ABBA Receives Important Swedish Distinction After Nearly Fifty Years
ABBA, the iconic Swedish pop group, has been honored with a prestigious royal distinction. Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Reuss (formerly Lyngstad) were presented with the Swedish Order of Vasa by King Carl Gustaf at the royal palace in Stockholm.
The popular pop group received the order in recognition of their “exceptional contributions to the Swedish and international music industry.” With over 200 million albums sold, ABBA is one of the most successful bands in the world. Their success skyrocketed after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with “Waterloo,” followed by international hits like “SOS,” “Mamma Mia,” and “Dancing Queen.”
Comprised of two married couples, Agnetha and Björn, as well as Benny and Anni-Frid, the band’s marriages eventually ended, leading to ABBA disbanding in 1983. What was initially a temporary break turned out to be permanent.
The presentation of the Order of Vasa coincides with the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s Eurovision victory with “Waterloo” in 1974. This distinction is one of the most prestigious royal honors in Sweden and has not been awarded for nearly fifty years. Following ABBA’s Eurovision win, it was decided that only foreign citizens would receive the Swedish order. However, this decision was reversed last year, including for several other Swedish orders, leading to the first Vasa orders being presented today.