"This is a good soundtrack to die to"— Michael Fassbender recalls near-death boat experience helped him understand ABBA's music

Actor Michael Fassbender shared how a near-death experience on a boat ride from Formentera to Ibiza made ABBA’s music an unexpected source of comfort for him. The 47-year-old actor shared the story during a December 18, 2024 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, offering insights into the ordeal and his newfound appreciation for the iconic Swedish pop group.

While recounting the events, Michael Fassbender admitted that he was not initially a fan of ABBA’s music. However, that changed during a stormy boat trip to Ibiza. Once onboard the main boat, things took a dangerous turn as the storm intensified. Clinging to the boat for safety, he experienced an epiphany regarding ABBA’s music.

"I was sort of hanging onto the boat and ABBA was playing and I finally understood ABBA," he said, mimicking the motion of rocking with the waves. "It was like, 'You can dance / You can jive / Having the time of your life.'"

The perilous moment prompted Michael Fassbender to reflect on the music’s fitting presence during the storm.

"I was like, 'If we have to die tonight, this is a good soundtrack to die to,'" he quipped. Fallon responded with laughter, noting, "You’re always safe with ABBA."

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Michael Fassbender's The Agency and upcoming film Black Bag

ABBA, the Swedish pop sensation, rose to international fame after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with their hit song Waterloo. Known for their catchy melodies, harmonious vocals, and danceable beats, ABBA became one of the most commercially successful pop groups of all time.

Their music blends elements of pop, disco, and rock, creating timeless tracks like Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, and Take a Chance on Me.

Beyond sharing his near-death encounter, Michael Fassbender is currently in the spotlight for his role in the Paramount+/Showtime series The Agency. The series, produced by George Clooney and Grant Heslov, follows a CIA agent whose undercover past resurfaces as he’s reassigned to the London Station. The show’s cast also includes Richard Gere, Jeffrey Wright, and Jodie Turner-Smith.

Fassbender’s fascination with espionage was sparked by his involvement in the show, which is based on the French series Le Bureau des Légendes. Reflecting on the role, he previously stated, "I’m an actor, so we lie for a living," drawing parallels between his career and the lives of undercover agents.

Michael Fassbender's upcoming big-screen project is the spy thriller Black Bag, directed by Steven Soderbergh. The film stars Cate Blanchett and Fassbender as intelligence agents George and Kathryn Woodhouse.

Described as a high-stakes thriller, the plot centers on George’s loyalty being tested when his wife Kathryn is accused of betraying the nation. The supporting cast includes Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, Regé-Jean Page, and Pierce Brosnan.

Scheduled for a global release on March 14, 2025, Black Bag is being distributed by Focus Features. The collaboration between Soderbergh and Jurassic Park writer David Koepp marks their latest joint effort following Presence (2023) and Kimi (2022).

The trailer for Black Bag highlights the intense chemistry between Fassbender and Blanchett, striking production design, and gripping visual storytelling. With The Agency currently streaming and Black Bag set for release on March 14, 2025, Fassbender’s on-screen presence remains as compelling as his off-screen adventures.