The record label of iconic Swedish pop group ABBA announced Thursday that it has asked Donald Trump to stop using its music in his campaign for the US presidency.
Sweden’s Universal Music said it had spotted several of the band’s songs being played at least once at the former Republican president’s campaign events.
“We have requested that (these songs) be removed,” Universal Music AB said in an email to AFP.
“Universal Music Publishing AB and (record company) Polar Music International AB have not received any request (for use of these titles), so no permission or license has been given to Trump,” the group added.
Swedish daily Svenska Dagbladet reports that one of its journalists attended a Trump rally in Minnesota, home to a large Swedish community, in July, during which ABBA’s hit “The Winner Takes it All” was played.
An old 10-minute video clip of the group was shown on a giant screen showing ABBA performing some of their greatest hits, including “Money, Money, Money” and “Dancing Queen.”
The Swedish group consisting of Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid – their initials forming the name ABBA – embodied disco until 1982 when they called it quits.
Other musical celebrities including Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Celine Dion and the Rolling Stones have called on the Republican candidate to stop playing their songs during the campaign.
