The famous Swedish group ABBA was awarded one of the country’s most prestigious awards, the Order of the Vasa. It is the first time it has been awarded in almost half a century, in recognition of ABBA’s “very outstanding efforts in Swedish and international musical life.”
The group, formed by Agnetha Faltskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, rose to international fame by winning the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with their infectious love song “Waterloo.”
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Victory at Eurovision made ABBA a pop giant and, without a doubt, the most successful group to win the pan-continental music contest.
ABBA’s melodic disco pop sold hundreds of millions of records worldwide. The musical “Mamma Mia!”, based on her songs, has turned 25 and has given rise to two films.
Although the members of the Swedish band have not performed live together for four decades, in 2021 they released a comeback album, “Voyage”, and a year later the “ABBA-tars” digital room was inaugurated in London.
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Royal recognition as “Commander First Class” is one of several Swedish orders, including the Royal Order of the Seraphim which is awarded to heads of state and foreign royalty, and the Royal Order of the North Star which is awarded to foreign citizens and stateless persons.
The Royal Order of Vasa, which is awarded in recognition of personal efforts for Sweden or Swedish interests, as well as for the satisfactory performance of public duties and tasks, was inactive until the end of 2022, when it was reactivated after regulations reopened the Royal Orders to Swedish citizens.
Earlier this year, candidates were proposed by the public and the Swedish Government and King Carl XVI Gustaf approved the nominees which included all four members of ABBA.
SOURCE: Scope.
