As requested - My meeting with Agnetha '99 (LONG!!) - from Andy B
AndyB
Well since a few have asked me about the meeting, here we go!.
I basically took the underground & buss out to her villa on
Ekerö....and waited...waited a bit more..then some more!
Several cars came in and out of Agnetha's drive, (I was waiting in the
lane opposite to Agnetha's drive)...but I couldn't tell who was
driving most of the time. It's a pretty embarrassing feeling stood
there I have to say...and I'm still not used to it even now...i
usually start walking up the road when I hear a car, so people don't
know what i'm doing! Trouble is I've actually missed Agnetha's car a
couple of times doing this, so it's better to just take the
embarrassment!
The other problem is that the bus back to the city is only once every
hour, so when the next one is due, you have to decide whether or not
to wait until the one after!
Time went by, but at least the weather was great, and it was nice to
get away from the crowds of the city for some peace and tranquility. I
can see why Agnetha loves it out there so much.
In the field next to the lane I was standing in, several horses
suddenly appeared, and now and again they would trot over to the
fence, to see who this strange human was! I wondered if belonged to
Agnetha or Linda perhaps?
Just about 10 minutes before the bus was due to arrive, I spotted a
Volvo estate coming up her Agnetha's drive, but by the time I'd made
it to the end of the lane, the car had already pulled away...and to my
dismay i noticed Agnetha's profile in the drivers seat! DAMN it, if
only I'd been at the end of the lane at the time! That was it, I HAD
to wait for the next bus now...I wondered how long she would be away
though?
I waited for another 50 minutes, when i spotted a car on the
horizon...heading my way. "PLEASE let this be Agnetha, I don't want
to wait for the NEXT bus!", I thought aloud.
To my relief, it was indeed Agnetha, and even better was the fact that
Kurt (the mysterious man in her life right now) for once wasn't in the
car with her...brilliant! As her car neared her driveway, she slowed
down, to check me out I guess! To my relief, Agnetha pulled into her
drive, and stopped!
As I walked over to the car, I tried to think of one or two things to
chat about, (I hadn't actually planned to go out there this year, so I
was completely unprepared!). As I arrived at the drivers side, the
window was already down, and there before me was Agnetha's radiant
smiling face!
Agnetha spoke first saying "Hello again!", (great, at least she
remembered me!) Without repeating every line, basically I then
thanked Agnetha for stopping, and told her I hoped she didn't mind me
going out there for a chat....she replied, "No it's just fine!"
I plucked up the courage to say "You're looking really lovely, if you
don't mind me saying Agnetha" (Smoothy! Actually I'm usually FAR too
shy to say this kind of thing!) Agnetha flashed a big smile and said,
"No I don't mind...thank you!" (My heartbeat sped up a notch or two!)
Agnetha asked if I was in Stockholm on vacation, and I told her it was
my eleventh vacation "i min andra hem" (my second home)...Agnetha
smiled and said, "Oh....Perhaps you should live here!" I told her I
hoped to do just that someday.
I asked how Linda and Christian both were, and Agnetha said they were
both well, and thanked me for asking.
I then told Agnetha about the Crayfish party (big Swedish tradition in
August) I'd been to the previous evening, and explained how difficullt
it was to keep up with everyone eating the Crayfish (my one to
everyone elses 5 or 6!)...and Agnetha must have thought I was talking
about the snaps that is also drunk in great quantities...and she
said..."Oh yes, you have to be very careful with this drink", and
quickly correcting herself she said..."Oh sorry you mean the
Crayfish!" It was nice to laugh about this.
I mentioned how I was confused by the number of cars that were driving
in and out of her place, and how i wasn't sure if she was in any of
them...she smiled widely and said "Ah yes, I have a few different cars
now!"
Unfortunately due to the bright sunshine she was wearing her
sunglasses, so I didn't get to see those lovely eyes, but all the same
she was still looking stunning...and her smile still makes you weak at
the knees! Her skin looked silky smooth, with a light tan. Her hair
was just about how it looked at Görels party, with a black headband.
It always amazes me how small and delicate her bone structure actually
is "in the flesh" though....I think this is why she appears quite tall
in some shots. That "charisma" i'm always banging on about was still
oozing from her in great quantities as well!
Admittedly her English did seem a little less sure then my during my
first meeting back in '94....but it was still better than my
Swedish...which I originally intended to chat to her in!
I asked a couple of other things (which amazingly seem to escape me at
the moment!)...but I didn't want to keep her too long. I thanked her
once again for her time and said, "Well, take really good care of
yourself Agnetha, and I hope life brings you lots of happiness in the
future". Agnetha replied, "....thank you, and the same to you Andrew"
I shook her delicate hand...and off she drove with a wave.
So that was about it! Whatever else happened during my stay....I
didn't really care...I caught the next bus with a smile a mile wide!
