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."
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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.
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