ABBA legend Bjorn Ulvaeus, 79, unveils his new sideline job as public speaker for ‘fireside chats and Q&A sessions’
ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus has revealed his new side job, where he hosts ‘fireside chats’ and ‘moderate question and answer sessions’.
The music icon, 79, boasts an estimated fortune of £239 million and is now embarking on another fruitful business journey.
Bjorn has now been named ‘speaker of the week’ by the talent management agency he signed with, Kruger Cowne.
The pop legend would be available for “after-dinner speeches, performances, keynote speeches, moderated Q&As” and “fireside chats,” according to The mirror.
MailOnline has contacted Bjorn’s representatives for comment.
Bjorn Ulvaeus, 79, has revealed his new side job, which includes both ‘fireside chats’ and ‘moderate question and answer sessions’ (pictured in 2021)
Bjorn was part of the iconic band ABBA, also composed by Agnetha Fältskog, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad; they dominated the music scene throughout the 1970s, but called it quits in 1983 (ABBA pictured in 1976)
This month also marked the 50th anniversary of the iconic moment when ABBA were crowned champions of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Composed by Bjorn, Agnetha Fältskog, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, the band dominated the music scene throughout the 1970s, but after just ten years (and two divorces) they called it quits in 1983.
And earlier this month, Eurovision fans were hoping for a surprise appearance in the final after teasing their return in a clip on social media.
There were rumors that the band were about to reunite for a performance at the singing competition as they prepare to celebrate 50 years since they won with the hit Waterloo.
The band shared a clip on their TikTok page emerging from behind a bush.
The sound playing over the video said, “Alright guys, we’re back, did you miss us?” Because we missed you.’
It comes after ABBA thanked fans in a rare statement as the band celebrated the 50th anniversary of their Eurovision Song Contest victory.
The iconic group remains the show’s most famous and successful export after being crowned winners in April 1974 with their song Waterloo.
The pop legend would be available for ‘after-dinner speeches, performances, keynote speeches, moderated Q&As’ and ‘fireside chats’, according to The Mirror (pictured in 2021)
Earlier this month, Eurovision fans went crazy when ABBA teased their return in a social media clip
Since their split in 1982, their music catalog has included the Mamma Mia! film franchise and theater show, and more recently the incredible ABBA Voyage (pictured)
Reflecting on the milestone, the group released a joint statement expressing gratitude for the “steadfast loyalty and support over the years” from fans.
To mark the anniversary, several pianos across Europe will simultaneously play a pre-recorded by Benny, making it sound like he’s playing live.
Sharing a photo of the foursome who won the award, they wrote: ‘It is somewhat staggering and deeply humbling to think that millions of you who first saw us at the 1974 Eurovision final have not only passed on our music to one generation, but to different ones.
“Every time one of us visits Abba Voyage in London we see evidence of that, and it is because of this that we can celebrate the 50th anniversary of that event knowing that our songs still resonate around the world.”
They continued: ‘It’s hard to believe that fifty years have passed since the four of us waited backstage for the verdicts of all the juries across Europe at the Dome in Brighton.
‘So what were our dreams during those tense moments or in the chaos in the aftermath of the victory we achieved by the smallest margin in Eurovision history?
‘Undoubtedly four different dreams, but whatever they were, however grand, reality has surpassed them, that’s for sure.’
The group had a huge repertoire of hits, including Dancing Queen (1976), Gimme! Give me! Give me! (1979) and Super Trouper (1976) to name a few.
Since their split, their music catalog has included the Mamma Mia! film franchise and theater show, and most recently the incredible ABBA Voyage.
The iconic hologram show has pumped £322 million into the UK economy – with more than a million tickets purchased for up to £181.50 each.
Five years in the making, the performance takes audiences back to Abba’s heyday of the 1970s and 1980s and allows fans to experience them in concert, despite their split in December 1982.
Thanking fans for their continued support, they added: ‘Many of you were there from the very beginning and have been following us ever since – for over half a century!
‘Music that you discover and learn to love as you grow up or even later in life can stay with you forever.
“We share that experience with you and it’s great to know that our music has become a constant in your lives.”
They concluded, “Over the years we have been blessed with the outpouring of love from you, our fans.
‘We feel it and we want to know that hardly a day goes by without being reminded of it. To thank you for what you give us, without sounding trivial, is not easy and this is not a moment of triviality.
“It is a happy yet solemn moment and we can only hope that you understand how deeply grateful we are for a long, successful career and for your steadfast loyalty and support over the years. Thank you!’
The foursome broke up in 1982, and although they reunited for a one-off occasion to mark the debut of ABBA Voyage in 2022, there has been no ‘real’ reunion with all four singing together on stage again.
The lengthy statement thanked fans for their continued support, adding: “Many of you were there from the very beginning and have followed us ever since – for over half a century!
The band, pictured in 2022, arrives at the Abba Voyage concert in London
Last year, a spokesperson for the band Görel Hanser made a “clear denial” of a Eurovision reunion, saying there were “no such plans” and that it was “absolutely wishful thinking on the part of the fans.”
Benny added, “I don’t want to. And if I don’t want to do it, the others won’t do it either. It’s the same for all four of us – someone says ‘no’ – it’s a no.’
It comes just ahead of a new film about ABBA’s rise to global fame, featuring never-before-seen footage of tense encounters between the iconic Swedish band.
Documentary ABBA: Against The Odds tells the epic story of the band’s chart dominance, as well as the personal relationships that led to its demise.
A new trailer for the upcoming documentary, which dropped on BBC iPlayer on May 4, features previously unseen clips of the foursome.
In one clip, Benny and Bjorn are seen rehearsing together on stage before all the lights go out, leaving them worried.
While another hints at some of the tensions felt within the group, Agnetha is seen looking annoyed at the stage as she appears to shout at one of her bandmates.
What made ABBA unique was not only their beloved sound, but also the fact that the band consisted of two couples.
When the band was formed, Agnetha and Bjorn were already married while Benny and Anni-Frid were dating.