History of ABBA in Timeline
ABBA was a highly successful Swedish pop group formed in 1972, consisting of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. They achieved immense popularity and are recognized as one of the best-selling music acts of all time.
April 1945: Björn Ulvaeus was born
On April 25, 1945, Björn Ulvaeus was born in Gothenburg, Sweden.
November 1945: Anni-Frid "Frida" Lyngstad was born
On November 15, 1945, Anni-Frid "Frida" Lyngstad was born in Bjørkåsen in Ballangen Municipality, Norway.
December 1946: Benny Andersson was born
On December 16, 1946, Benny Andersson was born in Stockholm, Sweden.
April 1950: Agnetha Fältskog was born
On April 5, 1950, Agnetha Fältskog was born in Jönköping, Sweden.
1963: Lyngstad met Ulvaeus briefly
In 1963, Anni-Frid Lyngstad met Björn Ulvaeus briefly during a talent contest.
1965: "No Response" hits number three
In 1965, Benny Andersson's song "No Response" hit number three.
June 1966: Ulvaeus and Andersson decided to write a song together
In June 1966, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson decided to write a song together, their first attempt was "Isn't It Easy to Say".
1966: "Sunny Girl", "Wedding", and "Consolation" hit number one
In 1966, Benny Andersson's songs "Sunny Girl", "Wedding", and "Consolation" all hit number one.
1967: Fältskog Released Studio Album
From 1967, Fältskog released five studio albums.
1967: Lyngstad wins national talent competition with "En ledig dag"
In 1967, Anni-Frid Lyngstad won a national talent competition with "En ledig dag", which led to a recording contract with EMI Sweden.
1968: Agnetha Fältskog released solo LP
In 1968, Agnetha Fältskog released a solo LP.
1968: Andersson wrote his first Svensktoppen entry
In 1968, Benny Andersson wrote his first Svensktoppen entry, "Sagan om lilla Sofie", with Lasse Berghagen.
1968: Lyngstad met Fältskog
In early 1968, Anni-Frid Lyngstad met Agnetha Fältskog during a TV show.
March 1969: Lyngstad participated in Melodifestivalen and met Andersson
On March 1, 1969, Anni-Frid Lyngstad participated in the Melodifestival and met Benny Andersson for the first time.
May 1969: Fältskog met Ulvaeus during filming of a Swedish TV special
In May 1969, Agnetha Fältskog met Björn Ulvaeus during the filming of a Swedish TV special.
September 1969: Andersson produced Lyngstad's single "Peter Pan"
In September 1969, Benny Andersson produced Anni-Frid Lyngstad's single "Peter Pan", which was the first collaboration with Benny & Björn.
1969: Andersson met Lyngstad and submitted "Hej, Clown" for Melodifestivalen
In 1969, Benny Andersson met Anni-Frid Lyngstad and submitted the song "Hej, Clown" for Melodifestivalen, which placed second after re-voting.
1969: Ulvaeus and Andersson Write First Hits Together
In 1969, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson wrote and produced some of their first real hits together: "Ljuva sextital" and "Speleman".
April 1970: Couples went on holiday together to Cyprus
In April 1970, the two couples, Agnetha Fältskog & Björn Ulvaeus, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad & Benny Andersson, went on holiday together to the island of Cyprus, resulting in an improvised live performance for United Nations soldiers.
September 1970: Andersson and Ulvaeus to release first album together
In September 1970, Andersson and Ulvaeus released their first album together, "Lycka".
November 1970: Launch of stage act Festfolket
On November 1, 1970, Fältskog, Ulvaeus, Lyngstad and Andersson launched a stage act, "Festfolket", in Gothenburg.
1970: Two singles credited to Björn & Benny were released
After the 1970 release of Lycka, two more singles credited to "Björn & Benny" were released in Sweden, "Det kan ingen doktor hjälpa" and "Tänk om jorden vore ung", with more prominent vocals by Fältskog and Lyngstad.
1970: Andersson and Ulvaeus record Lycka album
In 1970, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus teamed up and recorded their first album together, called "Lycka", which included original songs sung by both men.
1970: Fältskog and Ulvaeus involved in recording sessions and Andersson and Lyngstad added backing vocals
In 1970, Fältskog and Ulvaeus were involved in each other's recording sessions, and soon Andersson and Lyngstad added backing vocals to Fältskog's third studio album, Som jag är.
March 1971: Release of Lyngstad's Debut Studio Album
In March 1971, Andersson produced Anni-Frid Lyngstad's debut studio album, Frida, which was released.
July 1971: Fältskog and Ulvaeus married
On July 6, 1971, Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus married.
1971: Four artists began working together more
During 1971, Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad began working together more, adding vocals to each other's recordings and touring together.