I didn't bother taking anything to sign...i already have her book and
a CD signed from previous years...so i didn't see the point lumbering
her with more stuff. As for photographs, after that first year when
she politely requested no pictures, I've never bothered to take a
camera out there with me. Maybe she wouldn't mind a picture or two
now, but I'd rather not bother her with this.
I've always found Agnetha to be warm, friendly and polite.......which
I believe she is with everyone else that treats her with respect...by
NEVER tresspassing on her property, (certainly never raiding her mail
or garbage as some have!)....and not expecting her to sign complete
record collections, (why do some have to go too far!?)
I also get the impression that Agnetha enjoys it when people try to
chat about things other than ABBA or her solo career etc.....she must
get SO tired of all the same questions lets face it! Just tell her
about your time in Stockholm for instance!
So basically those are my tips for a successful meeting with the lady
herself....just be polite, TRY not to panic TOO much (it makes her
edgy too i reckon!), ask for ONE item to be signed, and NEVER, ever
walk down her driveway for a closer peek at her house! If you do
these things, i'm certain you too will have a sucessful chat with
her.
Right that's about it folks...hope you're still all awake!
Hope everyone realises the reason I like to relate my experiences of
meeting Agnetha, is not because I like to BRAG about it...it's simply
because i want as many people as possible to know she ISN'T some
reclusive ogre, (no matter how much some would like to have us
believe)...she's just a very ordinary (O.K. incredibly beautiful and
talented too!), perfectly normal person......who like most of us will
respond favourably if treated with respect.
Thanks for reading...and Tack så mycket kära Agnetha!
Hejdå!
Andy Ball, Bolton, U.K.
ITSBRY
lucky. :)
I think I'd be too weak in the knees to even speak...I would love to
relate to Agnetha and Frida just how much their music had affected
me. It's brought me joy at times when all I wanted to do was cry.
Regards
ITSBRY
its...@juno.com
-----------------------Original Message-------------------------
AndyB wrote in message <37ca55b4...@news.clara.net>...
AndyB
hint of what it's like to meet this wonderful woman, to those not yet
fortunate enough to have done so.
See ya,
Andy Ball, Bolton, U.K.
Ricardo
TLey3.1$h4...@news1.iquest.net...
> Wow Andy...terrific story!! I really enjoyed reading it! You're so
> lucky. :)
Yes, indeed... I've been to AF's house once, but no luck, I think I
chose the wrong time of year... also I may have missed her, I think I
saw her in a red Volvo license# BZE 314 but only for a split second...
whether she saw me or not I don't know... that was in 1996, I haven't
been back since but I hope to go again next year.
Andy, thanks for the recount, I'll just add my two cents worth:
> >Well since a few have asked me about the meeting, here we go!.
> > I basically took the underground & buss out to her villa on
> >Ekerö....and waited...waited a bit more..then some more!
Me too... it was a friend who gave me the directions, believe it or not!
> >Several cars came in and out of Agnetha's drive, (I was waiting in
the
> >lane opposite to Agnetha's drive)...but I couldn't tell who was
> >driving most of the time. It's a pretty embarrassing feeling stood
> >there I have to say...and I'm still not used to it even now...i
> >usually start walking up the road when I hear a car, so people don't
> >know what i'm doing! Trouble is I've actually missed Agnetha's car a
> >couple of times doing this, so it's better to just take the
> >embarrassment!
Yes I must admit it does feel rather embarrassing, for some reason... I
always feel compelled to alight from the bus at the next stop 100m on...
but does that really fool anyone? Well one can *disillusion* oneself.
:-)
Maybe it would be less embarrassing to sit in the car and wait?
> >The other problem is that the bus back to the city is only once every
> >hour, so when the next one is due, you have to decide whether or not
> >to wait until the one after!
Too right... I presume after alighting, the bus still returns within 10
min, not true? Since that's the time it takes to get all the way to
Kaggeholm and change direction.
> >Time went by, but at least the weather was great, and it was nice to
> >get away from the crowds of the city for some peace and tranquility.
I
> >can see why Agnetha loves it out there so much.
It's extremely beautiful... even if a bit scary when one can hear wolves
etc. In the deep tranquillity that is Ekerö/Nytorp, the only thing in my
head at the time was "Let it Shine"... god knows why... was that because
it was winter, I wonder?
> >Just about 10 minutes before the bus was due to arrive, I spotted a
> >Volvo estate coming up her Agnetha's drive, but by the time I'd made
Our familiar red Volvo BZE 314 perhaps?
[snip very nice, sweet, friendly encounter]
> >I've always found Agnetha to be warm, friendly and polite.......which
> >I believe she is with everyone else that treats her with respect...by
> >NEVER tresspassing on her property, (certainly never raiding her mail
> >or garbage as some have!)....and not expecting her to sign complete
> >record collections, (why do some have to go too far!?)
Unfortunately this is sadly the way some people are. Apparently it is a
particular problem with us continentals (but not me, I'm
Jamaican/British in origin), because AF's address was published in a
German magazine, which spread quickly to the BeNeLux... Germans and
Belgians in particular are notorious for going up to Agentha's front
door and ringing the bell or whatever... causing the alarms to activate
and alert the police! Gives all of us a bad name, that, unfortunately...
