It was an insider operation never intended for public eyes, or ears for that matter. On January 22, 2009, Vladimir Putin’s people flew in ABBA tribute band Björn Again from London, drove the bewildered musicians 200 miles north of Moscow, and detained them in military barracks until further notice. Only as the band took stage the next evening did reality sink in: Sitting on a sofa shrouded by lace curtain was none other than Russia’s Prime Minister and a lady companion (possibly his wife). What followed was a 15-song set of ABBA’s hits punctuated by Putin’s shouts of “Bravo!” Let the record show, this blogger would have killed (or spied for Nashi, or whatever) to be there.

Only six other guests joined Putin for the security-studded, very hush-hush private concert—even the band thought the whole thing was a prank until they found the small performance hall outfitted with brand spanking new stage equipment, bought specifically for the event. The show set the Kremlin back almost $30,000, but we’ll go ahead and assume it was well worth it, considering Putin reportedly raised his hands in the air with little prompting during “Mamma Mia,” sang along, and danced in his seat through “Super Trouper.”

And when it was all over, Putin capped the magical evening off with a fireworks display. Members of the band, on the other hand, were ushered back to their barracks directly from stage, and told not to go outside lest they be shot by snipers.

Putin had never before admitted to a penchant for the Swedish ’70s sensation. Perhaps he took a cue from recently outed ABBA fan, John McCain, who cites “Dancing Queen” as his favorite song. So it’s possible that, whereas McCain looked into Putin’s eyes and saw a K, a G and a B, Putin looked into McCain’s and saw a little piece of himself, taking a chance, so to speak.

UPDATE: Well, this trippy vision sure was nice while it lasted. Putin’s PR people now deny the PM was in attendance at any such concert. You know, this would all make for a really great ABBA song.

Vladimir Putin flies in Bjorn Again for Abba tribute concert[Times Of London]

Photo courtesy of www.daylife.com