Introduction
45 Years Later, Benny Andersson Shares Why ABBA Refused to Reunite: The Darkness Behind the Return of the Dancing Queens
It’s been over four decades since ABBA’s glittering reign at the top of the pop world. With hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” and “The Winner Takes It All,” the Swedish supergroup etched themselves into music history. But as the years passed, one question lingered in the hearts of fans: Why didn’t ABBA ever fully reunite?
Now, 45 years later, Benny Andersson has finally opened up — and his explanation is both heartfelt and haunting.
“There were things we never dealt with,” Benny confessed in a recent interview. “People saw the sparkle, but they didn’t see the strain.” Behind the shimmering outfits and infectious melodies were personal heartbreaks, emotional wounds, and the growing weight of expectation. The group’s rise to fame coincided with the collapse of both couples at the band’s core — Benny and Frida, Björn and Agnetha.
For Benny, the idea of reuniting was not simply about getting on stage again. It meant facing memories that were both beautiful and deeply painful. “The music came from real places in our hearts,” he said. “To return to that would be to reopen everything — the joy, yes, but also the sorrow.”
While brief projects like ABBA Voyage brought digital versions of the group back to life, the members themselves chose to remain in the background. It wasn’t out of arrogance or indifference — it was self-preservation. “We gave everything we had in the ’70s and early ’80s,” Benny said. “To try and recreate that magic under different circumstances… it never felt right.”
In truth, ABBA never truly left us. Their songs continue to fill dance floors, inspire musicals, and touch new generations. But now, with Benny’s candid reflections, fans gain a deeper understanding — that some reunions aren’t about scheduling or rehearsals. They’re about healing.
And sometimes, the greatest respect an artist can show to their legacy… is to let it rest where it shined the brightest.