> >So basically those are my tips for a successful meeting with the lady
> >herself....just be polite, TRY not to panic TOO much (it makes her
> >edgy too i reckon!), ask for ONE item to be signed, and NEVER, ever
> >walk down her driveway for a closer peek at her house!
Agreed. The latter is illegal besides.
> >Hope everyone realises the reason I like to relate my experiences of
> >meeting Agnetha, is not because I like to BRAG about it...
No, of course not, but you're lucky. :-)
> >Thanks for reading...and Tack så mycket kära Agnetha!
In our dreams, she'll respond with a soft whispered "varsågo'". :-)
--
ricardo rpm computer consultancy sa
rpm.con...@pt.lu http://webplaza.pt.lu/public/ricardow/
esch/uelzecht lëtzebuerg europäesch unioun
mir wölle bleiwe waat mer sin - j´aime l'europe!
Podmix
off. If I ever am lucky enough (dream, dream) to meet her, I'll take you
words of advice. She sounds wonderful (so dignified...:-).
I hope it was a great experience for you too!!
Cheers
Podmix
The future is an opportunity to meet the fab 4 (at different times).
THIS-.com
would you have done if she invited you up to the house for some
coffee?
DaveR
AndyB
bring me round after I'd passed out! Sure is a nice thought
though....perhaps I should ask her to sign a jar of Nescafe next time
as a hint.....wadda ya think? :-)
Don't think I'd feel too comfortable with Mr Torplings beady eyes on
me the whole time I was there either! ;-)
Glad you enjoyed the account Dave.
Cheers,
Andy Ball
AndyB
your feedback.....i'll make a few comments on your comments now!
On Sun, 29 Aug 1999 21:47:27 +0200, "Ricardo" <rica...@pt.lu> wrote:
>
>Yes, indeed... I've been to AF's house once, but no luck, I think I
>chose the wrong time of year... also I may have missed her, I think I
>saw her in a red Volvo license# BZE 314 but only for a split second...
>whether she saw me or not I don't know... that was in 1996, I haven't
>been back since but I hope to go again next year.
Yeah I remember that car, but she drives a different Volvo now, as
well as a four wheel job of some kind, with smoked windows...not sure
what the other cars are she has. Hope you have better luck next time!
>Yes I must admit it does feel rather embarrassing, for some reason... I
>always feel compelled to alight from the bus at the next stop 100m on...
>but does that really fool anyone? Well one can *disillusion* oneself.
I have a confession, I too get off at the stop AFTER Nytorp....the
things we do eh! This also gives you a chance to see how many others
are waiting though...if there are more than one, I stay on the bus and
head back...i believe it's rare for Agnetha to stop for large groups
of fans...so be warned! I've only ever met Agnetha while I've been
alone.
>>Maybe it would be less embarrassing to sit in the car and wait?
It is better to get someone to drive you out there, takes less time,
and it's not as embarrassing to sit in a car!
>>
>Too right... I presume after alighting, the bus still returns within 10
>min, not true? Since that's the time it takes to get all the way to
>Kaggeholm and change direction.
Yeah I THINK it's about 15 minutes later the bus passes again on it's
way back to Stockholm
>
>It's extremely beautiful... even if a bit scary when one can hear wolves
>etc. In the deep tranquillity that is Ekerö/Nytorp, the only thing in my
>head at the time was "Let it Shine"... god knows why... was that because
>it was winter, I wonder?
Hell fire I never thought about the wolves! (actually i've always
liked 'em, but probably wouldn't think so if I came face to face with
one!) I've seen wild deer bounding across the road a few metres away
in the past though...yeah I could definately see myself living out
there! :-) Wonder if she takes in lodgers? ;-)
>
>
>Our familiar red Volvo BZE 314 perhaps?
A Volvo estate...black or dark blue I THINK. With two spotlights on
the front.
>
>Unfortunately this is sadly the way some people are. Apparently it is a
>particular problem with us continentals (but not me, I'm
>Jamaican/British in origin), because AF's address was published in a
>German magazine, which spread quickly to the BeNeLux... Germans and
>Belgians in particular are notorious for going up to Agentha's front
>door and ringing the bell or whatever... causing the alarms to activate
>and alert the police! Gives all of us a bad name, that, unfortunately...
Yes i've heard that about many German fans too....sorry I'm not saying
ALL our German friends act this way...it's just that this is how I've
heard it! Come on guys, behave and don't spoil it for other polite
fans eh! Do they seriously believe ringing Agnetha's door bell or
reading her mail ISN'T going to piss the lady off!? Sheessh!
>
>> >So basically those are my tips for a successful meeting with the lady
>> >herself....just be polite, TRY not to panic TOO much (it makes her
>> >edgy too i reckon!), ask for ONE item to be signed, and NEVER, ever
>> >walk down her driveway for a closer peek at her house!
