BBC Radio 2 · Music

Eras

The stories of the biggest artists in the world. We delve deep into the BBC archive and speak to the people who were there, as we look back on their most iconic eras.

Episodes

ABBA’s rise to global stardom began with the serendipitous meeting of Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson in 1966, followed by their collaboration with Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. Guided by manager Stig Andersson, the group transitioned from established Swedish folk and rock circuits to international pop suc...

ABBA: 2. The Arrival

04 Apr 2024

28m

AI processed

ABBA’s ascent to global pop dominance began in the wake of their 1974 Eurovision victory, a period marked by intense industry skepticism and the "one-hit wonder" label. Despite facing significant opposition from Sweden’s politically charged "PROG" movement, the band leveraged strategic innovation to secure their future...

ABBA: 3. Said and Done

04 Apr 2024

28m

AI processed

ABBA’s trajectory from 1979 to 1982 reveals a stark contrast between unprecedented global pop dominance and the internal collapse of the group’s two marriages. Despite the technical sophistication of their Polar Music Studios and the massive success of hits like "Chiquitita" and "The Winner Takes It All," the personal ...

ABBA: 4. Thank You For The Music

04 Apr 2024

28m

AI processed

ABBA’s legacy transitioned from a 1982 breakup to enduring global pop immortality through strategic reinvention and cultural nostalgia. Following the group's dissolution, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus pivoted to successful musical theatre projects like Chess and Mamma Mia!, while the band's public perception shifte...