Rock History

1999 – Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, the bearded half of ABBA, take to the stage in London, 25 years after the band’s debut at the Eurovision Song Contest for the opening of “Mamma Mia!” the comedy/romance musical set to ABBA’s greatest hits. At the Prince Edward Theatre in London, the duo receives a standing ovation after the musical.

1993 – At the Stockholm Opera House, ABBA’s Frida Lyngstad sings an a cappella version of “Dancing Queen” for the Queen of Sweden on her 50th birthday.

1990 – The ABBA back catalog is sold to Polygram International.

1988 – Abba sue Mercury Records after their song “Money Money Money” is sampled by English comedian Harry Enfield for his single “Loadsamoney (Doin’ Up the House).”

1982 – Abba top the British albums chart with their hits collection The Singles: The First Ten Years.

1981 – Abba were enjoying their sixth week at No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Super Trouper.’

1980 – Abba top the British singles chart with their song “Super Trouper.”

1980 – Abba tops the British singles chart with “The Winner Takes It All.”

1979 – The music for UNICEF concert took place in New York City featuring Rod Stewart, The Bee Gees, Earth Wind and Fire, Abba and Donna Summer.

1978 – ABBA songwriter Bjorn Ulvaeus announces that he and ABBA singer Agnetha Faltskog are separating. Cue songs like “The Winner Takes It All.”

1977 – Abba went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Dancing Queen’, the groups 7th US Top 40 hit and first No.1. Also a No.1 in the UK in 1976.

1977 – Abba were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with their fifth No.1 ‘Knowing Me Knowing You.’ And on this day made No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Dancing Queen’ the groups only US No.1.