Introduction
The “Ridiculous Name” of ABBA
Ulvaeus reveals that the band’s name, ABBA, originated from radio DJs abbreviating their full individual names (Agnetha, Benny, Björn, and Anni-Frid). He initially wanted a “cool name” like The Rolling Stones and found “ABBA” to be “ridiculous” and beyond their control.
Celebrating Anniversaries: Mamma Mia! The Party and Eurovision
The interview highlights several significant anniversaries:
- Five years of “Mamma Mia! The Party” at the O2: Ulvaeus describes it as a joyous, five-hour “party” where attendees are “deliriously happy” and know the lyrics to every song. He’d be most excited to experience it as an unrecognized guest to see how the story unfolds.
- 50th anniversary of ABBA’s Eurovision win (1974): He expresses disbelief at this milestone. His most vivid memory is waking up the day after, realizing their “obscure band” had become “known around the world overnight.” He humorously recalls being “a bit chubby” and unable to sit down due to tight trousers on that fateful night.
- 25 years of “Mamma Mia! The Musical” in the West End: Ulvaeus calls this “mindblowing.”
Impact of Eurovision Win and Songwriting Process
The Eurovision win completely changed ABBA’s approach to music. Before “Waterloo,” they spent only one day a week in the studio, producing other artists to pay rent. Afterward, they could “say no to everything else” and focus solely on songwriting and producing, which made them “so much better.” They could be meticulous, taking their time without pressure, thus “honing their craft.”
Ulvaeus describes their songwriting process with Benny:
- They worked “office hours,” 10 am to 4 pm daily, playing piano and guitar, singing “gibberish English.”
- They would explore interesting musical ideas that emerged.
- After about three weeks, they would isolate themselves for three to four days (sometimes in places like Barbados), where ideas would “fall into place,” leading to new songs.
- Once they had three songs, they’d go into the studio to record backing tracks.
- Ulvaeus would then take these tracks home, listen repeatedly, and let them “tell [him] what they were about,” leading to the lyrics.
Personal Lyrics and Enduring Legacy
Many of their lyrics, particularly those about relationships, are very personal. Ulvaeus highlights “Slipping Through My Fingers” as particularly special, written about his oldest daughter’s first day of school, capturing the bittersweet feeling of her growing independence.
Regarding their absence from the 50th Eurovision anniversary celebration, Ulvaeus states they “just felt no,” preferring to be represented by their avatars for “artistic reasons and other reasons.”
Recently, ABBA was honored with a Swedish Knighthood at the Royal Palace, a distinction not given out for half a century. Ulvaeus was proud that the Swedish people had nominated them. He recalled Agnetha’s comment during the ceremony that it felt like they were “wrapping the whole thing up,” a sense of “full circle,” though he clarified it’s “not going to be the end.” He ranks this honor alongside the 50th anniversary of “Mamma Mia! The Party.”
Musical Inspirations and Mamma Mia! 3?
Ulvaeus’s first musical impression was Bill Haley’s “Rock Around the Clock,” which sparked his teenage passion for music and dancing. He then became captivated by Elvis Presley, whom he believes had an unparalleled global impact, even more so than The Beatles. These artists inspired him to pick up a guitar and join a skiffle group.
He confirms that he and Benny had been working together for a couple of years before “purely by chance” meeting Agnetha and Anni-Frid, emphasizing that ABBA’s formation was “completely organic” and not a deliberate search for singers.
Finally, addressing rumors about “Mamma Mia! 3,” Ulvaeus offers hope to fans: “If someone shows me a good script, why not?”