Music History

An Important Lesson in Swedish Tax Law from ABBA

If you were around in the day of ABBA, you’ll know that their costuming was atrocious.  Satin, silk, sequins, hot pats, stupid overall thingies, dumb shoes.  But it turns out there was a real, solid financial reason behind their look.

Under Swedish tax law, performers could deduct the cost of their costuming only if the clothes were so goofy that no one in their right mind would ever wear them in a normal public situation.  And to make sure the taxman wouldn’t come knocking, ABBA made sure that all their stage gear was completely bonkers.

Ah.  It all makes sense now, doesn’t it?

(Via The Guardian)

 

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39679 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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