ABBA's Andersson shoots down London reunion talk

AP, Jul 3, 2009 7:00 pm PDT
Forget those reports that Swedish supergroup ABBA will be reuniting to cover Michael Jackson's sold-out concert dates.

"No one has even asked us, and if they asked us they would have 'no' as an answer, because (Jackson's concerts were) going to happen in a week," said Benny Andersson, who co-wrote ABBA hits like "Dancing Queen" and "Take a Chance on Me" with Bjorn Ulvaeus.

"And even if it wasn't happening in a week, no, no we're not on," Andersson said Friday.

Jackson died while preparing for a run of 50 shows at the 02 arena in London, set to kick off July 13.

There had been speculation that ABBA might reunite to fill the gaping vacancy at one of London's biggest and most important music venues.

AEG Live chief David Campbell was quoted in the Sun newspaper as saying, "There's a little foursome out in Sweden we keep talking to."

If so, that foursome wasn't Andersson, Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog and Annifrid Lyngstad, who unofficially disbanded in 1982. Millions of fans have been clamoring for a reunion ever since.

Andersson, 62, was in London on Friday promoting his new CD, "Story of a Heart."

He said he sympathized with AEG's plight. "All of a sudden, they have 50 nights and they are just empty, you know. I don't envy the situation of the management down there. I understand that they need to do something, but we are not the answer."

More Artist News

Abba pair write together for the first time in 15 years

May 8, 2009 10:00 am PDT

Abba stars Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus are set to premiere their first newly written pop song in 15 years. The song, called "Story Of A Heart," will be released on July 6. It is available as part of a 14-track album by Andersson's 1...

ABBA legends pair up for first new songs in 15 years

May 8, 2009 10:00 am PDT

Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, the musical brains behind 1970s pop supergroup ABBA, have written their first new music together in 15 years. Benny and Bjorn -- who represent the two Bs in the middle of ABBA -- penned "Story of a Heart...

ABBA tribute band says it played for Putin

Feb 6, 2009 8:00 am PST

A British-based ABBA tribute band said Friday the Kremlin whisked it away to perform a private concert for Vladimir Putin — offering a rare glimpse into the private life of the secretive Russian prime minister. The four-member Bjorn ...

Mamma Mia! ABBA Ladies Call Time on Fake Feud

Jan 23, 2009 11:00 am PST

When it comes to putting up with rumors of a feud, the female half of ABBA has been nothing but super troupers. Until, that is, last night, when Swedish songbirds Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad—perhaps better know...

ABBA women dismiss rumors of fights

Jan 23, 2009 8:00 am PST

The two women members of 1970s hit group ABBA have rejected long-standing rumors that they are bitter enemies. In a rare joint interview published Friday, Agnetha Faltskog, 58, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, 63, took a chance to set the record s...

Photos

Loading...
View All Photos »

Videos

1-6 of 7 videos
Prev | Next
View All Videos »