ABBA have thanked their fans for showing “steadfast loyalty and support” as they celebrated the 50th anniversary of their Eurovision Song Contest win.
The iconic Swedish band – comprising of Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Agnetha Faltskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad – shot to fame when they triumphed in the contest with ‘Waterloo’ in Brighton in April 1974 and have described it as “deeply humbling” that millions have adored the group in the subsequent half a century.
In the message, ABBA said: “It’s slightly dizzying and deeply humbling to think that millions of you who saw us for the first time in the Eurovision final 1974 have passed our music on not only to one generation, but to several. We see evidence of that every time one of us visits Abba Voyage in London, and it’s because of this we can celebrate the 50th anniversary of that event in the knowledge that our songs still resonate around the world.”
The ‘SOS’ hitmakers find it “difficult to comprehend” that 50 years have passed since their Eurovision success and the quartet say that their dreams have been “surpassed” as they have gone on to become one of the most popular groups in music history.
The group added: “So what were our dreams during those suspenseful moments or in the chaos in the aftermath of the victory we had secured with the smallest margin in Eurovision history? Four different dreams, no doubt, but whatever they were, however grand, reality has surpassed them, that’s for sure.
“Many of you were there from the very start and have followed us ever since – for over half a century! Music you discover and learn to love when you grow up or even later in life has a way of staying with you forever. We share that experience with you and to know that our music has become a constant in your lives is a wonderful thing.”
The statement concluded: “Throughout 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 when we’re not reminded of it. To say thank you for what you’re giving us without sounding trivial is not easy and this is not a moment of triviality. It is a happy and, at the same time, 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 through the years. Thank you!”