Always ABBA
She portrays Agentha in the Canadian ABBA tribute group – Always ABBA.
But that’s not all she’s done in her musical career. She performed in the musical production “Summer of Love’ as Janis Joplin. And she was a touring member of Big Top Radio portraying Joan Jett and Lita Ford.
She’s also performed in the Shania Twain tribute show – Always Shania.
And, she’s the lead singer for the Canadian Classic Rock band Toronto.
She- is Michelle Truman.
Q – Michelle, you’re the lead singer for Toronto. I interviewed Toronto years ago. Are you an original member of the band?
A – No. Do you remember who you interviewed?
Q – I do not.
A – The original lead singer everybody knows as ‘Holly’ or Ann. Her last name is Woods so I call her ‘Woodsy’. We’re just best friends. We talk every couple days. She’s wonderful. She’s in North or South Carolina. She was ready to retire and chose me. I was like I’ll keep your shoes warm but they’re always yours. The friendship is bigger than the job.
Q – Now, did you put Always ABBA together?
A – I did. I was the lead singer in a production of an ABBA show. We were very, very busy I would say for 6 years. I purchased a place for myself and that was great but there were rubbing personalities. I came to the conclusion that I’ve been in the Union since I was the age of 3. So, I have quite the pool of people to call, a lot of wonderful musician friends.
I thought we didn’t write this music. Everyone loved ABBA and then you see the demographics and you see 4 year olds singing along all the way up to 80 year olds. So, I thought it’s always wanted and gotta be happy in this industry. You have to have joy. You can’t be stressed out.
I said I’ll start my own co. I changed kind of the approach. So, I believe it was maybe 12, 13 years ago (2014, 2013) when I started Always ABBA. My preference is a little bit more Rock.
All of my friends are just great Heavy Rock players but they’re tasteful. They’re appropriate.
We started the show ‘live’. No tracks. We captured the essence of the songs. They’re still recognizable. The nostalgia is still there when they hear the songs. We have our own kind of personal touch on it and it works. The personalities shine through and it’s just so entertaining. The music is so good. The songs are written so well. It’s a little bit ABBA on octane but you’re still hearing it the way your memory is hearing it.
Q – Now see I would think it would be more interesting for you to portray Janis Joplin or Joan Jett or Lita Ford onstage.
A – I’ll tell you a secret. I can and have done everyone you’ve listed. My preference kind of like where my passion falls is Metal. Deep Purple. Judas Priest. Dio. Scorpions. I also do Shania. Never thought I would be doing but, it turns out Oh My God I really look like her! So, O.K. that happens and I do it and I enjoy it. If you’re not going to do it well and you’re not going to do it with integrity then don’t do it all.
Q – Do you like all the artists you portray onstage?
A – You know what? I was never someone who took to those female artists. I never did. Growing up I didn’t. Maybe I would know 2 songs of each which are just the over played obvious ‘hits’ you’d hear on the radio.
To answer your question, I kind of have to skip forward to the further on in and look back with hindsight. If you didn’t like it taking it on I really hope and pray in my case that I would have found a love for them while putting on that outfit, putting on their energy and their vibe.
Q – Because of the shows you’re involved in you can pretty much work all year ‘round can’t you? You’re never out of work.
A – I’m quite busy and I like that, yeah. It’s a little bit like a car battery, the busier I am the more energy I have. I love it!
Q – You are the Energizer Bunny.
A – I am. I really am. All my friends otherwise known as the ‘old guys’ call me the ‘Firecracker’. It’s not a facade. I’m just so full of life and fortunate and grateful. I have a great time doing it. I love it all.
Q – You were a child actor. Would that have been on stage, tv or film? And that was in Canada correct?
A – It was film and television and modeling as a child. I never hit the stage until I was maybe 14 and that was only because growing up in a small town I was never at school because I was always on set and I loved it. But, when I started high school I think I’m this seasoned actor at the age of 14. Your choice of course is keyboard, auto and I’m like I’m an actor so the only thing I could pinpoint that would be up my alley was theatre. O.K. well, I’m an actor. That became well, it’s musical so I thought I’m an actor. You have to sing to audition. I just opened my mouth and they all kind of sat back in their seats and went, ‘You’re a singer’. Really ( laughs)
I called my agent and said, ‘I’m a singer’ and that was kind of my segue into music.
But, it was all on set, film and television. I say the majority was in Canada but it was a lot of flying. Toronto was the place for commercial scenes. I think nowadays it might be Vancouver.
I was working in the States but I don’t recall too much. Maybe more for print ad (s).
Q – Where doers Always ABBA perform? Are you playing theatres, casinos, fairs, cruises? And you do have competition.
A – And you know what? There’s enough out there for all of us. Before Covid 70% of the shows would be in the States and it would be larger theatres or casinos. Some state fairs. Since Covid the majority of shows are still here in Canada. Regardless of the States or Canada it’s always if you’re going to work you’re going to the airport first.
Q – Your equipment is getting to the gig how?
A – The equipment will be in the Rider. I do the management side of things too so I make sure everyone’s tech requests are there. In terms of guitar, you can bring your guitar. It’s fine with me. Everything else will be supplied.
Q – Have you ever met anyone in the original ABBA?
A – Yes.
Q – Who have you met?
A – Well, the drummer from ABBA is actually now playing in my shows. His name is Roger Friend. I also have a wonderful drummer and he’s in Canada. Roger lives in California. Of course he’s got stuff going on too but my drummer in Canada, Brad Park is from the band Saga.
When ABBA originally started Roger Friend was the drum tech. When their drummer passed away Roger Friend became the full time drummer. He stepped into that seat and that was at their peak, the 4 nights that Wembley sold out. Just on fire. So, he’s playing in the show.
I met the two men – Ben and Bjorn years ago. They had an audition for ‘Mama Mia’. I sang for them. I don’t think it meant much at the time. ABBA wasn’t part of my life. It’s a huge part of my life now.
Q – Did you get that part after you auditioned?
A – I did. I know at that point I was pivoting and I was more Rock. That wasn’t the right fit for me. I’d been singing 10 years full-time, 8 shows a week forever, all over.
Q – Have you ever met Joan Jett or Lita Ford or Shania Twain?
A – Yup. I don’t think I met Lita. I used to live in Nashville for several years and my previous keyboard player plays for her. I know we’d be in the same building at the same time.
Q – You’ve probably met quite a few people along the way that I haven’t mentioned in this interview haven’t you?
A – It’s funny ‘cause you never share those stories. You never want to look like a name dropper.
©Gary James
Official Website: https://www.alwaysabba.net
