ABBA is a Swedish pop group formed in 1972, consisting of members Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. The group's name is an acronym of the first letters of their first names. They are one of the most commercially successful music groups of all time, with a lasting global impact on popular music.
April 1945: Björn Ulvaeus Born
Björn Ulvaeus, future member of ABBA and accomplished musician, is born in Gothenburg, Sweden. His birth set in motion a musical journey that would leave a lasting legacy on the world.
December 1946: Benny Andersson Born
Benny Andersson, future member of ABBA and renowned musician, is born in Stockholm, Sweden. This marked the beginning of a life that would shape the landscape of popular music.
1965: Andersson Achieves First Hit with 'No Response'
'No Response' by the Hep Stars, featuring Benny Andersson on keyboard, hits number three on the Swedish charts. This early success showcases Andersson's burgeoning musical talent and sets the stage for his future achievements.
June 1966: Ulvaeus and Andersson Begin Songwriting Partnership
Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, future members of ABBA, make a pivotal decision to write a song together, 'Isn't It Easy to Say.' This marks the beginning of their prolific songwriting partnership, which would become integral to ABBA's success.
1966: Andersson Scores Number One Hits with the Hep Stars
Benny Andersson enjoys a string of number one hits in Sweden with his band the Hep Stars, including 'Sunny Girl,' 'Wedding,' and 'Consolation.' This solidifies his status as a prominent figure in the Swedish music scene.
1968: Andersson Collaborates with Lasse Berghagen
Benny Andersson begins a successful songwriting collaboration with Lasse Berghagen, leading to their first Svensktoppen entry, 'Sagan om lilla Sofie' ('The Tale of Little Sophie'). This collaboration highlights Andersson's versatility and his ability to work across genres.
1969: Ulvaeus and Andersson Produce First Major Hits
Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson solidify their collaborative songwriting and production skills, creating hits such as 'Ljuva sextital' ('Sweet Sixties') and the Hep Stars' 'Speleman' ('Fiddler'). These successes pave the way for their future as a dominant force in music.
1970: Björn & Benny Release Singles
Following the release of "Lycka" in 1970, Björn & Benny released two more singles in Sweden: "Det kan ingen doktor hjälpa" and "Tänk om jorden vore ung", featuring vocals by Fältskog and Lyngstad.
1971: Collaboration and Touring
The four future members of ABBA began working together more frequently, providing vocals for each other's recordings. Fältskog, Andersson, and Ulvaeus toured together in May, while Lyngstad toured separately.
1971: Melodifestivalen Entries
Stig Anderson, determined to break into the international market, encouraged Andersson and Ulvaeus to write songs for Melodifestivalen. They submitted two entries, which were rejected.
1971: Regular Performances Begin
Fältskog and Ulvaeus, now married, started performing regularly with Andersson at Swedish folkparks.
1971: Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus Marriage
Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus, members of ABBA, were married.
March 1972: First International Success
Andersson and Ulvaeus' single "She's My Kind of Girl" was released in Japan through Epic Records, becoming a Top 10 hit. They released two more singles in Japan, experiencing early signs of international success.
June 1972: "People Need Love" Released
Ulvaeus and Andersson released "People Need Love" featuring prominent guest vocals by Fältskog and Lyngstad. The single, credited to Björn & Benny, Agnetha & Anni-Frid, reached number 17 in the Swedish charts.
1972: Melodifestivalen Success
Andersson and Ulvaeus submitted "Säg det med en sång" to Melodifestivalen, performed by Lena Anderson. The song placed third, becoming a hit in Sweden and encouraging Stig Anderson.
1972: ABBA Forms
The Swedish pop supergroup ABBA is formed in Stockholm by Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. The group's name is an acronym of the first letters of their first names arranged as a palindrome.
1972: Beginning of ABBA's Active Career
This year marked the start of ABBA's active career, during which they achieved significant chart success with multiple singles entering the Billboard Hot 100.
February 1973: "Ring Ring" at Melodifestivalen
The group participated in Melodifestivalen with "Ring Ring". Despite a third-place finish, they released their debut album, also titled "Ring Ring", which achieved success in Europe and South Africa.
