Abba

Abba

Biography

ABBA (formed 1972)
ABBA was a Swedish pop band made up of Agnetha Fältskog, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.

Formation: ABBA first began when Benny Andersson of The Hep Stars and Björn Ulvaeus of The Hootenanny Singers collaborated on an album in 1970. Ulvaeus then married singer Agnetha Faltskog who also collaborated with the pair, and the line-up was completed when Anni-Frid 'Frida' Lyngstad met Andersson at Melodifestivalen and they began dating. The name ABBA is an acronym of the band members' first names (Agnetha, Benny, Bjorn and Anni-Frid). Before they were officially formed, they played their first live performance on holiday in Cyprus in front of some United Nations soldiers. There first hit was 'Hej, gamle man' though it was credited only to Björn & Benny.

Musical career: ABBA released their debut album 'Ring Ring' in 1973 and it reached number 2 in the Swedish charts - the only album not to reach number one. They attempted to enter Melodifestivalen with the title single, but failed to qualify. The following year, they won the Eurovision Song Contest with their single 'Waterloo' which became a UK number one chart hit. Their follow-up single 'Honey Honey' was not as successful, and neither was their subsequent European tour during which some dates had to be cancelled due to lack of demand. They were, however, warmly welcomed in Scandinavia. In 1975, their self-titled album and single 'SOS' brought them more UK recognition with the album reaching number 13 and the single reaching number 6. Their later single, 'Mamma Mia', reached number one. They gained popularity in Australia when the videos for 'I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do' and 'Mamma Mia' were played on the music show 'Countdown'. In 1976, they reached number 1 in the UK charts with their first compilation album 'Greatest Hits'. On it was a new single, 'Fernando', which topped the charts in 13 countries, sold 10 million copies and tied with The Beatles' 'Hey Jude' for longest-running number one in Australia. That year they released their fourth album 'Arrival' - another number one which garnered much attention from rock based publications. It produced the hits 'Money, Money, Money', 'Knowing Me, Knowing You' and 'Dancing Queen which became their biggest selling single topping the charts across the world. In 1977, they were nominated for a BRIT Award for 'Best International Album of the Year'. In 1977, they embarked on a major Europe and Australia tour which attracted much media attention and for which the box office received 3.5 million ticket requests for their Royal Albert Hall gig which would've been enough people to fill the venue 580 times. They played a gig at Sydney Showground in spite of a downpour of rain which caused Lyngstad to slip on stage. Later that year, the film 'ABBA: The Movie' was released directed by Lasse Hallstrom. They also released their fifth album 'ABBA: The Album'; another UK number one which included the hits 'The Name of the Game' and 'Take a Chance on Me'. In 1978, they converted a movie theatre into Polar Music Studio and performed with Andy Gibb on Olivia Newton-John's TV show in America. The following year, they performed 'Chiquitita' at the Music for UNICEF Concert and subsequently donated the single's copyright to the charity. That year, Ulvaeus and Fältskog announced their divorce but they insisted that it wouldn't affect the group. The released the album 'Voulez-Vous' which included the songs 'Does Your Mother Know' and 'Angeleyes'. They also released 'Greatest Hits Vol. 2' debuting new single 'Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) ahead of their North American and Europe tour. In 1980, they released the single 'The Winner Takes It All' which was speculated to be about Ulvaeus and Fältskog's divorce, though Ulvaeus has strongly denied this. Their final UK chart-topping single was the title track from their seventh album 'Super Trouper'. In 1981, Ulvaeus married Lena Källersjö while Andersson and Lyngstad announced their divorced, after which Andersson married Mona Nörklit. The band also released their final album 'The Visitors' which was not as commercial successful as their previous works. They never officially split up, but they made their last performance together on 'The Late, Late Breakfast Show' in 1982. ABBA have been revived in several movies including 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' and 'Muriel's Wedding' in 1994 and the 2008 box office musical hit 'Mamma Mia!' In 2010, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.



Biography by Contactmusic.com

Upcoming Releases: Our Favourite Five New Albums Due Out In November 2021


Elbow Abba Damon Albarn Courtney Barnett Adele

As the days get progressively colder and shorter, and world leaders try to attempt to agree on a way to arrest the rise in global temperatures, November ushers in celebrations of light, gunpowder and treason. As well as Diwali and Guy Fawkes night, November also sees people observing The Day Of The Dead, All Saints Day, Remembrance Sunday and Thanksgiving. Whilst some may be excited that November is also the month to mark World Television Day, or even Dr Who Day, some of you may be eagerly awaiting Taylor's Version of Red or even Gary Barlow's first festive album - The Dream Of Christmas. Other 'notable' releases this month include Hanson's new album - Against The World, Westlife's Wild Dreams and Sting's The Bridge. As good as they be, they weren't hot enough to make the cut! Let's see who fired up our imagination and lit the blue touch paper. 

