Görel

 

Oh Görel.  I am absolutely devastated to hear of her passing.  Görel Hanser was such an important person in ABBA's story, having been present from before the band was even created, until today as the band's manager.  She kept everything in order, working behind the scenes, and publicly as ABBA's spokesperson.

She was hard working and dedicated, and remained a close friend to the ABBA members.

I'm fortunate to have had a few opportunities to speak with Görel through email.  She was always on top of the what had to have been hundreds of emails to her mailing address at Mono Music, and when I would send in an inquiry, she would almost certainly reply by the next day.  The first time I wrote to her I think was when I sent in some drawings, asking if she'd be willing to share them with the ABBA members, and she agreed.  Then I had some questions of navigating copyright issues, and she gave me some very helpful answers.  Then I followed up on ways to publish my book within those copyright guidelines, and she told me that as long as there was no use of their logo or their exact likenesses, I would be fine.  And lastly, she had arranged for me to get Frida, Benny, and Bjorn's autographs through the mail, and I got to send in some new drawings that I drew up for each member, including the drawing above that I sent in for Görel as well.  My biggest regret was having completely forgotten to ask for Görel's autograph as well.

Görel was always so kind and helpful, giving so much of her time to fans and always being available.  Everyone is going to miss her so much.  Rest in peace Görel. We all love and miss you so much.