DERRINGER DISCOVERIES
EP98: ABBA-solutely Essential: Joe Matera and the 1975 Breakthrough
Alton Derringer • May 16, 2026
e p i s o d e s
EPISODE OVERVIEW
In this episode of Derringer Discoveries, Team Derringer (Paul, Alton, and Rob) welcomes a very special guest from Australia: accomplished musician, journalist, and author Joe Matera. While Laura is away this week, the rest of the team dives into Joe's lifelong love of ABBA and his brand new book published in 2026, The Making of ABBA: The Story Behind The Band's Breakthrough 1975 Album.
The discussion centers on ABBA’s eponymous third studio album, released on April 21, 1975. This was the record that transformed the group into global superstars, hitting #1 in Australia, Norway, and Sweden. Joe shares his unique perspective as someone who has not only studied the band's history but has also performed and recorded with members of ABBA’s own backing band.
INSIDE THE EPISODE
- The 1975 Milestone: We explore the album that charted in 11 countries and solidified ABBA's place in music history.
- Musician to Musician: Joe discusses his collaborations with ABBA guitarist Janne Schaffer and his time recording with the British band The Korgis.
- Chart History: A look at how ABBA became the first artist to release seven singles from a single album.
- The Honorary Derringer: Joe joins the ranks of music legends like Jim McCarty of The Yardbirds and Dean Friedman as he is officially named an "Honorary Derringer".
THE TOP 5 ABBA TRACKS (from the 1975 Album, Abba)
Joe Matera counts down his favorite selections from the breakthrough record:
- "So Long": A high-energy track that performed exceptionally well in Austria, peaking at #3.
- "Intermezzo #1": A rare instrumental pick that showcases the band's musical versatility.
- "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do": A massive hit that went to #1 in five different countries.
- "Mamma Mia": A track that charted in at least 16 countries and features guitar work by Janne Schaffer.
- "S.O.S.": A global powerhouse that hit #1 in five countries, including Australia.
ABOUT JOE MATERA
Joe Matera is a world-renowned guitarist and rock journalist based in Australia. His extensive career includes a hit solo album in Australia and years of writing for major international music publications. Beyond his solo work, he has recorded and performed with The Korgis, known for the 1980 hit "Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime". His 2026 book on ABBA serves as a definitive look at the band's most pivotal year.
RESOURCES AND LINKS
- Joe’s New Book: The Making of ABBA: The Story Behind The Band's Breakthrough 1975 Album
- Official Website: joematera.com
- Joe Matera on Spotify: Listen Here
- Follow Joe: Facebook | YouTube
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