Bjorn Ulvaeus: Abba’s legacy is ‘hard to grasp’

Abba star Bjorn Ulvaeus has said it is “hard to grasp” the legacy that the band’s music has.

The musician was joined by bandmate Benny Andersson to reflect on the Swedish group’s lasting impact.

Reflecting on the band’s impact, Ulvaeus said: “It’s very very hard to grasp emotionally that we wrote these little songs and it gave rise to this and the millions of people we have touched.

“We know it’s true but it’s very hard to understand. Maybe impossible.”

Ulvaeus also said: “Back in ’79 I don’t think we ever thought about being listened to in 10 years’ time.

“If you said something like this would happen in 50 years’ time, it would be preposterous, it just doesn’t happen.”

Despite their prolific output, the duo have never collaborated with other artists but Andersson said he would not rule it out.

Asked if they would ever work with someone like Dua Lipa or Lana Del Rey, Andersson said: “I would say I will take a look. We have been asked but never done it.”

Reflecting on their biggest successes over the course of their lives, Andersson mentioned being inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.

He said: “There are a moments when you know you’ve written a good tune. It doesn’t happen often.”

Meanwhile, Ulvaeus highlighted Abba’s Eurovision victory 50 years ago with Waterloo.

He said: “It has to be said, the feeling when you realise the whole world knows about it and the possibilities and the potential.”