Loreen’s success at this 12 months’s Eurovision Track Contest might have introduced Sweden its seventh victory within the competitors, and ensured that the nation hosts subsequent 12 months’s occasion. However that homecoming is not going to function ABBA, regardless of the 2024 present marking the fiftieth anniversary of the group’s breakthrough win with “Waterloo.”
Store the most effective of ABBA’s discography on vinyl and extra.
In a brand new interview for the BBC’s Newsnight program, ABBA members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus say that the group wouldn’t seem at Eurovision subsequent 12 months even when requested, both to carry out or just to seem.
“I don’t need to,” says Andersson firmly. “And if I don’t need to, the others gained’t. It’s the identical for all 4 of us. Somebody says no, it’s a no.” Added Ulvaeus: “We will have a good time 50 years of ABBA with out us being on stage.”
The pair additionally spoke concerning the success of the groundbreaking reside present Voyage, that includes avatars of the group as their youthful selves, saying that it was “surpassing each expectation.” Famous Andersson: “We achieved greater than we might ever hope for…seeing this occurring after 4 or 5 years of labor…and realising that the viewers really linked to what was on stage.”
Famous Ulvaeus: “That emotional connection was the necessary factor for us. We by no means knew till we began whether or not that might work. Their mind is telling them that we’re not there – however emotionally they’re linked, which is a incredible factor.”
He expressed the hope that the present would be capable of go to Australia, one of many first worldwide markets to embrace ABBA and their music. “It could really feel good to return there and say thank-you to Australians for supporting us from day one,” he stated.
Reflecting on the pair’s 57-year friendship and dealing relationship, Ulvaeus stated: “As a result of we by no means stood nonetheless none of us has stagnated, which so typically occurs in songwriting duos. We’ve had totally different opinions, many, many,” and Andersson mused: “Nevertheless it doesn’t matter, as a result of what we’ve achieved collectively, retains us collectively.”
Purchase or stream ABBA’s Voyage album.