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ABBA: a Swedish perspective

July 16, 2018

Picture taken in 1974 in Stockholm shows the Swedish pop group ABBA with its members (L-R) Benny Andersson, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Agnetha Faltskog and Bjorn Ulvaeus.OLLE LINDEBORG/AFP/Getty Images

In the same week as the Ordway launches its production of "Mamma Mia!" and the film "Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again" is released, Swedish-born ABBA fan Martin Bertilsson shares a number of facts and stories about the band in a series of videos for The Current.

Monday: the significance of ABBA

In the first video in the series, Martin talks about how he was essentially born a fan of ABBA. He talks about the name's origin, and about the fish company that playfully granted permission to use the name. Martin also describes how ABBA's musical approach has has imprinted itself on the DNA of Swedish music-making, as well as the cultural significance of ABBA. "They become as big a brand name as IKEA and Volvo," Martin says.

Tuesday: seeing the Mamma Mia! musical in Stockholm, London and Minneapolis

Wednesday: visiting the Greek island where Mamma Mia! was filmed

Thursday: finding a steak dinner for Benny Andersson

Friday: new music and a must-see for fans

External Links

ABBA - official site

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again - film website

Mamma Mia! - Ordway Theater production, St. Paul, Minn.

American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis

Steak and Ale (Wikipedia)

ABBA The Museum, Stockholm

Gallery

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ABBA The Museum in Stockholm, Sweden — Entrance to ABBA The Museum in Stockholm
Ake E:son Lindman/ABBA The Museum

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ABBA in the 1970s — Swedish pop group Abba, performs during the the Eurovision Song Contest 1974 on February 9, 1974 in Brighton with their song "Waterloo." This was the beginning of the greatest career in Swedish pop music history.
Olle Lindeborg/AFP/Getty Images

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