>
>Agreed. The latter is illegal besides.
It is indeed...so trespassers be warned!!!
>
>> >Hope everyone realises the reason I like to relate my experiences of
>> >meeting Agnetha, is not because I like to BRAG about it...
>
>No, of course not, but you're lucky. :-)
>
>> >Thanks for reading...and Tack så mycket kära Agnetha!
>
>In our dreams, she'll respond with a soft whispered "varsågo'". :-)
Hope so Ricardo....and if my words can help other fans to have a great
meeting with Agnetha, and at the same time make those thinking about
tresspassing think again, (and thus making Agnetha's life a little
easier)...then I'll be very happy! :-)
AndyB
Meeting Agnetha is without doubt the highlight of my vacation.....I'll
certainly never forget those days.
Hope you get your wish to meet all four members....just say Hi to
Aggie from me though will ya!?
Cheers,
Andy B, Bolton, U.K.
On Mon, 30 Aug 1999 08:04:16 +1000, "Podmix" <pod...@ozemail.com.au>
wrote:
Podmix
AndyB wrote in message <37cbd7dc...@news.clara.net>...
>Cheers Podmix, really glad you enjoyed my account.
>
>Meeting Agnetha is without doubt the highlight of my vacation.....I'll
>certainly never forget those days.
>
>Hope you get your wish to meet all four members....just say Hi to
>Aggie from me though will ya!?
Have no fear, I'm a notorious name-dropper!
:-)
Podmix
The future is saving enough money for these things (work, work, work....)
Ricardo
37cad172...@news.clara.net...
> Cheers Ricardo, glad you enjoyed hearing about it, and I appreciate
> your feedback.....i'll make a few comments on your comments now!
And I too shall once more return the favor. :-)
> Yeah I remember that car, but she drives a different Volvo now, as
> well as a four wheel job of some kind, with smoked windows...
Okeydokey. :-)
> not sure
> what the other cars are she has. Hope you have better luck next time!
Thanks, well I hope so too... maybe I'll go when I've got a new car...
or just before her 50th next year. Maybe.
> I have a confession, I too get off at the stop AFTER Nytorp....the
> things we do eh!
Scary... my friends are the same. At least I *know* now it's not only me
that has the low embarrassment threshold. :-)
>This also gives you a chance to see how many others
> are waiting though...if there are more than one, I stay on the bus and
> head back...i believe it's rare for Agnetha to stop for large groups
> of fans...so be warned! I've only ever met Agnetha while I've been
> alone.
Maybe it is better to go in the winter then after all. :-)
> Yeah I THINK it's about 15 minutes later the bus passes again on it's
> way back to Stockholm
Yep, 10 or 15 minutes, thought it was something like that... still
doesn't make a lot of difference when one's freezing to death in the
Swedish cold... :-)
> Hell fire I never thought about the wolves! (actually i've always
> liked 'em, but probably wouldn't think so if I came face to face with
> one!) I've seen wild deer bounding across the road a few metres away
> in the past though...yeah I could definately see myself living out
> there! :-) Wonder if she takes in lodgers? ;-)
Bet she does you know... in the right kind of "emergency". ;-)
> >Our familiar red Volvo BZE 314 perhaps?
>
> A Volvo estate...black or dark blue I THINK. With two spotlights on
> the front.
Okeydokey, different Volvo then. I guess a lot of time has passed since
I was last in those parts.
> Yes i've heard that about many German fans too....sorry I'm not saying
> ALL our German friends act this way...it's just that this is how I've
> heard it! Come on guys, behave and don't spoil it for other polite
> fans eh! Do they seriously believe ringing Agnetha's door bell or
> reading her mail ISN'T going to piss the lady off!? Sheessh!
Well the security issues arise primarily, imo, for two reasons:
(a) Sad as it may be, AF has been hounded by the odd madman or two from
time to time; and
(b) AF was also terrorized by the media as much as Princess Di, so it's
no surprise she wants to live on a camera- and IR-guarded farm the size
of Liechtenstein to get a little privacy. :-)
> >In our dreams, she'll respond with a soft whispered "varsågo'". :-)
>
> Hope so Ricardo....and if my words can help other fans to have a great
> meeting with Agnetha, and at the same time make those thinking about
> tresspassing think again, (and thus making Agnetha's life a little
> easier)...then I'll be very happy! :-)
Me too, just the same. Ha det så bra!
Nick Hardy
> Well since a few have asked me about the meeting, here we go!.
> I basically took the underground & buss out to her villa on
> Ekerö....and waited...waited a bit more..then some more!
Those of you on ABBAMAIL will have read my views on Andy's visits to
Agnetha's house. I was, in one sense, pleased for him for being able to meet
Agnetha but alarmed at the implication of his story - that Agnetha does not
mind if fans turn up, even singly, and wait for her to stop and chat.
We are all very familiar with Agnetha's feelings about her stardom. Reading
'As I Am' makes it clear that she is not the sort of person who would be at
ease with the thought of fans repeatedly loitering around her house.
