A LEGENDARY FAREWELL: Björn Ulvaeus Announces His Retirement After 60 Years in Music
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN — After six remarkable decades of shaping the sound of popular music, Björn Ulvaeus, the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and co-founder of ABBA, has officially announced that he will retire from touring in 2026. The decision marks the closing chapter of a career that has left an indelible mark on generations of music lovers around the world.
At 80 years old, Björn remains as articulate and thoughtful as ever, and his announcement — made during a quiet press gathering in Stockholm — was filled with both gratitude and reflection. “It’s time,” he said simply, his voice calm but tinged with emotion. “I’ve spent my life chasing melodies, writing stories in sound. Now, I want to listen to the music of life itself — the quiet, the laughter, and the moments we often miss while we’re always on the road.”
Best known as co-writer of ABBA’s enduring catalogue of hits alongside longtime collaborator Benny Andersson, Björn helped craft songs that became the soundtrack of an era: “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “Fernando,” and “The Winner Takes It All” — each a masterpiece of storytelling and emotion. Beyond ABBA, his creative genius extended to stage and screen, most notably as co-writer of the celebrated musical “Chess,” which produced timeless numbers like “One Night in Bangkok” and “I Know Him So Well.”
The news of his upcoming retirement comes as both a moment of nostalgia and celebration for fans across the globe. For decades, Björn’s name has stood not just for success, but for the enduring power of melody and sincerity in a changing musical world.
Reflecting on his long journey, Björn shared, “I’ve been blessed to do what I love — to write songs that outlived their moment. That’s a privilege few can claim. But more than that, I’ve had the honor of doing it with friends who became family, and fans who became part of the story.”
His announcement also included a heartfelt acknowledgment of Benny Andersson, his creative partner for over half a century. “Benny and I built something together that neither of us could have done alone. That bond — that friendship — it’s the greatest song of all.”
Although Björn plans to retire from touring, he emphasized that his passion for music and storytelling will never fade. Sources close to him reveal that he intends to continue working on select creative projects, including writing and mentoring young songwriters. “I may be stepping away from the stage,” he said with a gentle smile, “but the music will always be with me — and, I hope, with you.”
Tributes from around the world poured in within hours of the announcement. Fellow artists praised him as a “master craftsman of song” and “one of the purest storytellers in music history.” Fans, meanwhile, took to social media using the hashtag #ThankYouBjörn, sharing memories of how his songs shaped their lives — from first dances to family gatherings to moments of solace in hard times.
As the countdown begins to his final tour in 2026, Björn Ulvaeus’s farewell is being hailed as a celebration rather than a goodbye. For many, it’s a reminder that true artistry doesn’t end when the stage lights dim — it simply moves into a quieter, deeper harmony with life.
“Music gave me everything,” Björn concluded. “And in return, I hope it gave the world something to remember — something that made life a little more beautiful.”
For millions who have danced, dreamed, and loved to his songs, it certainly did.
Because while Björn Ulvaeus may retire from the road, his music — like the legacy of ABBA itself — will never say goodbye.