ABBA tells Donald Trump: Stop using our songs

Universal Music in Sweden said videos had surfaced of ABBA’s music being played at at least one Trump event. Image: AFP/Olivier Touron

The record label for iconic Swedish pop group ABBA said Thursday, Aug. 29, it has demanded that United States presidential hopeful Donald Trump stop playing its music at his campaign rallies.

Universal Music in Sweden said videos had surfaced of ABBA’s music being played at at least one Trump event.

“We have demanded that (the material) be taken down and removed,” Universal Music AB told AFP in an email.

“Universal Music Publishing AB and (record company) Polar Music International AB have not received any request (to use the music), so no permission or license has been given to Trump,” it said.

Swedish daily Svenska Dagbladet said its reporter had in July attended a Trump rally in Minnesota—known for its strong Swedish community—where “The Winner Takes It All” was played.

The reporter said the song was followed by a 10-minute video clip, projected on a big screen, of ABBA in its heyday playing some of its biggest hits including “Money, Money, Money” and “Dancing Queen.”

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With their catchy melodies and glittering costumes, Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anni-Frid—whose initials make up the name of the group—personified disco around the globe until they stopped performing in 1982.

The group is the latest in a slew of artists who have asked the US Republican presidential candidate to refrain from using their music at rallies and events, including Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Celine Dion and the Rolling Stones.