Abba: the documentary "50 anni di musica" airing on Sky Arte retraces their history

"Abba – 50 Years of Music" retraces the rise and artistic trajectory of ABBA, among the leading names in Seventies pop. The documentary, split into two episodes and airing on Sky Arte, follows the group from their win at the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with "Waterloo" through to the final phase of their career.

Through rare archival footage and first-hand accounts, the story retraces the journey of Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, documenting their success on the European, Australian and British charts, as well as their more difficult attempt to crack the US market. Over the course of their career, the group has sold more than 400 million records and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010; "Dancing Queen" entered the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2015.

The first episode focuses on the years of their commercial breakthrough, marked by hits such as "Knowing Me, Knowing You", "Take A Chance On Me", "Fernando" and "Mamma Mia", but also by early resistance, such as the refusal of some British radio stations that considered their repertoire too lightweight. Alongside their growing popularity came mounting media pressure, particularly on Agnetha, while the Australian tour fuelled a mass phenomenon – the so-called Abba-mania – which nonetheless also sparked critical backlash. In the background, the arrival of punk in the UK challenged their dominance, even as it won them unexpected admirers such as the Sex Pistols.

The second episode follows the difficulties they faced in the United States and the impact of personal tensions on the group, starting with the breakdown of Björn and Agnetha's marriage. The shift towards disco sounds with "Voulez-vous" coincided with the hostile climate of the "Disco Sucks" movement, further complicating their inroads into the American market. After a gruelling US tour, their return to the UK was marked by six sold-out shows at Wembley. It was during this transitional phase that "The Winner Takes It All" took shape, one of the most representative songs of the group's artistic maturity.

Ride the wave of great music

Add OndaRock to your favorite sources on Google Discover. Don't miss our reviews, milestones and latest news straight in your feed.

Follow on Google