Interview with Görel Hanser, February, 1997
© 1997, 1999 ABBAMAIL
no part of this interview may be reproduced or copied without permission from ABBAMAIL whitread@zipworld.com.au
Years, ago, a young girl finished school and began her first job as a secretary at Polar Music. That "job" became a career. How do you feel when you look back over the last almost 30 years of your career?
I feel privileged and happy having been part of all this.
Were you ambitious when you started the job - did you expect to go higher or was it just a "job" at the time?
It was "just a job" before I planned to study further. It has also been a very good "school" for me in many respects.
Has there been a time during the last 27 years when you felt that you felt "burnt out'? That perhaps you would like to try another career?
Not really. If I felt that way, new things happened and I got enthusiastic again.
Have the demands of your career meant that you sometimes had to sacrifice aspects of your personal life?
I have always had a very understanding family. Any job has always been part of my whole life. Maybe my children would answer differently!!!
I notice that Björn said he works from home mostly, yet you seem to be in the office virtually every day. Is this tiring or something you actually prefer to do?
I prefer to work in the office but it happens that I work also from home. I can choose the times myself - as long as the job is done.
Why did you decide to start your own company?
When Benny and I decided to start working together. I wanted my own company since I'm also working with other artists, like Tommy Korberg and other projects like "Chess in Concert"
What is the difference between Görel Hanser's work day in 1997 to say, twenty years ago? Better or worse, more pressure, less pressure, etc.?
I like my freedom today. I work mostly as much as I did 20 years ago, but I am my "own boss".
Has the Line between Björn, Benny Agnetha, Frida and Görel become blurred over the years?
No.
You are currently "looking after" Frida. What does this involve?
I am her "contact person" in Sweden and I represent her interest here when it comes to TV, interviews, board meetings etc.
What has it been like working with Björn and Benny on "Kristina'?
Fantastic. New experiences, new knowledge. Getting into the theatre world.
Do you have much contact/interaction with Agnetha these days?
No
What was your involvement in the 1977 European and Australian Tour?
I look after press, worked with the record companies, etc.
When you look back on the "10 crazy ABBA years" is it with fondness or with a sigh of relief that it's all over?
With fondness and thanks.
I imagine that you could retire tomorrow if you wanted to. I retirement an attractive thought or is there still more you want to accomplish?
I like my job very much and am not thinking of retirement. However, today my family is my "No. 1 project" - not my job.
Do you think you've been a "role model" for young women?
I do not know.
I believe that you still have a lot of ABBA fans telephoning the office or making the pilgrimage to Mono Music in person. How do you deal with these situations?
I try to deal with this as much as I can. However, the group does not exist any longer and I try to look ahead.
Are you aware of all the ABBA fan activity on the Internet? Are you an Internet user?
Yes. I'm learning.
What sort of music do you enjoy listening to these days?
(ABBA of course), Bruce Springsteen, U2, Classical music, Opera
Australian ABBA fans are celebrating 20 years since the group's Australian tour with a convention this March. When you hear that, do you secretly think "why do they still bother, why can't they just let the past stay in the past?"
No. I think they deserve an appreciation for being so loyal.
After a hard day at the office, you arrive home to put your feet up. Is there someone special in your life there to share that time with?
Yes, my family. My husband and our two children.
How does the 1997 Görel Hanser unwind after a busy day?
With my family. A quiet dinner, maybe a good movie or a good book. Sometimes I go jogging.
I heard many years ago that you adopted a child - was that true? Are there any junior "Hansers"?
Yes, we have two children adopted from Bolivia, Calle 13 years and Carolina 8 years.
How is your relationship with Stig these days?
Fine. We see each other occasionally.
Did you have much involvement in the sale of Polar to Polygram?
No.
During the ABBA years you were dealing with the temperaments, egos and demands of record company executives, media people (and even fan club presidents) from around the world. Did you find that stressful? And did you ever loose your temper with some of these people?
No. No, I am mostly a calm person. I try not to lose my temper in front of our people.
Do you still do much travelling? Are there any countries you'd still like to visit or visit again?
Not as much as I did. I prefer being at home today. I always like to go to London. And I would love to go to Australia with my family.
Even calm and reserved Swedes get angry sometimes. What makes Görel Hanser angry?
Injustice, falseness.
How did you feel about the success of "ABBA Gold"?
Fantastic and unbelievable. And well deserved.
How is your relationship with Björn and Benny different now than it was 20 years ago when you were a "personal assistant"?
I work closer with them today - am more part of every project. Our company is a small company which makes everything easier
How do you feel about "Sang till Görel" appearing on bootleg CDs around the world? Do you feel violated by this?
No, In a way I feel flattered.
Is there still some "fun" in your work?
Most everything in my work is "fun". I am learning new things, and getting into new areas.
Where will Görel Hanser be in 20 years time?
Still working in this business - maybe less than today.
© 1997, 1999 ABBAMAIL
no part of this interview may be reproduced or copied without permission from ABBAMAIL whitread@zipworld.com.au