Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, members of ABBA, have rejected the idea of a reunion at the forthcoming Eurovision Song Contest in their home country, Sweden. The event also coincides with the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s victory at the contest with their song “Waterloo.”
In an interview with BBC Newsnight in the UK, the duo ruled out the possibility of performing alongside fellow band members Agnetha Faltskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad for the milestone event.
Loreen, a Swedish artist, secured victory at Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool, England, earlier this month, meaning the contest will be hosted by Sweden next year.
Andersson stated, “If I don’t want to do it, and I don’t, it won’t happen. That’s true for all four of us – if one person says ‘no,’ then it’s a ‘no.'”
Ulvaeus added, “We can commemorate 50 years of ABBA without any of us needing to be on stage.”
Formed in 1972, ABBA became a global sensation after their 1974 Eurovision win, with timeless hits such as “Dancing Queen” and “Fernando.” The band disbanded in the early 1980s and sold approximately 385 million records.
Last year, they launched a concert residency in London using digital avatars, reviving their 1970s image through advanced motion-capture technology.
Despite their refusal to reunite on stage, the influence and legacy of ABBA continue to resonate worldwide. As they celebrate their 50th anniversary since the Eurovision victory, fans can only reflect on the group’s countless hits and memories bestowed upon the global music scene. Even as the physical presence of the band members is missed on stage, their spirit continues to inspire and entertain through their enduring music and groundbreaking use of technology.
