MUSIC TRIBUTE: Just 50 Minutes Ago in Sweden — Benny Andersson Announced That ABBA Will Join Forces with the Remaining Member of the Bee Gees to Honor Eddie Van Halen
In a heartfelt announcement that immediately captured the world’s attention, Benny Andersson confirmed just 50 minutes ago in Stockholm that ABBA will collaborate with the last surviving member of the Bee Gees, Barry Gibb, in a special tribute concert honoring the late guitar legend Eddie Van Halen. The event, planned to mark the fifth anniversary of Van Halen’s passing on October 6, 2020, promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of artistry, legacy, and the enduring power of music to unite generations.
Speaking quietly at a press briefing in Sweden, Benny Andersson said, “Eddie changed the sound of a generation — this is our way of saying thank you.” His words carried both reverence and excitement, hinting at a performance that will blend the elegance of pop harmony with the fire of rock innovation. For fans across the globe, the idea of ABBA and Barry Gibb sharing the stage to honor one of the greatest guitarists of all time feels nothing short of historic.
The tribute, which insiders say will take place in Los Angeles later this year, will feature a newly arranged symphonic rendition of Van Halen’s most iconic works, combined with the emotional storytelling of ABBA’s classic style and the soulful touch of Barry Gibb’s voice and guitar. It is expected to include a medley intertwining “Jump”, “Right Now,” and “Dance the Night Away” with re-imagined compositions inspired by ABBA’s melodic sensibilities — a daring fusion of rock precision and pop sophistication.
For Benny Andersson, who has spent decades pushing musical boundaries, this project is deeply personal. Known for his meticulous arrangements and for crafting some of the most enduring songs in pop history — from “The Winner Takes It All” to “Thank You for the Music” — Andersson has often spoken about the universal language of melody. “Music doesn’t belong to one genre,” he explained. “It belongs to emotion. Eddie’s guitar spoke that language better than anyone.”
The collaboration also carries a powerful emotional weight for Barry Gibb, whose own career with his late brothers Robin and Maurice Gibb defined another golden era of modern music. Their connection to Eddie Van Halen’s spirit of innovation runs deeper than style — it lies in the shared belief that sound can transcend time, trends, and tragedy. “When musicians create from the heart,” Barry once said, “they become part of something eternal.”
As news of the announcement spread, fans around the world flooded social media with messages of anticipation and gratitude. Many expressed amazement that artists representing three distinct genres — disco-pop, soft rock, and hard rock — would come together in such a meaningful way. One fan wrote, “This isn’t just a concert — it’s history being written by legends.”
The tribute, tentatively titled “Strings of Fire: A Night for Eddie”, will reportedly feature an all-star band of musicians influenced by Van Halen’s pioneering technique and stage energy. Early reports suggest that Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Agnetha Fältskog will lend their harmonies to a reflective new song written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, while Barry Gibb is set to perform a haunting acoustic segment in memory of Eddie’s creative genius.
For those who grew up with Van Halen’s electrifying riffs, ABBA’s timeless melodies, and the Bee Gees’ angelic harmonies, this event represents more than nostalgia. It is a bridge — between rock and pop, between past and present, between sound and soul.
As Benny Andersson concluded the announcement, he paused for a moment before saying softly, “Music has a way of keeping us connected — to those we’ve lost and to each other. This night will be for Eddie, but it will also be for everyone who still believes in the magic of a song.”
A celebration decades in the making, this extraordinary union of musical worlds will remind us all why legends never fade — they simply keep playing, somewhere, between the notes.