When did ABBA form?

ABBA formed in Sweden in 1972 under the name Bjorn and Benny, Agnetha and Anni-frid

How did they form?

Bjorn and Benny met in 1966 whilst touring with the Hootenanny Singers and The Hep Stars. Bjorn met Agnetha and Benny met Anni-Frid (Frida) in 1969.

 

With Agnetha and Frida successful singers in their own right Benny and Bjorn ask them to do backing vocals on some songs for their album "Lycka". The song "Hej Gamle Man" is one of the first songs they added their backing vocals to.

 

When was their first performance?

It was at the Trägarn club in Gothenburg Sweden in November 1970. Using the name "Festfoket" (English Translation "Festfolk") meaning 'Engaged Couples' or 'Party People', it was not a success. However two years later it's a different story.

 

The foursome's first one off TV performance was 'Five Minute Saloon' in Sweden in 1970. They sang "California, Here I Come" dressed in Country and Western costumes.

How did they get the ABBA name?

Their manager Stikkan Anderson found Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anni-Frid (also known as Frida) a bit of a mouthful and began referring to them as ABBA, using the first initial of each of their christian names. However it was also the name of a fish canning company in Sweden and Stig approached company about the group name being ABBA. Of course the fish canning company were happy for them to use the name!

 

When was ABBA's first single release?

"People Need Love" in 1972 reaching number 17 in the Swedish charts. They also perform the song on Swedish TV Show "Vi i Femman"

 

"People Need Love" was also released in the USA on the Playboy Label in 1972 with the artist credit 'Bjorn and Benny with Svenska Flicka'

When was their very first gig?

15th June 1973 the foursome kick off their first 80 date Folk Park tour as a group at Liseberg Park, Gothenburg. They could perform up to three shows a day! 

How did they become World Famous?

By winning The Eurovision Song Contest held in Brighton, UK in 1974 with their song "Waterloo"

How many albums have they sold to date?

Over 370 million worldwide

 

First Australian No 1 Single:

"I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do" in 1975 to be followed by "Mamma Mia" depending on what chart you look at. 

( Note: There appears to be two charts in the running including the Kent Music Report & The Australian Record Industry Association at a later date )

Last Australian No 1 Single:

"Money, Money, Money" in 1976

 

Last Australian Top 10 Single:

"Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)" in 1979

When was ABBA's last single release?

"Under Attack" was the released the end of 1982 and that saw ABBA last perform together officially as a group, but in 1983 "Thank You For The Music" was released as a single in most territories.

How long did they tour for?

ABBA only toured for a total of 10 months in their whole career as they preferred writing and recording to touring. Touring ‘killed creativity’ according to Bjorn.

When did ABBA tour Australia?

Only once, and it was in 1977

When did ABBA tour the UK?

Twice - in 1977 and 1979

When did ABBA tour North America and Canada?

Only once in 1979

When and  where was their last tour?

1979/1980. The final leg of the tour was in Japan during March 1980

When was ABBA GOLD released?

September 1992 worldwide

 

How are ABBA rated historically?

Depending on the source, ABBA were regarded as one of the most successful acts of all time along with Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Madonna and Queen.

Have ABBA met Bjorn Again?

Yes, Benny and Bjorn met Bjorn Again in Nov 1992 in Stockholm.

 

Bjorn Again have played The Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Arena, ABBA also did in 1977 and 1979 repectively.

 

In 1994, Bjorn Again recorded the unreleased ABBA song "Just Like That" after seeking permission from ABBA, using the original lyrics and music score. The song was previously recorded by brother and sister duo "Gemini" as a ballad and song lyrics changed.

When did Mamma Mia Premiere?

Prince Edward Theatre, London. 6th April 1999. Benny and Bjorn were in attendance. On the fifth anniversary celebrations 6th April 2004, Frida was in attendance with Benny and Bjorn.

 

Agnetha, Frida, Benny and Bjorn attended the Swedish Premiere of "Mamma Mia!" on 12th February 2005 at The Cirkus Theatre, Stockholm, but that photo of the four of them together remains elusive.

 

The first ABBA related musical was called "ABBACADABRA". It was a musical adventure and lyrics to the ABBA songs were changed to fit into the fairytale story line. An album of songs was released in France in French and the musical was staged in 1983 at the Lyric Theatre in London. Since then "Chess", "Kristina" and "Mamma Mia!" have made it to the musical stage all with an ABBA connection

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