How the quartet is celebrating its 50th anniversary

Since the 1970s, the band's work "ABBA." loved by millions of people around the world. But after a while. 12 years The band broke up and practically did not release any songs together. All the members were famous и securedwhich is why they have unmotivated to pursue their creative endeavours. In addition, there were often conflicts. The last time they performed together was in 2016 in Stockholm.
However, the quartet did have a new album out in 2021 "Voyage.".

History of the quartet

It all started with a meeting Bjorn Ulvaeus и Benny Anderson in the '60s. At that time Ulvaeus was the lead singer in the band "Hootenanny Singers"Andersson was the keyboardist of the band, which occasionally performed at social gatherings and gave concerts in various European cities. Andersson was a keyboardist in the band "Hep Stars."whose work was based on cover recording to well-known hits. Thanks to their common interests, the young people became friends.

Later in the concert. Ulvaeus got to know Agneta Feltskog. They had a stormy noveland they were married in 1971. Felstskog she was also partial to music: she was she wrote и sang songs, performed at various events. At the same time, another couple emerged at the same time: Andersson и Lyngstad. Frida was by then accomplished performersince she's been on stage 11 years old.

In the late '60s, Bjorn and Benny set up a groupThey came up with a name for it by combining their names. Moreover, the young people created a musical accompaniment to the film and even wrote songwhich, alas, did not become popular. Later the performers released their first album "Lycka.". The songs were written in Swedish language, Bjorn and Benny soloedand their girlfriends were singing along backing vocals. Then they had their first listeners, and the musicians realised that the combination male and female votes "to the public. The group expanded and became known as "Björn & Benny, Agnetha & Anni-Frid.".

Takeoff of the group was swiftIn 1974, the group participated in the "Eurovision.. On it, they performed a hit song "Waterloo."and they won the contest. That's when their songs started to gain popularity and were on the music lists charts. The musicians realised that their name was too long and shortened it. It became "ABBA.".

Afterwards. first tour across Europe, the quartet has begun work on a third album "ABBA.". That's when they released the single "SOS."which became widely known not only at home, but also abroad: it was recognised as the most the broadcast song 1974 in America. They recorded the following album "Arrival."which clearly shows progress of the collective: text quality и arrangements was far superior to previous releases. The record included immortal hits: "Dancing Queen." (became the group's calling card), "Money, Money, Money, Money.", "Knowing Me", "Knowing You".

It's also changed performance quality: the band turned simple concerts into shows, mini-operta. But the band's main focus was not so much on performing as on filming clips и participations on television programmes. Having travelled to Australia, "ABBA." withdrawn documentary film about his art, which has been seen by over 50 million a man.

Peak of popularity fell on late '70s и early 80s. The group started doing charity: she released a track "Chiquitita."She performed at the concert and donated all the proceeds to the funds.

The musicians have become successfulbut unhappy: at first broke up Bjorn and Agneta, then Benny and Frida. In show business. changed musical landmarksthe genre began to spread synth-popwhere the Swedish group didn't want to work. Everyone started to develop solo career.

In 2021, the band released new singles for the first time in a long time "I Still Have Faith In You" и "Don't Shut Me Down"and then a full-length album came out "Voyage.".

What the members of ABBA are doing now

Anni-Frid Lyngstad, 76. Frida, after her break-up with Benny Anderson and the break-up of ABBA, recorded her own solo album. The lead singer then moved to Switzerlandand in 1992, she played wedding with a German prince by Heinrich Ruzzobut then a series of misfortunes befell the woman. In 1998. died her daughterand a year later. husband. Now, the former ABBA member is doing . charity.

Agneta Feltskog, 71. Like Frida, Agnetha also took up after the break-up of the band. a solo career. The '90s were a difficult time for her: firstly. mother died, then. father. The singer is back marriedbut her happiness didn't last long - four years later the couple divorced. Feltskog now lives quietly in his home in Stockholm, where he babysits for the grandchildren.

Benny Andersson, 74. Benny became a musician producer и director after leaving ABBA. He continues write music for important evenings and films. Interesting fact: ringtone European Football Championship in 1992 was his doing.

Bjorn Ulvaeus, 76. At the moment, Ulvaeus continues to be one of the most influential musicians in his homeland, but now he's spending more time social activitiesrather than creative.