SOS - The ABBA Experience has taken the music of Scandinavia's largest musical import to crowds across Canada and into the United States. Kevin Wright and the band have crafted an entertaining tribute to Abba that brings back memories of the original songs that blasted the radio waves and dominated music charts almost forty years. Since 2016 with stunning costumes, powerful vocals, and exceptional musicianship, SOS – The ABBA Experience continues to bring the iconic music of ABBA to life like never before. From “Dancing Queen” to “Mamma Mia” and everything in between, these musicians have come together to create one of the most authentic and entertaining ABBA shows on the market today. Q10 caught up with Kevin after another memorable night at the Regent Theatre in Picton.
1. What is the most rewarding part about being in a band, and the most challenging?
KEVIN: Without a doubt, the most rewarding part is the audience reaction to our show. ABBA’s music is already so beloved, but what makes it truly special for us is how openly people embrace the experience. They're not just sitting back—they’re singing, dancing, and becoming part of the show. That kind of energy is infectious, and when we feel that connection, it reminds us why we do what we do. I’m lucky to share the stage with nine incredibly talented musicians—each one in high demand in their own right. The biggest challenge is pulling together our show calendar. Coordinating that many schedules for 30-plus performances a year isn’t easy. But somehow, we always make it work. Coordinating that many schedules for 30-plus performances a year isn’t easy. But somehow, we always make it work.
2. What was the inspiration for launching SOS – The Abba Experience?
KEVIN: It actually started at a dinner party back in 2016. I started playing ABBA’s greatest hits in the background, and before long, people of all ages were singing along. The older guests knew every word, of course—but what surprised me was how the younger ones did too. That’s when it hit me: this music really cuts across generations. I realized, this could be a show that brings everyone together. So I set out to put together a band that could do it justice—one that could recreate the sound, but also the energy and fun that makes ABBA so unforgettable. That is how SOS was born.
3. In what ways do you think SOS sets you apart or makes you different from other Abba tribute bands?
KEVIN: That’s a great question. I think two things really set SOS apart. First, we’re deeply committed to recreating the authentic ABBA sound. From the vocal arrangements to the instrumentation, we aim to capture the spirit and precision of the original recordings—and that includes having singers whose voices closely match the two original singers. Second, we don’t just perform to an audience—we perform with them. That’s why we call it The ABBA Experience. It’s not just a concert; it’s a shared celebration. Whether you're singing along, dancing in the aisles, or simply soaking in the energy, you're part of the show.
4. Is there a city or venue that is particularly memorable for you to perform and what makes it so special?
KEVIN: We love taking this show on the road—every city and venue brings its own energy, and that makes each performance feel one-of-a-kind. It’s part of why we encourage people to capture and share photos and videos online—every show becomes a shared memory, not just for the audience, but for us too. What really stays with us, though, are the moments after the show: meeting people in the lobby or reading their reactions online. When someone tells us the show brought them joy or reminded them of a special time in their life—that’s the most rewarding part. It’s a reminder that music doesn’t just entertain—it can connect, uplift, and create powerful memories.
5. If you or any member of your band developed a state of stage anxiety, what would you do to get show ready?
KEVIN: Most of the members of SOS have spent years—some even decades—on stage, so nerves aren’t something we see often. That said, the key to staying grounded is the bond we share. We’ve spent so much time together that we feel more like a family than just a band. Some of our favourite moments happen offstage—sitting around before the show, chatting, laughing, and sharing stories. That sense of camaraderie creates a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. It’s hard to feel anxious when you’re surrounded by people who lift you up. That connection sets the tone for everything we do on stage.
6. When the show is over, what do you want an audience member to remember from your show?
KEVIN: Everyone walks away with their own special moments. But something we hear time and time again is how much fun the band looks like we’re having on stage. And it’s true—we are having fun! That energy is real, and we hope it’s contagious. There’s a kind of feedback loop between us and the audience: the more they respond, the more we give back, and it builds into something electric. When people leave smiling, laughing, and talking about the show, we know we’ve made a connection—and that’s the memory we hope they carry with them.
7. Everyone knows that ABBA is an international success story, is there a particular song in their music catalogue you like to perform and why?
KEVIN: ABBA’s catalogue is filled with unforgettable gems—each one crafted with precision, heart, and a surprising level of musical sophistication. Every musician who’s joined SOS has commented on how deceptively intricate ABBA’s arrangements truly are. The real magic, though, lies in their vocal harmonies—soaring, interwoven, and emotionally rich.
