Introduction
“Tivedshambo” holds a unique place in ABBA’s history. It’s not a song they wrote for themselves, but a tribute to a key figure in their success – Stig Anderson, their manager and lyricist. Here’s the story behind this special song:
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Origins: “Tivedshambo” was actually written by Stig Anderson himself in 1947, when he was just 16 years old. It represents his early foray into songwriting.
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A Surprise Reunion: Although ABBA officially disbanded in 1982, they came together one last time in 1986. This reunion wasn’t for a concert or a new album, but for a Swedish television program called “Här är ditt liv” (This Is Your Life), which was honoring Stig Anderson on his 50th birthday.
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A Special Performance: For this appearance, ABBA performed “Tivedshambo” as a special gift to Stig. This marked the only time the group reassembled after their official disbandment. The performance itself was filmed in Benny’s attic studio at Polar Studios in Stockholm.
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Limited Release: While the performance wasn’t intended for public release, “Tivedshambo” did see the light of day in a very limited capacity. In 1981, a few years before the reunion, a different version of the song, sung by another artist, was released as the B-side to a limited edition ABBA single.
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A Nostalgic Farewell: “Tivedshambo” stands as a bittersweet reminder of ABBA’s legacy. It’s a song with a youthful origin, performed as a tribute to the man who helped shape their career, and ultimately became their final performance together.
Listen to “Tivedshambo” and hear a piece of ABBA history, a youthful composition brought to life as a testament to friendship and artistic influence.
Note: The official recording of the 1986 performance hasn’t been widely released, but some fan recordings may be available online.