ABBA is one of the most successful bands of all time, but according to founding member Björn Ulvaeus, their story could have been very different without Australia.

In an exclusive interview with The Spill’s Bree Player, the legendary songwriter reveals how ABBA came dangerously close to being dismissed as a one-hit wonder after winning Eurovision, and why it was Australian fans who helped convince the rest of the world that the band was far from finished.

Björn also looks back on ABBA’s unforgettable 1977 Australian tour, including a bizarre incident that brought one of their performances to a halt, and reflects on the moment he genuinely believed ABBA’s time was over.

Plus, he opens up about the extraordinary legacy of the band's music, why he still finds it surprising that younger generations have embraced their songs, and the exciting new musical project he's working on.

And with Mamma Mia! The Party coming to Sydney, Björn explains why he wanted to bring the immersive experience to Australian audiences and whether he might make the long journey Down Under himself.

MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY is coming to The Star in March 2027. For full ticketing information, menus, FAQs, group bookings and package details visit
www.mammamiatheparty.com.au 

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Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.

ABBA is one of the most successful bands of all time, but according to founding member Bj&ouml;rn Ulvaeus, their story could have been very different without Australia.
In an exclusive interview with The Spill&rsquo;s Bree Player, the legendary songwriter reveals how ABBA came dangerously close to being dismissed as a one-hit wonder after winning Eurovision, and why it was Australian fans who helped convince the rest of the world that the band was far from finished.
Bj&ouml;rn also looks back on ABBA&rsquo;s unforgettable 1977 Australian tour, including a bizarre incident that brought one of their performances to a halt, and reflects on the moment he genuinely believed ABBA&rsquo;s time was over.
Plus, he opens up about the extraordinary legacy of the band's music, why he still finds it surprising that younger generations have embraced their songs, and the exciting new musical project he's working on.
And with Mamma Mia! The Party coming to Sydney, Bj&ouml;rn explains why he wanted to bring the immersive experience to Australian audiences and whether he might make the long journey Down Under himself.
MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY is coming to The Star in March 2027. For full ticketing information, menus, FAQs, group bookings and package details visit <a href="https://www.mammamiatheparty.com.au">www.mammamiatheparty.com.au</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8473898/DL">Take our three minute survey</a>&nbsp;for a chance to win a&nbsp;$1,000 gift voucher&nbsp;AND help shape what we do here at Mamamia.
<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/?utm_source=shownotes&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=spill&amp;utm_content=black-friday&amp;code=BLACK30">Subscribe here</a>&nbsp;for 30% off your annual Mamamia subscription for Black Friday with code BLACK30. Code applied at the checkout. Offer ends November 30.
Become a&nbsp;Mamamia subscriber&nbsp;and get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts and early listening, subscriber-only articles, monthly giveaways and our home workout app,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/?utm_source=shownotes&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=spill">MOVE</a>.
Built to work around your real life, MOVE adapts to whatever season you're in. That's why we've created a brand new collection of feel-good weight workouts, designed for any body, anywhere. No hectic challenges or intimidating gym setups, just simple, easy-to-follow sessions, designed to help you build strength at your own pace. MOVE is feel-good fitness by Mamamia. For less than a coffee a week, get unlimited access to hundreds of workouts, ranging from five to 45 minutes. Plus, you get unlimited access to everything across Mamamia, including subscriber-exclusive podcast episodes, articles, discounts and giveaways. Get your MOVE goodness&nbsp;<a href="https://move.mamamia.com.au/">here.</a> 
Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We&rsquo;ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to<a href="http://veryperi.com.au/">&nbsp;veryperi.com.au</a>&nbsp;and join me today. You hot? Same. Buy today and save 40%
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<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/?utm_source=shownotes&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=spill">Support independent women's media</a> 
Want to join the conversation?
Have feedback or a topic you want us to discuss? Send us a voice message or email us at&nbsp;thespill@mamamia.com.auand we&rsquo;ll get back to you ASAP!
Executive Producer: Monisha Iswaran
Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.

The Spill is your daily entertainment news fix where we break down the biggest celebrity headlines. Join Laura Brodnik and her cast of expert pals like Em Vernem, Tina Burke and Tina Provis for brutally honest takes on pop culture, plus their recommendations that are actually worth watching. New episodes every weekday at 3pm.

Plus we have the latest pop culture headlines every weekday with the latest Morning Tea from Ash London, and on Friday we'll give you the best new TV shows and movies to binge this weekend in our Weekend Watch.

The Spill is your daily entertainment news fix where we break down the biggest celebrity headlines. Join Laura Brodnik and her cast of expert pals like Em Vernem, Tina Burke and Tina Provis for brutally honest takes on pop culture, plus their recommendations that are actually worth watching. New episodes every weekday at 3pm. Plus we have the latest pop culture headlines every weekday with the latest Morning Tea from Ash London, and on Friday we'll give you the best new TV shows and movies to binge this weekend in our Weekend Watch.

The Spill

Björn Ulvaeus: "ABBA Owes Everything To Australia"

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/3ea926be-9be7-482a-8ac3-a44f016e43d1/clips/63b5ee08-b838-4738-9312-b4ff005b6177/transcript