One song that captures this beauty like no other is Eagle. Though it may be lesser known, it’s a favourite of the band. There's something transcendental about performing it—its sweeping melodies and layered vocals evoke the sensation of flight. You can almost feel yourself lifting off the ground, gliding through open skies. It’s a haunting, ethereal journey both musically and emotionally. Eagle reminds us of the power of music to transport—to elevate us beyond the everyday and into something timeless.
8. Has social media made it harder or easier to be more successful as a touring show?
KEVIN; Social media is definitely our friend. We actively encourage fans to share their experiences online—photos, videos, comments—because it gives others an authentic, unfiltered sense of what the show is like. It allows us to reach people who want to be at our shows. It helps us connect directly with audiences—before, during, and after a performance. There’s something powerful about word-of-mouth in the digital age. When people see live, authentic moments captured online—an audience singing, dancing, and fully immersed in the show—it gives them a better sense of what to expect.
9. What’s the most embarrassing moment that you’ve experienced on stage with SOS that left the audience laughing out loud?
KEVIN: Oh, this one still makes me cringe. I was introducing the band to the crowd, and when I got to one of my bandmates, I completely blanked on her name—total mental freeze. The pause stretched just long enough to be uncomfortable, and someone finally had to shout it out before it clicked. I felt horrible, but thankfully she took it with a smile and a good laugh. Needless to say, I’ve never forgotten her name since!
10. How do you deal with criticism or negative reviews?
KEVIN: Fortunately, most of the feedback we receive is overwhelmingly positive, which means a lot to us. But we also genuinely value constructive criticism—it’s how we learn and grow. We’re always asking ourselves, What can we do to improve the audience experience? Whether it’s a small adjustment or a big idea, we take that feedback seriously. At the end of the day, we’re not just performing—we’re building a show that connects with people. And that’s a process that never really stops evolving.
1. What is the most rewarding part about being in a band, and the most challenging?
KEVIN: Without a doubt, the most rewarding part is the audience reaction to our show. ABBA’s music is already so beloved, but what makes it truly special for us is how openly people embrace the experience. They're not just sitting back—they’re singing, dancing, and becoming part of the show. That kind of energy is infectious, and when we feel that connection, it reminds us why we do what we do. I’m lucky to share the stage with nine incredibly talented musicians—each one in high demand in their own right. The biggest challenge is pulling together our show calendar. Coordinating that many schedules for 30-plus performances a year isn’t easy. But somehow, we always make it work. Coordinating that many schedules for 30-plus performances a year isn’t easy. But somehow, we always make it work.
2. What was the inspiration for launching SOS – The Abba Experience?
KEVIN: It actually started at a dinner party back in 2016. I started playing ABBA’s greatest hits in the background, and before long, people of all ages were singing along. The older guests knew every word, of course—but what surprised me was how the younger ones did too. That’s when it hit me: this music really cuts across generations. I realized, this could be a show that brings everyone together. So I set out to put together a band that could do it justice—one that could recreate the sound, but also the energy and fun that makes ABBA so unforgettable. That is how SOS was born.
3. In what ways do you think SOS sets you apart or makes you different from other Abba tribute bands?
KEVIN: That’s a great question. I think two things really set SOS apart. First, we’re deeply committed to recreating the authentic ABBA sound. From the vocal arrangements to the instrumentation, we aim to capture the spirit and precision of the original recordings—and that includes having singers whose voices closely match the two original singers. Second, we don’t just perform to an audience—we perform with them. That’s why we call it The ABBA Experience. It’s not just a concert; it’s a shared celebration. Whether you're singing along, dancing in the aisles, or simply soaking in the energy, you're part of the show.
4. Is there a city or venue that is particularly memorable for you to perform and what makes it so special?
KEVIN: We love taking this show on the road—every city and venue brings its own energy, and that makes each performance feel one-of-a-kind. It’s part of why we encourage people to capture and share photos and videos online—every show becomes a shared memory, not just for the audience, but for us too. What really stays with us, though, are the moments after the show: meeting people in the lobby or reading their reactions online. When someone tells us the show brought them joy or reminded them of a special time in their life—that’s the most rewarding part. It’s a reminder that music doesn’t just entertain—it can connect, uplift, and create powerful memories.