October 1973: First Written Instance of "ABBA"
The first documented use of "ABBA" appears on a recording session sheet from Stockholm's Metronome Studio, written over the initial listing of the members' names.
1973: Agnetha Fältskog's Maternity Leave
Agnetha Fältskog gave birth to her daughter Linda, and was temporarily replaced by Inger Brundin during a tour in West Germany.
1973: The Name "ABBA"
Stig Anderson began referring to the group as "ABBA", a palindrome formed from the first letters of their names. Initially a play on words with a Swedish fish-canning company, Anderson saw its international potential.
1973: ABBA's First Melodifestivalen Attempt
ABBA enters Melodifestivalen for the first time with "Ring Ring" but does not qualify as the 1973 Swedish entry for Eurovision.
February 1974: ABBA Wins Melodifestivalen
ABBA wins the Swedish Melodifestivalen with the song "Waterloo", earning their place to represent Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest.
April 1974: ABBA Wins Eurovision Song Contest
ABBA wins the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with "Waterloo" performed in English. This victory provides them with opportunities to tour Europe and appear on major television shows, significantly boosting their international recognition.
1974: Strategic Planning for Eurovision
Stig Anderson, ABBA's manager, starts strategizing for the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest, seeing it as a platform to showcase ABBA's songwriting talents and gain international recognition.
1974: ABBA Wins Eurovision
ABBA secures Sweden's first victory in the Eurovision Song Contest with their iconic song 'Waterloo.' This win marked a pivotal moment in their career, propelling them towards international stardom.
January 1975: Successful Scandinavian Tour
After a challenging European tour, ABBA's Scandinavian tour in January 1975 is a resounding success with sold-out venues, marking a turning point in their live performance reception.
1975: Release and Success of "Fernando"
"Fernando" was released and achieved significant international success, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time in Australia.
1975: Mixed Success with Singles and Album Release
ABBA releases "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do" which sees limited success in the UK but performs well in other European countries and South Africa. The release of their self-titled third studio album, 'ABBA', and the single "SOS" brings a resurgence in the UK charts.
March 1976: Release of Greatest Hits Compilation Album
ABBA released their compilation album "Greatest Hits", which became their first UK number-one album and reached the top 50 in the US. The album included a new single, "Fernando", which topped charts in at least thirteen countries.
May 1976: Official Logo Debut
ABBA's official logo, featuring the distinctive backward "B" designed by Rune Söderqvist, first appeared on the French compilation album "Golden Double Album". It became standard on all official releases.
1976: Origin of the Mirrored "B" Logo
German photographer Wolfgang Heilemann inadvertently captured Benny Andersson holding a reversed "B" during a photoshoot, leading to the adoption of the mirrored "B" as ABBA's trademark.
1976: ABBA Faces US Market Challenges
Despite charting singles in the US, ABBA struggles to break into the US album market. Their self-titled album achieves limited success, facing challenges with promotion despite positive critical reception.
1976: ABBA Releases 'Arrival' Album
ABBA releases their fourth studio album, 'Arrival.' Considered one of their most successful and influential works, the album features hit singles such as 'Dancing Queen,' 'Money, Money, Money,' and 'Knowing Me, Knowing You.'
1976: Success of Arrival Album
ABBA released their album Arrival, which included hit singles "Money, Money, Money", "Knowing Me, Knowing You", and the global sensation "Dancing Queen".
1976: ABBA Receives First International Prize
ABBA received their first international prize, with "Fernando" being recognized as the "Best Studio Recording of 1975".
1976: Release of 'Arrival'
ABBA released the instrumental track "Arrival." This song would later be adapted into the song "Belle" for the musical Abbacadabra.
January 1977: ABBA's First Major Tour
ABBA embarked on their first major tour, starting in Oslo, Norway, and covering various cities in Western Europe, including London's Royal Albert Hall, where they received millions of ticket requests.
March 1977: ABBA's Australian Tour
After completing their European tour, ABBA performed 11 dates in Australia for a total audience of 160,000. Their opening concert in Sydney was affected by heavy rain, but the band considered it one of their most memorable performances.
