Bjorn reveals new ABBA music ‘definitely’ coming this year, ABBAtar Australia tour is possible
Bjorn Ulvaeus has reassured fans new ABBA songs are coming, as he revealed the chances of their tour coming to Australia.
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ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus has promised fans will definitely hear the band’s first new music since 1981 this year.
The original line up of Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad have recorded at least five new songs together.
However the pandemic added to the ongoing delays in releasing the new songs, as well as a TV special and hologram-based Abbatar live show that prompted their reunion.
“There will be new music this year, that is definite, it’s not a case anymore of it might happen, it will happen,” Ulvaeus told News Corp.
Ulvaeus, 76, said the band have been meeting regularly in Stockholm to discuss the roll out of their ‘comeback’.
“We’re really, really good friends. The four of us stand in the studio for the first time in 40 years and there’s just something in knowing what we’ve been through. It’s hard to describe, but there are such strong, strong bonds between us.”
It’s now five years since the ‘new’ ABBA music was announced, with only two titles revealed, I Still Have Faith In You and Don’t Shut Me Down.
However Ulvaeus was tight-lipped about reports there may be up to eight new songs and it could be a possible new ABBA album, stating “I’ve been prohibited to say anything!”
The Abbatar live show, created as the band have no desire to ever tour again, saw the members required to be digitally scanned so they can ‘perform’ a whole concert virtually.
It will launch at a purpose-built venue in London at a date yet to be announced, however Ulvaeus said it may go global.
“It absolutely could come to Australia, we start off in London, then we’ll see. We don’t know yet.”
Ulvaeus joked that in a modern world where live singers are seen as a COVID risk, the hologram tour is COVID-safe.
“Our Abbatars won’t sing, they won’t spread the virus!”
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s first single People Need Love; they remain one of the highest-selling bands of all time.
“It’s amazing isn’t it? Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that something like this could happen, it’s absolutely incredible. Even more incredible because we don’t really know why?
“I can’t think of a reason why it’s us, why so many other artists have vanished along the way. It makes you humble being part of a phenomenon you can’t explain.”
ABBA’s only Australian tour – in 1977 – was captured in their self-titled movie, where they arrived to superstar status after two years of chart topping singles and albums.
“Australia virtually saved us in 1975,” Ulvaeus said.
“People had decided we were a one hit wonder with Waterloo, all around Europe and the US. That’s the way Eurovision winners are, they’re one hit wonders, so why should this be different?
“Molly Meldrum started playing SOS and Mamma Mia on Countdown in Australia and the rest of the world woke up to the fact that maybe it’s different this time, maybe they have something. We are eternally grateful for that.”
Ulvaeus also threw his support behind Australia being part of Eurovision.
“I think it’s good, Australia is essentially very European in so many ways, I felt when I was there that it was like coming home, so I will gladly include Australia in Europe.”
Last year Ulvaeus was appointed President of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC).
He is promoting awareness of the value of the song in today’s music climate, and how little songwriters receive in royalties from streaming sites.
“I’ve known all my life the song is at the centre of the music industry. Its most valuable asset is the good song. And yet the songwriter has almost always been at the periphery, at least when the songwriter is not in the band.
“The people who are not part of the artist constellation have always been treated badly, I wanted to change that and change how they are getting paid. This music eco system is dysfunctional.”
Originally published as Bjorn reveals new ABBA music ‘definitely’ coming this year, ABBAtar Australia tour is possible
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