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Elbow - Flying Dream 1.

Continue reading: Upcoming Releases: Our Favourite Five New Albums Due Out In November 2021

Is ABBA... Cool? The Group’s Most Unexpected Fans Confess Their Devotion


Abba Dave Grohl Manic Street Preachers Kurt Cobain Corey Taylor

Sweden’s most iconic export Abba are set to drop their first album in 40 years, Voyage, in November, alongside an exciting six-month residency in London for a series of digital concerts. It’s safe to say there has been a frenzy of anticipation from fans. 

ABBA, 1974 / Photo credit: PA Archive/PA ImagesABBA, 1974 / Photo credit: PA Archive/PA Images

Since the Europop group reunited, all kinds of unexpected people have come out of the woodwork to express their admiration for what some might call a rather cheesy pop group. As it turns out, a lot of cool artists are massively into them.

Continue reading: Is ABBA... Cool? The Group’s Most Unexpected Fans Confess Their Devotion

September 2021 Favourites: A Stunning Array Of More Than 60 Artists Feature In Our Pick Of The Top 5 New Releases From September


Elton John Metallica Abba Public Service Broadcasting Weezer Miley Cyrus St. Vincent

In a month that saw 18 year old qualifier Emma Raducanu win the coveted U.S Women's Open Tennis Championship without even dropping a set, Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United and got off to a flying start as he netted five precious goals. Boris Johnson and his cabinet dropped the ball altogether over Afghanistan, failed to predict fuel shortages at forecourts and did little to allay fears that everything would be fine by Christmas as he desperately reshuffled his cabinet. As he continued his long running spat with Kanye West, Drake released his sixth studio album, Certified Lover Boy and Lana Del Rey quite all social media platforms citing other "jobs", "privacy and transparency". Global Citizen put on a spectacular 24 hour show - 'A Recovery Plan for the World', with the aim of ending CoVID19, curbing the hunger crisis, resumption of learning for everyone, advancing equity for all and protecting the planet. Amongst those who performed on the five world stages was Sir Elton, who, as it happens, appears in two of the five releases we have selected for September.   

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Lil Nas X - Montero

Continue reading: September 2021 Favourites: A Stunning Array Of More Than 60 Artists Feature In Our Pick Of The Top 5 New Releases From September

7 Times Politicians Tried To Use Pop Songs Without Permission


Donald Trump Bruce Springsteen Queen Abba Johnny Marr REM Calvin Harris James

After Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler had to write a second cease-and-desist letter to Donald Trump asking him to stop playing their songs during his rallies this week – having already called him out for doing the same with ‘Dream On’ three years ago – we thought we’d compile some other famous moments when politicians got scolded by musicians for using their songs without permission.

Almost inevitably, such clashes come up when songs are used by right-wing or conservative parties and candidates. Musicians are a fairly liberal bunch, understandably, and they don’t want their messages and sentiments getting confused with those counter to their own beliefs and ideologies.

So, here’s seven other famous moments when politicians tried to get some credibility off pop stars.

Continue reading: 7 Times Politicians Tried To Use Pop Songs Without Permission

Cheese Vs. Charm: What The Critics Are Saying About 'Mamma Mia 2'


Abba Amanda Seyfried Cher

When jukebox musical 'Mamma Mia!' first hit theaters in 2008, of course it was going to divide opinion. News of 'Mamma Mia 2', then, had haters assuming the worst, but in actual fact the film seems to have endeared a great many sceptics this time round.

The cast of 'Mamma Mia 2'The cast of 'Mamma Mia 2'

Combining one of the greatest pop acts of all time with a cheesy story of romance, comedy and family values, 'Mamma Mia!' was certainly not for everyone. Given it's light-hearted fun and endless stream of the greatest hits from ABBA, it unsurprisingly won numerous awards, and it looks like the same destiny could lie before 'Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again'.