April 1977: "Dancing Queen" Reaches Number One
ABBA's "Dancing Queen" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
December 1977: Release of ABBA: The Album
ABBA released their fifth studio album, "ABBA: The Album", alongside the premiere of their movie, "ABBA: The Movie". The album featured hit singles "The Name of the Game" and "Take a Chance on Me".
1977: ABBA Live Album
ABBA released a live album featuring recordings from their 1977 and 1979 tours.
1977: Arrival Nominated for BRIT Award
ABBA's album Arrival was nominated for the inaugural BRIT Award in the category "Best International Album of the Year".
May 1978: ABBA in the USA
ABBA travelled to the United States in May 1978 on a promotional tour, where they performed alongside Andy Gibb on Olivia Newton-John's television show. The band also recorded the single 'Summer Night City' while in the US.
October 1978: Last ABBA Single to Top Swedish Charts (Until "Don't Shut Me Down")
Prior to the release of "Don't Shut Me Down" in 2021, the last ABBA single to top the Swedish singles chart was in October 1978.
1978: ABBA's Last UK Number One Until 'The Winner Takes It All'
Before the release of 'The Winner Takes It All', ABBA's last UK number one single was in 1978.
1978: Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad Marriage
Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, members of ABBA, were married.
January 1979: 'Chiquitita' for UNICEF
ABBA performed their song 'Chiquitita' at the Music for UNICEF concert, held at the United Nations General Assembly in January 1979. They donated the copyright to UNICEF. The single was released the following week and was a worldwide hit.
January 1979: Ulvaeus & Fältskog Divorce
In January 1979, Björn Ulvaeus and Agnetha Fältskog announced their divorce, generating media interest and speculation about ABBA's future. Despite assurances the band would continue, the divorce was a recurring topic in media interactions. To escape the media frenzy, Benny Andersson and Ulvaeus retreated to Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas to focus on songwriting.
April 1979: 'Voulez-Vous' Released
ABBA released their sixth studio album, 'Voulez-Vous', in April 1979. The title track was recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami, with help from engineer Tom Dowd. The album achieved significant chart success globally.
September 1979: ABBA: The Tour Begins
On September 13, 1979, ABBA kicked off their tour, ABBA: The Tour, in Edmonton, Canada, to a sold-out crowd. The Edmonton Journal praised their vocals and musical precision.
October 1979: ABBA: The Tour Continues
ABBA continued their tour, playing sold-out dates in the US and Canada. A scheduled show in Washington, D.C. was cancelled due to Fältskog's emotional distress caused by extreme weather conditions during a flight. The tour resumed in Europe, concluding with a show in Toronto.
1979: Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus Divorce
Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus divorced after 8 years of marriage.
1979: 'Greatest Hits Vol. 2' and Soviet Oil Payments
ABBA released 'Greatest Hits Vol. 2' in 1979, featuring the new track 'Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)'. The album saw international success. In the late 1970s, due to a rouble embargo, ABBA was uniquely paid in oil commodities for their work in the Soviet Union.
1979: ABBA Live Album
ABBA released a live album featuring recordings from their 1977 and 1979 tours.
July 1980: 'The Winner Takes It All' Released
In July 1980, ABBA released 'The Winner Takes It All', their eighth UK number one single. While widely perceived as related to Ulvaeus and Fältskog's divorce, Ulvaeus has clarified that the lyrics were not autobiographical.
November 1980: Release of 'Super Trouper'
ABBA released their seventh studio album, 'Super Trouper', marking a stylistic shift with increased synthesizer use and personal lyrics. It set a UK record for pre-orders with a million copies ordered before release.
January 1981: Ulvaeus-Källersjö Marriage and Anderson's Birthday Tribute
Björn Ulvaeus married Lena Källersjö, and ABBA's manager, Stig Anderson, celebrated his 50th birthday. ABBA recorded 'Hovas Vittne' as a tribute to Anderson, releasing 200 red vinyl copies for party guests, which became a collector's item.
February 1981: Andersson-Lyngstad Divorce Announcement
Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad announced their divorce after years of struggle in their marriage. It was revealed that Andersson had met Mona Nörklit.
November 1981: Andersson-Nörklit Marriage
Benny Andersson married Mona Nörklit after his divorce from Anni-Frid Lyngstad.