1971: Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus married
In 1971, Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus were married. They remained married until 1979.
1971: Agnetha Fältskog released solo LP
In 1971, Agnetha Fältskog released a solo LP.
1971: Lyngstad had her first number-one single, "Min egen stad"
In 1971, Anni-Frid Lyngstad had her first number-one single, "Min egen stad", written by Benny Andersson and featuring all the future ABBA members on backing vocals.
1971: Rejected entries for Melodifestivalen
In 1971, Stig Anderson encouraged Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson to write a song for Melodifestivalen, but their first two entries were rejected.
1971: Fältskog and Ulvaeus started performing with Andersson
In the middle of 1971, Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus, now married, started performing together with Benny Andersson on a regular basis at the Swedish folkparks.
March 1972: Release of "She's My Kind of Girl" in Japan
In March 1972, the Andersson and Ulvaeus single "She's My Kind of Girl" was released through Epic Records in Japan, becoming a Top 10 hit.
June 1972: Release of "People Need Love"
In June 1972, "People Need Love" was released, featuring guest vocals by Agnetha and Anni-Frid. Stig Anderson released it as a single, credited to Björn & Benny, Agnetha & Anni-Frid. The song peaked at number 17 in the Swedish combined single and album charts.
1972: Start of ABBA's active career
In 1972, ABBA started their active career that lasted until 1982. During this period, 20 of ABBA's singles entered the Billboard Hot 100.
1972: ABBA formed in Stockholm
In 1972, ABBA was formed in Stockholm, Sweden, by Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.
1972: Fältskog starred as Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar
In 1972, Agnetha Fältskog starred as Mary Magdalene in the original Swedish production of "Jesus Christ Superstar".
1972: Third Place at Melodifestivalen with "Säg det med en sång"
In 1972, Andersson and Ulvaeus submitted their new song "Säg det med en sång" ("Say It with a Song") for the Melodifestivalen contest, performed by Lena Anderson. The song came in third place, encouraging Stig Anderson, and became a hit in Sweden.
1972: Lyngstad had a number-one single with "Man Vill Ju Leva Lite Dessemellan"
In late 1972, Anni-Frid Lyngstad had a number-one single with "Man Vill Ju Leva Lite Dessemellan".
February 1973: "Ring Ring" places third in Melodifestivalen
On February 10, 1973, ABBA's song "Ring Ring" came third in Melodifestivalen, failing to reach the Eurovision Song Contest itself.
October 1973: First known written instance of "ABBA"
The earliest known example of "ABBA" written on paper is on a recording session sheet from the Metronome Studio in Stockholm dated October 16, 1973. It was initially written as "Björn, Benny, Agnetha & Frida" and subsequently crossed out with "ABBA" written on top.
1973: Lyngstad played in revues and cabaret shows until 1973
Between 1969 and 1973, Anni-Frid Lyngstad played in several revues and cabaret shows in Stockholm.
1973: Inger Brundin replaces Agnetha Fältskog temporarily
In 1973, Agnetha Fältskog gave birth to her daughter Linda and was replaced for a short period by Inger Brundin on a trip to West Germany.
1973: The Group is named ABBA
In 1973, Stig Anderson started referring to the group privately and publicly as ABBA. The group negotiated with a fish-canning company for the rights to the name.
February 1974: ABBA wins Swedish Melodifestivalen with "Waterloo"
On February 9, 1974, ABBA won the Swedish Melodifestivalen with their song "Waterloo".
April 1974: ABBA wins the Eurovision Song Contest with "Waterloo"
On April 6, 1974, ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest with "Waterloo", singing in English. This victory allowed them to tour Europe and perform on television shows, leading to the song charting in many countries.
1974: ABBA wins Eurovision Song Contest with "Waterloo"
In 1974, ABBA became Sweden's first winner of the Eurovision Song Contest with their song "Waterloo".
1974: ABBA chooses "Waterloo" for Melodifestivalen 1974
In 1974, ABBA decided to enter the Melodifestivalen contest and chose the upbeat song "Waterloo". The group were inspired by the growing glam rock scene in England.
1974: ABBA wins the Eurovision Song Contest
In 1974, ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest, resulting in a blue plaque being placed outside Brighton Dome to commemorate the event.
1974: Ulvaeus performed with the Hootenanny Singers until mid-1974
Until the middle of 1974, Ulvaeus still occasionally recorded and performed with the Hootenanny Singers, and Andersson took part in producing their records.
January 1975: Successful Scandinavian leg of ABBA's European tour
In January 1975, the second leg of ABBA's European tour took them through Scandinavia, where they played to full houses and received the reception they had aimed for.
1975: "Fernando" chosen as "Best Studio Recording of 1975"
In 1975, ABBA received its first international prize with the choosing of "Fernando" as the "Best Studio Recording of 1975".
