ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus Finally Names The 7 Singers He Hated The Most!
Björn Ulvaeus, one of the iconic members of ABBA, has long been known for his musical genius, incredible songwriting abilities, and his role in shaping ABBA into one of the most successful pop bands in history. However, just like many famous musicians, his career wasn’t without its rivalries and musical conflicts. In a rare and candid interview, Björn Ulvaeus finally opened up about the musicians he couldn’t stand and revealed the seven singers he had the most difficult relationships with.
While ABBA’s rise to fame was largely about unity, creativity, and incredible collaborations, there were, understandably, some clashes with fellow musicians. These tensions often arose due to musical differences, competing styles, and the pressures of an intensely competitive industry. In his recent interview, Björn Ulvaeus opened up about his personal feelings towards some of the more polarizing figures in music. Let’s take a look at the seven musicians Björn reportedly hated the most.
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan, the legend whose lyrical prowess revolutionized the music industry, was, according to Björn, someone he didn’t always see eye-to-eye with. While Björn respected Dylan’s influence and acknowledged his significant contribution to music, he was never particularly fond of Dylan’s approach to music-making and his intellectualized style.
Dylan’s raw, introspective folk and politically charged music were vastly different from the mainstream pop that ABBA represented. According to Björn, Dylan’s music was often too difficult to grasp, and he felt his songs lacked the melodic appeal that ABBA prided themselves on. Björn admitted that while he understood the appeal, he wasn’t a fan of Dylan’s ethereal, obscure style that often left room for interpretation rather than the catchy hooks ABBA was known for.
John Lennon
Another legendary musician that Björn Ulvaeus wasn’t particularly fond of was John Lennon. While Elvis Presley was someone Björn admired, Lennon’s rebellious attitude and his avant-garde approach to music often clashed with Björn’s more traditional approach to pop music. In particular, Lennon’s shift toward political activism and his harsh criticisms of mainstream pop didn’t sit well with Björn, who was more focused on creating timeless pop hits.
Björn expressed that while Lennon’s music was undeniably brilliant, Lennon’s anti-commercial stance and public persona as a revolutionary didn’t resonate with him. The contrast in their approaches to music left a bitter taste, as Lennon’s unfiltered opinions often bordered on disrespectful to mainstream pop musicians, including ABBA. It’s clear that Björn and Lennon’s ideologies were vastly different.
Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger, the frontman of The Rolling Stones, was another figure in the rock scene who didn’t exactly win over Björn Ulvaeus. While Jagger and The Stones were iconic in their own right, Björn found it difficult to align with their rock ‘n’ roll ethos. Known for their rebellious spirit and hard-edged rock, The Rolling Stones represented a world of music that was very different from ABBA’s polished pop.
Björn felt that Jagger’s arrogance and rock star attitude were at odds with ABBA’s more approachable, mainstream image. Jagger’s larger-than-life personality and public antics made him a difficult figure for Björn to connect with, especially since ABBA’s style was far more about catchy tunes than the gritty rebellion that Jagger’s music often conveyed.
Jerry Lee Lewis
Jerry Lee Lewis, the rockabilly legend known for his wild stage antics and controversial personal life, was another artist that Björn Ulvaeus reportedly had issues with. While both musicians came from the rock ‘n’ roll era, Lewis’s chaotic and provocative image made him a figure that Björn struggled to appreciate.
The clash between their personalities and styles was evident in their musical approaches. Jerry Lee Lewis’s unrestrained and often reckless stage presence was something Björn didn’t resonate with, especially since ABBA was known for their perfectly orchestrated performances and catchy pop appeal. Lewis’s controversial personal life, including his marriage to a 13-year-old cousin, also didn’t sit well with Björn, who had a more traditional view of the image that artists should maintain.
Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra, the quintessential crooner of the 20th century, was another musician who reportedly clashed with Björn. Known for his classic standards and sophisticated style, Sinatra’s music was vastly different from the upbeat, catchy pop ABBA created. Although Sinatra’s influence on music is undeniable, Björn felt that Sinatra’s superior attitude toward rock and roll was dismissive and elitist.
Sinatra’s negative comments about rock music and his belief that it was simply a passing fad irritated Björn, who was deeply involved in the rock-pop movement. Sinatra’s disdain for rock and roll was particularly hard for Björn to swallow, especially as ABBA was gaining global popularity within the genre. Björn didn’t share the same respect for Sinatra’s traditional approach to music, which was a source of frustration for him.
David Bowie
David Bowie, with his avant-garde musical approach and constant reinvention, was a figure that Björn Ulvaeus reportedly struggled to relate to. While Bowie was seen as a musical visionary, Björn found his constantly shifting styles and eccentricity somewhat alienating.
ABBA, known for their harmonious pop sound, was very different from Bowie’s groundbreaking and experimental approach to music. Björn was not particularly a fan of Bowie’s flamboyant image and rock star persona, which was more focused on shocking the public than creating the kind of catchy pop hits ABBA was famous for. While he acknowledged Bowie’s genius, Björn never felt a personal connection to the musician’s style.
Gene Simmons (KISS)
Gene Simmons, the bassist and frontman of the hard rock band KISS, is another musician who reportedly didn’t get along with Björn Ulvaeus. Known for his larger-than-life persona and theatrical performances, Simmons’s image as a rock star was far from ABBA’s carefully curated and polished pop style.
Björn didn’t have a lot of patience for Simmons’ controversial persona, which was often centered around shock value, theatrics, and sex appeal. The glam rock world that KISS represented was in stark contrast to the family-friendly image ABBA worked hard to maintain. Simmons’ behavior and public antics, while entertaining to many, were not something Björn connected with, which created friction between the two.
Conclusion: Professional Rivalries and Personal Differences
While Björn Ulvaeus is best known for his musical brilliance and his significant role in ABBA’s success, he, like many musicians, has had his share of rivalries and difficult relationships with other artists. The musicians Björn reportedly disliked were often those whose styles or personal lives clashed with ABBA’s carefully crafted image of pop perfection. These differences, whether due to musical styles, personal philosophies, or public personas, created a divide between Björn and some of the biggest figures in music.
However, despite these professional tensions, it’s important to recognize that Björn and ABBA have left behind a legacy that transcends any personal conflicts. Their music continues to resonate with millions, and the personal rivalries they experienced are just part of the complex story of their success.