December 1981: Release of 'The Visitors' and Chart Success
ABBA released their eighth studio album, 'The Visitors', showcasing mature songwriting and addressing themes of secret meetings in Soviet-dominated states, failed relationships, war, aging, and loss of innocence. 'One of Us', the album's main single, became their last number-one single in Germany and last top-three hit in the UK.
December 1981: 'The Visitors' Chart Performance and Single Releases
While topping charts in Europe, 'The Visitors' showed a commercial decline in markets like France, Australia, and Japan. 'When All Is Said and Done' became ABBA's final Top 40 hit in the US, reflecting on the experience of separation. The title track, 'The Visitors', reached the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart's Top Ten.
1981: 'Lay All Your Love on Me' Chart Success
'Lay All Your Love on Me', a 12-inch single from 'Super Trouper', topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart and reached number seven in the UK, setting a record for the highest-charting 12-inch release in UK history.
1981: Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad Divorce
Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad divorced after 3 years of marriage.
June 1982: Recording Sessions for Unreleased Album
ABBA's recording sessions in May and June 1982 resulted in only three songs: 'You Owe Me One', 'I Am the City', and 'Just Like That'. Dissatisfied with the outcome, they shelved the tapes and took a summer break, marking the end of their active recording period.
November 1982: Promotion of 'The Singles: The First Ten Years' and Final Swedish Appearance
ABBA promoted 'The Singles: The First Ten Years' in London and West Germany, making their final Swedish television appearance on 'Nöjesmaskinen'.
December 1982: ABBA Disbands
ABBA, one of the most successful pop groups of all time, announces their disbandment. The decision came after years of mounting personal pressures and the decline of both marriages within the group.
December 1982: ABBA's Final Performance
ABBA made their last-ever performance, broadcast to the UK from a Stockholm TV studio on Noel Edmonds' 'The Late, Late Breakfast Show', marking the end of their public performances as a group.
December 1982: ABBA's Final Public Performance (before 2016)
ABBA made their last public performance together as a group before their 2016 reunion on the British TV show The Late, Late Breakfast Show, which was broadcast live from Stockholm.
1982: End of ABBA's Active Career
This year marked the end of ABBA's active career, during which they achieved significant chart success, including 20 singles entering the Billboard Hot 100.
January 1983: Fältskog Begins Solo Album
Agnetha Fältskog began recording sessions for her solo album, following the successful release of Anni-Frid Lyngstad's solo album a few months prior.
December 1983: Abbacadabra Premieres in London
Abbacadabra, featuring the music of ABBA and a new song by Andersson and Ulvaeus, premiered at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in London. The musical received mixed reviews but played to full houses for eight weeks.
1983: Belated Release of "Thank You for the Music"
"Thank You for the Music", initially the B-side to "Eagle", was released as an A-side single in the UK and Ireland. It became one of ABBA's most beloved songs despite not being a single release during their active years.
1983: Andersson and Ulvaeus Begin Chess Collaboration
Andersson and Ulvaeus started collaborating with Tim Rice on the musical Chess while Fältskog and Lyngstad focused on their solo careers. The trio also worked on the children's musical Abbacadabra, which used ABBA songs and was produced for television in France.
January 1984: Abbacadabra Closes in London
After an eight-week run, the London production of Abbacadabra closed on January 21st.
May 1984: Lyngstad Performs at UN Gala
Lyngstad, who had participated in both the French and English versions of Abbacadabra, performed "I Have a Dream" with a children's choir at the United Nations Organisation Gala in Geneva, Switzerland.
1984: ABBA Members Deny Split
Despite growing speculation, ABBA members continued to deny that the group had officially split, though internal conflicts and individual projects suggested otherwise.
January 1986: ABBA's Final Public Appearance (before 2016)
In a rare reunion, all four ABBA members appeared together to record an acoustic version of "Tivedshambo" for a Swedish TV show honoring their manager Stig Anderson's 55th birthday. This marked their last public appearance as a group before their 2016 reunion.
