“Tivedshambo”, a unique instrumental piece in ABBA’s discography

“Tivedshambo” is a unique instrumental piece in ABBA’s discography, recorded as a special tribute to their manager Stig Anderson’s 50th birthday in 1981. This instrumental track holds significant historical value as it’s a rendition of one of Stig Anderson’s earliest compositions, dating back to the late 1940s when he was just 16 years old.

Recording and Release

ABBA recorded “Tivedshambo” on January 20, 1981, at their own Polar Music Studios in Stockholm. The song was released as the B-side to “Hovas vittne” on a limited edition 12-inch single, pressed on red vinyl with only 200 copies produced. This rare release, with the special catalogue number Polar JUB 50, was exclusively gifted to guests attending Stig’s birthday party.

Musical Arrangement

The ABBA version of “Tivedshambo” features an interesting blend of instruments:

 • Accordion

 • Acoustic guitar

 • Synthesizer

This arrangement pays homage to the song’s roots as a Swedish accordion classic while incorporating ABBA’s signature sound.

Legacy

“Tivedshambo” has become one of the most sought-after ABBA recordings due to its limited release and special significance. It represents a unique piece of ABBA’s history, connecting their modern sound with the early musical career of their influential manager and collaborator, Stig Anderson.