Introduction
When appearing on stage, Agnetha Fältskog was always regarded as the standout member of ABBA. With her blonde hair and youthful, attractive face, she easily left a lasting impression.
However, despite her cheerful and vibrant appearance on stage, Agnetha Fältskog was, in reality, constantly struggling with inner turmoil—even during her time as a member of ABBA.
The hardships she endured during her time in ABBA
Agnetha met her future husband, Björn Ulvaeus, when she was just 19 years old. They got married a year later, in 1971. At that time, she already had a solo singing career and had released a number-one single on the Swedish music charts. Their marriage took place one year before ABBA was officially formed.
It all began with the two male members—Benny and Björn—who met, bonded over music, and started writing and performing together. They soon brought in their respective partners—Anni-Frid and Agnetha—to join them on stage. And just like that, ABBA was born.
In 1972, the four members officially formed ABBA and went on to win the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974. Almost instantly, ABBA became a sensation, known for their catchy melodies and polished pop sound. To this day, ABBA remains a legendary group, often regarded as one of the most iconic pop bands in the global music industry of the 1970s and 1980s.
However, at the height of the band’s fame, Agnetha Fältskog faced significant emotional challenges. She had a fear of flying, yet touring obligations forced her to frequently board planes despite her anxiety. On top of that, the overwhelming excitement of some fans often left her feeling unsafe and uneasy.
Although she had two young children, both Agnetha and her husband were constantly tied up with demanding schedules—recording, performing, and going on long tours. This left her feeling heartbroken and guilty, as she struggled with the pain of being away from her children for extended periods of time.
In reality, Agnetha was not someone with a strong or resilient mindset. She was often anxious, rather shy, and easily discouraged. Unlike the other members of the group, she wasn’t as outgoing or cheerful, and her English wasn’t very fluent, which sometimes caused difficulties during international performances.
Although Agnetha and fellow singer Anni-Frid always tried to maintain goodwill and professionalism in their work with the group, it’s undeniable that—being the only two women on stage and sharing the spotlight—there was a natural sense of competition and comparison. As a result, there were times when the two female vocalists weren’t exactly close friends.
To Be Continued…
Video