Introduction
Love stories within a band often fascinate the public, but they can also become the very reason for collapse. ABBA – the legendary pop group from Sweden – is a clear example. Formed by two couples, ABBA not only created timeless hits but also left behind a stormy backstory that kept them away from the music scene for nearly 40 years.
From the very beginning in the early 1970s, ABBA stood out thanks to its unique pairing: Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus were married, while Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad were lovers. This romantic connection initially strengthened the group, leading ABBA to win the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with “Waterloo” and catapult them into global stardom. Hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Super Trouper,” and “The Winner Takes It All” quickly turned them into one of the greatest pop icons of the 1970s and 80s.
However, behind the stage lights, things began to fall apart. Agnetha and Björn divorced in 1979, while Benny and Anni-Frid split just two years later. Despite attempts to continue, the group officially disbanded in 1982. Agnetha, in particular, suffered deeply from the breakup. Placed under intense media scrutiny, she sought counseling while Björn moved on with a new partner almost immediately. Out of this heartbreak came “The Winner Takes It All,” a song filled with raw pain.
Years later, tabloids continued to speculate about what truly happened. Rumors that Björn had been unfaithful spread widely, painting an even more tragic picture of ABBA’s demise. Agnetha herself admitted that the band’s final years were “the most miserable days of my life,” as she struggled with separation from her children, a fear of flying, and overwhelming pressure from obsessive fans. Meanwhile, Anni-Frid embraced fame with ease, creating distance between the two female members.
After the split, Agnetha lived a reclusive life, staying away from music and the public eye for years. Brief marriages and a scandalous relationship only added to her pain. Yet, time eventually brought healing, and in 2008, the group reunited publicly for the first time at the premiere of Mamma Mia!
Then, after four decades of silence, ABBA surprised the world with their 2021 comeback album Voyage, followed by groundbreaking virtual concerts in 2022. Despite the personal heartbreaks, their music endures—proving that ABBA remains a timeless phenomenon, where private struggles merged with melodies to create a true legend.