1986: ABBA's Final Public Appearance (before 2016)
In a rare reunion, all four ABBA members appeared together to record an acoustic version of "Tivedshambo" for a Swedish TV show honoring their manager Stig Anderson's 55th birthday. This marked their last public appearance as a group before their 2016 reunion.
1988: Permission to Use the Name "ABBA"
In an interview with Billboard, Fältskog recounted how ABBA had to seek permission from the fish-canning company to use the name, to which they agreed as long as the group didn't bring them shame.
June 1992: Andersson and Ulvaeus Perform With U2
Andersson and Ulvaeus made a guest appearance at a U2 concert in Stockholm, where they joined the band in singing the chorus of "Dancing Queen."
September 1992: ABBA's Music Experiences Resurgence and Release of 'ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits'
ABBA's music made a comeback thanks to Erasure's ABBA covers and U2's tribute. 'ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits' was released, becoming a global best-seller.
1992: PolyGram updates ABBA logo
PolyGram, after acquiring ABBA's catalogue, adds a crown emblem to the ABBA logo for the release of the 'ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits' compilation.
1993: Lyngstad Performs With The Real Group
Lyngstad collaborated with the Swedish a cappella group The Real Group to record and perform an a cappella version of "Dancing Queen."
1993: ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits US Release
The compilation album 'ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits' was released in the United States.
1993: Release of 'More ABBA Gold: More ABBA Hits'
'More ABBA Gold: More ABBA Hits', a follow-up compilation album to the highly successful 'ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits', was released.
1993: Release of 'I Am the City'
'I Am the City', a previously unreleased track from the 1982 sessions, was included on the compilation album 'More ABBA Gold'.
1994: ABBA's music is featured in two Australian films and release of 'Thank You for the Music' box set
ABBA's music was featured in two popular Australian films, 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' and 'Muriel's Wedding', boosting the band's popularity. A four-disc box set, 'Thank You for the Music', with all their hits was released with the involvement of all four members.
1994: Partial Release of 'Just Like That'
The chorus of 'Just Like That' was released in a retrospective box set and in the 'ABBA Undeleted' medley on 'The Complete Studio Recordings', while the complete version remains unreleased despite fan requests and bootleg circulation.
1998: Formation of ABBA Teens (A-Teens) and B & B Concerts
The ABBA Teens tribute group, later renamed A-Teens, formed and achieved global success with their ABBA covers. In Sweden, the B & B Concerts celebrated the legacy of Andersson and Ulvaeus with other Swedish singers.
1999: Mamma Mia! Premieres
'Mamma Mia!', a stage musical based on the music of ABBA, premieres. This hugely successful production brought ABBA's music to a new generation and sparked renewed global interest in the group.
1999: Release of 'ABBA Oro: Grandes Éxitos'
ABBA released 'ABBA Oro: Grandes Éxitos', the Spanish equivalent of 'ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits'.
1999: ABBA Reunites for Private Performance
The four members of ABBA reunited for a private performance at the 50th birthday party of their long-time friend, Görel Hanser. They performed the Swedish birthday song "Med en enkel tulipan" a cappella.
2000: ABBA declines a billion-dollar reunion tour offer
ABBA reportedly turned down an offer of one billion US dollars to embark on a 100-concert reunion tour.
2002: ABBA Inducted into Vocal Group Hall of Fame
ABBA receives recognition for their exceptional vocal harmonies and overall impact on popular music as they are inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
2002: Andersson and Ulvaeus Receive Ivor Novello Award
Andersson and Ulvaeus performed an a capella rendition of "Fernando" while accepting their Ivor Novello award in London.
2003: Lyngstad Re-Records 'I Have a Dream'
Lyngstad collaborated with Swiss singer Dan Daniell to re-record "I Have a Dream."
2004: ABBA makes a cameo appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest
All four ABBA members appeared in a comedy video, 'Our Last Video Ever', for the Eurovision Song Contest semi-final in Istanbul, marking 30 years since their win.
2004: Disbandment of A-Teens
The A-Teens disbanded due to a demanding schedule and members' desire for solo careers.
2005: Waterloo Named Best Eurovision Song
ABBA's 'Waterloo' is crowned the best song in Eurovision Song Contest history during the competition's 50th-anniversary celebration. This accolade cemented the song's enduring legacy and its place as a pop culture phenomenon.
