In a career defined by musical brilliance, international fame, and impeccable pop craftsmanship, Björn Ulvaeus — one of the masterminds behind ABBA — has mostly kept his opinions about other artists to himself. Known for his calm demeanor and thoughtful interviews, Björn rarely engages in public criticism.
But now, as he reflects on turning 80, the Swedish icon has surprised fans by finally opening up about the eight bands that never sat right with him — not necessarily out of personal dislike, but due to musical clashes, industry tensions, or pure artistic difference.
“There are some acts I simply never connected with,” Björn reportedly shared in a recent interview. “It’s not personal. It’s just taste.”
So who made the list? And why? Here’s what’s surfaced so far — and why some choices are raising eyebrows.
Sex Pistols
Björn has long expressed discomfort with the raw aggression and chaos of punk rock. He reportedly found the Sex Pistols “anti-music” and called their sound “a celebration of destruction over craft.”
Milli Vanilli
For a man who prizes live vocals and musical authenticity, the infamous lip-sync scandal was a deal-breaker. Björn supposedly called it “a tragedy for real performers.”
The Shaggs
This cult band from the U.S. may be loved for their outsider charm, but Björn allegedly found their lack of rhythm “fascinating, but painful.”
Insane Clown Posse
While perhaps an unexpected entry, reports suggest Björn described their aesthetic as “utterly incomprehensible.”
KISS
Despite being fellow ‘70s icons, he once implied that KISS‘s theatricality was “style over substance” — a contrast to ABBA’s meticulous pop construction.
Limp Bizkit
Nu-metal’s angst and aggression never aligned with ABBA’s ethos. “We built harmonies; they broke them,” he may have quipped.
Crazy Frog
Not technically a band, but this 2000s novelty hit was reportedly “one of the lowest points in pop,” according to someone close to Björn.
An unnamed Swedish pop act
Björn teased that “a certain overhyped Swedish group from the 2000s” made his ears ring for the wrong reasons — but politely refused to name them outright.
Conclusion – Not Hatred, Just Honesty
While the headline may scream “hate,” Björn’s reflections seem more like a veteran artist unburdening himself of decades of diplomatic silence. His critiques aren’t cruel — they’re thoughtful, honest, and come from a place of deep respect for music as a craft.
“You don’t have to love everything,” he said. “But you must know why.”
And for Björn Ulvaeus, that’s the difference between opinion and artistry — even at 80, still sharp, still reflective, and still not afraid to speak his mind.