ABBA to be inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Updated)

Last updated: September 02, 2010

ABBA to be inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Updated)
December 09, 2009

Yes, finally it's true! ABBA will be honoured at the ceremony on 15 March, 2010 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

Ballots were sent to more than 500 voters, who selected the artists to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

To be eligible for nomination into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an act must have released its first single or album at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. This year’s nominees had to release their first single no later than 1984.

Former inductees include Madonna, Michael Jackson, Queen, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Pink Floyd, John Lennon and The Rolling Stones.
Posted in: ABBA News
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Comments
- Posted by TonyG, December 09, 2009 19:13:
  About time!
- Posted by gerry UK, December 09, 2009 19:13:
  At long last ABBA are being recognised for their contibution to music. ABBA's music has proved itself to be loved worldwide and they continue to inspirational to everyone from U2 to Madonna.Fantastic news and better late than never. Now which members of ABBA will turn up to collect their award?
- Posted by SteveH, December 09, 2009 20:08:
  Oh well....they took their time but they got there in the end....at least some decent recognision.
- Posted by Peter, December 09, 2009 21:11:
  Just wondering where you got the news. Have googled news and there is no announcement, only the 10 nominees of which ABBA is one. Wikipedia says announcement doesn't come until January. But if true, great news.
- Posted by Michael Salkeld, December 09, 2009 22:29:
  Pleas tell me its not some wax works museum.
- Posted by Mal, December 09, 2009 22:33:
  Excellent news and as always I'm so proud of Abba.
  Just perfect timing with the Exhibition opening soon.
  Congratulations ABBA yet again!!! Love ya..
- Posted by richard de groot, December 09, 2009 23:03:
  YES! finally ! 23 years after they split up. Can you believe it!? So great!
- Posted by Monica, December 09, 2009 23:17:
  Well it is about time this has been long overdue!!
- Posted by andrÃ¼, December 09, 2009 23:36:
  I also wonder from where you got the news (?) cause the results are going to be given on january :S its really sure that they are going to the hall of fame????
- Posted by Greg, December 10, 2009 04:38:
  Congratulations ABBA!
  
  It comes as no surprise to me that ABBA achieved this honor. I was certain more than 30 years ago that ABBA was about to become one of the biggest acts ever.
- Posted by PepeJnr, December 10, 2009 06:17:
  I work for a record company branch in Philly. This has been heavily rumored in the last few days. Guess it must be true. Congratulations to ABBA - well deserved.
- Posted by Megan, December 10, 2009 09:44:
  At last! Finally! Really well deserved and a "must"!
  I bet they never dreamed of this when they won the eurovision 1974 hoping they maybe could have one hit in the British Charts..
  Congratulations! Megan
- Posted by Darren, December 10, 2009 12:07:
  Finally and how nice that it will be in the 40th year since 'Hej Gamle Man' was recorded.
- Posted by Peter James, December 10, 2009 14:13:
  Congratulations! Is this motivation enough to reunite at the inductees concert for just a few songs? No concert tour or media promotion required! Then bring the ABBAWORLD exhibition to the US after it leaves London!
- Posted by Terry Malloy, December 10, 2009 14:45:
  I am DELIGHTED!!!!ABBA were seen by many as a "bubblegum" pop group who woudn't come to much...and look at our heros now!!! Even through the 80's I still adored them, still speaking up for them -as many of ud did...SO, to now see them recognised like this is truly wonderful!! Well done Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny , and Frida...we loved you then...we love you now...and we will love you forever,Terry XXXX
- Posted by visitor1982, December 10, 2009 15:31:
  This probably a US thing. In Europe people couldn't care less if ABBA were or weren't inducted in the hall of fame.
  
  I sincerely doubt that ABBA will reunite for this.
  
  Personally, I think it's nice ABBA finally gets inducted... but a reunion will probably happen at a museum opening in London or Stockholm, not in the US...
  
  I hope I'm wrong though! :-)
- Posted by Peter James, December 10, 2009 16:58:
  I agree with you visitor1982 that Europeans could care less about the US RRHOF (except maybe some Brits). But, I think ABBA has always wanted more acceptance by Americans (only one number one single, DQ). What would get them more acceptance than a reunion in NYC? We can all hope, right? By the way, I am in the US and was only 5 years old when they stopped in 1983...I think it would be a huge deal!
- Posted by Bernard Danker, December 11, 2009 05:26:
  Really fantastic news. Congratulations ABBA! More exciting ABBA news in 2010, we hope.
- Posted by Marco paulo, December 11, 2009 13:44:
  It could be a great marketing idea to Bring Abba world museum in 2010 to the Hall of Fame
- Posted by DAVIDSYMON, December 11, 2009 14:20:
  they deserve all they awards they can get.they have given us all so much pleasure i still love them to bits.davidp.s which other group will be as long as ABBA?
- Posted by Jim S, December 11, 2009 14:33:
  Not to throw water on a potentially great thing, but this is the only place, as several others have mentioned, I've seen anything about the actual induction.
  
