Sweden's said a big 'Thank you for the music' to its most famous pop exports ABBA by honouring the supergroup with one of the country's most prestigious awards, the Order of the Vasa.
It's the first time it's been bestowed in nearly half a century in recognition of ABBA's "very outstanding efforts in Swedish and international music life."
The band, which consists of Agnetha Faltskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, sprang to international stardom by winning the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with their infectious love song 'Waterloo'.
Cultural Commanders
The Eurovision victory turned ABBA into a pop juggernaut and easily the most successful band to win the pan-continental music contest. ABBA’s melodic disco pop sold hundreds of millions of records worldwide. The stage musical “Mamma Mia!” based on its songs is 25 years old and spawned two movies.
Although, the Swedish band members have not performed together live for four decades, they released a comeback album, “Voyage,” in 2021 and a year later, the digital “ABBA-tars” opened in London.
The royal recognition as "Commander of the First Class" is one of several Swedish orders, including the Royal Order of Seraphim awarded to heads of state and foreign royals, and the Royal Order of the Polar Star that is given to foreign citizens and stateless persons.
The Royal Order of Vasa, which is given in recognition of personal efforts for Sweden or for Swedish interests as well as the successful performance of public duties and assignments, was dormant until late 2022, when it was reactivated after regulations opened the Royal Orders to Swedish citizens again.
Earlier this year, candidates were nominated by the public and the Swedish government and King Carl XVI Gustaf approved the nominees that included the four ABBA members.
This year's Eurovision was coincidentally held in Sweden and won by the Swiss singer Nemo, with “The Code,” an operatic pop-rap ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing a nongender identity.
