ABBA icon dies as band issues heartfelt tribute
ABBA icon dies as band issues heartfelt tribute
ABBA have reunited in heartbreak to issue a tribute to one of the stars who helped to create their iconic music - sound engineer Michael B Tretow
(L-R) Technician Michael Tretow stands with Swedish singers and songwriters Benny Andersson, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus, of the supergroup ABBA,
(Image: undefined via Getty Images )
ABBA are mourning the death of their sound engineer. The family ofMichael B Tretow's family announced he has died at the age of 80.
Tretow was an influential figure in Swedish music, serving not only as ABBA's sound engineer but also as a musician in his own right. The members of the acclaimed Eurovision group have all released rare statements, paying tribute to Michael.
Benny Andersson said: "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!".
Meanwhile, Bjorn Ulvaeus went on to add: "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 gave her tribute via Aftonbladet, noting: "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!"
Michael B Tretow produced some of ABBA's greatest hits
(Image: Getty )
Agnetha Fältskog paid tribute with heartfelt words: "So glad I got to spend some time with you a few weeks ago... You were so sick, but your laughter and humor 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."
Article continues below
The Mixdown website featured an article detailing Tretow's distinctive production style, noting that he produced ABBA classics such as Ring-Ring, Waterloo, and Super Trouper, , reports the Mirror. A hallmark of these hits was the emphasis on tom-tom drums within the mix.
To ensure the vocals remained prominent and delicate, Michael would strategically mic only the toms and bass drums, steering clear of cymbals which he felt could dominate the arrangement. He was also pioneering in his use of three C414 condenser microphones to record the grand piano, a technique not widely adopted at the time, adding a special touch to tracks like Mamma Mia, S.O. S, and Ring Ring.
The Swedish Herald, reporting on Tretow's death late on Tuesday night, recalled his early days as a sound engineer at Metronome Studio where, in the 1970s, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson entrusted him with the role of ABBA's sound engineer. For the latest TV and showbiz news sign up to our newsletter
He collaborated with the group on all of their albums except for the recent "Voyage" from 2021, playing a pivotal role in crafting their iconic sound. His death might lead to a poignant reunion of the four Abba members should they come together to mourn at his funeral.
Though seldom seen in public as a quartet, the band did reunite for a photo opportunity during the premiere of their Abba voyage concert experience in 2022.
ABBA reunited publicly for the premier of ABBA Voyage
(Image:)
Devastated fans have been sharing their tributes 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 paid homage by saying: "So sad... He truly was the 5th Member of ABBA," And yet another expressed their sorrow with: "Aww so sad... I really liked him when viewing ABBA videos, etc May God bless his family and friends."
Michael is survived by his son Rasmus Tretow and his wife Malin Hertzman.
Article continues below
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
38 minutes ago
- Wales Online
I stayed overnight in a surreal Welsh Village with no residents and this is what happened after dark
I stayed overnight in a surreal Welsh Village with no residents and this is what happened after dark Want Wales without the crowds? Stay overnight in this eccentric, empty village by the sea Portmeirion is also well-known as the home of TV cult classic, The Prisoner (Image: Portia Jones ) I'll admit, I love quirky and off-beat places, especially if you can stay the night and explore long after the daytrippers have gone. So, imagine my delight when I discovered a colourful coastal attraction in Wales with no residents, cars, schools, or banks. I knew I had to visit at once and packed my finest attire (£3 dress from Vinted). Inspired by Portofino's multicoloured façades, Portmeirion is a uniquely constructed tourist village that offers a slice of Italy on the bracing Welsh coast. Named one of the UK's 'most beautiful' places by Time Out, the pretty village is one of Wales' most popular attractions and is normally full of visitors. By night, however, Portmeirion empties out, leaving just the overnight guests, staying in one of the quirky 'village rooms' or in one of two luxury 4-star hotels. If you want to experience one of the most enchanting places in Wales without the crowds, book an overnight stay and you'll practically have the place to yourself. Especially if you stay outside of the busy school holidays. I booked an off-season stay for my wedding anniversary and experienced Portmeirion's charm after hours. Here's why you should, too. Article continues below Why Portmeirion is unique This pretty village in Wales has been compared to Italy for its beautiful buildings and coast (Image: Getty Images ) Portmeirion isn't quite