  I'll wait for something more official and cast in stone before I start celebrating. It would cap off a great year.
- Posted by Linda Carlsson, December 11, 2009 15:52:
  Fantastic news!! :D :D :D
- Posted by Jim in San Francisco, December 11, 2009 20:03:
  Induction news: Google "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2010" and there are several articles mentioning ABBA.
- Posted by Jamie Bodyfelt , December 12, 2009 05:11:
  HOORAY -- it's about time! Can fans get tickets to attend the NY ceremony?
- Posted by Andromeda, December 12, 2009 14:50:
  @ Jim: The current articles online talk about ABBA's nomination, not that they have been selected for induction. I too am curious to know where this news is coming from since there has been no formal announcement?
- Posted by Ice, December 12, 2009 15:48:
  I can assure you that ABBA have been selected for induction. The formal announcement will follow. This article is what's called a scoop.
  
  Ice
- Posted by john bernhardt, December 12, 2009 18:50:
  very impressive scoop, ice
- Posted by Scott, December 12, 2009 20:04:
  Well if it is a scoop it is impressive. But there has been no announcement from the RRHOF about inductions and there is not expected to be for a few weeks. Premature celebrations may not help the cause. On the positive side, the reputable HOF observer group, FutureRockLegends.com, predicted today that ABBA will be inducted along with Genesis, Kiss, Darlene Love and the Hollies.
- Posted by J. B. Books, December 13, 2009 03:03:
  Could this be the extraordinary event that brings a short but long awaited reunion? Probably not, but it is nice to dream that it might happen and this is long overdue. Now I can lift my personal ban on the R n R Hall of Fame. Even though most of the inductees are some of my favorites, without ABBA there, I was never going. Hope this is true, time will tell. Congrads to the four ABBA members, especially the two women, who made ABBA that special group that comes along once a life time. We miss they voices and at this time of year I still miss a Christmas album from them in English, looking forward to the induction ceremony. Thanks for in info ice.
- Posted by Robb, December 13, 2009 05:28:
  It took the RRHOF years to recognize real rock talent...ABBA. All I can say is this is incredibly exciting and long,long overdue. The greatest rock group in history finally gets recognized in the US.
- Posted by JohnB, December 13, 2009 11:01:
  About time too. I wonder if they're still taking bets.
- Posted by Carol Stacey, December 13, 2009 20:10:
  Looking at past inductees, how they have left it so long before inducting ABBA, the contribution to music ABBA have made is vast in comparison,to some of the previous inductees, how did the Dave Clark five get nominated before ABBA,it is unbelievable, so whether ABBA are inducted or not makes no difference, I've loved them since 74, they are My Love, My life, and whether they are inducted or not makes not a bit of difference.
- Posted by Tatiana, December 14, 2009 12:33:
  It is too early to rejoice, folks. There are not any official announcements. We can only pray hard for ABBA to be inducted!
  They have already won the love of several generations, unlike most of the other inductees...
  Their music is still going on unlike most of the other inductees...
  You may sign the petition.
- Posted by Gary, December 14, 2009 19:41:
  Please don't doubt Ice's word on this - it is definitely true, as I know it to be so from another independent source. ABBA are in !!! (And about time too!!)
- Posted by Jim in San Francisco, December 14, 2009 21:34:
  Ice: Thanks for your continued great work! You are the #1 ABBA source always and we appreciate it! Let's all start praying that Agnetha will work up the courage to fly to New York for the ceremony...or take a boat! :)
- Posted by Mike, December 15, 2009 13:01:
  Congratulations ABBA!
  Official now per Rolling Stone :)
  http://bit.ly/8itf3P
- Posted by Chris, December 15, 2009 15:50:
  HOORAY!
  
  Perfect! In 2010, I will celebrate my 30th year as an ABBA fan.
- Posted by Marco paulo, December 15, 2009 16:10:
  Maybe Phil collins and Frida ( as they are both chosen with their respective group )could do their duet at the ceremony?
- Posted by Jim S, December 15, 2009 18:30:
  Sorry to have doubted you Ice. I just needed to see more than one source before I completely believed it.
  
