After Rihanna and Pharrell Williams in 2018, the French artist Woodkid in July 2024 and the Foo Fighters just two days ago, it’s the turn of the record label of the iconic Swedish pop group ABBA to get angry with Donald Trump!
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Universal Music claims that several of the group’s songs were played (at least once) during the former Republican president’s campaign events. As a result, the label announced on Thursday, August 29, 2024 that it had asked Trump’s teams to stop using ABBA hits during his campaign for the American presidency.
“We have requested that (these songs) be removed,” Universal Music AB said in a joint email to AFP. “Universal Music Publishing AB and (record company) Polar Music International AB have not received any requests (to use the songs), so no permission or license has been granted to Trump,” the group added.
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Confirming these allegations, the Swedish daily Swedish Daily News reports that one of its journalists attended a Trump rally in Minnesota, home to a large Swedish community, in July 2024, during which one of ABBA’s hits was played, The Winner Takes it All.
In addition, an old ten-minute video clip of the group was reportedly projected on a giant screen showing ABBA performing some of their greatest hits, including Money, Money, Money And Dancing Queen.
The Swedish group of Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid – their initials forming the name ABBA – embodied disco until 1982 when they called it quits.
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In addition to those previously mentioned, other musical celebrities – including Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Celine Dion and the Rolling Stones – have also previously asked the Republican candidate to stop playing their songs during his campaign.