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Mamma Mia! Putin's a Dancing Queen

Putin's secret Abba tribute band concert

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 6, 2009 9:56 AM CST

(Newser) – Russia's Vladimir Putin may appear to have ice flowing through his veins, but beneath that arctic exterior is the pulsating heart of an ABBA fan. The Russian PM paid $30,000 to have Abba tribute group Bjorn Again secretly flown to Moscow for a private concert for himself and a handful of guests, the Times of London reports. He even got his groove on.

“He was dancing along in his seat to 'Super Trouper' and raised his hands in the air during 'Mamma Mia' when we asked the audience to," said Aileen McLaughlin, the band's faux Agnetha Fältskog. "It was the smallest audience we have ever performed to, but Mr. Putin was really enjoying it, shouting ‘bravo’ and clapping with the others.”

Russia's man after midnight, Abba devotee Vladimir Putin.
Russia's man after midnight, Abba devotee Vladimir Putin.   (AP Photo)
Bjorn Again, an Abba tribute band.
Bjorn Again, an Abba tribute band.   (Getty Images)
ABBA tribute group Bjorn Again on stage
ABBA tribute group Bjorn Again on stage   (Flickr)
The real thing. Swedish pop group ABBA, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Agnetha Faltskog, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.
The real thing. Swedish pop group ABBA, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Agnetha Faltskog, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.   (AP Photo, file)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Shannonals
Feb 7, 2009 1:12 AM CST
C'mon, everyone knows an ABBA song
Leners
Feb 5, 2009 11:39 PM CST
Communism has nothing to do with this article.
Guest
Feb 5, 2009 10:22 PM CST
Communism is a pretty popular theme here lately...

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