  Thanks as always for passing along the good news. Seeing Kristina and having this happen in the space of three months is pretty incredible.
  
  I'm sure you'll let us know if and when tickets are available.
- Posted by Ian , December 15, 2009 19:18:
  Now official as per RnRHoF http://www.rockhall.com/induction2010/
- Posted by Ian, December 15, 2009 20:28:
  @ Jim: as far as I know the induction ceremony is invitation only and not open to the public.
- Posted by mikespeir, December 15, 2009 21:41:
  Congratulations, ABBA! It was far too long in coming.
- Posted by Darren, December 16, 2009 09:52:
  Has anyone seen the new Benny interview given to Rolling Stone? interesting and maybe time Agnetha became a fan of cruise ships...we can but hope....
  Also Frida looked great at the 'Awards for heroes' in Sweden.....the pics are out there for all to see.
- Posted by Ice, December 16, 2009 10:41:
  The link to Rolling Stone is in the main article.
  
  Svenska hjältar footage is linked to from the icethesite twitter channel:
  
  www.twitter.com/icethesite
- Posted by Ed Kollin, December 16, 2009 16:12:
  Better late then never. Can't wait until 15 March. In this world it is nice to hear good news for once. Congratulations!!!. My advice for what it's worth, take it all in and enjoy it to the fullest. To ABBA's US fans the ceremonies will be on the FUSE cable network
- Posted by colinthebruce, December 16, 2009 17:22:
  Rolling Stone. "never say never" Uh oh I'm off on one!! ;0)
- Posted by Michael, December 17, 2009 16:39:
  Hi Ice and ABBA fans,
  
  This is my first time to contribute a comment on this site, although I've been enjoying this site for a long time!
  
  Firstly, Ice...a site well done and appreciated. If there is a site I sneak a view at every day, it's this one.
  
  I just wish to say that it's an AMERICAN honour for ABBA to finally be recognised in such a big way, although the award is by ABBA standards, no more than a platinum certification. BUT, it means that ABBA has gotten the recognition they were due since eligibilty.
  
  I'm not amazed by the induction...if ABBA was left out of this nomination forever, something would definitely be amiss with the votes. There are many artists in the induction lists where ABBA tracks leave them sounding like Beethoven. That's not my point however, it's the ultimate USA recogntion...finally.
  
  ICE, again, beautiful site...it makes me smile everyday!
  
  Best wishes,
  
  Michael
- Posted by Stu, December 17, 2009 21:56:
  Wonderful news, better late than never, a well derserved tribute.
- Posted by Tony, December 18, 2009 03:17:
  YAY!!! Woohoo! They're in!
  
  And another ABBA-esque connection are in, with Genesis [re: Frida & Phil Collins].
  
  It's so wonderful that ABBA have been getting this 'better-late-than-never' recognition of recent years by mainstream USA. I wonder if such mainstream recognition started in USA as early as when ABBA were mentioned in the [outtakes?] of Pixar's 'A Bug's Life' :o)
  
  Anyhooo... as I was saying... "Yay!" ;o)
  
  Cheers, Tony.
- Posted by Jim in San Francisco, December 18, 2009 21:16:
  Well...anyone going? It's not a bad trip from California to New York, but as Ian's says, it's by invitation only? BUMMER! I think I will go anyway to just be at the hotel to get a glimpse of them. Rates at the Waldorf are $459USD, pretty pricey, but it's a beautiful historical hotel. I've stayed there a few times in the past. I've met Benny and Bjorn, and it would be incredible to see Frida and/or Agnetha. PLEASE AGNETHA, GO!!!! Advise anyone? Should I "take a chance" and go and try to see them at the hotel?
- Posted by Gordon, December 21, 2009 01:47:
  ABBA said that they would only get back together if there was a good enough reason. Well this is it. The HOF induction ceremony is a symbolic acceptance and calling from the USA, that "we want ABBA". Stig always said he wanted ABBA to tour America when the demand was overwhelming. Well I don't think it gets better than this. Please ABBA let history record this moment for you. Your time has come !
- Posted by Robb, December 21, 2009 06:08:
  The world needs to see these four Super Stars together again in a special moment of award. Agnetha,you know you must be there for the group, make it fun with family and take a cruise to New York. Time is short,it will never happen again.
- Posted by Tony, December 24, 2009 00:23:
  Maybe Agnetha could make combine this event into a holiday, where she could travel to UK by boat, then catch a ship to New York (eg: Queen Mary II, or whatever ship may be available around this time), thus avoiding air-travel and ending up instead with a glamorous and relaxing sea-faring holiday, that would be topped off with a wonderful award ceremony.
  
