Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Abba thanks fans as it marks 50 years since Eurovision win
ABBA has thanked fans for their “steadfast loyalty and support” as the band celebrates the 50th anniversary of their Eurovision Song Contest victory.
The Swedish pop supergroup, made up of Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Agnetha Faltskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, won the competition with Waterloo on April 6 1974 at Brighton Dome’s Concert Hall.
To mark the anniversary, several pianos across Europe will simultaneously play a piece pre-recorded by Andersson and which is designed to make it appear as if he is playing live.
Reflecting on the milestone, the group issued a joint statement saying: “It’s slightly dizzying and deeply humbling to think that millions of you who saw us for the first time in the Eurovision final 1974 have passed our music on not only to one generation, but to several.
“We see evidence of that every time one of us visits Abba Voyage in London, and it’s because of this we can celebrate the 50th anniversary of that event in the knowledge that our songs still resonate around the world.”
The members said they find it “difficult to comprehend” that 50 years has passed since their success in Brighton, adding: “So what were our dreams during those suspenseful moments or in the chaos in the aftermath of the victory we had secured with the smallest margin in Eurovision history?
“Four different dreams, no doubt, but whatever they were, however grand, reality has surpassed them, that’s for sure.
“Many of you were there from the very
start and have followed us ever since – for over half a century!
“Music you discover and learn to love when you grow up or even later in life has a way of staying with you forever. We share that experience with you and to know that our music has become a constant in your lives is a wonderful thing.”
The statement also said: “Throughout the years we have been blessed with the outpouring of love from you, our fans.
“We feel it and we want to know that hardly a day goes by when we’re not reminded of it. To say thank you for what you’re giving us without sounding trivial is not easy and this is not a moment of triviality.
“It is a happy and, at the same time, solemn moment and we can only hope that you understand how deeply grateful we are for a long, successful career.”