like the other villages in Wales. There are no permanent residents at Portmeirion as it's a uniquely constructed village designed specifically for tourists who pay an entrance fee to wander around colourful Italianate buildings. This whimsical village was born out of the long-held ambition of its founder, architect Clough Williams-Ellis. His creative vision for an Italianate-style, private peninsula village on the Welsh coast resulted in a charming tourist destination with a Mediterranean feel. While many think of the village as the indulgent whimsy of an eccentric architect, Clough recognised the value of tourism to the Welsh economy. He had a clear vision for managed tourism and sustainability, clearly hugely ahead of the curve. Clough acquired the wilderness site in 1925 and dedicated his life to developing this run-down peninsula into a popular coastal attraction. He drew heavily from the coloured façades of Portofino, resulting in dream-like, pastel-coloured buildings, ornamental gardens, and piazzas with fancy fountains and a giant chess set. Strolling around, it feels like each building has its own personality; some are playful, with bright facades and ornate details, while others are stately, exuding an old-world charm. This is honestly like nowhere you've ever seen before, it's weird and wonderful and is bound to captivate even the most cynical of souls. This is honestly like nowhere you've ever seen before, it's weird and wonderful and is bound to captivate even the most cynical of souls. (Image: Portia Jones ) Sir Clough's clever use of arches, slopes and window sizes also makes the village appear larger than it is, and many of the buildings have been 'upcycled' from former sites. Classical buildings were salvaged from demolition, giving rise to Clough's description of Portmeirion as "a home for fallen buildings." Construction of the site continued in stages until 1976, when Clough sadly passed away. Portmeirion is also well-known as the home of TV cult classic, The Prisoner, starring Patrick McGoohan. The series was filmed here in the 1960s, and the village provided a surreal backdrop to the off-beat series. Alongside its unique architectural heritage, the private, ticketed site features two swanky hotels, self-catering cottages, an indulgent spa, gift shops, cafés, restaurants and an authentic Italian-style gelateria. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Portmeirion was born out of the long-held ambition of its founder, architect Clough Williams-Ellis (Image: Portia Jones ) Walking into Portmeirion for the first time is undoubtedly an experience. The village rises like a painted mirage, with pastel-coloured buildings and whimsical towers that seem plucked from a fairytale. Here, clusters of lush and green trees frame the view while the estuary beyond glitters under the changing light of the Welsh sky. From the moment you cross the threshold, it's clear that this is not just any village; Portmeirion is a visual masterpiece, and it's worth exploring when dusk falls and the crowds clear out. Why you should stay overnight in Portmeirion Staying overnight in one of the 'village rooms' is like being let in on a secret (Image: Portia Jones ) Portmeirion is a wildly popular tourist attraction in Wales, with around 200,000 visitors annually. During the day, the site is packed with people who come for the colourful architecture, cafes and spa. The village empties as the day draws on and the shadows grow longer. The daytrippers, who fill the streets with chatter and snapping cameras, slowly disperse. It's in these quiet moments that Portmeirion reveals another side to its character, a serene, almost mystical atmosphere that envelops the village as the sun dips below the horizon. This is the best time to be in Portmeirion when day visitors have gone, and you can roam the surreal site with fewer crowds. Only overnight guests can be on site after the village has 'closed' for the day, so make the most of the near-empty streets. Portmeirion village rooms We stayed in one of the 'Village rooms' above the central piazza (Image: Portia Jones ) Stay overnight in one of the 'village rooms' and you'll be right in the centre of Portmeirion. When the crowds are gone, Portmeirion is yours alone to discover. Wandering through the quiet streets, with the village illuminated by the soft glow of the street lamps, you feel like you're in a Wes Anderson fever dream. We stayed in one of the swish 'Village rooms' above the central piazza, giving you a gorgeous panorama of the village as the sun sets and the last guests leave. Stepping out onto the balcony, you can look over the picturesque piazza and the village and get some gorgeous photos without hordes of visitors in your shot. Perfect if you love taking photos like me. Accommodation options The Hotel Portmeirion overlooks the Dwyryd Estuary (Image: Getty Images ) Portmeirion offers various accommodation options, each with its own unique charm. Choose between the sophisticated 4-star Hotel Portmeirion, the chic and modern 4-star Castell Deudraeth, the characterful Village Rooms, or an array of distinctive