5. If you or any member of your band developed a state of stage anxiety, what would you do to get show ready?
KEVIN: Most of the members of SOS have spent years—some even decades—on stage, so nerves aren’t something we see often. That said, the key to staying grounded is the bond we share. We’ve spent so much time together that we feel more like a family than just a band. Some of our favourite moments happen offstage—sitting around before the show, chatting, laughing, and sharing stories. That sense of camaraderie creates a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. It’s hard to feel anxious when you’re surrounded by people who lift you up. That connection sets the tone for everything we do on stage.
6. When the show is over, what do you want an audience member to remember from your show?
KEVIN: Everyone walks away with their own special moments. But something we hear time and time again is how much fun the band looks like we’re having on stage. And it’s true—we are having fun! That energy is real, and we hope it’s contagious. There’s a kind of feedback loop between us and the audience: the more they respond, the more we give back, and it builds into something electric. When people leave smiling, laughing, and talking about the show, we know we’ve made a connection—and that’s the memory we hope they carry with them.
7. Everyone knows that ABBA is an international success story, is there a particular song in their music catalogue you like to perform and why?
KEVIN: ABBA’s catalogue is filled with unforgettable gems—each one crafted with precision, heart, and a surprising level of musical sophistication. Every musician who’s joined SOS has commented on how deceptively intricate ABBA’s arrangements truly are. The real magic, though, lies in their vocal harmonies—soaring, interwoven, and emotionally rich.
One song that captures this beauty like no other is Eagle. Though it may be lesser known, it’s a favourite of the band. There's something transcendental about performing it—its sweeping melodies and layered vocals evoke the sensation of flight. You can almost feel yourself lifting off the ground, gliding through open skies. It’s a haunting, ethereal journey both musically and emotionally. Eagle reminds us of the power of music to transport—to elevate us beyond the everyday and into something timeless.
8. Has social media made it harder or easier to be more successful as a touring show?
KEVIN; Social media is definitely our friend. We actively encourage fans to share their experiences online—photos, videos, comments—because it gives others an authentic, unfiltered sense of what the show is like. It allows us to reach people who want to be at our shows. It helps us connect directly with audiences—before, during, and after a performance. There’s something powerful about word-of-mouth in the digital age. When people see live, authentic moments captured online—an audience singing, dancing, and fully immersed in the show—it gives them a better sense of what to expect.
9. What’s the most embarrassing moment that you’ve experienced on stage with SOS that left the audience laughing out loud?
KEVIN: Oh, this one still makes me cringe. I was introducing the band to the crowd, and when I got to one of my bandmates, I completely blanked on her name—total mental freeze. The pause stretched just long enough to be uncomfortable, and someone finally had to shout it out before it clicked. I felt horrible, but thankfully she took it with a smile and a good laugh. Needless to say, I’ve never forgotten her name since!
10. How do you deal with criticism or negative reviews?
KEVIN: Fortunately, most of the feedback we receive is overwhelmingly positive, which means a lot to us. But we also genuinely value constructive criticism—it’s how we learn and grow. We’re always asking ourselves, What can we do to improve the audience experience? Whether it’s a small adjustment or a big idea, we take that feedback seriously. At the end of the day, we’re not just performing—we’re building a show that connects with people. And that’s a process that never really stops evolving.
Meet The Band
Christine Irons (Agnetha) – Lead vocals
Andrea Valois (Frida) – Lead vocals
Joel Sauve (Bjorn) – Lead vocals, guitar, mandolin, percussion
Kevin Wright – Keyboards, backing vocals
Kelly Latimer – Backing vocals
Jolane Simard – Backing vocals
Jim Irons – Drums
Chris Eveland – Guitar
John Wilberforce – Bass
Christopher Cennon - Keyboards
Andrea Valois (Frida) – Lead vocals
Joel Sauve (Bjorn) – Lead vocals, guitar, mandolin, percussion
Kevin Wright – Keyboards, backing vocals
Kelly Latimer – Backing vocals
Jolane Simard – Backing vocals
Jim Irons – Drums
Chris Eveland – Guitar
John Wilberforce – Bass
Christopher Cennon - Keyboards
Upcoming ShowsMay 10 - Innovation Square Theater - Rochester/New York
May 11 - Palace Theater - Syracuse/New York May 17 - The Spire - Kingston/Ontario May 24 - Centre Culturel Desjardins - Joliette/Quebec May 30 - Shea's Performing Arts - Buffalo/New York June 14 - Le Zenith - St. Eustache/Quebec June 21 - Brockville Arts Centre - Brockville/Ontario June 28 - Algonquin Commons Theatre - Ottawa/Ontario July 19 - Happy Green Acres - Mallorytown/Ontario |
SOS - The Abba Experience On Stage |
