“Parasitic” ABBA tribute band agree to stop using the ABBA name

ABBA have settled their lawsuit with “parasitic” tribute band ABBA MANIA with the UK group deciding to stop using the ABBA name.

The two groups have decided on a settlement according to Billboard. The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed. A filing made by ABBA’s attorneys of Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu PC revealed few details but one of ABBA’s attorneys unveiled that the tribute act will stop using the ABBA name.

The iconic group originally filed a lawsuit against ABBA MANIA for trademark infringement. In a suit filed on December 3rd, the Swedes claimed that ABBA MANIA were purposefully misleading fans into thinking they were endorsed by ABBA. The four-piece described the tribute act’s actions as “parasitic” and carried out in “bad faith.”

In the lawsuit, it remarked that ABBA gave ABBA MANIA the chance to change heir name but chose not to. The self-described “original tribute from London’s West End” and said their live show was a “highly polished and professional production.”

The group have not yet commented on the findings of the lawsuit. They are set to embark on a France arena tour in February and March and their name has remained unchanged on their social media.

ABBA fans were treated to Voyage, a brand new album from the legendary hit-makers in November. It became the fastest-selling vinyl album of the 20th century and earned the group their first ever Grammy nomination for Record of the Year.

It was the group’s first album in 40 years and Hot Press’ Lucy O’Toole put into context how long the pop juggernauts have been around in her review of their latest record:

“If you've forgotten how long it's been since ABBA last released an album, bear in mind that The Visitors, their previous LP, was one of the very first albums in history to be pressed as a CD. Now, 40 years and plenty of revolutions in the music industry later, the pop titans are back,” she wrote.

In her assessment of the album she wrote:

“From the opening, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson have included plenty of musical references to their own work, crafting a sound that embraces the comforting nostalgia fans – and ABBA Voyage spectators – are likely expecting. But as the sci-fi artwork suggests, there's also an effort to inject a space-age modernity into the music.”

ABBA are not only revelling in some tasteful nostalgia in their latest endeavour, they are also bringing the live experience into the new age. The group will perform in a revolutionary concert at a purpose-built arena in London for a digital showpiece in May.

Listen to Voyage below.