurdy gurdy, I Have A Dream arranged for beer bottles and Super Trouper recited by a ‘techno poet’.

Welcome to the eclectic world of Extrabbaganza, the weirdest tribute to Abba Hampshire has ever seen.

Dozens of local bands are set to pack the Talking Heads in Portswood in Southampton for a whole night of special interpratations of Abba’s biggest hits, all in aid of charity.

The night was the brainchild of musician and Abba fan Craig McEwan.

He said: “I had a dream, and in that dream the Talking Heads was full of people all playing songs by Abba – and lots of queens dancing!

“Bands will play a few songs each from the oeuvre of the mighty Abba in a style of their choice.”

Around ten bands from around Southampton will each play two or three songs – with “radical interpretations” encouraged.

The Shimmering Bees are on course for the most bizarre instrument used, with band member Su Eaton playing the hurdy gurdy, a type of medieval mechanical violin.

Craig, 40, a biomedical scientist at Southampton General Hospital, added. “About 20 years ago there was an Abba-themed night at The Joiners called ABBAration where local bands turned up to play their own interpretations of the band’s songs.

“With the success of the film Mamma Mia I thought it would be a great time to resurrect the themed nights.”

Tickets cost £5 with all proceeds going to Southampton charity Society of St James.

For more information on the event, taking place from 8.30pm on January 29, go to myspace.com/extrabbaganza.



Are you interested in performing at ExtrABBAganza? If so, contact Craig on extrabbanganza@ hotmail.com.