Introduction
Björn Ulvaeus: “ABBA Is With Me Every Single Day”
Even after decades away from the peak of ABBA’s chart-topping era, Björn Ulvaeus says there’s not a day that goes by when he isn’t reminded of the music, the memories, and the magic that defined the legendary Swedish group. For him, ABBA is not just a chapter in his past — it’s a living presence in his daily life.
Sitting in a cozy Stockholm café, Björn speaks with the same warmth and precision that have long characterized his songwriting. “People assume that when the lights go down and the tours are over, you can leave it all behind,” he says with a smile. “But ABBA is woven into who I am. I see it in conversations with fans, in letters from around the world, in how people still dance to our songs at weddings and parties. It’s everywhere.”
Formed in the early 1970s, ABBA became one of the most successful pop acts in history, known for their harmonies, infectious melodies, and dazzling stage performances. Hits like Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, and The Winner Takes It All not only dominated charts but also became cultural landmarks. Today, their music still fills stadiums — whether through tribute concerts, jukebox musicals, or immersive shows like ABBA Voyage in London.
Björn admits that the enduring popularity of ABBA continues to surprise him. “We wrote those songs without thinking they’d last forever. At the time, we were just trying to capture a feeling. But somehow, the melodies found a way to live on,” he reflects. He notes that younger generations often discover ABBA through movies, musicals, and streaming platforms, making the group’s audience wider than ever.
Despite the glamour of ABBA’s legacy, Björn’s connection to the band is deeply personal. He recalls moments in the studio, laughing over a tricky harmony or debating the perfect lyric with Benny Andersson. “Those creative sessions were intense but joyful,” he says. “It wasn’t always easy, but it was always worth it.”
In recent years, Björn has devoted time to new projects, including songwriting initiatives and music industry advocacy. Yet no matter what he’s working on, ABBA’s shadow is never far away. “I could be at a business meeting in another country, and someone will hum an ABBA tune under their breath. Or I’ll be in an elevator and hear Fernando. It’s like the universe has a playlist I can’t escape — and I don’t want to,” he laughs.
For Björn, being “reminded of ABBA every day” is not a burden but a privilege. He sees it as proof that the group’s work touched hearts in a way few artists ever achieve. “It means those songs are still doing their job — bringing people joy, comfort, maybe even healing. That’s the greatest reward any songwriter could ask for.”
As the conversation ends, Björn takes a sip of his coffee and glances out the window at the snowy Stockholm street. “ABBA is part of my DNA,” he says softly. “And if the world keeps singing along, I’ll keep smiling.”