self-catering cottages. The flagship spot to stay is the 4-star Hotel Portmeirion, lovingly converted from an old Victorian villa. It was opened in 1926 by village creator Clough Williams-Ellis to much fanfare. The hotel has undergone refurbishments over the years to modernise its style while retaining some original features. The Grade II-listed hotel is also famous for being the place where English playwright Noel Coward wrote Blithe Spirit in 1941. It feels very stately with its cosy sofas set around an Italian-style fireplace and Art Deco-inspired design in the bar and dining room. The other impressive accommodation, Castell Deudraeth, is a 4-star, Victorian castellated mansion built by David Williams with 11 modern and spacious rooms. In the heart of Portmeirion Village, you'll also find 32 individually designed rooms, each brimming with character. These charming accommodations combine the comforts of a traditional hotel with the added bonus of being located right inside the vibrant village. Dinner at Portmeirion The village has plenty of dining options (Image: Portia Jones ) The village has plenty of dining options for daytrippers, from cafés to a 1950s-style bar and even an Italian gelateria. Opening days and hours depend on the season, so it's always worth checking ahead first. The bonus of staying the night in Portmeirion, though, is having a fancy dinner at one of the village's two full-service restaurants without huge crowds. We had a romantic dinner at the Portmeirion Hotel Dining Room, the perfect end to a whimsical day. We chose dishes from the varied menu and feasted on Welsh beef filet and Welsh Pork tenderloin, which were utterly divine. With its elegant décor and sweeping views of the estuary, this award-winning Art Deco Restaurant offers a refined dining experience rooted in the local landscape. Executive head chef Mark Threadgill and his skilled team, led by head chef Daniel Griffiths, work their culinary magic in the kitchen. They source the finest local ingredients, some even foraged from within the village, to craft a distinctive modern Welsh cuisine. Their dishes blend traditional French techniques with Japanese flavours, offering a dynamic and ever-evolving menu that highlights the freshest seasonal produce. Celebrating? Splash out on the taster menu featuring six courses and an optional cheese course. Typical dishes include Wild sea bass with cep mushroom, Welsh black truffle and chicken sauce, Sand carrot with puy lentils and hazelnuts, and Banana with miso caramel. What to do in Portmeirion As the day rolls on, the crowds start to leave (Image: Portia Jones ) Whether you are a day visitor or staying the night, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained in Portmeirion Discover nature Despite its coastal location, Portmeirion is not just a summer destination. The 130-acre site, set amid woodlands and carefully manicured gardens, offers some of the most stunning scenery in Wales, magical for spring blooms or vibrant autumn colours. The microclimate of the peninsula also protects it from the worst of the winter frosts, although it has snowed here on occasion, much to the delight of photographers. Take the scenic, 40-minute walk through the Gwyllt woodland to explore a wild garden designed by the horticulturalist Caton Haigh, an authority on Himalayan trees and exotic plants. Two main paths lead into the pretty woodlands, and 19 miles (30.5km) of walking paths lead to highlights such as the Ghost Garden, Tangle Wood, and Chinese Lake. Each season brings new life to Portmeirion's manicured gardens with textures and colours anew as you wander through its cobbled streets and piazzas. For sweeping views of the estuary, head to Clifftop & Chantry Row or walk to the Mermaid Spa for superb coastal views. Nearby, you'll also find the Min y Don to Black Rock Sands section of the long-distance Wales Coast Path. After you visit the village, you can veer off for a longer walk on the Welsh coast to discover its impressive, rocky shorelines. Despite its coastal location, Portmeirion is not just a summer destination (Image: Portia Jones ) Shopping Portmeirion also has a range of well-heeled and bespoke shops, including the world's only Prisoner TV Show Shop. Here, you can buy memorabilia from the show, such as maps, badges, Village Foods tins and figures. Elsewhere, you'll find Welsh language and tourism books at the bookstore, a curated collection of gifts and local products at The Ship Shop, Welsh produce, and Portmeirion's very own wine and champagne at Pot Jam. Portmeirion Online also offers a range of Portmeirion-branded gifts and souvenirs to commemorate your visit. Browse printed mugs, tea towels, and chocolates alongside a small selection of discounted Portmeirion pottery. Portmeirion even has its own dedicated shop outside of the village in the harbour town of Porthmadog. Siop Fawr Portmeirion is a homeware store and café in the former three-storey Kerfoots, which is thought to be the oldest department store in North Wales, dating back to 1874. Have an indulgent spa The boutique Mermaid Spa offers a restorative experience by the sea and