  Merry Christmas to everyone!
- Posted by Tony, December 24, 2009 00:27:
  Oops, sorry Rob. You had the same idea as I just submitted... I didn't get to read all of the recent suggestions before I submitted. But, I totally agree with you, that she should take some family to make it a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime event, especially as this is such an unexpected situation.
  
  Cheers Rob.
- Posted by Henk, January 02, 2010 15:41:
  Robb and Tony; do you have the "frida" dvd? Frida tells in the interview that Agnetha is afraid of flying, but she takes a plane so now and then!!
- Posted by Robb, January 03, 2010 15:29:
  Hello Henk, I do have Frida's dvd, but I was trying to think of someway for Agnetha to bring her family (without the worry)and put that fear of flying to rest. This would be historical to see ABBA side by side once again. Even in the "Mamma Mia" premier they were not photographed side by side, only Frida and Agnetha. However this happens...it HAS to happen!
- Posted by Carrie, January 08, 2010 19:52:
  I'm so proud of ABBA. It is long over due. Take that KISS!
- Posted by Scott, January 09, 2010 14:22:
  I'm not optimistic that all four members of ABBA will agree to perform together at the Hall of Fame induction on March 15. (I have always accepted and agreed with their past resistence to a 'reunion' concert.) That said, it would be wonderful to see ABBA together on stage to accept the award. Unfortunately it appears the Hall of Fame is returning to an invitation-only ceremony so fans wanting to pay their respects will be lucky to even catch a glimpse of any of the inductees. (Maybe not even that if they're staying inside the Waldorf Astoria where the event takes place.) It raises the question of whether any of the band mates would consider some organized public appearance to allow fans to offer their congratulations on this achievement. I have no doubt there are lots of US and Canadian fans who would love to be in New York that week to celebrate with ABBA. Anyone else with views on this?
- Posted by elekus, January 14, 2010 04:06:
  fantastic, and ....finally!
- Posted by Jim in San Francisco, January 15, 2010 17:16:
  Well, I have some very exciting news! I just got tickets to the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame Induction Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria for March! They are VERY expensive, but it will be so worth it! The organizers of the event have confirmed that all 4 members will be in attendance and will have an answer in a couple of weeks if they will be performing! I am so excited to be able to see Agnetha and Frida in person! I will take many pictures if my hand stays steady!!! Anyone else going? I can't wait to see Frida and Phil Collins together! This whole thing is a dream come true for me.
- Posted by jonathan Bollen, January 15, 2010 18:43:
  Hi Jim my friend has got tickets for the rnrhof dinner so if all of ABBA turn up he will get me a real signed photos. But you can not belive everything they tell you.
- Posted by Scott, January 18, 2010 10:03:
  Congratulations, Jim. Can you share with us how you scored those tickets? As far as I know the Hall of Fame has not released tickets for public sale and I've had no success in my searches in finding anyone who is selling. Well if I can't join you in person I'll certainly be there in spirit!
- Posted by Jim in San Francisco, January 18, 2010 19:19:
  @ Scott: Thanks! I did a lot of "investigating" and made a lot of phone calls and finally found the event company that does the R&RHOFD. They are called Event Associates, Inc. Website is: http://eventassociatesinc.com/home.html. Not sure if I'm allowed to post this here, but ICE will advise...I just booked my plane tickets and reservations at the Waldorf Astoria. It's going to be an expensive weekend, but Agnetha and Frida are well worth it!!! Hopefully I will see some of you there!!!
- Posted by Helmut, January 20, 2010 16:18:
  Jim, I don't know where you heard that all 4 members will be in attendance. I just learned that at this point of time, only 3 are confirmed to attend. Guess who's still missing... But now come the good news: Whether it's 3 or all of them - they will be performing!!!!!!
- Posted by Jim in San Francisco, January 20, 2010 22:29:
  Helmut! Oh my God, that's GREAT NEWS!!! I've been in touch with the event planners for the ceremony, and they have told me twice that all 4 have confirmed to attend. I only hope it's true...where did you hear that they are going to perform? They told me that the list of performers will be announced in a couple of weeks. I would be so happy if the 4 were in attendance, but to have BB&F peform would be out of this world. But what a huge pity it would be without Agnetha...please, Agnetha, join your former members for this once in a lifetime unbelievable honor!!!!! For your long-time devoted fans!!!!
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