July 2008: ABBA Reunites for Mamma Mia! Premiere
The four members of ABBA reunited publicly for the first time since 1986 at the Swedish premiere of the film adaptation of the musical Mamma Mia!
August 2008: ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits Tops Billboard Chart
In August 2008, the compilation album 'ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits' topped the Billboard Top Pop Catalog Albums chart, becoming the group's first number-one album on any Billboard chart. This occurred 15 years after its initial US release in 1993.
2008: Mamma Mia! Film Release
The film adaptation of the musical 'Mamma Mia!' hits theaters. The movie, a global box office success, further popularized ABBA's music and introduced it to a wider audience.
March 2010: ABBA Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
On March 15, 2010, ABBA was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Bee Gees members Barry and Robin Gibb at a ceremony in New York City. Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson represented the group at the event.
September 2010: ABBA's Objection to Political Use of "Mamma Mia"
Andersson and Ulvaeus criticized the Danish People's Party for using a modified version of "Mamma Mia" at political rallies. The band threatened legal action, stating their music was not authorized for political use. An agreement was later reached with Universal Music, preventing legal action.
2010: ABBA Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
ABBA achieves a significant milestone by being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, marking them as the first recording artists from a non-Anglophonic country to receive this honor.
January 2011: Fältskog raises the possibility of a one-off ABBA reunion
Anni-Frid Lyngstad, considered the most reclusive member of ABBA, suggested she may be open to a one-time reunion, but hadn't yet discussed it with the other members.
November 2012: ABBA Ranked 3rd Best-Selling Singles Artists in the UK
ABBA's enduring popularity is highlighted as they are officially ranked the 3rd best-selling singles artists in the UK, with a remarkable 11.3 million singles sold.
April 2013: Fältskog reiterates hopes for ABBA reunion
In an interview with Die Zeit, Anni-Frid Lyngstad again expressed her willingness to reunite with ABBA if the other members were interested.
May 2013: Fältskog states ABBA reunion will not happen
At age 63, Anni-Frid Lyngstad declared that an ABBA reunion wouldn't occur due to age and individual lives, though the band members remained friendly.
April 2014: Fältskog open to new ABBA recordings
While dismissing reunion tour rumors, Anni-Frid Lyngstad expressed openness to recording new music with ABBA if Björn and Benny were willing.
2015: 'Dancing Queen' Inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame
ABBA's hit 'Dancing Queen' is recognized for its cultural and historical significance as it is inducted into the Recording Academy's Grammy Hall of Fame, cementing its place as a timeless classic.
2015: 'Dancing Queen' Inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame
ABBA's iconic anthem 'Dancing Queen' is inducted into the Recording Academy's Grammy Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition underscored the song's lasting cultural impact and its status as a timeless classic.
2016: ABBA Reunion
After decades of being considered disbanded, ABBA officially announced their reunion and plans for new music and performances.
2016: ABBA Reunites for Digital Avatar Concert Tour
After decades of being disbanded, ABBA announces their reunion to work on a groundbreaking digital avatar concert tour, sparking excitement among fans worldwide for their return to the stage.
May 2017: Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" Overtakes "Fernando" in Australia
Ed Sheeran's song "Shape of You" surpassed ABBA's "Fernando" as the longest-running chart-topper in Australia after 40 years.
2018: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again Released
'Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again', the sequel to the hit musical film, is released in theaters. This continued the legacy of the 'Mamma Mia!' franchise and kept ABBA's music alive for new audiences.
2018: New ABBA Songs Announced
ABBA fans around the world rejoice as the group announces the release of newly recorded songs, marking their first new music in nearly four decades.
April 2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Delays Avatar Project
Björn Ulvaeus announced that the ABBA avatar project has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Five of the eight songs for the new album had been recorded, and a new music video with advanced technology was being considered.
May 2020: ABBA: The Studio Albums Vinyl Box Set Announced
ABBA announced the release of "ABBA: The Studio Albums", a vinyl box set featuring their entire studio discography on colored vinyl for the first time.
July 2020: New ABBA Recordings Delayed Until 2021
Ulvaeus revealed that the release of the new ABBA recordings had been delayed until 2021.
