ABBA icon dies at 80 as band members issue tearful statements
ABBA is in a state of grief after the loss of their sound engineer, Michael B Tretow. His family has confirmed his passing at 80 years old.
Tretow was a towering figure in Swedish
music
, not only as
ABBA's sound engineer
but also as a musician in his own right. The members of the
iconic Eurovision group
have each released uncommon statements to honor Michael.
Benny Andersson expressed his deep appreciation, stating: "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!"
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Bjorn Ulvaeus also shared his sentiments, saying: "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, in her statement to Aftonbladet, remembered Tretow fondly: "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 Tretow helped make some of ABBA's hit songs
(Image: Facebook)
Agnetha Fältskog expressed her sorrow, noting: "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."
Mixdown's article spotlighted the ABBA hits shaped by Tretow's production genius, like Ring-Ring, Waterloo, and Super Trouper, sharing a common element of prominent tom-heavy drum mixes, reports
the Mirror
.
Adapting his approach not to overwhelm ABBA's delicate vocals, Michael would only mic the toms and bass drums, to prevent cymbals from dominating the sound. He also notably positioned three C414 condenser mics around the grand piano—an innovative technique at the time—adding a distinct quality to tracks such as Mamma Mia, S.O. S, and Ring Ring.
The Swedish Herald, reporting his passing on Tuesday night, reminisced about Tretow's journey as a sound engineer at Metronome Studio and how in the 1970s, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson trusted him to be Abba's audio maestro.
ABBA has paid tribute to Michael Tretow
(Image: Getty Images)
He collaborated on all of Abba's albums, except the 2021 "Voyage", and is credited with crafting the iconic Abba sound. His passing might bring the four Abba members together again, albeit for a somber occasion, should they attend his service.
They're rarely seen together, but they did unite for a photo at the 2022 premiere of their Abba Voyage concert experience. Fans have been mourning on social media, with heartfelt messages like: "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.
"Really striking... He truly was the 5th Member of ABBA," remarked another fan. Another 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 spouse Malin Hertzman.
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