Abba are back - as holographic avatars

Abba in the 1970s.
Abba in the 1970s. Photo credit: File

Swedish pop legends Abba have recorded their first new material in 35 years.

The band says they've got two new songs in the bag. One of them, 'I Still Have Faith in You', will be released in December as part of a TV special in which the band will perform as holograms.

"The decision to go ahead with the exciting Abba avatar tour project had an unexpected consequence," the band said in a statement.

"We all felt that, after some 35 years, it could be fun to join forces again and go into the recording studio. So we did. And it was like time had stood still and we had only been away on a short holiday. An extremely joyful experience!"

Abba sold millions of records, not just in their 1970s heyday but for decades after their split in 1983.

The band's last record, the critically acclaimed The Visitors, came out at the end of 1981.

"We may have come of age, but the song is new. And it feels good," the band said.

In the TV special the band will look like they've stepped straight out of 1979. After it airs, the avatars will go "on tour".

Abba have previously said they would never tour again, and reportedly turned down US$1 billion in 2000. At the time, Björn Ulvaeus said they didn't need the money.

Abba's hits include 'Dancing Queen', 'Waterloo' and 'Mamma Mia'.

Newshub.