Abba's Agnetha: Time for reunion

Abba, The Definitive Collection album cover. Photo / Supplied.

A reunion more than 30 years after Abba's last chart-topper in 1980, Super Trouper, would have a more sedate feel than the glitter, Lycra and platform boots associated with the Dancing Queen foursome.

Three of Abba's four members are aged 64 and 65. The youngest, 60-year-old Agnetha Faltskog ("the blonde one"), made the revelation in an interview with Swedish oldies' magazine M.

"I just feel it would be fun to meet, chat about the old days and perhaps perform together," said Faltskog in her first interview for more than a decade. She revealed that she had a bag full of "half-written songs" and would like to sing the theme of a major film.

"We would not get together again for a tour like the Rolling Stones and other old bands do. I think we would all consider a one-off reunion, maybe for a good cause," she said.

Abba shot to fame after winning the 1974 Eurovision song contest with Waterloo. In an achievement that has yet to be equalled, they went on to become one of the biggest groups in pop history, even though they came from a non-English-speaking country. They have sold more than 370 million albums and singles, a figure which increases every year by a couple of million.

The four performers have not worked together since 1982 when they abandoned an album project after recording six songs. Faltskog's ex-husband, Bjorn Ulvaeus (the other blond), has continued to work with Benny Andersson (the bearded one) in a series of business and music collaborations, including the musicals Chess and Mamma Mia.

Andersson's ex-wife, Anni-Frid Lyngstad (the brunette), has a solo career, is the widow of a Swiss prince and has become an environmental activist.

The group's refusal to reunite - despite a reputed offer of US$1 billion in 2000 - has left the field open for a generation of camp tribute bands. In interviews, the three other members of Abba always entertained the prospect of a reunion until Andersson ruled it out in March last year.

In the interview published in Sweden on Tuesday, Faltskog admits she has not consulted the other members of the group, none of whom she is believed to be on speaking terms with.

The newspaper Aftonbladet's culture editor, Asa Linderborg, said: "I do hope Abba do not get together again. John Lennon said, 'You don't reheat the souffle'.

"Some things in life are timeless, like the music of Abba. But the performers come with a sell-by date."

- Observer