1975: Releases and Chart Successes in 1975
In 1975, ABBA released "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do", which reached number 38 in the UK and top five in several European countries and number one in South Africa. The release of their self-titled third studio album ABBA and single "SOS" brought back their chart presence in the UK, where the single hit number six and the album peaked at number 13. "SOS" also became ABBA's second number-one single in Germany, their third in Australia and reached number two in several other European countries, including Italy.
1975: Chart Success of "Mamma Mia", "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do" and "SOS"
In 1975, ABBA's song "Mamma Mia" reached number-one in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do" and "SOS" peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, with "SOS" receiving a BMI Award as one of the most played songs on American radio.
1975: Lyngstad released Frida ensam album
In 1975, Anni-Frid Lyngstad recorded the album Frida ensam, which included the Swedish rendition of "Fernando".
March 1976: Release of "Greatest Hits" compilation album
In March 1976, ABBA released the compilation album Greatest Hits. It became their first UK number-one album, and also took ABBA into the Top 50 on the US album charts for the first time. Also included on Greatest Hits was a new single, "Fernando", which went to number-one in at least thirteen countries.
May 1976: First appearance of the official logo
In May 1976, ABBA's official logo, with its distinctive backward "B", designed by Rune Söderqvist, first appeared on the French compilation album, Golden Double Album, released by Disques Vogue.
1976: US album market struggles
By early 1976, ABBA had four Top 30 singles in the US, but the album market proved difficult. The eponymous ABBA album peaked at number 165 on the Cashbox album chart and number 174 on the Billboard 200 chart, despite positive reviews.
1976: Success of "Fernando", "Dancing Queen" and "Knowing Me, Knowing You" in South Africa
In 1976, ABBA experienced astounding success in South Africa, with each of the singles "Fernando", "Dancing Queen", and "Knowing Me, Knowing You" ranking among the top 20 best-selling singles.
1976: ABBA advertising campaign for National in Australia and Japan
In 1976, ABBA participated in an advertising campaign to promote National, the brand of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., in Australia and Japan. Five commercial spots were produced, each featuring the "National Song" performed by ABBA, using the melody and instrumental arrangements of "Fernando" with revised lyrics.
1976: Release of Arrival album
In 1976, ABBA's album "Arrival" was released.
1976: "Fernando" chosen as "Best Studio Recording of 1975"
In 1976, ABBA's song "Fernando" was chosen as the "Best Studio Recording of 1975". At the same time, a compilation named The Very Best of ABBA was released in Germany, becoming a number-one album there whereas the Greatest Hits compilation which followed a few months later ascended to number two in Germany.
1976: The creation of the mirrored 'B' logo
In 1976, German photographer Wolfgang "Bubi" Heilemann inspired the mirrored "B" in ABBA's logo during a photoshoot for Bravo magazine, after noticing Benny Andersson reversed his letter "B".
January 1977: First major tour opens in Oslo, Norway
In January 1977, ABBA began their first major tour in Oslo, Norway, on January 28. The spectacle included scenes from their self-written mini-operetta 'The Girl with the Golden Hair' and attracted media attention from across Europe and Australia. The tour continued through Western Europe, including shows in the United Kingdom.
March 1977: Australian Tour with opening concert in Sydney
In March 1977, ABBA played 11 dates in Australia for a total of 160,000 people. The opening concert in Sydney on March 3 was marked by torrential rain and a slip on stage by Lyngstad, though the band members later recalled it as the most memorable of their career.
April 1977: "Dancing Queen" reached number one in the US
In April 1977, "Dancing Queen" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US. The song was later certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America for sales of over one million copies.
December 1977: Release of ABBA: The Album
In December 1977, ABBA released their fifth album, ABBA: The Album, coinciding with the debut of ABBA: The Movie. The album spawned hits like "The Name of the Game" and "Take a Chance on Me."
1977: Live performances from 1977 tour
In 1986, ABBA Live was released, featuring selections of live performances from the group's 1977 tour.
May 1978: Promotional campaign in the United States
During May 1978, ABBA travelled to the United States for a promotional campaign, performing alongside Andy Gibb on Olivia Newton-John's TV show.
October 1978: Last time ABBA topped Swedish charts
In October 2021, "Don't Shut Me Down" became the first ABBA release since October 1978 to top the singles chart in Sweden.
1978: Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad married
In 1978, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad were married. Their marriage lasted until 1981.
January 1979: Ulvaeus and Fältskog announce their divorce
In mid-January 1979, Ulvaeus and Fältskog announced their divorce, sparking media interest and speculation about ABBA's future. The band assured the press and fans that they would continue to work together.
