Introduction
ABBA Reunion Footage (January 2016) – A Heartwarming Performance of “The Way Old Friends Do”
In January 2016, fans of the legendary Swedish pop group ABBA were treated to an unexpected and deeply emotional surprise: a rare reunion performance by all four original members—Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. This impromptu moment occurred during a private gala event in Stockholm, organized to celebrate 50 years of friendship and musical collaboration between Björn and Benny. But what was meant to be a low-profile celebration turned into a historic and moving moment for ABBA fans around the world.
The event took place at the Berns Salonger, an elegant venue in the heart of Stockholm. Many close friends, family, and industry colleagues were in attendance. Initially, the members of ABBA had no plans to perform together. In fact, it had been over three decades since the four stood on stage as a group. But as the evening progressed, emotions ran high, and with the right mood and atmosphere, something magical happened.
To the shock and delight of the audience, all four members joined each other on stage. They gathered in an intimate circle and sang “The Way Old Friends Do,” a poignant song from their 1980 album Super Trouper. The lyrics, filled with warmth, nostalgia, and enduring friendship, made it the perfect choice for the occasion. As they sang the heartfelt lines—“Times of joy and times of sorrow, we will always see it through”, there was hardly a dry eye in the room.
This acoustic, stripped-down version of the song was not a polished concert performance but rather a genuine, spontaneous moment. There were no elaborate costumes, flashing lights, or choreographed routines—just four lifelong friends sharing a song that spoke volumes about their bond. It felt deeply personal, yet universal—reminding people everywhere of the timeless connections that music can create.
Footage of the reunion was not widely released at first, as the event was meant to be private. However, clips and photos slowly emerged online, igniting a wave of excitement across ABBA’s global fanbase. The moment reignited hope among fans that perhaps, someday, the group might reunite again in some official capacity.
Indeed, this heartfelt gathering helped lay the emotional groundwork for what would later become ABBA Voyage—the group’s virtual concert experience launched in 2022, accompanied by their first album in 40 years. While the 2016 performance wasn’t a grand public return, it was a symbol of reconciliation, nostalgia, and enduring friendship.
Ultimately, the January 2016 reunion reminded the world of why ABBA continues to captivate audiences across generations. It wasn’t just the music that people loved—it was the humanity behind it. And in that quiet, beautiful performance of “The Way Old Friends Do,” the world got a glimpse of ABBA not as pop icons, but as four friends whose shared history still resonated, even after all these years.
Video
https://youtu.be/LMLBji4DoWM?si=x-BfYPuqC1VqOGrB