I don't doubt that Andy is well-meaning when he visits Ekero, but it
surprises me that firstly, fans feel it fair to 'invade' Agnetha's privacy,
and secondly, that anyone would repeatedly return. By Andy's account,
Agnetha was pleased to chat. But Andy, please stop and think about what I am
saying here - might it be that she ISN'T actually happy about it? Is it not
possible that she stops and says hello to basically 'get rid' of those
persistent people.
Andy responded to my thoughts on ABBAMAIL very defensively. I worded what I
wrote badly. I never meant to imply thoughtlessness or selfishness on his
part. I was simply very concerned that his mail might encourage other fans
to start behaving in the same way. As Andy says, Agnetha wouldn't want lots
of fans around her house.
I will go one step further and suggest that Agnetha would not want ANY fan
waiting to speak to her.
Meeting pop stars in public places is one thing. I assume they are prepared
for some attention. It is another thing altogether that fans 'invade' their
territory. That sounds rather dramatic, I realise, but I hope you get my
point. Another thing that we need to remember is that Agnetha has done
barley anything for years and years in terms of her singing career. She must
be amazed and probably quite distressed by the continued attention she is
generating. She may even be depressed by it, judging by continued press
reports. And who knows how her family will feel about fans' behaviour.
Andy behaved admirably in the way he approached Agnetha and spoke to her.
I'm sure he was charming (and perhaps that's why Agnetha remembered him). I
just feel that we all should think a little about Agnetha's happiness and
perhaps anticipate how she might feel each and every time someone stands on
the path by her home waiting to be honoured with her attention. I know that
I would hate it.
These are my own personal views about this. I feel strongly, but I am not
intending to attack Andy in writing this. I simply thought it was important
that people read another view on this issue.
What are your views?
Nick Hardy,
London, United Kingdom
mikep
> What are your views?
She's extremely wealthy and can take care of herself. Since he did
nothing to cause her to pull even further away from his fans, so be it.
It's not really my concern or yours.
However, I still hate him. <g>
mikep
Lest my ignorance show, that should be "her fans" obviously.
AndyB
I CAN understand why you hate me by the way....I'd probably feel the
same if it were you mate! ;-)
Andy
AndyB
TRY to explain a little more, (not that others opinions are EVER going
to sway me on this!)
Everyone has a right to their opinion Nick I agree, but as I have said
many times...and obviously I can only speak for myself here ...Agnetha
has made it VERY clear to me she has no objection to me calling out
there for a chat to simply say hello and see how she is.
And NO, I'm quite certain she isn't just being polite...i have no
doubt Agnetha is more than strong willed enough to ask people to leave
if she so wished. If she didn't want to chat...she wouldn't
stop...it's as simple as that! Why do some have to try and dig for
something in this that isn't there for goodness sakes!?
You and others may inquire but WHY? Well I don't see that I HAVE to
answer that to be honest.....but from my point of view it's no
different than calling to say hi to any other friend or aquaintance I
may have in Stockholm...it's just simply to see how they are, and to
show that I'm thinking of them! Is that SO damn strange and hard for
others to comprehend?!
I'm getting tired of trying to justify something that I don't see I
HAVE to justify to anyone else....I'll continue to visit Ekerö to say
hi to Agnetha as long I get the opportunity to go out there...or until
Agnetha herself requests that I no longer return....end of story. Only
next time, I'll be the only one to know how it went...it just isn't
worth the bloody hassle telling people about it any more.
I'm getting back to posting pics on the binaries newsgroup....if no
one has any objections that is?!.....O.K.?
Andy, Bolton, U.K.
On Fri, 3 Sep 1999 23:23:21 +0100, "Nick Hardy"
<nick....@easynet.co.uk> wrote:
Sian Williams
>Well, I really don't see what else I can say on this matter, but I'll
>TRY to explain a little more, (not that others opinions are EVER going
>to sway me on this!)
>
Andy, you've clearly made up your mind that there's nothing wrong in
what you did and I'll admit I was interested to hear your observations
on Agnetha. (Unfortunately for her, it's *because* she's so rarely seen
that she becomes all the more interesting.) Yet at the same time I think
Nick makes some valid points.
How do you really know that Agnetha wouldn't rather have been left
alone? OK so she was polite - but so would I be if some bloke I don't
know was hanging around my house - that's not to say I might not
actually find the experience a little scary, and that I wouldn't phone
the police as soon as I got into the house!
>
>You and others may inquire but WHY? Well I don't see that I HAVE to
>answer that to be honest.....but from my point of view it's no
>different than calling to say hi to any other friend or aquaintance I
>may have in Stockholm...it's just simply to see how they are, and to
>show that I'm thinking of them! Is that SO damn strange and hard for
>others to comprehend?!