January 1979: Performance of "Chiquitita" at the Music for UNICEF Concert
On January 9, 1979, ABBA performed "Chiquitita" at the Music for UNICEF Concert at the United Nations General Assembly. ABBA donated the copyright of "Chiquitita" to UNICEF.
September 1979: Beginning of ABBA: The Tour in Edmonton, Canada
On September 13, 1979, ABBA started their ABBA: The Tour at Northlands Coliseum in Edmonton, Canada, with a sold-out show to an audience of 14,000. The performance received positive reviews.
October 1979: Resumption of ABBA: The Tour in Western Europe
On October 19, 1979, ABBA: The Tour resumed in Western Europe after a series of dates in North America, with 23 sold-out gigs, including six nights at London's Wembley Arena.
1979: "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)" released
In 1979, ABBA released the song "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)", which was later sampled by Madonna in her 2005 hit "Hung Up".
1979: Release of Greatest Hits Vol. 2
In 1979, ABBA released their second compilation album, Greatest Hits Vol. 2, featuring the new track "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)". The album reached number one in several countries and had significant success, while in the Soviet Union, the group was paid in oil commodities due to restrictions on the rouble.
1979: Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus divorced
In 1979, Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus divorced. They had been married since 1971.
1979: Live performances from 1979 tour
In 1986, ABBA Live was released, featuring selections of live performances from the group's 1979 tour.
July 1980: Release of The Winner Takes It All
In July 1980, ABBA released the single "The Winner Takes It All", which became their eighth UK chart topper. The song also reached number-eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
November 1980: Release of Super Trouper album
In November 1980, ABBA's seventh album Super Trouper was released, showcasing a change in style with more synthesizers and personal lyrics. It achieved a record for pre-orders in the UK.
1980: Recording of Gracias Por La Música album
In 1980, ABBA recorded Gracias Por La Música, a compilation of Spanish-language versions of their hits, for release in Spanish-speaking countries, Japan, and Australia. The album's success, along with the Spanish version of "Chiquitita", led to the group's breakthrough in Latin America.
January 1981: Ulvaeus marries Lena Källersjö and ABBA records "Hovas Vittne" for Stig Anderson's birthday
In January 1981, Ulvaeus married Lena Källersjö, and ABBA recorded "Hovas Vittne" as a tribute to manager Stig Anderson for his 50th birthday.
February 1981: Andersson and Lyngstad Announce Divorce
In mid-February 1981, Andersson and Lyngstad announced they were filing for divorce.
November 1981: Benny Andersson Marries Mona Nörklit
In November 1981, Benny Andersson married Mona Nörklit.
December 1981: One of Us Last Number-One Single in Germany
In December 1981, "One of Us" became the last of ABBA's nine number-one singles in Germany.
December 1981: ABBA's final Top 40 hit in the US
In December 1981, "When All Is Said and Done" debuted on the US charts, becoming ABBA's final Top 40 hit in the US. The song also reached the US Adult Contemporary Top 10, and number-four on the RPM Adult Contemporary chart in Canada.
1981: Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad divorced
In 1981, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad divorced. They had been married since 1978.
1981: Release of "Lay All Your Love on Me" as a Twelve-inch single
In 1981, the track "Lay All Your Love on Me" from the album Super Trouper, was released as a Twelve-inch single only in selected territories, topping the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart and reaching number-seven on the UK singles chart.
June 1982: Difficult Recording Sessions
In June 1982, ABBA's recording sessions were difficult, resulting in only three songs being recorded: "You Owe Me One", "I Am the City", and "Just Like That". Andersson and Ulvaeus were unsatisfied with the outcome, so the tapes were shelved.
November 1982: ABBA promotes The Singles: The First Ten Years
In November 1982, ABBA traveled to London to promote The Singles: The First Ten Years, appearing on Saturday Superstore and The Late, Late Breakfast Show, and to West Germany to perform on Show Express.
December 1982: ABBA Disbands
In December 1982, ABBA disbanded, after which Andersson and Ulvaeus focused on writing music for stage, musicals, and movies, while Fältskog and Lyngstad pursued solo careers.
December 1982: ABBA's final public performance
In December 1982, ABBA had their final public performance together before their 2016 reunion was on the British TV programme The Late, Late Breakfast Show (live from Stockholm) on 11 December 1982.
1982: End of ABBA's active career
In 1982, ABBA ended their active career which began in 1972. During this period, 20 of ABBA's singles entered the Billboard Hot 100.
January 1983: Fältskog starts recording solo album
In January 1983, Fältskog started recording sessions for a solo album, as Lyngstad had successfully released her album Something's Going On some months earlier.
December 1983: Premiere of "Abbacadabra" in London
On December 8, 1983, "Abbacadabra" premiered at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in London.
1983: Release of "Thank You for the Music" as a Single in the UK and Ireland
In 1983, "Thank You for the Music", the B-side of "Eagle", was released as an A-side single in both the United Kingdom and Ireland.
