ABBA was one of Sweden’s most successful and beloved musical groups, with a worldwide following and a 30-year career that eventually led to their disbanding in 1982. But what happened to the group members afterward? In this article, we’ll explore the post-ABBA paths of each of the four members, seeing where they are now and what exciting things they’ve been up to since their break up.
Agnetha Fältskog
Agnetha Fältskog, known for her iconic blonde hair, was the lead female vocalist of ABBA. Immediately after the group’s disbandment, she released a solo album in 1983, showcasing her beautiful voice on both newly-written and re-recorded ABBA tracks.
After beginning a new relationship with a therapist, a single Agnetha withdrew from the limelight until 1988 and released her second solo album. Although her third album was released in 2004, Agnetha didn’t return to music in full force until 2013, when she released another album and received critical praise, giving a handful of performances in her home country of Sweden to promote the album.
Agnetha’s most recent album was released in 2018, a collaboration with Dutch producer Jaap Eggermont.
Benny Andersson
Benny Andersson was ABBA’s lead male vocalist and keyboardist, as well as a skilled songwriter and composer. After dissembling, he went on to write the music for multiple musicals with Björn Ulvaeus (another ABBA member).
The musicals Chess, Kristina from Duvemåla and Mamma Mia! were all composed with Benny at the helm. Benny has shared his experience of working on musicals: “You don’t write music for a play, you write it with the play. The music is just as much part of the dialogue and the drama as the stage directions and the characters’ lines are.”
He’s continued to be a prolific composer in the years since, writing the music for two Cirque du Soleil productions, a collaboration with the Ukranian State Symphony Orchestra, and more.
Björn Ulvaeus
Björn Ulvaeus, a guitarist and vocalist in ABBA, pursued a solo career in 1983 with the release of a solo album of Swedish folk songs. After this short solo stint, he settled into the world of musicals, working in tandem with Benny Andersson to create several widely-acclaimed works including Chess, Kristina from Duvemåla, and the widely-recognized, highly successful Mamma Mia!
After successfully adapting Mamma Mia! into a feature film in 2008, Björn went on to adapt Kristina from Duvemåla into a film in 2020 titled Kristina från Duvemåla, (trans. Kristina from Duvemåla).
Björn also appeared in the 2020 documentary The Story of ABBA alongside the other three ex-ABBA members, providing insight and narrative on the lifespan and legendary history of the beloved Swedish pop group.
Anni-Frid Lyngstad
Anni-Frid Lyngstad, known for her mezzo-soprano voice, released her first solo album in 1982 before ABBA’s disbandment. She went on to release a few more albums, reserving touring almost exclusively for grander events like Japan ’87 and special concerts in Stockholm in 1984 and 1985.
In 1989, Anni-Frid made her performing debut in the musical Chess and went on to record the title track for the Mamma Mia! musical in 1999.
Anni-Frid kept actively pursuing interests in charity work, amassing large donations to support environmentalism as well as UNICEF.
Where Are They Now?
Despite the end of the legendary Swedish band, the four members of ABBA have achieved plenty of success in the years since 1982.
Agnetha Fältskog continues to delight the music world with her voice, releasing her most recent album in 2018 and participating in interviews since.
Benny Andersson has been a steadfast figure in the world of musical theater, continuously producing pieces of music that have continued to move people, even after leaving ABBA.
Björn recently adapted one of his old musicals into a feature film and created the ABBA documentary released in 2020.
Anni-Frid Lyngstad has devoted most of her time to charity work, supporting organizations dedicated to the betterment of the lives of children.
The four members of ABBA revolutionized the music world in the 70s and 80s and have each performed brilliantly in the years after. Agnetha Fältskog, Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad have continued to bring joy and lift spirits with their post-ABBA pursuits and accomplishments, undying evidence of the impact that ABBA had and will always have on the music world.