No, it's not strange, I totally understand that it would be nice if
Agnetha could realise how much she's thought of, that people she doesn't
even know actually care about her. But there again, that's part of the
problem - "people she doesn't even know". You compare your visit with
dropping in on a friend - but she's not your friend, Andy! She doesn't
know you!
>
>I'm getting tired of trying to justify something that I don't see I
>HAVE to justify to anyone else....
Well don't on my account! As I said at the start, I was genuinely
interested to hear your account ... but it's not something I'd ever
contemplate, not because I don't want to meet Agnetha - I would like to,
BUT I don't think I'd feel comfortable turning up unannounced on her
doorstep because I don't think, if I was her, I'd find that acceptable.
Of course, I haven't met her so I don't have her exact words on that but
a quick reading of AS I AM conveys Agnetha's anger at intrusion into her
privacy (and not just by the Press).
"Sometimes I have wondered whether these muck-raking journalists, who
have exploited me, among others, have ever thought about how they would
react if they and their children were subjected to threats of some kind,
like many of us have put up with all the time. Do they feel so secure,
so autocratic, that the thought never crosses their mind that someone
that they've treated really badly would like revenge? Or do they have
absolutely no insight whatsoever?
"Their stupid articles put the spotlight on us in a misleading way. The
wrong sort of person can be drawn to us. Indirectly they expose us to
danger. When, for example, the evening newspapers publish an aerial
photograph of my house and its surroundings, the exact location and a
plan of where all the rooms are and who sleeps in them, it's an obvious
security risk."
>I'll continue to visit Ekerö to say
>hi to Agnetha as long I get the opportunity to go out there...or until
>Agnetha herself requests that I no longer return....end of story.
Can I ask one question, Andy: Have you ever said to Agnetha "do you mind
me calling on you like this? Would you prefer it if I didn't come back?"
or do you assume it's OK unless she says otherwise?
--
Sian Williams
mikep
> Can I ask one question, Andy: Have you ever said to Agnetha "do you mind
> me calling on you like this? Would you prefer it if I didn't come back?"
> or do you assume it's OK unless she says otherwise?
If Agnetha did not want to be bothered with fans, she should never:
1. Have joined Abba
2. Been so damned talented
3. Been do damned good looking
If I ever get a chance to meet her, I'd doin' it. Whining or no whining.
Have a nice day.
mikep
>
> It seems there are at least two camps on this:
>
> Those who say: She's famous, and part of that is a responsibility to her
> fans that she remains public property.
>
> Those who say: I wouldn't want someone on my front doorstep waiting to see
> me, so I wouldn't do that to Agnetha.
>
> I often wonder how often people here like to leave their work at work and
> have a home life that is separate. I know for one that I do.
>
> I can understand that people feel she has a responsibility, but I wonder
> also how long that responsibility should last. Now over 10 years since she
> recorded anything and people still feel she has that responsibility.
Point of clarification: I don't think Agnetha has ANY responsibilities
towards her fans. None. She is free to do as she pleases with whomever
she pleases. My comments are that when she acquiesced to becoming famous
with ABBA, she gave up some of her privacy that she may never be able to
reclaim (sort of like giving up virginity?) In retrospect she may wish
that she had not (joined ABBA), but what's done is done. Public figures
(a legal term of art in the United States) are legally entitled to a
lesser expectation of privacy.
Wonder how she'd feel if no one cared about her (not that it could EVER
happen)? Del Shannon apparently couldn't cope with the loss as stardom.
Podmix
Those who say: She's famous, and part of that is a responsibility to her
fans that she remains public property.
Those who say: I wouldn't want someone on my front doorstep waiting to see
me, so I wouldn't do that to Agnetha.
I often wonder how often people here like to leave their work at work and
have a home life that is separate. I know for one that I do.
I can understand that people feel she has a responsibility, but I wonder
also how long that responsibility should last. Now over 10 years since she
recorded anything and people still feel she has that responsibility.
As for Andy, I was impressed by his article and the delightful way he
treated the whole situation- very dignified.
I think the comments directed so far haven't been personal attacks on him
(not the ones I've read here, at least) but alerting to the dangers of
encouraging people in such a public, yet anonymous, forum such as this to go
and visit Agnetha (thus possibly ruining his own chances of seeing her again
if things go awry). I understand his intention was not to do so, but I think
that other people here are just being a little mindful of such disclosures.
Cheers
Podmix
The future is a secretive place
mikep wrote in message <37D194...@pagesz.net>...
Andy B
little CLEARER FOR YOU!
YES I HAVE ASKED AGNETHA IF SHE MINDS ME GOING OUT THERE TO SAY
HELLO...AND YES, SHE HAS MADE IT PERFECTLY CLEAR SHE DOES NOT
MIND.....CLEAR ENOUGH FOR YOU NOW?!
Sorry to be a touch sarcastic there...but HOW many bloody times do I
have to repeat myself for gods sake!? I ask her every single time I go
out there...and I think I'm intelligent enough to know by now that she
must actually MEAN she doesn't MIND. For goodness sakes!
