ABBA Man Benny Blasts Eurovision

Now it's just good telly

Last week Terry Wogan said that the Eurovision Song Contest was "rubbish" and "a camp, foolish spectacle". Now former Eurovision winner Benny Andersson has hit out at the event.

"What it is now is possibly a great television event, but for music it means nothing. I don’t watch Eurovision, it’s become so huge," he thundered like an indie kid distraught that their favourite band has sold more than thirteen records.

Comparing the modern jamboree to the Contest he and ABBA won with ‘Waterloo’ in 1974, Andersson said "It was smaller scale then than it is now. It might have been a little bit more meaningful in the 50s and 60s and when we entered but after that, I’m not sure if anything ever happened. Musically it’s not what it should be. But as television it’s a good show."

The Quietus Digest

Sign up for our free Friday email newsletter.

Support The Quietus

Our journalism is funded by our readers. Become a subscriber today to help champion our writing, plus enjoy bonus essays, podcasts, playlists and music downloads.

Support & Subscribe Today