ABBA‘s Björn Ulvaeus has revealed that he wrote ‘The Winner Takes It All’ whereas he was drunk on whisky.
The 1980 track is likely one of the Swedish group’s most iconic tracks, an account of the painful aftermath of a breakup, and in a brand new interview with The Instances, Ulvaeus stated that whereas he not often wrote something good whereas consuming, this was one notable exception.
The musician, who gave up alcohol in 2007, stated: “I wrote that track in a short time whereas consuming whisky throughout my consuming days. I not often wrote whereas intoxicated since you take a look at the phrases the following day and it’s rubbish.”
“However most of ‘The Winner Takes It All’ is definitely good. It’s not a private story, however I attempted to search out the element of an actual human ache.”
Regardless of Ulvaeus’ declare that it was not written autobiographically, it has lengthy been rumoured that the track was primarily based on the real-life breakup between Ulvaeus and bandmate Agnetha Fältskog, who introduced their separation in late 1979 and divorced within the 12 months the track was launched. Given Fältskog takes the lead vocal on the Ulvaeus-penned tune, the real-life circumstances at the very least lend it additional poignancy.
Elsewhere in the identical interview, Ulvaeus stated he was “troubled” over “extreme issues” with the age hole along with his present spouse, Christina Sas, who’s 28 years his junior.
In different information, final month it was revealed that the setlist for ABBA’s digital Voyage live performance residency is receiving a “small” revamp this Might for its third anniversary in London.
ABBA Voyage first kicked off in Might 2022, and was because of wrap in November final 12 months, however has since been prolonged to January 2026 because of overwhelming demand – you will get tickets right here.
The change in setlist comes after Ulvaeus hinted that extra songs may work their approach into future iterations of the present. Chatting with NME in April 2023, Ulvaeus stated: “We did movement seize extra songs that now we have on this live performance.”
“There are songs within the pipeline which could be animated and ‘ABBA-tarred’ sooner or later. Who is aware of? There could be a brand new track now and again someplace – however I can’t offer you any particulars as of proper now.”
As soon as the present wraps in London, the band intend on bringing the Voyage expertise around the globe, together with Asia, Australia and North America although concrete plans have but to be made public.
Reviewing the primary evening of the present on Might 27 2022, NME gave it 5 stars and referred to as it “an epic avatar mega-mix from a courageous new world,” and stated, “Ageing rockers and poppers are certain to mimic the concept, but it surely’ll be a battle to return near the expertise of ABBA Voyage.
“We for one welcome our new ABBAtar overlords, if just for giving these songs again to us in a completely new and joyful approach.”
