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You might call it a case of "Thank you for the music – but now please change your name". Abba tribute acts, who have kept the memory of Sweden's most famous export alive since the band played their last concert more than 25 years ago, have been told by band's record company they can no longer use the group's name.Lawyers for Universal Music in Sweden sent out legal notices to more than 15 acts telling them to stop trading off the name "Abba" as it was an infringement of the band's intellectual property rights. Well-established acts, including Abba Queens, Abba Mania and Swede Dreamz Abba Tribute have all been ordered to change their names immediately.Tribute musicians say that if they comply with the request, they may have to hang up their sequins and disco shoes forever because they will lose the reputation they have worked hard to build up.At the last count there were more than 40 Abba tribute bands in the UK, helping fuel a revival of interest in the group's music which has seen the launch of the musical Mamma Mia and the subsequent hit Hollywood film.Anneli Stockwell, a singer in the band Abba Queens, said: "We've been established for four years with the band name, working our way up from playing in pubs to theatres."If we have to change the name we'll lose all that business and reputation. We've also spent a lot of money on backdrops and publicity already."However, a spokesperson for Universal Music told The Stage: "We've had complaints from all over the world where fans feel they've been misled and we feel it's our duty to protect the Abba brand from misuse."
Ohh thats a little harsh Mick,when you think the tribute bands dont do any harm, they dont kill people, they are a form of entertainment to thousands of people that would otherwise be bored, including hen parties/ladies nights etc.