Also, if you'd read my last post properly Sian, you'd have spotted
that when I talked about visiting friends in Stockholm...I also
mentioned AQUAINTANCES....I trust you have no objection to me refering
to the lady this way...or am I being too familiar still?
As for her not knowing me...well sorry Sian, but you're wrong once
again...I'd say that remembering my name since I last spoke to her in
the summer of '97 proves she obviously DOES "know" me...at least to a
certain extent would'nt you?
Anyhow, I don't even know why i'm wasting my time over this....I don't
have to justify a damn THING to you or anyone else on this group.
Yours wishing he'd never bothered letting you selfish lot (not all!)
in on a special moment for me.
Andy B
ITSBRY
so much discontent here.
For Pete's sake, if she didn't wanna talk to him, she would not have stopped
her car for a second let alone the several minutes she spent with the lucky
bastard! *smile* (Just kidding there)
Andy was respectful of Agnetha's "space" and she responded to him in a
positive way. He didn't intrude on her property and she even remembered
him! I think it's fine and I, for one, enjoyed reading the account
tremendously.
Anyone met Frida??
ITSBRY
its...@juno.com
Raymond Corsair
You just can't satisfy everyone no matter how much you explain your
meeting Agnetha.Personally,I can just imagine what a thrill it was for
you to meet her again,especially in light of the fact that she was so
receptive to you.It doesn't appear to me that you were being intrusive
as it is clear to me that you are just as concerned about violating her
privacy as she is.I base this on your numerous posts regarding this
matter and my exchanges with you.
There are many people here who are happy for you for this
experience.I,for one,would consider it a dream come true if I ever had
that opportunity.However,given some of the feedback you have received,I
certainly would be hesitant to share this experience as you have. You
don't have to explain yourself to anyone.Don't forget,you were asked to
provide details,and you kindly obliged.I'm sorry that some of the after
glow of this great experience has been tainted.
Raymond Corsair
Providence,R.I.
USA
Andy B
the negative response of some around these parts...it's nice to know
that from this and the many e-mails I've received, that my account has
brought so much pleasure to others...which was the main reason I sent
it in the first place.
I really have no wish to fall out with anyone else over this
matter....it was supposed to make people smile...not scowl!
Cheers,
Andy B, Bolton, U.K.
Andy B
hard sometimes to please EVERYONE...when I know in reality there are
always going to be those who only see the negative side of things.
I was frankly shocked to receive the negative response I did, albeit
from only a couple of people.
I honestly believe the only way I'm going to convince such "doubting
thomas's"...is if they were to be with me next time I (hopefully) meet
with Agnetha....maybe then they'll be prepared to accept that Agnetha
truely is quite happy to meet with me (and others who treat her with
respect and courtesy)...then again, perhaps they'd accuse me of
hypnotising her to get a favourable response! ;-)
Hope this will be the end of the matter....it's becoming rather
tiresome.
Cheers,
Andy, Bolton, U.K.
!
On Sun, 05 Sep 1999 18:03:15 GMT, Raymond Corsair <ab...@home.com>
wrote:
luvthatbutt
>>If Agnetha did not want to be bothered with fans, she should never:
>>
>>1. Have joined Abba
>>2. Been so damned talented
>>3. Been do damned good looking
>>
>>If I ever get a chance to meet her, I'd doin' it. Whining or no whining.
>>
>>Have a nice day.
>
>
>
4. She shouldn't have had such a great ass!!!
* Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network *
The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free!
Podmix
mikep wrote in message <37D1DD...@pagesz.net>...
>Point of clarification: I don't think Agnetha has ANY responsibilities
>towards her fans. None. She is free to do as she pleases with whomever
>she pleases. My comments are that when she acquiesced to becoming famous
>with ABBA, she gave up some of her privacy that she may never be able to
>reclaim (sort of like giving up virginity?) >
A good point. You hardly blame her for wanting to try, however.
>In retrospect she may wish
>that she had not (joined ABBA), but what's done is done.
Interesting speculation and food for thought:
"This is an all too familiar scene
Hopeless reflections on what might have been
From all sides the incessant and burning question:
'Bearing in mind your predicament now-
-what you did then-
-we're just dying to know would you do it all again?' "
How close to theis issue was Tim Rice when he wrote that for Chess? (I love
that musical- I sometimes feel it's an allegory of ABBA's story in its
subtext...)
>Wonder how she'd feel if no one cared about her (not that it could EVER
>happen)? Del Shannon apparently couldn't cope with the loss as stardom.
Hehe, secretly I can imagine she does like the fact that she still gets the
occasional visitor. Good point, sir!
Cheers
Podmix
The future can be very informative if you take your time
Podmix
Andy B wrote in message <37d2aedc...@news.clara.net>...
>Thank you for that ITSBRY..I was beginning to get quite depressed by
>the negative response of some around these parts...it's nice to know
>that from this and the many e-mails I've received, that my account has
>brought so much pleasure to others...which was the main reason I sent
>it in the first place.
