STOCKHOLM: The iconic Swedish pop group ABBA on Thursday said it has demanded the US presidential candidate Donald Trump to stop playing its music at his campaign rallies.
According to Universal Music in Sweden videos had surfaced of ABBA’s music being played at least one Trump election event.
“We have demanded that (the material) be taken down and removed,” Universal Music AB told media 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 licence has been given to Trump,” it said.
Swedish daily Svenska Dagbladet said its reporter had attended a Trump rally in Minnesota in July known for its strong Swedish community where ABBA’s song “The Winner Takes it All” was played.
The reporter said the song was followed by a 10-minute video clip, shown on a big screen, of ABBA playing some of its biggest hits, including “Money, Money, Money” and “Dancing Queen”.
Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anni-Frid whose initials make up the name of the iconic pop group personified disco across the world until they stopped performing in 1982.
The group is the latest in a row of artists who have asked the US Republican presidential candidate to stop using their music at rallies and events, including Neil Young, Celine Dion, Bruce Springsteen, and the Rolling Stones.
