By admin 
Introduction
For those of us who came of age with the shimmering sounds of ABBA—or perhaps simply adopted them as the timeless soundtrack to our lives—few moments in recent memory have carried the emotional weight of an impromptu reunion. It’s a testament to the band’s enduring legacy that even a brief, private performance can send a palpable wave of nostalgia, excitement, and sheer warmth across the globe. We’re talking, of course, about the evening of June 5, 2016, in Stockholm, an event intended to celebrate fifty years since the pivotal first meeting of songwriters Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson. Yet, it became something more profound: a momentary, heart-stirring reconnection of the legendary four.
The focus of our attention today is a piece of music from that evening, a song that, while not their most famous global hit, perfectly encapsulates the sentiment of the occasion: “The Way Old Friends Do.” And specifically, the brief but precious clip of the two remarkable women whose voices defined a generation: ABBA REUNION: Frida & Agnetha sing The Way Old Friends Do LIVE at Berns, Stockholm, June 2016.
What makes this particular recording, or rather, the very existence of this performance, so captivating? It’s not about spectacle; the footage that exists suggests an intimate, unpolished moment, far removed from the dazzling lights and iconic costumes of their 70s heyday. Instead, it’s about authenticity and the quiet power of shared history. For decades, the four members of ABBA had maintained a respectful distance, the complexity of their personal and professional relationships being well-documented. The possibility of them ever singing together again seemed to many like a cherished but improbable dream, resigned to the ‘things that used to be.’
“The Way Old Friends Do” itself, a track originally released on the Super Trouper album and often performed as a concert closer, is a simple, beautiful ode to enduring companionship. Its melody is understated, often delivered with a charmingly authentic live atmosphere, as it was captured on the ABBA Live album. The lyrics speak of comfort, familiarity, and a bond that withstands the changing tides of life. Hearing Anni-Frid Lyngstad (Frida) and Agnetha Fältskog deliver these words, even if only for a verse or two, in a small, private setting, transforms the song from a pleasant album track into an deeply moving document of personal history.
Imagine the atmosphere in that room at Berns, a historic venue in the band’s home city. The two women, who together created some of pop music’s most complex and celebrated harmonies, stand side-by-side once more, their voices blending with a familiarity that time cannot erase. It’s a sound that is instantly recognizable, yet perhaps layered with the wisdom and experience of the intervening thirty-plus years. The song becomes a mirror, reflecting not just the half-century bond between Benny and Björn, but the equally profound, if sometimes complicated, sisterhood of sound between Frida and Agnetha.
For long-time fans and discerning music enthusiasts alike, this event serves as a powerful reminder of what made ABBA unique. It wasn’t just the catchy tunes or the brilliant production; it was the magic that happened when those four individual talents—two remarkable singers, two masterful songwriters—combined. The Berns moment, centred on the gentle, reflective strains of “The Way Old Friends Do,” provides a fleeting glimpse into the warmth and affection that, despite everything, clearly still exists among them. It’s a genuine moment of connection, a subtle nod to the shared journey, reminding us that some friendships, and some artistic chemistries, are truly forever. It’s more than a reunion; it’s a reassurance.