ABBA fans banned from donning ‘insensitive’ 70s afro wigs at new show
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Promoters of the ABBA Voyage shows, which use holograms to recreate the band’s iconic performances, have issued a warning to attendees, asking them not to wear Afro-style hairpieces to the event. Fans have been asked to avoid wearing these wigs as a condition of entry to the arena.
The promoters acknowledged that many guests might want to dress up for the show, but asked them to do so in a respectful and appropriate manner, reports the Mail On Sunday.
In the email, the promoters wrote: “Many of our guests will want to get in the spirit of the show by dressing up for their visit. [But] please do not wear so-called ‘Afro’ wigs.
“These wigs are culturally insensitive and not appropriate to be worn as fancy dress.
“If any guests are wearing this style of wig they will be respectfully asked to remove them as a condition of entry to the arena.”
The show’s prohibition on wearing certain wigs has been included in the show’s website’s “Frequently Asked Questions” section since its opening in May 2022.
However, ticket-holders are now receiving the information via email, with the subject line “Some important information.”
The ABBA Voyage concerts employ holograms of the band’s members in their 1979 prime, featuring virtual performances from Agnetha Faltskog, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid ‘Frida’ Lyngstadas.
The show runs for over 90 minutes and includes 22 of the Swedish supergroup’s greatest hits, such as Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, and Waterloo, which won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 and launched their international success.
Judi Dench duets to ABBA with Sharleen Spiteri on the piano
Don’t miss…
Truth behind ABBA’s double divorce: ‘Happy split’ line was a lie[LATEST]
Agnetha Fältskog health: ABBA star on the band’s ‘ailments’ [LATEST]
Benny Andersson: ABBA star on his ‘best’ health decision[LATEST]
The band had eight consecutive number-one albums and sold 385 million records globally.
ABBA Voyage’s producers have refused to comment on the matter of the wig ban.
The use of Afro wigs by white people has been deemed culturally insensitive and has faced criticism for making light of a hairstyle that holds deep significance for the black community.
A few supporters have expressed their approval of the ban on social media, with one individual even stating that they appreciate ABBA Voyage’s statement that cautions against white individuals wearing Afro wigs.
One fan wrote: “I kind of love that ABBA Voyage said that white people better not come in Afro wigs.”
On the other hand, the proprietor of Mad Hatters costume store, which rents out 1970s-inspired costumes to individuals attending the show, expressed disappointment about the ban.
Jennifer Barlow, 46, told the Mail on Sunday: “When I went to ABBA Voyage recently, I saw a lot of people in fancy dress. Nobody wants to upset anyone or be offensive.
“But when people dress up, they are doing it as a homage to the band and to the 1970s era. It’s a shame that we are now so frightened to offend people that we are taking life too seriously.”
Source: Read Full Article