Five Minutes Saloon

Filmed 21 October 1970  

Location

Malmö, Sweden

Broadcast/ archive info

13 December 1970 (9.30-9.35pm), SVT1 - and more recently in 2003 on the Swedish TV programme "Digiloo".
Released This clip was included on the DVD "ABBA Super Troupers" released in 2004
Notes
Still billed as "Festfolket", this was the future ABBA's first TV appearance together, produced by Kåge Glimtell.

The two couples enter the studio saloon by pushing through the saloon swing-doors after a western-style introduction by Jan "Tollarparen" Eriksson on the piano (the man with the cigar) - and his orchestra. Then they perform "California, Here I Come". The clip lasts not much longer than a minute and they are singing live in English.  You can especially hear Benny's voice during the harmonies.

Then Gunnar Siljabloo Nilsson, a well-known Swedish jazz-singer in the 60s, enters singing Red Roses for a Blue Lady surrounded by Agnetha, Benny, Björn and Anni-Frid who join in the chorus. Then they do a little acting - Agnetha and Frida become 'enchanted' by Gunnar's beauty and when Björn taps on Agnetha's shoulder, he gets an elbow in return!  Agnetha then pretends to be shy by putting one of her bunches (hair) in her mouth!  This has not been broadcast since the original broadcast date.

    California, Here I Come

 

Duration Around 4¼  minutes in total
Watch Out For Agnetha - her performance is fun, carefree, enthusiastic and unreserved - especially the final couple of notes.
Also when she puts her hair in her mouth!
Transcript
Lyrics Click on song title for lyrics: California Here I Come; Red Roses For A Blue Lady
Pictures Click on image for a larger view:

Related Links  
Credits Thanks to Philippe Dupont, Jozsef, Robin Andersson and ABBF Fan Club Magazine No. 83
YouTube link c/o