Mania, The ABBA Tribute Preforms a Sold Out Show At Pabst Theater

Mania, The ABBA Tribute, had performed at The Pabst Theater last Sunday (1/4/24), and it was one of the most packed performances I've seen there. Starting their "USA Winter Tour 24/25," the band stopped in Milwaukee for their fourth show of the tour, with it going all the way till March 29th.

The energy in the theater was explosive as Mania brought all the hits of ABBA to life; multiple times I could feel the floor shake as they instructed the crowd to dance and sing along. What was most notable to me was the authenticity of the show. Although I did not see ABBA live (as I wasn't even alive during their final performance in 1981), Mania truly held a strong energy that was infectious to the crowd, making it feel as if you weren't at a tribute band at all.

The multiple changes into incredibly detailed costumes, choreography, and vocal performances were impressive, capturing the essence of ABBA's iconic sound and style. And it wasn't just people who were alive for ABBA's peak either; as the crowd began to stand for "Dancing Queen," young kids ran to the front, excitedly hoping to get closer to Mania, which was sweet to see. Although there definitely were a lot of youngsters, a large majority of the fans seemed to be middle-aged or older, but there was no dampening the crowd. I was seated next to a sweet lady who looked to be in her 60s, and she seemed just as, or even more, excited by the performance, which I thought was really special, everyone coming together no matter their age or background for some good nostalgic music.

Their setlist was filled with fan favorites, none of the songs seemingly unknown to the crowd. Although I wished they played "Slipping Through My Fingers," their performance and music were out of this world. Their setlist went as follows (courtesy of Set.fm):

Waterloo

Voulez-vous

Knowing Me, Knowing You

Mamma Mia

Ring Ring

Instrumental Jam

(Costume change)

Money, Money, Money

I've Been Waiting for You

(w/ Agnetha & Benny only)

Fernando

I Have a Dream

Take a Chance on Me

Intermission

(Costume change)

Lay All Your Love on Me

The Name of the Game

Chiquitita

The Winner Takes It All

SOS

Super Trouper

(plus band member introductions)

Does Your Mother Know

Give me! Give me! Give me! (A Man After Midnight)

(guitar solo)

Encore:

Dancing Queen

Mania, often known as the world's number one ABBA tribute, has been performing for audiences with their renditions of the Swedish pop group's classic hits since they formed in 1999, with their first performance less than a year later. The tribute continues to tour extensively across the globe, playing in theaters, concert halls, and festivals, earning a reputation for their high-energy and authentic shows. Fans have praised the band for keeping the spirit of the original band alive and allowing the new generations to experience the show. Even if you're not an ABBA fan (which, firstly, how can you not be?), you are sure to be after this show.

Mania will continue their Winter Tour, with shows nearly every day. Tour dates in addition to tickets can be found on their website HERE. Trust me, it's a show you can't miss out on.