ABBA star Benny Andersson reveals the REAL reason behind iconic band's split
ABBA legend Benny Andersson has reflected on the group’s disbandment in the early 1980s.
Benny Andersson on ABBA's split: We're still on a break
Speaking to Ross King on ITV’s Lorraine, the serial hitmaker explained that his move towards musical theatre was what ultimately drew a line under the iconic quartet’s time together.
“We [he and Björn Ulvaeus] said we want to try this thing, writing for the theatre,” he recalled.
“And Tim Rice came along so that gave us a big opportunity, so we just go along.
“We wrote Chess, and after that we said what’s the point in going back? Because we like this.”
Benny Andersson opened up on ABBA's split
ABBA are one of the most famous bands of all time
We’re still on a break!
The group announced a hiatus at the time, and never formally confirmed their split.
“So yeah we’re still on a break,” Benny joked.
There were difficulties amongst the four-piece, too.
"Things were happening in real life, not just in [our] working life,” he added.
Benny Andersson spoke candidly on Lorraine
The group have repeatedly said they will never officially reform
“[Anni-Frid Lyngstad and I] got divorced, [Björn Ulvaeus and Agnetha Fältskog] got divorced… We still worked - we knew what we had."
The music of ABBA was used for the hit musical Mamma Mia!, made into a film in 2008.
A sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, is currently in the works.