1983: Andersson and Ulvaeus collaborate with Tim Rice
In 1983, Andersson and Ulvaeus began collaborating with Tim Rice on writing songs for the musical project Chess. Also, Andersson, Ulvaeus, and others cooperated on the musical Abbacadabra produced in France for television.
January 1984: "Abbacadabra" closes in London
On January 21, 1984, "Abbacadabra" closed at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in London after running for eight weeks.
May 1984: Lyngstad performs at the United Nations Organisation Gala
In May 1984, Lyngstad performed "I Have a Dream" with a children's choir at the United Nations Organisation Gala in Geneva, Switzerland.
1984: Continued claims of ABBA reunion
During 1983 and 1984, Lyngstad and Fältskog continued to claim in interviews that ABBA would reunite for a new album.
January 1986: ABBA's public appearance as friends
In January 1986, all four members of ABBA made their (at the time, final) public appearance as friends when they recorded a video of themselves performing an acoustic version of "Tivedshambo" for a Swedish TV show honoring their manager Stig Anderson.
1986: TV appearance of the foursome
Except for a TV appearance in 1986, the foursome did not come together publicly again until they were reunited at the Swedish premiere of the Mamma Mia! musical on 14 February 2005.
1986: Last public appearance of ABBA members
In 1986 was the last time all the ABBA members appeared together in public before their reunion in 2008 during the Mamma Mia! film premiere.
1988: Fältskog recalls ABBA asking permission to use their name
In 1988, Agnetha Fältskog recalled in an interview that ABBA had to ask permission from the fish-canning factory to use their name, with the factory agreeing as long as ABBA didn't make them feel ashamed.
June 1992: Andersson and Ulvaeus perform with U2
In June 1992, Andersson and Ulvaeus appeared with U2 at a Stockholm concert, singing the chorus of "Dancing Queen".
September 1992: Release of ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits
In September 1992, ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits was released, and "Dancing Queen" received radio airplay in the UK to promote the album. The song returned to the Top 20 of the UK singles chart in August that year, peaking at number 16.
1992: Polygram adds a crown emblem to the ABBA logo.
In 1992, Polygram added a crown emblem to a variation of the ABBA logo for the first release of the ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits compilation.
1993: Release of "I Am the City" on More ABBA Gold
In 1993, "I Am the City" was released on the compilation album More ABBA Gold.
1993: Lyngstad performs "Dancing Queen" with the Real Group
In 1993, Lyngstad performed and recorded an a cappella version of "Dancing Queen" with the Swedish group the Real Group.
1993: Release of More ABBA Gold: More ABBA Hits
In 1993, More ABBA Gold: More ABBA Hits, a follow-up to Gold, was released.
1993: Release of "ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits" in the US
In 1993, the compilation album ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits was first released in the US. Fifteen years later, in August 2008, it topped the Billboard Top Pop Catalog Albums chart.
1994: Chorus Section of "Just Like That" Released
In 1994, the chorus section of "Just Like That" was released on a retrospective box set, as well as in the ABBA Undeleted medley featured on disc 9 of The Complete Studio Recordings.
1994: Australian cult films featuring ABBA
In 1994, two Australian cult films focusing on admiration for ABBA caught the attention of the world's media: The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Muriel's Wedding. The same year, Thank You for the Music, a four-disc box set comprising all the group's hits and stand-out album tracks, was released.
1998: ABBA tribute group formed, B & B Concerts
In 1998, an ABBA tribute group, the ABBA Teens, was formed and later renamed A-Teens. Also in 1998, the B & B Concerts, a tribute concert to Andersson and Ulvaeus, took place showcasing their hits from before, during, and after ABBA.
1999: Release of ABBA Oro: Grandes Éxitos
In 1999, ABBA Oro: Grandes Éxitos, the Spanish equivalent of ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits, was released.
1999: Mamma Mia! stage musical adaptation
In 1999, ABBA's music was adapted into "Mamma Mia!", a stage musical that toured worldwide.
1999: Release of ABBAmania Compilation Album
In 1999, the 12-track album ABBAmania was released, with proceeds going to the Youth Music charity in England. It featured all new cover versions by artists such as Madness, Culture Club, the Corrs, and Steps.
1999: ABBA attends Görel Hanser's 50th birthday
In 1999, the four members of ABBA were guests at the 50th birthday of Görel Hanser, performing a Swedish birthday song "Med en enkel tulipan" a cappella.
2000: ABBA declines reunion tour offer
In 2000, ABBA reportedly turned down a one billion US dollar offer for a reunion tour consisting of 100 concerts.
