Sarah Gilbert 

Abba: from Eurovision to the split – in pictures

It is 40 years since Swedish pop pioneers Abba won the the Eurovision Song Contest. Abba: The Official Photo Book gathers together 600 photographs of the band – from their first taste of fame to their last recording sessions
  
  


A publicity shot from November 1975.
A publicity shot from November 1975. Photograph: Wolfgang 'Bubi' Heilemann Photograph: Wolfgang "Bubi" Heilemann/Deliberate PR
The first time that
The first time that Waterloo was performed at the Swedish finals of the Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm, 9 February 1974. Photograph: Charles Hammarsten Photograph: Charles Hammarsten /IBL Bildbyr/Deliberate PR
Benny and Frida in their hotel room in Brighton after winning the Eurovision Song Contest. They would wake up superstars.
Benny and Frida in their hotel room in Brighton after winning Eurovision. They would wake up superstars. Photograph: Roger Tillberg Photograph: Roger Tillberg/Deliberate PR
Despite their growing fame, Abba still provided the entertainment at the Midsummer Eve celebrations on Viggso Island, 1974.
Despite their growing fame, Abba still provided the entertainment at the Midsummer Eve celebrations on Viggso island in 1974. Photograph: Deliberate PR
A publicity shot for West German magazine
A publicity shot for West German magazine Bravo in 1974. Photograph: Wolfgang 'Bubi' Heilemann Photograph: Wolfgang "Bubi" Heilemann/Deliberate PR
Touring was a family affair - the band are seen here in 1975 at a farmers market in Los Angeles with Bjorn's sister Eva, and daughter Linda.
Touring was a family affair. The band are seen here in 1975 at a farmers market in Los Angeles with Björn's sister Eva, and daughter Linda. Photograph: Charles Sutton Photograph: Charles Sutton/Deliberate PR
The band perform
The band perform Mama Mia on Australian TV, in March 1976. Photograph: Polar Music International Photograph: Polar Music International/Deliberate PR
Agnetha and Frida rehearse with chroeographer Graham Tainton.
Agnetha and Frida rehearse with choreographer Graham Tainton. Photograph: Roger Tillberg Photograph: Roger Tilberg/Deliberate PR
Frida rocks out during a performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London, February 1977.
Frida rocks out during a performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London, February 1977. Photograph: Polar Music International Photograph: Polar Music International/Deliberate PR
The band take a bow after their final show in Perth, Australia in March 1977.
The band take a bow after their final show in Perth, Australia, in March 1977. Photograh: Polar Music International Photograph: Polar Music International/Deliberate PR
Bjorn and Agnetha shop in a Swedish supermarket during a photo shoot for Time magazine documenting their everyday life in 1978.
Björn and Agnetha shop in a Swedish supermarket during a 1978 photo shoot for Time magazine, documenting their everyday life. Photograph: Christopher Little Photograph: Christopher Little/Deliberate PR
Agnetha and Frida in sequinned catsuits, recording a TV special in Tokyo, 1978.
Agnetha and Frida in sequin catsuits, recording a TV special in Tokyo, 1978. Photograph: Polar Music International Photograph: Polar Music International/Deliberate PR
Many of the songs were written and rehearsed in the basement of Benny and Frida's house on Lidingö island.
Many of the songs were written and rehearsed in the basement of Benny and Frida's house on Lidingö island. Photograph: Christopher Little Photograph: Christopher Little/Deliberate PR
The recording of the video for
The recording of the video for Does Your Mother Know in Stockholm, 1978. Photograph: Torbjorn Calvero/Rockshot Photograph: Torbjorn Calvero/Rockshot/Deliberate PR
Benny lies on the floor of the Polar Studio listening to
Benny lies on the floor of the Polar Studio listening to The Day Before You Came – the band's last song, recorded in August 1982. Photograph: Anders Hanser/Rockshot Photograph: Anders Hanser/Rockshot/Deliberate PR
 

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