ABBA: This is where the iconic band's name is from

Updated on August 31, 2023 at 11:15 AM

Almost fifty years after its creation, the ABBA group continues to be one of the most popular in the world. But why is ABBA called ABBA?

ABBA: This is where the iconic band's name is from

In 2021, a few notes sent shivers down people's spines. On that day, Swedish band ABBA unveiled the first notes of their forthcomingsingle Just A Notion. They also announced the release of their new album after fourty years. But a question often circles back in our minds when we listen to Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen or Voulez-Vous... Why is ABBA called ABBA?

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ABBA, a story of initials

It was in Stockholm in November 1972 that the first steps towards the myth that has become ABBA were taken. Very quickly after that, the Swedish band became one of the best-known in the world. Their success came two years after the creation of the band, when they won the Eurovision Song Contest in Brighton, UK with the now classic song Waterloo.

Riding the disco wave, it was in 1976 that the ABBA palindrome officially became the band's logo. But why these four letters? The reason is very simple, they are the initials of the four members: Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid.

Voyage is their ninth album

Over the years, ABBA was a very productive band. In 2021, forty years after their last album, 1981's The Visitors, ABBA released their ninth studio album, Voyage, on 5 November 2021. The record featured 10 tracks, 2 of which were unveiled as teasers (Don't Shut Me Down and I Still Have Faith In You). Two other tracks, written in 1978 but never released, were also included.

Following this release, the band also shared their desire to perform on stage in a digital concert with 'holograms' that will take over the physical appearance of the members in 1979. The tour started on 27 May, 2022, and fans were eager to catch a glimpse of this 'revolutionary' comeback.