As the lights dim and the first notes of a familiar melody begin to rise, audiences around the world are once again reminded why ABBA remains one of the most enduring and beloved acts in modern music. This year, we mark a significant moment—the anniversary of ABBA Voyage, the groundbreaking virtual concert experience that reunited the magic of the Swedish supergroup in a way no one thought possible. And while all four members—Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, and Benny Andersson—stand at the heart of this celebration, the presence of Anni-Frid and Benny carries a special emotional resonance.
ABBA Voyage, which officially launched in May 2022, is not just a concert. It is a marvel of technology, memory, and artistry. Featuring digitally de-aged “ABBAtars” performing with a live band in a purpose-built arena in London, it bridges the past and present in a way that honors the legacy of the group while introducing it to a new generation. But beyond the dazzling lights and technical brilliance lies something even more powerful: the emotional reunion of four artists who once lived, loved, and created history together.
For Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson, the occasion of ABBA Voyage’s anniversary is not just about music—it is about reflection. Once married, the two shared not only stages and studios, but also the vulnerabilities of building something beautiful in the public eye. Their marriage ended in 1981, the same year that ABBA would quietly record what would be their final studio album for decades, The Visitors. Yet, despite personal heartache, their professional bond endured, marked by mutual respect and a shared understanding of the artistry they brought into the world.
Anni-Frid, known for her emotional depth and vocal sophistication, has spoken in recent years about how meaningful the Voyage project has been to her. At 78, her appearance at the project’s launch was met with applause not just for her legacy, but for her grace and dignity. In her words and expressions, one could see both pride and a hint of wonder—that this music, made decades ago with so much heart, still connects so deeply with millions.
Benny Andersson, ever the composer and creative architect, was heavily involved in the production of ABBA Voyage, overseeing the music arrangements and ensuring that the sound remained true to the group’s original spirit. His attention to detail, paired with his unmistakable melodic sensibility, helped bring the digital experience to life in a way that feels strikingly real. Benny once described the project as “the most technologically advanced stage show in the world”—yet what truly elevates it is the emotional honesty at its core.
This anniversary is not only a celebration of innovation, but a moment to honor the journey—from the stages of Eurovision in 1974, to the bright lights of London in 2022, and now into the hearts of a new generation of fans. For Anni-Frid and Benny, the Voyage is also symbolic of healing. The fact that the four members of ABBA could come together, after decades apart, not to relive the past, but to honor it and reimagine it, is something rare and beautiful.
ABBA Voyage is more than nostalgia—it’s a living tribute to resilience, creativity, and the lifelong bonds that music forges. And at the heart of that story stand Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson, once partners in life, now forever partners in legacy.
As we celebrate this anniversary, we are reminded not just of the songs, but of the souls behind them—the quiet strength of Anni-Frid, the musical genius of Benny, and the enduring magic of a group that proved time and again that love, in all its forms, is what gives music its meaning.