2002: ABBA Inducted into Vocal Group Hall of Fame
In 2002, ABBA was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
2002: Andersson and Ulvaeus accept Ivor Novello award
In 2002, Andersson and Ulvaeus both performed an a cappella rendition of the first verse of "Fernando" as they accepted their Ivor Novello award in London.
2003: Lyngstad re-records "I Have a Dream" with Dan Daniell
In 2003, Lyngstad re-recorded "I Have a Dream" with Swiss singer Dan Daniell.
2004: ABBA members make cameo in comedy video
In 2004, all four ABBA members made cameo appearances in a comedy video titled Our Last Video Ever, created for the interval act of the Eurovision Song Contest semi-final in Istanbul.
2004: A-Teens disbanded
In 2004, the ABBA tribute group A-Teens disbanded due to a demanding schedule and individual aspirations.
2005: "Waterloo" chosen as best Eurovision song
In 2005, ABBA's song "Waterloo" was chosen as the best song in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest as part of the competition's 50th anniversary celebration.
2005: ABBA members appear at Mamma Mia! premiere, "Waterloo" voted best Eurovision song, Madonna releases "Hung Up"
In 2005, all four ABBA members attended the Stockholm premiere of the musical Mamma Mia!. On 22 October 2005, "Waterloo" was chosen as the best song in Eurovision history. Also in October 2005, Madonna released "Hung Up", which samples ABBA's "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)".
July 2008: ABBA reunited at Mamma Mia! film premiere
On 4 July 2008, all four ABBA members reunited at the Swedish premiere of the film Mamma Mia!, marking only their second public appearance together since 1986. They reiterated their intention not to officially reunite.
August 2008: Gold tops UK charts, Mamma Mia! soundtrack tops US Billboard charts
In August 2008, ABBA's album Gold returned to number one in the UK album charts for the fifth time. On 14 August 2008, the Mamma Mia! The Movie film soundtrack reached number one on the US Billboard charts, becoming ABBA's first US chart-topping album.
August 2008: ABBA Gold topped the Billboard Top Pop Catalog Albums chart
In August 2008, the compilation album ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits topped the Billboard Top Pop Catalog Albums chart, 15 years after its initial US release in 1993, becoming the group's first number-one album on any of the Billboard album charts.
November 2008: The Albums released
In November 2008, ABBA's eight studio albums, along with a ninth of rare tracks, were released as The Albums. It hit several charts, peaking at number four in Sweden and reaching the Top 10 in several other European territories.
2008: John McCain uses "Take a Chance on Me" for his presidential campaign
In 2008, John McCain used the song "Take a Chance on Me" for his presidential campaign. McCain also publicly expressed his liking of the band ABBA.
2008: SingStar ABBA released on PlayStation
In 2008, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, in collaboration with Universal Music Group Sweden AB, released SingStar ABBA on the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 games consoles.
2008: Release of the Mamma Mia! film
In 2008, the film adaptation of "Mamma Mia!" was released, becoming the highest-grossing film in the United Kingdom for that year.
2008: Mamma Mia! film released
The movie Mamma Mia! was originally released in 2008, after which a sequel was announced in 2017 and released in 2018.
January 2009: Fältskog and Lyngstad receive Swedish music award
On 22 January 2009, Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad appeared together on stage to receive the Swedish music award "Rockbjörnen" for lifetime achievement.
November 2009: British public votes ABBA as the band they want to see re-form
On 25 November 2009, PRS for Music announced that the British public voted ABBA as the band they would most like to see re-form.
January 2010: ABBAWORLD exhibition debuts in London
On 27 January 2010, ABBAWORLD, a 25-room touring exhibition featuring interactive and audiovisual activities, debuted at Earls Court Exhibition Centre in London.
March 2010: ABBA inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
On 15 March 2010, ABBA was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Bee Gees members Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb. The ceremony was held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson represented the group.
September 2010: ABBA criticizes Danish People's Party for using "Mamma Mia"
In September 2010, ABBA members Andersson and Ulvaeus criticized the right-wing Danish People's Party (DF) for using the ABBA song "Mamma Mia" (with modified lyrics) at rallies. The band threatened legal action, but their record label Universal Music later stated that an agreement had been reached, and no legal action would be taken.
2010: ABBA Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2010, ABBA was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the first recording artists to receive this honor from outside an Anglophonic country.
January 2011: Fältskog raises possibility of reunion
On January 3, 2011, Fältskog raised the possibility of reuniting for a one-off engagement, admitting that she had not yet brought the idea up to the other three members.
May 2011: "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" added to Bandmaster Philippines server
On 17 May 2011, "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" was added as a non-premium song selection for the Bandmaster Philippines server, an online RPG game.
November 2011: ABBA: You Can Dance released by Ubisoft
On 15 November 2011, Ubisoft released a dancing game called ABBA: You Can Dance for the Wii console.
