At 78, Benny Andersson, the legendary composer behind ABBA, has finally opened up about the complex emotions and struggles that shaped the iconic band.

In a candid interview, he reveals that ABBA’s success was not just a product of musical talent, but also a reflection of personal pain and the search for connection.

Benny’s journey began in Sweden, where he was immersed in classical and folk music from a young age. This foundation gave him a unique perspective on songwriting, allowing him to create melodies that resonated deeply with audiences.

While ABBA became synonymous with catchy pop hits, Benny’s compositions often carried layers of emotional depth, blending joy with underlying sadness. He worked tirelessly in the studio, meticulously crafting each song to evoke genuine feelings, often replaying sections until they matched the emotions he envisioned.

Despite his critical role, Benny often felt overshadowed by the band’s frontwomen, Agnetha and Frida. He admitted to feeling “invisible” at times, as fans celebrated the singers while overlooking the intricate arrangements and harmonies he created.

This dynamic took a toll on him, as he bore the burden of maintaining the group’s cohesion amidst rising tensions. Benny often stepped in to mediate conflicts, which quietly wore him down.

The emotional weight of being the “glue” of ABBA contributed to a sense of detachment. Benny used music as a means to process feelings he struggled to express in real life.

Songs like “The Winner Takes It All” were not just artistic expressions; they were his way of avoiding difficult conversations. While Frida poured her heart into the lyrics, Benny found solace in the music itself, leading to an emotional imbalance in their relationship.

Their bond, rooted in shared trauma and music, became increasingly strained. Benny recognized that he was more emotionally available in the studio than in his personal life, often retreating into silence when Frida needed him to be present.

This disconnect ultimately contributed to the unraveling of their relationship, as Benny’s reliance on music as a shield prevented him from fully engaging with the emotions at play.

Benny’s reflections reveal that ABBA’s disbandment was not the result of a dramatic fallout, but rather a gradual realization that the magic had faded.

As touring took its toll, the creative joy that once fueled the band diminished, leading to a quiet dissolution. Benny acknowledges that he stayed in the group out of obligation rather than passion, ultimately feeling trapped by the expectations of success.

After ABBA, Benny sought peace through new projects, focusing on theater and orchestral work, which allowed him to explore deeper emotional territories.

He began mentoring young composers, imparting not only musical knowledge but also insights into navigating the emotional complexities of being an artist.

In his recent confessions, Benny emphasizes that ABBA’s legacy is rooted in their humanity, not just their music. The band’s story is one of flawed individuals striving for connection amidst the chaos of fame.

As he reflects on his past, Benny finds solace in the truth that their music, born from pain and vulnerability, continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

Ultimately, he reveals that ABBA didn’t break apart due to external pressures but because the individuals within it were too human to withstand the weight of their emotions.