ABBA reunion inspires elderly to throw themed party

ELDERLY ABBA fans have thrown a themed party in eager anticipation of new songs and a tour from 70s pop supergroup.

Residents at Willowdene Care Home, in Hebburn, near Newcastle, enjoyed a day of classic ABBA tracks while continuing to wait alongside millions of fans worldwide for an announcement from the group.

ABBA originally planned to release a new song at the end of 2018, their first new music in 35 years, but this was pushed back to autumn 2019. There is now mention of multiple new songs and possibly an entire album, alongside a digital avatar tour that would see the pop icons on stage in holographic form.

With an official announcement still not forthcoming, residents at Willowdene invited ABBA tribute singer Christine Rosemond to perform their favourite classics.

Waterloo, Take a Chance, Money Money Money, Fernando and Dancing Queen had residents, staff and visitors dancing either on their feet or in their armchairs.

One resident, Irene Lown, who normally uses a wheelchair to get around, told a staff member “please get me up, I need to dance” before grooving to Dancing Queen. She added: “I’m buzzing. That was absolutely great. I love ABBA.”

Staff at the home dressed in 70s glam and activities coordinator Christine Chandler adorned residents with stick-on plastic jewels for the party.

Michael Beaney, home manager at Willowdene Care Home, said: “The power of music is enough to lift your mood and even get you out of your wheelchair if your name is Irene.

“We all had a really great afternoon blasting ABBA music out of our sound system in the morning and then enjoying a performance from tribute singer Christine in the afternoon.

“The residents absolutely loved it and can’t wait to hear the new songs now. Hopefully we wont have to wait too much longer.”