Entertainment

ABBA to reunite for mysterious 'virtual reality' time machine project

Iconic Swedish pop group announced 'a groundbreaking venture' with American Idol creator Simon Fuller on Wednesday.

Iconic Swedish pop group announced venture with American Idol creator Simon Fuller

The four members of the Swedish pop group ABBA hold Japanese oil paper parasols in a light rain in the Japanese garden of their hotel in Tokyo on March 14, 1980. From left: Benny Andersson, Agnetha Faltskog, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. The members of ABBA are reuniting for a 'new digital experience' next year. The iconic Swedish pop band made the announcement on Wednesday but didn't offer much detail. (Tsugufumi Matsumoto/AP Photo)

The members of ABBA are reuniting for a "new digital experience" next year.

The iconic Swedish pop band made the announcement Wednesday, but didn't offer much detail.

The Swedish pop group have not performed publicly since they split more than three decades ago. The quartet did perform at a private party in earlier this year. (EPA)

A statement on their website revealed that they are teaming up with Universal Music Group and entertainment mogul Simon Fuller (American Idol, Spice Girls) in "a groundbreaking venture that will utilize the very latest in digital and virtual reality technology."

ABBA keyboardist Benny Andersson described the project as "a time machine that captures the essence of who we were. And are."

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!

More details on the new project aren't expected until next year, but fans are already hungry for more.

ABBA includes Andersson, Agnetha Faltskog, Bjoern Ulvaeus and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. They formed in Stockholm in 1972 and last performed together 35 years ago. The four members made a rare joint appearance in January for the opening of a Stockholm restaurant inspired by the Mamma Mia! musical.

ABBA's hits include Dancing QueenTake a Chance on Me and Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!

With files from The Associated Press