My dad taught Abba to play snooker, says comic Rob Deering

It sounds like the sort of outlandish claim you might find on Would I Lie To You…

But back in the 1970s, Rob Deering’s dad Barney taught Abba how to play snooker.

The comedian told us: ‘Apparently he was on business at a posh hotel, and they were staying too. I assumed for years this was before they were huge, but it wasn’t, it was at the very height of their fame; they arrived at the hotel by blimmin’ helicopter - just like on the cover of Arrival. 

‘Plus it was in Glasgow, where they were playing, so potentially within a day or two of them writing Super Trouper: "I was sick and tired of everything / when I called you last night from Glasgow".

‘Dad and his mate were playing snooker and Abba, who were in this high-end hotel bar too, didn’t understand the rules. Dad explained, they all had a go, and they all had a laugh and a drink together for the rest of the evening - well, Dad and ABB – Benny, Björn and Anni-Frid – Agnetha went to bed.’

Deering admits the story might not sound true, but insists his dad wasn’t one for boasting.

He said: ‘I think my Dad would have been good value and held his own with the superstars. He was a good-looking, laconic guy, always funny and never flustered. 

‘He didn’t dine out on this, even at the time; I can only remember talking to him about it twice – once around the time it happened, and once when, as a grown-up, I went back and grilled him for details. 

‘He died last year, so it’s nice to remember this - just one of many, excellent Barney adventures.’

Rob,above, is hoping to expound on the Deering family link to the biggest ever Eurovision stars when he represents Sweden in the Isolation Song Contest this weekend.

In it, 14 comics and celebrities were given a week to compose an anthem worthy of the contest, which will go head-to-head in a virtual final on Saturday night.

Devised by comic Tom Taylor, others taking part include Mel Giedroyc, Nick Helm, Tim Vine and Josie Long.

The show is raising money for The Trussell Trust, Crisis and Refuge and will be live online from 8pm on Saturday. Watch and donate here.

Published: 29 Apr 2020