September 2020: ABBA Reunites for Avatar Project
All four ABBA members reunited at Ealing Studios in London to continue working on the avatar project and filming for the upcoming tour.
November 2020: 'Our Last Video Ever' surpasses 13 million YouTube views
The comedy video 'Our Last Video Ever', featuring puppet versions of ABBA, surpassed 13 million views on YouTube.
August 2021: ABBA Voyage Website and Social Media Launch
A new website titled ABBA Voyage launched, encouraging visitors to subscribe for updates. New ABBA Voyage social media accounts were also created.
October 2021: Release of "Just a Notion" and Announcement of ABBA's Split
ABBA released their third single, "Just a Notion", from the "Voyage" album and announced their decision to split after the album's release.
November 2021: ABBA Releases 'Voyage' Album
ABBA releases 'Voyage,' their first studio album in 40 years. The album is met with positive reviews and achieves strong sales in many countries, demonstrating the enduring appeal of their music.
November 2021: Voyage Album Release
In November 2021, ABBA released their album 'Voyage', which became their highest-charting album on the Billboard 200, peaking at number 2.
November 2021: First Grammy Nomination for Record of the Year
In November 2021, ABBA received their first-ever Grammy nomination for Record of the Year for their single 'I Still Have Faith in You'.
November 2021: Voyage Album Release
"Voyage", ABBA's first new album in 40 years, was released.
2021: Confirmation of New Music Release
Björn Ulvaeus confirmed that new ABBA music would be released in 2021.
2021: Anticipated Release of New ABBA Recordings
The release of new ABBA recordings was expected in 2021, following a delay from the initial 2020 plan.
2021: ABBA's Studio Dedication
In separate interviews in 2021, Ulvaeus and Andersson highlighted ABBA's commitment to their studio work, emphasizing that they prioritized perfecting tracks over extensive touring. They estimated having toured for only six months and performing fewer than 100 shows, though they actually played over 200, including shorter Folkpark concerts.
April 2022: Mamma Mia! Remains in Top 10 Longest-Running Productions
The stage production of 'Mamma Mia!' continues its remarkable run, remaining among the top 10 longest-running productions on London's West End. This attests to the musical's enduring popularity and its ability to captivate audiences worldwide.
May 2022: ABBA Voyage Concert Residency Opens in London
'ABBA Voyage,' a groundbreaking concert residency featuring virtual avatars of the group, opens in London. The show uses cutting-edge technology to recreate ABBA's performances, offering a unique and immersive experience for fans.
May 2022: ABBA Voyage Confirmed as Final Collaboration
Following the premiere of ABBA Voyage, Björn Ulvaeus confirmed that the residency marked ABBA's final collaboration as a group.
May 2022: ABBA Voyage Concert Residency Premiere
The ABBA Voyage concert residency, featuring digital avatars of the band members, premiered in London.
November 2022: Grammy Nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
In November 2022, ABBA's single 'Don't Shut Me Down' from the album 'Voyage' was nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
2022: Avatar Tour Scheduled
Ulvaeus confirmed that the ABBA avatar tour was scheduled for 2022.
April 2023: Death of Lasse Wellander
Lasse Wellander, ABBA's longtime guitarist, passed away at the age of 70. Wellander contributed to seven of ABBA's nine studio albums.
May 2023: ABBA Awarded BRIT Billion Award
ABBA reaches a monumental milestone in their career, receiving the BRIT Billion Award for surpassing one billion UK streams, underscoring their enduring influence and popularity in the digital music era.
March 2024: ABBA Members Awarded Royal Order of Vasa
All four members of ABBA were appointed Commander, First Class, of the Royal Order of Vasa by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, marking the first time in nearly 50 years that the Swedish Royal Orders of Knighthood were bestowed upon Swedes. The honor coincided with the 50th anniversary of ABBA's Eurovision Song Contest victory.
2024: ABBA's 'Arrival' Album Included in National Recording Registry
The United States Library of Congress selects ABBA's 1976 album 'Arrival' for inclusion in the National Recording Registry, acknowledging the album's 'cultural, historical, or aesthetic importance in the nation's recorded sound heritage.'