Continue reading: Cheese Vs. Charm: What The Critics Are Saying About 'Mamma Mia 2'

Abba Announce First New Songs In 35 Years


Abba

Reformations and reunions are very in fashion at the moment, but perhaps the most unlikely and highest-profile has happened, with Abba announcing that they’ve recorded their first new music together in over 35 years.

The legendary Swedish quartet, comprised of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, broke up in 1982, shortly after the release of their eight album The Visitors. Together, they notched a total of nine UK chart-toppers in their career, but their split was one of the most acrimonious in pop history.

However, the four have been known to have gotten back in contact in recent years on a number of different projects acknowledging the band’s legacy. Today, though, represents something else entirely, with Abba announcing that they have recorded two new songs together.

Continue reading: Abba Announce First New Songs In 35 Years

Bjorn Ulvaeus 'proud' Of Abba Work


Abba BJORN ULVAEUS Agnetha Faltskog BENNY ANDERSSON

Abba star BJORN ULVAEUS has admitted he is ''proud'' of what his younger self achieved in the band.

The 'Waterloo' hitmaker is honoured to have been in the band, which split 35 years ago, and he has credited his time in the group for getting him to where he is today.

Speaking to The Guardian newspaper, Ulvaeus said: ''He seemed to be that] other guy, from way back when.

Continue reading: Bjorn Ulvaeus 'proud' Of Abba Work

Abba Anni-frid Lyngstad, Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaaus, Agnetha Faltskog Worldwide- 1970's Featuring: file abba reuniting 261016 When: 01 Jan 1970

Abba
Abba
Abba

BJORN ULVAEUS of Abba 'Mamma Mia' UK premiere - arrivals held at Odeon Leicester Square London, England - 30.06.08 Featuring: file abba reuniting 261016 Where: London, United Kingdom When: 30 Jun 2008

Bjorn Ulvaeus, Abba and Odeon Leicester Square

What Is This Mysterious 'Virtual Reality' Show ABBA Are Planning?


Abba

In probably one of the most vague reunion announcements in history, best-selling Swedish band Abba revealed that they are planning a live digital experience with the help of 'American Idol' creator Simon Fuller. However, we've no idea if this means they'll actually perform on stage together again.

AbbaWhat's ABBA's live experience all about?

ABBA and Simon Fuller will be partnering with Universal Music Group for an innovative new 'virtual' show, more than 30 years since their last gig as a band - not including their impromptu performance of 'The Way Old Friends Do' which took place at a 50th anniversary private party in June this year.

Continue reading: What Is This Mysterious 'Virtual Reality' Show ABBA Are Planning?

Abba Teaming Up With Simon Fuller For New Digital Entertainment Project


Abba

All four members of Abba are set to reunite for the purposes of a new digital entertainment project, more details of which will be revealed in 2017.

The Swedish pop legends have not officially performed together on the same stage in three decades, although they did all appear at a 50th anniversary private gala event for the band in Stockholm, back in June this year.

This mysterious new project will apparently involve artificial intelligence and virtual reality, and is being developed in conjunction with pop music manager Simon Fuller. It’s described as a “groundbreaking venture that will utilise the very latest in digital and virtual reality technology… which will enable a new generation of fans to see, hear, and feel Abba in a way previously unimagined.”

Continue reading: Abba Teaming Up With Simon Fuller For New Digital Entertainment Project

Coldplay's 'Ghost Stories' And The Five Best Breakup Albums Of All Time


Coldplay Abba Adele Bon Iver Alanis Morissette Amy Winehouse

Coldplay’s new album Ghost Stories has been released, to quite a mixed bag of reviews. When just three weeks after the album’s track listing had been announced Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow announced their “conscious uncoupling” we all had a pretty good idea what the tone of the album would be like. With tracks like “Another’s Arms,” “Always in my Head” and “Magic,” it became pretty self-explanatory that "Ghost Stories" was going to be a breakup album.

Coldplay Breakup Albums "Ghost Stories" focuses on the marriage breakup between Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow

Perhaps he was inspired to call the album “Ghost Stories” as some of these breakup albums have been the some of the most hauntingly heartbreaking albums ever released.

Continue reading: Coldplay's 'Ghost Stories' And The Five Best Breakup Albums Of All Time

Abba Sunday 13th May 2012 perform live at the New York New York Hotel & Casino

Abba

Abba - Benny Andersson of Abba Monday 30th June 2008 at Odeon Leicester Square London, England

Abba
Abba

Abba

Band form

1972

Band disban

1983




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