ABBA fans recall the idol's success: 'I was instantly obsessed'

It was exactly fifty years ago on Saturday evening when ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest with their smash hit Waterloo. At that moment the Swedish band became world famous. Brabant fans Helga, Helen and Monique will hold their own concert on Saturday in Stockholm, Sweden. “There's also an ABBA tram here,” says Helga.

A magical moment according to many: the first notes of the sound of music and two women came on stage to the musical accompaniment of two men and sang the first words ('My, My') of the monster that struck Waterloo. In that moment, the life of Monique Hovens (59 years old) from Tilburg changed forever. “It's been fifty years since I've been a fan. I was instantly obsessed.”

It was a coincidence that she was watching the Eurovision Song Contest at the time, says the big fan from Tilburg. “I was allowed to stay with my acquaintances. They had one condition: that we watch the Eurovision Song Contest.” And there she was, a nine-year-old girl, sitting in front of the television when ABBA made history. “It's one of those moments that has stayed with me my whole life.”

“It's the music that keeps drawing me in.”

Festive events will be held around the world on Saturday to mark the anniversary of Waterloo. And what better place than the city where ABBA was founded. Helga van de Kar (57) from Roosendaal is in Stockholm with her official ABBA fan club. “The traffic lights here are playing 'Waterloo' and there's also an ABBA tram going around here. There's a lot to do,” she said over the phone.

ABBA trams in Stockholm (Photo: Helga van de Kar)

“It's the music that keeps drawing me in,” says Helga. There's a lot of buzz on the other end of the line. “We just walked out of the ABBA Museum,” she explains cheerfully. Some time ago she organized ABBA Day in Roosendaal with her fan club. More than 450 people from all over the world attended the event.

“As soon as I hear an ABBA song, I immediately feel amazing.”

Helen Maas (57) from Oud-Gastel is also a member of the fan club and is traveling to Stockholm. Now she's there with her daughters, which she believes shows that ABBA's music can also reach a target group of young people. “I first heard music when I was eight years old SurprisedEven after fifty years, the music still manages to leave an impression. “There's not a lot of music that makes me happy, but as soon as I hear ABBA, I immediately feel great.”

What makes you stay a fan of the same music for fifty years? “It's a bit of a watershed, but it's the soundtrack to your life,” says Monique. “With the fan club, I did a lot of fun things, made a lot of friends, and went on fun trips.” Music also provides a lot of fun and beautiful experiences, say the three fans.

Although the three have different favorite ABBA songs, Waterloo will always hold a special place in their hearts. Helen: “As soon as I hear Waterloo, I want to start dancing immediately.”