Life in the spotlight wasn’t always easy for ABBA’s Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus, especially when juggling parenthood. In the new documentary, ABBA: AGAINST THE ODDS, which aired on The CW on May 11, fans get a peek into their challenging yet remarkable journey.
Agnetha and Björn, who started their relationship in 1969 and tied the knot in 1971, welcomed their daughter Linda Elin and later their son Peter Christian during their union. However, it was a taxing period for Agnetha, particularly when their career took flight.
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“It was a difficult time for me,” Agnetha, now 74, shared. As their career soared, especially with ABBA’s grand win at the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with ‘Waterloo,’ it meant being away from their baby girl Linda. Agnetha recalls, “We got our daughter in ‘73, so she was just one year old when we won in Brighton. So everything happened at the same time. You start your career at the same time you want to be a mother.”
Being away for a good two to three weeks for Eurovision left its mark. Björn, who’s now 79, shared the heart-wrenching experience from back then, “When we came back, our daughter didn’t recognize us. That was tough.” Agnetha added, “That was horrible. She was so small.”
When asked if balancing motherhood and pop stardom posed a conflict, Agnetha responded, “I think so, really. It’s hard work, and you always get them to be conscious. She wants me and ABBA wants me.”
This challenge wasn’t just about emotional strain but also the practical aspect of traveling. There was a moment captured in the documentary where ABBA was traveling to Warsaw, Poland, with Agnetha having flown separately. Björn explains from archived ‘70s footage, “When we fly, because we have a daughter who is 3-and-a-half years old, we try to fly separately when we can.” Agnetha added, “I’ve been flying now, very much around the world. And I’ve never liked it, and now I’m very scared of it.”
Ingmarie Halling, who worked closely with the band on their costumes and makeup, echoed the sentiments of parents everywhere, “I’m sure other parents would resonate the same way. Both parents flying together. What if, what if?”
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The documentary doesn’t just cover their struggles with parenthood but also delves deep into their chart-topping hits and personal lives. One significant highlight is the creation of ‘The Winner Takes It All,’ which emerged from the pain of Agnetha and Björn’s divorce in 1980 after seven years of marriage. As Björn confessed, “Going through divorce is difficult, as anyone would know who’s done it. That was of course taking up my thoughts. But there was not one winner in the case of us.”
With ‘The Winner Takes It All,’ Agnetha mentioned, “The track had suddenly got a bit heavy, calling it a bit tragic.” This song, from the 1980 album Super Trouper, came right before another poignant split between band members Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson.
Anni-Frid, now 78, reminisces, “It wasn’t just the music. It was also love. It was a life lived together. Somehow all four of us.” Benny, 77, added, “That was powerful. One of our best I think.”
ABBA: AGAINST THE ODDS takes a heartfelt look into one of the most iconic bands in history, their trials, triumphs, and the real emotions behind their legendary music. Don’t miss this captivating documentary directed by James Rogan, exploring the band’s history and stories.
