No Plans for Stage Appearance as Group Reflects on Legacy
Abba members Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson have ruled out a reunion for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden, which will mark the 50th anniversary of their iconic win with “Waterloo” in 1974. The legendary Swedish group, also featuring Agnetha Faltskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, has sold over 400 million albums and singles, making them one of the best-selling music acts in history.
In a recent interview on BBC Newsnight, Andersson stated, “There is no way” the group will perform together during Eurovision, emphasizing that the decision is unanimous among the members. “If I don’t want to, the others won’t,” he added. Ulvaeus echoed this sentiment, asserting that the group can celebrate their milestone without taking the stage.
The Eurovision competition, which was recently won by Swedish singer Loreen with her song “Tattoo,” will be a significant event in 2024, especially for Abba fans. Despite the group’s absence, they are open to celebrating their legacy in other ways.
Andersson expressed interest in expanding their current show, Abba Voyage, which features “Abba-tar” versions of the band members in a specially designed 3,000-seat arena in London. He mentioned a desire to take the show to Australia as a way to thank fans for their long-standing support.
Abba Voyage was announced alongside their first album in 39 years, which reached number one in the UK charts. The group also reflected on the enduring success of the musical Mamma Mia!, which has spawned a hit film franchise, expressing that the interest in continuing the story remains strong.
Despite the lack of a reunion, both Ulvaeus and Andersson are focused on celebrating Abba’s remarkable journey and the impact they have had on music and culture over the decades.
