In an unexpected reunion, the iconic Swedish pop group ABBA came together once again this Friday in Stockholm, not for a performance, but to receive a prestigious honor from the Swedish monarchy.
Members Bjorn Ulvaeus, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Agnetha Faltskog, and Benny Andersson were knighted at the royal palace, each receiving the Royal Order of Vasa as Commanders of the First Class for their exceptional contributions to music both in Sweden and internationally.
This special occasion marked the first issuance of these particular knighthoods in fifty years, with ABBA’s members among the first recipients since the tradition was revived in 2022.
The ceremony was overseen by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia.
The reunion comes on the heels of Ulvaeus and Andersson’s appearance at the ABBA Arena in London for the second anniversary of the “ABBA Voyage” show.
The event featured a Q&A session, though no new plans for the group were discussed.
Ulvaeus and Andersson expressed enthusiasm about the idea of their avatars performing at Glastonbury, a notion that Andersson playfully entertained, saying, “If they go to Glastonbury, I think we’d need an extra piano player.”
Despite these occasional public appearances, the prospects of an ABBA reunion for new music or tours remain slim.
Benny Andersson confirmed in a 2022 Variety interview that the group’s recent “Voyage” album would likely be their final project together.
However, the recent accolades and public appearances keep the hope alive among fans for possible future engagements.
Meanwhile, in other ABBA-related news, talks of a third “Mamma Mia!” film continue, with producer Judy Craymer expressing optimism about the project’s eventual realization, despite needing more time and persuasion for Ulvaeus and Andersson.
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