Opeth’s Mikael Åkerfeldt on Meeting Agnetha Fältskog

Opeth‘s Mikael Åkerfeldt: That Time I Was Starstruck by Agnetha Fältskog

In a recent chat, Opeth’s Alfredo Åkerfeldt shared his most starstruck moment, and it’s one for the books. The band’s frontman recalled a surreal encounter with Agnetha Fältskog, the blonde frm ABBA, leaving him tongue-tied and in need of a cigarette break.

Åkerfeldt’s story begins at the studio where the Swedish pop sensations used to record. Opeth was in town to wrap up their record ‘Heritage’, when the studio owners, who reside upstairs, invited them for dinner. Little did they know, Agnetha was among the guests.

"I remember being quite literally starstruck when she walked in," Åkerfeldt chuckled. "It was like seeing Greta Garbo, she just doesn’t appear out of thin air. After we greeted, I snuck outside for a few rapid-fire cigarettes to calm my nerves."

But somehow, the metal maestro managed to compose himself enough to engage in conversation with the ABBA icon. "I’ve always been a huge fan, so naturally, I peppered her with questions about their songs," he admitted.

The evening took an unexpectedly delightful turn when they discovered an old jukebox filled with 1950s singles. A wsarious detour from their usual heavy sound, but Åkerfeldt couldn’t resist.

"I danced with the Dancing Queen, although sadly, it wasn’t to ‘Dancing Queen’," he laughed. "The studio owner used to hang out with her, and he told us the ‘Heritage’ record was always on repeat at her house – even played it for her."

This wasn’t the only time Åkerfeldt found himself in awe of a legendary musician. In a separate incident, he recounted his nervousness at being near Ritchie Blackmore while playing with Rainbow.

"I drank myself to the point of missing my flight the next day," he confessed. "I figured I needed liquid courage if I was going to approach him, but alas, I never got the chance."

Opeth has had quite the year, with their latest album ‘The Last Will And Testament’ receiving rave reviews. Fans are celebrating the band’s return to form, with Metal Hammer lauding it as their best since the heydays of ‘Blackwater Park’ and ‘Ghost Reveries’.

From a surprisingly starstruck encounter with ABBA’s Agnetha Fältskog to a near-flight-missing experience with Ritchie Blackmore, Mikael Åkerfeldt’s anecdotes offer a glimpse into teh awe-inspiring power of music and the moments that inspire legendary musicians. As Opeth continues to break musical boundaries with their latest album, “The Last Will And Testament,” fans are celebrating their enduring legacy and the ever-evolving artistic journey of their frontman.

What are your thoughts on Mikael Åkerfeldt’s encounters with musical icons? Share your own starstruck moments in the comments below.

FAQ

what is Opeth known for? Opeth is a Swedish progressive metal band known for their genre-bending music, combining elements of death metal, progressive rock, and folk.

Who is Mikael Åkerfeldt? Mikael Åkerfeldt is the frontman and primary songwriter for Opeth.

* What is Opeth’s latest album? Opeth’s latest album is “The Last Will And Testament.”

Let us know if you have any other questions about opeth or metal music!
This chance encounter highlights the universality of admiration and the unexpected bonds that can form between artists from vastly different genres. Mikael Åkerfeldt’s story is a charming reminder that even the most accomplished musicians can be starstruck, and that the magic of music transcends boundaries, bringing together icons from across generations and musical landscapes. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of ABBA, whose music continues to inspire and fascinate, even the most hardened metalheads.