Benny Andersson, one of ABBA’s founding members, has finally revealed the truth behind the breakup of the iconic pop group that took the world by storm.

For years, fans speculated about the reasons behind ABBA’s split, with some assuming the pressures of fame played a key role.

In an exclusive interview, Benny himself shared the heartbreaking details of how his relationship with fellow bandmate Anni-Frid “Freda” Lyngstad unraveled.

Their romance began long before ABBA was even a thought.

Benny and Freda first met in 1969 at a music festival in Sweden, where Benny, already well-known as a member of The Hep Stars, was drawn to Freda’s fiery red hair and powerful voice.

Freda was a rising star in Sweden’s folk music scene, and the two quickly became close, bonding over their shared passion for music.

By 1975, as ABBA began to take shape, so did their relationship, and their bond seemed inseparable. They were both focused on creating the music that would define ABBA’s sound, with Benny’s perfectionist approach to melody and Freda’s emotional delivery blending seamlessly.

However, as ABBA’s fame skyrocketed, the pressures began to take their toll. While Freda thrived in the spotlight, Benny preferred to keep a low profile.

Their differences, once the very thing that made them a powerful team, started to drive a wedge between them.

Benny became increasingly obsessive about the studio, working long hours, while Freda, who was more spontaneous, grew frustrated with his relentless drive for perfection.

Their once harmonious partnership began to deteriorate, and rumors began to swirl about Benny’s growing connection with Mona Nylén, a woman he had met during an ABBA TV special.

The final blow came in early 1981 when Benny confessed to Freda that he had developed feelings for Mona.

This revelation shattered Freda, and after nine years together, their marriage ended.

Although they tried to remain professional for the sake of ABBA, the breakup was palpable, and it had a significant impact on the band.

Songs like “The Winner Takes It All” and “When All Is Said and Done” now carried a deeper emotional weight, as fans began to understand the heartbreak behind the music.

Following the split, Benny and Freda were both interviewed separately, and the pain of their breakup was evident.

Benny, in particular, struggled to articulate his feelings during an interview with Expressen in 1981.

As he spoke about his new relationship with Mona, his usual confidence seemed to evaporate, replaced by a noticeable discomfort.

Freda, on the other hand, maintained a sense of grace, acknowledging the pain of their separation but refusing to dwell on bitterness.

She had found solace in a new relationship with a Swedish businessman, although she remained private about his identity.

Their personal lives were not the only casualties of the breakup. ABBA continued to make music for another year and a half, but the magic that had once defined the band was now tinged with sadness.

The cracks in their relationships were reflected in the music, and it became clear that ABBA could not continue as it once had.

By 1982, ABBA officially disbanded, and their golden era came to an end.

Freda, who had already faced a difficult childhood as a war child, would go on to marry Prince Heinrich Ruzzo of Plauen in 1992, becoming a princess.

However, life in the royal family was not as glamorous as it seemed.

Freda struggled with the rigid protocols of royal life, which stood in stark contrast to the freedom she had enjoyed as a pop star.

Despite the privilege, the pressures and expectations of her new role left her questioning if this was the life she had envisioned.

Her happiness was further tested when her daughter, Anna Lise, tragically passed away in a car accident in 1998.

The loss of her daughter was devastating, and Freda withdrew from public life, seeking solace in privacy and quiet moments at her Swiss home.

In a surprising turn, it was Benny who reached out to Freda during this difficult time. Their shared history in ABBA provided a connection that transcended the bitterness of their past.

Though their relationship was never the same as it had once been, their bond was renewed in these quiet moments of understanding.

While Freda largely faded from the public eye, ABBA’s legacy remained alive and well. In 2021, the band made an incredible return with Voyage, their first new album in 40 years.

The album was a success, but it was the groundbreaking concert experience that truly caught the world’s attention.

Using cutting-edge technology, ABBA introduced digital avatars of themselves, performing alongside a live band.

The ABBA Voyage residency in London became a global sensation, offering fans a unique and emotional experience that blended live music with digital innovation.

Despite turning down a reported $1 billion offer for a world tour, ABBA made it clear that they would not perform traditional live concerts again.

The Voyage concert was a testament to the band’s enduring influence and their ability to evolve with the times.

ABBA’s journey, marked by love, heartbreak, fame, and reinvention, continues to inspire fans around the world.

The question remains: could anything have been done to save their love story and restore the original magic of ABBA?

The answer lies in the enduring music that still connects people across generations, reminding us of the power of ABBA’s songs and the complex, sometimes painful, stories behind them.