has a range of luxury and wellbeing treatments to help you unwind. Enjoy a re-energising facial, warming hot stone massage, or indulgent body wrap with views of the peaceful Dwyryd Estuary as you slip into quiet bliss. Expert therapists use high-quality and vegan-friendly products to deliver all-natural therapies that keep with the village's upmarket feel. Various spa packages, including bespoke options, are available, and you don't need to be an overnight guest to book. You can even indulge in a post-spa afternoon tea in Hotel Portmeirion for the perfect pamper day in North Wales. This is definitely not a budget stay in Wales, but if you want to splash out on a swanky stay, it's absolutely worth the money (Image: North Wales Live ) Verdict This is definitely not a budget stay in Wales, but if you want to splash out on a swanky trip, it's absolutely worth the money. My advice: go all in. Have a fancy dinner, book a spa treatment, splurge in the shop. This is a 'go big, or go home' type of staycation, so make the most of it. For more information and booking, click here. Article continues below
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
Courtney Love has 'friend with benefits'
Courtney Love has 'friend with benefits' The 60-year-old Hole frontwoman - whose late husband, Kurt Cobain, took his own life in 1994 - has a famous lover but their relationship doesn't appear to be serious Courtney Love (Image: Getty Images ) Courtney Love has a "friend with benefits". The 60-year-old Hole frontwoman - whose late husband, Kurt Cobain, took his own life in 1994 - has a famous lover but their relationship doesn't appear to be serious. She is quoted by the Daily Mail newspaper's Eden Confidential column as saying: "I'm a libertine, and the person that I most do my romantic c*** with is also a libertine, so we are really more friends with benefits." However, Courtney declined to name her mystery partner. She said: "I don't like talking about them because there's jealousy around that person." The Doll Parts hitmaker revealed in March she was seeking British citizenship after making a permanent move to the UK over fears about the impact of Donald Trump's second term as US president. Article continues below She told an audience at the Royal Geographical Society in the UK: "I'm really glad I'm here. It's so great to live here. I'm finally getting my British citizenship in six months. I get to be a citizen. I'm applying, man! Can't get rid of me!" The audience applauded, with led to Courtney elaborating on her concerns regarding the Republican administration in the States. She added: "In terms of Trump and particularly this group... it's like emperor-core. Like, (they're) wearing million-dollar watches. "Emperor-core is going on at Mar-a-Lago. It's frightening now. It's like cyanide now." The rocker - who has 32-year-old daughter Frances Bean Cobain with late husband Kurt - admitted several years ago that her long-term plan was to settle down in London. Courtney told the Evening Standard in 2017 about her plan to move to the capital: "I know what neighbourhood I'm going to end up in, and I know that I want to be on the Thames. Article continues below "I subscribe to this magazine called 'Country Life,' which is just real-estate porn and fox hunting. It's amazing."
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
Doctor Who star spoke at pro-Palestinian protest
Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa spoke at a pro-Palestinian demonstration days after pulling out of Eurovision hosting duties. Gatwa, who played the 15th Doctor, was among a host of celebrities to speak at the event outside Parliament last month. Days earlier, the 32-year-old actor had unexpectedly pulled out as the UK's Eurovision spokesman, leading some fans to speculate that he had done so because Israel qualified for the final. Sophie Ellis-Bextor, the Murder on the Dancefloor singer and BBC Radio 2 DJ, took his place. The BBC offered no explanation for the last-minute change at the time, other than to blame 'unforeseen circumstances'. At the pro-Palestinian demonstration on May 29, Gatwa was among high-profile figures who stood in front of a banner that read 'Gaza: Actions Not Words'. The charity Choose Love organised the rally, in which the names of 15,613 Palestinian children killed in the conflict were read out. Steve Coogan, Chris O'Dowd, Dawn O'Porter, Juliet Stevenson and Stephen Kapos, a Holocaust survivor, joined Gatwa to take turns reading every name, a process that took more than 18 hours. Gatwa has previously spoken out against the Israeli government's actions in Gaza and shown his support for Palestinians on social media. The rally also came days before it was revealed he was being replaced as the Doctor in the final episode of his second series. In a surprise twist, his character regenerated into Rose Taylor, played by Billie Piper. The move brought his reign as the Time Lord to an end after just 18 months. He was the first Doctor to be played by an openly queer or black actor in the show's 62-year history. The BBC and Gatwa's representatives were approached for comment.