November 2012: ABBA Ranked 3rd Best-Selling Singles Artists in the UK
By November 3, 2012, ABBA was ranked as the 3rd best-selling singles artists in the United Kingdom with a total of 11.3 million singles sold.
April 2013: Fältskog reiterates hopes for reunion
In April 2013, Fältskog reiterated her hopes for a reunion during an interview with Die Zeit, stating: "If they ask me, I'll say yes."
May 2013: Fältskog states ABBA reunion will never occur
In a May 2013 interview, Fältskog stated that an ABBA reunion would never occur because they were too old and each had their own life.
April 2014: Fältskog on reuniting for new recording
In an April 2014 interview, Fältskog said that as long as they could sing and play, then why not, she would love to reunite for a new recording, but it was up to Björn and Benny.
2014: ABBA: The Official Photo Book published
In early 2014, the book ABBA: The Official Photo Book was published to commemorate the 40th anniversary of ABBA's Eurovision victory. It revealed that Swedish tax laws allowed tax deductions for garish outfits unsuitable for daily wear, influencing the band's costume choices.
2015: Mamma Mia! Broadway show closes
In 2015, "Mamma Mia!" closed on Broadway.
2015: "Dancing Queen" inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame
In 2015, ABBA's song "Dancing Queen" was inducted into the Recording Academy's Grammy Hall of Fame.
January 2016: ABBA makes public appearance at Mamma Mia! The Party in Stockholm
On 20 January 2016, all four members of ABBA made a public appearance at Mamma Mia! The Party in Stockholm.
June 2016: ABBA reunites at private party for Andersson and Ulvaeus' anniversary
On 6 June 2016, the four ABBA members appeared together at a private party in Stockholm, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Andersson and Ulvaeus' first meeting. Fältskog and Lyngstad performed "The Way Old Friends Do", joined by Andersson and Ulvaeus on stage.
October 2016: ABBA announces reunion for "digital entertainment experience"
In October 2016, British manager Simon Fuller announced that ABBA would reunite to work on a new "digital entertainment experience" featuring "life-like" avatar forms, called ABBAtars, based on their late 1970s tour.
2016: ABBA reunion in 2016
ABBA never officially announced the end of the group or an indefinite break, but it was long considered dissolved after their final public performance together in 1982, until their reunion in 2016.
2016: ABBA Reunites and Plans Digital Avatar Concert Tour
In 2016, ABBA reunited and began working on a digital avatar concert tour.
May 2017: "Fernando" record broken by Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You"
In May 2017, Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" overtook ABBA's "Fernando" for longest running chart topper.
May 2017: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again announced
In May 2017, the sequel to the 2008 movie Mamma Mia!, titled Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, was announced.
June 2017: Blue plaque commemorates ABBA's 1974 Eurovision win
In June 2017, a blue plaque was placed outside Brighton Dome to commemorate ABBA's 1974 Eurovision win.
April 2018: ABBA announces two new songs
On 27 April 2018, ABBA announced they had recorded two new songs, "I Still Have Faith in You" and "Don't Shut Me Down", for a TV special.
July 2018: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again film released
On 20 July 2018, the movie Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, sequel to the 2008 film Mamma Mia!, was released.
September 2018: Cher releases Dancing Queen, an ABBA cover album
In September 2018, Cher, who appeared in the movie Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, released Dancing Queen, an album of ABBA covers.
September 2018: Release of new songs and TV special delayed until 2019
In September 2018, Ulvaeus announced that the release of the two new ABBA songs and the TV special, now called ABBA: Thank You for the Music, An All-Star Tribute, would be delayed until 2019. The TV special was later scrapped, replaced by a partnership with Industrial Light and Magic for a music video and a concert.
2018: Announcement of newly recorded songs
In 2018, ABBA announced the recording of new songs.
2018: Release of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again sequel
In 2018, the sequel to the "Mamma Mia!" film, titled "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again", was released.
January 2019: New ABBA songs delayed until summer
In January 2019, it was revealed that the two new ABBA songs would not be released before the summer. Andersson hinted at the possibility of a third song.
June 2019: Release of new song and ABBAtar video announced
In June 2019, Ulvaeus announced that the first new ABBA song and the video containing the ABBAtars would be released in November 2019.
November 2019: Expected release of new song and video with ABBAtars
In November 2019, the first new ABBA song and video featuring ABBAtars were expected to be released, though this release was later delayed.
2019: Launch of ABBA "digital entertainment experience" set for spring
The launch of the ABBA "digital entertainment experience", featuring ABBAtars, was set for the spring of 2019.
April 2020: Avatar project delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic
In April 2020, Ulvaeus announced that the avatar project had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Five of the eight new songs written by Benny had been recorded.