>
>I really have no wish to fall out with anyone else over this
>matter....it was supposed to make people smile...not scowl!
It has made me smile, thank you. She sounds delightful and I thought the
tale was fantastic. I liked the fact that it also set the score even on some
rather twisted accounts of her seclusion and showed that she isn't the
"wierdo" that some would have us believe (I know that's a little
fantastical, but I have a suspicion there are those out there who hold
opinions about her that border on this...)
Cheers and thanks
Podmix
The future is a strange place
Podmix
Andy B wrote in message <37d3b02c...@news.clara.net>...
>...then again, perhaps they'd accuse me of
>hypnotising her to get a favourable response! ;-)
Hmm, sounds like it could be worth a try. Do you think while she was under
the 'fluence, you could convince her that recording a whole 10 more albums
would be a great move for her personally?
;-)
Podmix
The future can be manipulated- Woops! I mean forged- into whatever you
desire
Andy B
meetings with Agnetha, is to show to that she IS perfectly "normal"
(whatever that is!)...and not the reclusive ogre that many seem to
believe she is.
I'd like to think that spreading the word about how she REALLY is to
meet may help stop such silly rumours...and who knows, in some way
help make things easier for her...a small chance maybe, but who knows?
One other point I'd like to make is that I have NEVER given directions
on how to reach Agnetha's home....nor do I ever intend to, (especially
over the internet). I would have to know a person VERY well before I
would take the chance....so you see, I do worry about Agnetha's safety
and peace of mind.
Glad I made you smile!
Cheers,
Andy B
On Mon, 6 Sep 1999 09:52:11 +1000, "Podmix" <pod...@ozemail.com.au>
wrote:
Andy B
easy" type books!!! :-)
Andy B
On Mon, 6 Sep 1999 09:57:04 +1000, "Podmix" <pod...@ozemail.com.au>
wrote:
Nick Hardy
> meet may help stop such silly rumours...and who knows, in some way
> help make things easier for her...a small chance maybe, but who knows?
It is a sick and extremely twisted logic that believes that by hanging
around her house for hours, in between times when other fans are gathered
(remember - Andy said he didn't wait with other fans, so Agnetha gets NO
respite!), and then telling everyone else about how 'normal' she is might in
some way help make things easier for her!
I have kept quiet in this thread and allowed those of you who think it fair
to haunt Agnetha now and, by your reasoning, until she dies, to congratulate
Andy on his interesting meeting with her. I tried to reason that Andy meant
well. That he probably didn't really appreciate how much harm he is doing. I
tried to understand his delusion that if I posted a criticism about his
actions he would immediately attack me and accuse me of childish jealousy.
Then I read the above and I realised that he and others who frequent
Agnetha's private residence are obsessive enough to try and justify their
behaviour by suggesting that they are in fact HELPING to make things easier
for her!
Great, thanks Andy. Agnetha stopped and chatted to you. She's normal!
Utterly sick of sad and lonely fans who hang around down the lane, but at
least normal! Thank you. When are you next going to visit her house and
loiter until she stops to get rid of you in order that we can all be
reassured Agnetha is normal?
Do tell!
Nick Hardy
Andy B
(Can't even be bothered coming up with intelligent responses any
longer)
Ho bloody hum.
Nick Hardy
I have had from Andy to my previous thoughts on his frequent uninvited
visits to the home of Agnetha Faltskog. In a message I have received, Andy
wrote, word for word:
"What IS your problem Mr "self bloody righteous" Hardy?......Tell me,
were you born such a naturally obnoxious sickeningly offensive
arsehole....or did you take a course or two?
Go play with the motorway cones, jerkoff. Not a very mature or particularly
educated response perhaps....but this is all you deserve IMO. Hope I never
have the misfortune to meet you....I doubt I'd be able to keep my lunch
down.
Reply by all means...but your words will be quite wasted...since any
e-mails from you now go straight in the trash."
So, hardly the sort of person I'd be encouraging to hang around outside
Agnetha's home. I feel suddenly rather frightened for her safety and,
indeed, for mine...
The man is crazed, deranged and pathological!
Nick Hardy
flavins
With you there Nick. stalking is a sad sicko kinda thing to do. If Andy B
had any respect for her he would leave her alone as we has been asked.
Andy B
Yet another case of the "green eyed monster" I fear.
Andy B
in such "riveting" contributions, you at least make some attempt to
make some sense...what the hell does "as we has been asked" mean pray
tell?!
Don't stay up TOO late trying to get it right...it's school tomorrow
lest you forget.
Andy "stalker" Ball, "The ABBA home for the criminally insane",
Bolton, U.K.
(Good grief, the bloody nonsense some people come up with.....)
flavins
Andy, thank you so much for your eloquent email and reply within the group.
Obviously (to non neaderthals) I meant to type ''have'' not ''has'' in my
reply to Nick. Can I ask you to think about one thing? Has anybody
within this group shown any approval of you hanging around Agnethas' house.
Just think about it. Please.