Introduction
ABBA Interview: Backstage with Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus
In an exclusive backstage interview that felt more like a heartwarming reunion than a formal sit-down, ABBA legends Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus opened up about their journey, music, and enduring friendship. Taking place behind the scenes of a special ABBA tribute event in Stockholm, the conversation offered a rare glimpse into the lives of the two creative minds who helped define pop music for generations.
The atmosphere was relaxed as Benny, calm and composed, sipped coffee while Björn, ever articulate and thoughtful, smiled warmly at the questions. Despite their decades of success and global fame, both men came across as humble and deeply reflective.
“We never set out to conquer the world,” Benny said, laughing gently. “We just wanted to write songs we liked. That people around the world connected to them — that still amazes us.”
Björn nodded in agreement, adding, “It was a different time. We were experimenting, trying new things in the studio, not really thinking about trends. The chemistry just… worked.”
The duo talked fondly about their early days — long hours in the studio, their first performances, and the moment they realized ABBA was becoming something much bigger than they ever imagined. “When ‘Waterloo’ won Eurovision in 1974, we were thrilled,” Björn recalled. “But we had no idea it would mark the beginning of something so massive.”
When asked about the songwriting process, Benny shared that honesty was always key. “We wrote from real emotions — heartbreak, hope, joy, longing. That’s why I think songs like ‘The Winner Takes It All’ still resonate.”
The conversation turned to the band’s hiatus and eventual reunion for the Voyage project. Björn admitted there were doubts in the beginning. “We wondered, will anyone care after all this time? But the response… it’s been overwhelming.”
Benny chimed in, visibly moved. “Seeing people cry during ‘I Still Have Faith In You’ — that’s something I’ll never forget. It made everything worth it.”
The two also touched on their relationship after all these years. “We’re like old married men,” Björn joked. “We’ve disagreed, sure, but there’s always been respect. That’s how we’ve lasted.”
The interview ended with a quiet moment. Benny looked out thoughtfully and said, “We’re proud. Not just of the music, but of what we gave to people. ABBA became part of people’s lives — weddings, breakups, celebrations. That’s the real legacy.”
As they prepared to head back to the stage, the sense was clear: Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus are not just music legends. They are storytellers, dreamers, and most of all, friends who helped shape the soundtracks of millions of lives — and they’re still doing it, one note at a time.