May 2020: ABBA: The Studio Albums released on coloured vinyl
In May 2020, it was announced that ABBA's entire studio discography would be released on colored vinyl for the first time, in a box set titled ABBA: The Studio Albums.
July 2020: Release of new ABBA recordings delayed until 2021
In July 2020, Ulvaeus revealed that the release of the new ABBA recordings had been delayed until 2021.
September 2020: Andersson aiming for new ABBA songs to be released
In early 2020, Andersson confirmed that he was aiming for the new ABBA songs to be released in September 2020, although this was later delayed.
September 2020: ABBA members reunite in London for avatar project
On 22 September 2020, all four ABBA members reunited at Ealing Studios in London to continue working on the avatar project and filming for the tour. Ulvaeus confirmed the avatar tour would be scheduled for 2022.
November 2020: Our Last Video Ever surpasses 13 million views on YouTube
As of November 2020, the comedy video "Our Last Video Ever" featuring ABBA, has surpassed 13 million views on YouTube.
August 2021: ABBA Voyage website and social media accounts launched
On 26 August 2021, a new website titled ABBA Voyage was launched, along with new social media accounts, to share updates about the upcoming project. Billboards appeared in London showing the date "02.09.21", building anticipation for an upcoming announcement.
October 2021: "Just a Notion" released, ABBA to split after Voyage release
In October 2021, the single "Just a Notion" was released, and it was initially announced that ABBA would split for good after the release of Voyage. The release of "Just a Notion" was in October 2021.
November 2021: ABBA receives Grammy nomination for Record of the Year
In November 2021, ABBA received a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year for the single "I Still Have Faith in You" from the album Voyage, marking their first ever nomination.
November 2021: Voyage became ABBA's highest-charting album on the Billboard 200
In November 2021, the album Voyage became ABBA's highest-charting album on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 2.
November 2021: Voyage album released
On 5 November 2021, Voyage, ABBA's first new album in 40 years, was released.
November 2021: Release of Voyage album
On November 5, 2021, ABBA released their first new album in 40 years, "Voyage", to positive critical reviews and strong sales.
2021: ABBA perfectionism in the studio
During separate interviews in 2021, Ulvaeus and Andersson discussed ABBA's perfectionism in the studio.
2021: New ABBA recordings delayed
In July 2020, Ulvaeus revealed that the release of the new ABBA recordings had been delayed until 2021.
2021: New ABBA music confirmed for this year
In September 2020, while working on the avatar project in London, Björn confirmed that new ABBA music would definitely be released in 2021.
May 2022: Opening of ABBA Voyage concert residency in London
In May 2022, ABBA Voyage, a concert residency featuring ABBA as virtual avatars, opened in London.
May 2022: Andersson confirms end of ABBA's group collaborations
In May 2022, after the premiere of ABBA Voyage, Andersson confirmed that "nothing is going to happen after this", marking the residency as ABBA's final group collaboration.
May 2022: ABBA Voyage concert residency to start
On 27 May 2022, ABBA Voyage, a concert residency featuring digital avatars of the band members alongside a live band, will begin at a custom-built venue in London.
November 2022: "Don't Shut Me Down" nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
In November 2022, the song "Don't Shut Me Down", also from the album Voyage, was nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the Grammy Awards.
2022: ABBA avatar tour scheduled
On September 22, 2020, Ulvaeus confirmed that the ABBA avatar tour would be scheduled for 2022.
April 2023: Death of ABBA guitarist Lasse Wellander
In April 2023, longtime ABBA guitarist Lasse Wellander died at the age of 70. Wellander played on seven of the group's nine studio albums, including Voyage.
May 2023: ABBA Awarded BRIT Billion Award
In May 2023, ABBA was awarded the BRIT Billion Award, celebrating surpassing one billion UK streams in their career.
December 2023: Saturday Night Live features a sketch promoting a fictional ABBA Christmas album
On 16 December 2023, Saturday Night Live featured a sketch that promoted a fictional ABBA album, reworking pre-existing songs to reference common Christmas traditions in the United States. The episode featured host Kate McKinnon, cast member Bowen Yang, and former cast members Maya Rudolph and Kristin Wiig.
August 2024: ABBA demands Donald Trump stop using their music at rallies
In August 2024, ABBA demanded that Donald Trump stop using their music after he played several of their songs and used footage of the group at a campaign rally. Universal Music stated that they had not been asked for permission to use ABBA music or videos and that footage from the event must be removed.
October 2024: Mamma Mia! still a Top-Ten Longest Running Show
As of October 2024, the stage musical "Mamma Mia!" is still in the top-ten longest running productions on the West End.
2024: Arrival album included in National Recording Registry
In 2024, the United States Library of Congress included ABBA's album "Arrival" (1976) in the National Recording Registry.
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