Michael B Tretow dead as ABBA in mourning after sound engineer dies
The family of Michael B Tretow have announced the sad news that he has passed away at the age of 80. The sound engineer was a giant in Swedish music and worked with ABBA.
ABBA has been struck by grief after the loss of their prominent sound engineer, Michael B. Tretow, who died at 80.
Tretow was hailed as a towering figure in the Swedish music scene, not just for his work with ABBA but also as an accomplished musician in his own right. Following his death, all four members of the iconic group expressed their heartfelt condolences, each sharing personal tributes, reports the Mirror.
Benny Andersson remarked: "You meant more to us four in ABBA than anyone else. I hope and believe that you felt it throughout all the years that have passed since we worked (and continuously laughed) in the studio. Our music lives on, it seems, and you are the one who made it timeless. You were a fantastic inspirer and joy-maker. And the finest sound engineer the world has ever seen. I miss you. And I've saved all your coconuts!"
In tandem, Bjorn Ulvaeus shared his thoughts, stating: "His significance for ABBA cannot be overestimated. He was a warm, generous person and a good friend. Thanks, Micke, for all the laughs!" Anni-Frid Lyngstad also gave her tribute in a statement to Aftonbladet, affirming: "You were the security in our little studio bubble with your never-ending creativity, warmth and joy, and no one fit the bill as well as you! For us, you are forever part of the ABBA sound and you will never be forgotten!"
Agnetha Fältskog has expressed her heartfelt sorrow, "So glad I got to spend some time with you a few weeks ago... You were so sick, but your laughter and humour were still there... So many memories are preserved, your encouraging words during the recordings meant so much. We are sad now, a talented and unique person has left us. Sleep well Micke, you are in our hearts forever."
The Mixdown website's article on his innovative production techniques notes how Tretow's expertise shone through ABBA hits such as Ring-Ring, Waterloo, and Super Trouper. His signature sound was defined by tom-heavy drum mixing, which did not include cymbal miking to ensure they didn't overshadow the subtle vocal parts.
Tretow was also an early adopter of using three C414 condenser microphones for recording the grand piano, enhancing the resonance in ABBA's classic tracks like Mamma Mia, S. O. S, and Ring Ring.
As reported by The Swedish Herald late Tuesday night, after working at Metronome Studio, Tretow became ABBA's treasured sound engineer in the 1970s under the watchful eye of Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson.
He collaborated on all of Abba's albums except their 2021 release "Voyage" shaping the iconic ABBA sound. His passing may bring the four members of Abba together once more, albeit for a sombre occasion, should they attend his funeral service.
The group is seldom seen together, but they did reunite for a photo at the 2022 premiere of their Abba voyage concert experience. Fans have expressed their sorrow online, with one posting: "Oh no that is so sad, my sincere condolences to his family and friends, gosh he was so important in the creative world of Abba. Sad sad news."
Another fan remarked, "So sad... He truly was the 5th Member of ABBA," while a third shared: "Aww so sad... I really liked him when viewing ABBA videos, etc May God bless his family and friends."
Michael leaves behind his son Rasmus Tretow and his wife Malin Hertzman.
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