
The British English Podcast S5/E5 - My Mate Pretended to Be ABBA in Front of 3,000 People in Tahiti
Jan 12, 2026
In this hilarious chat, a man named Al shares his outlandish experience of performing as Björn from ABBA in Tahiti. Despite his stage fright and never singing before, he donned a wig and Swedish accent for the gig. The audience ranged from 1,000 to 3,500 fans, with emotional reactions that stunned him. Al reflects on the joy of performing alongside his girlfriend and the unexpected VIP treatment they received. The duo discusses how larger stages feel less intimidating, showcasing the wild ride of stepping far outside one's comfort zone.
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Unexpected Invitation To Be Bjorn
- Al was asked to join an ABBA tribute as Bjorn and initially hesitated because he'd never sung on stage.
- He accepted mainly because the gig was in Tahiti and it felt like an unmissable opportunity.
Character And Lights Cure Stage Nerves
- Bright stage lights and adopting a character helped Al switch off self-awareness and perform.
- Hiding behind the wig and character reduced nerves and made interaction easier.
Wig, Heels, And The Pre-Show Panic
- Al described the surreal ritual of putting on a blonde wig and golden heels minutes before going on stage.
- He felt like
