«Ace of Base: Behind the Hits and the Darkness»

Discover the behind-the-scenes story of Ace of Base, the Swedish pop sensation. Explore their rise to fame, the challenges they faced, and the dark side of celebrity.

Ace of Base: Behind the Hits and the Darkness

Ace of Base, Sweden’s third biggest pop export after ABBA and Roxette, took the world by storm with their debut album «Happy Nation» in 1993. This album remains the biggest debut album of all time, selling a staggering 25 million copies. The pop quartet, comprised of Ulf Ekberg and siblings Jonas, Jenny, and Malin Berggren, became a sensation with super hits like «All That She Wants» and «The Sign», kick-starting the Swedish pop wonder. However, behind their incredible success, a deep and largely unknown darkness lurked.

The Dark Side of Fame

While Ace of Base basked in the glory of their chart-topping hits, they also faced numerous challenges and threats. Ulf Ekberg, in particular, was targeted by right-wing extremists and received death threats. To ensure his safety, he performed in a bulletproof vest and had bodyguards accompany him during world tours. Jenny Berggren, on the other hand, endured a traumatic experience when she was attacked by a German fan in her own home.

Aside from external threats, internal conflicts over songs and money created further friction within the quartet. As the band reached the pinnacle of their career in the mid-1990s, old and new demons began to slowly break down the band members. These challenges tested their resilience and strained their relationships.

A Glimpse Behind the Curtain

Thanks to unique and private video material captured by Ulf Ekberg and others during the most turbulent years, viewers now have the opportunity to witness how the four friends from Gothenburg navigated the highs and lows of celebrity. Unlike many documentaries that present a polished and selective narrative, this documentary about Ace of Base is refreshingly honest. It shines a light on both their successes and challenges.

The inclusion of previously unpublished material from the 90s adds a new dimension to the viewing experience, allowing audiences to delve into the band’s history in a fresh and engaging way. Ulf Ekberg expresses his excitement about the documentary, stating, «We are incredibly proud to present this captivating documentary about the band that broke new ground for Swedish pop music. The series navigates between past and present, leading viewers between success and failure. It is, to say the least, a fascinating journey through our music history».

A Fascinating Journey Through Music History

The three-part documentary series, titled «Ace of Base – All That She Wants», is now available on Viaplay in the Nordics. Produced by Nexiko and directed by Jens von Reis, with Daniel Andreasson as the producer, this series promises to captivate viewers. Johan Wennberg, the executive producer at Viaplay Group, describes it as a fascinating journey through Swedish music history, navigating between the band’s triumphs and tribulations.

Ace of Base’s story is a testament to the complexities of fame and the resilience required to weather its storms. Through this documentary, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the band’s journey and the challenges they faced along the way. It is a must-watch for music enthusiasts and fans of Ace of Base alike.

First episode are now streaming on Viaplay!