Latest news with #MichaelB.Tretow
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
ABBA Pay Tribute to Longtime Sound Engineer Michael B. Tretow
Michael B. Tretow, the pioneering Swedish sound engineer who helped craft the signature sonic identity of ABBA, has died at age 80. His wife and son confirmed the news to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, with the band's longtime manager Görel Hanser also confirming his passing. A cause of death has not been made public. More from Billboard Lady Gaga Wins 2025 Sports Emmy for 'Hold My Hand' Pre-Super Bowl Tribute to Disaster Victims A$AP Rocky Teases New Song at Cannes During 'Highest 2 Lowest' Premiere 50 Cent Posts AI Picture of Himself Wearing 'Free Diddy' Shirt Best known for his studio wizardry, Tretow was often referred to by fans as the unofficial 'fifth member' of ABBA for his indispensable role in shaping the band's groundbreaking sound. He worked on every one of ABBA's albums throughout their imperial phase, from 1973's Ring Ring through to 1981's The Visitors, and co-owned the group's label, Polar Music. Notably, he was not involved in the group's 2021 reunion album, Voyage. 'You meant more to us four in ABBA than anyone else,' Andersson told Aftonbladet. '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,' he said, adding: 'I miss you. And I've saved all your coconuts!' Björn Ulvaeus added that Tretow's significance 'cannot be overestimated,' remembering him as 'a warm, generous person and a good friend.' Anni-Frid Lyngstad said, '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 reflected on their final moments together: '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.' Tretow is survived by his wife and son. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Pink Villa
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Michael B. Tretow Dies: ABBA Shares Emotional Tribute to Iconic Producer After Sudden Death at 80
Trigger Warning: This article contains mention of an individual's death. ABBA's legendary sound engineer and close collaborator Michael B. Tretow has died at the age of 80. His family confirmed the news this week, with tributes pouring in from fans and the Swedish music community. Tretow played a vital role in shaping the sound of ABBA and worked with the group throughout their rise to global fame in the 1970s. All four members of ABBA—Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, and Agnetha Fältskog—have shared emotional tributes to Tretow. Benny Andersson said in his heartfelt statement, '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!' Björn Ulvaeus added, 'His significance for ABBA cannot be overestimated. He was a warm, generous person and a good friend. Thanks, Micke, for all the laughs!' In a statement to Swedish outlet Aftonbladet, Anni-Frid Lyngstad said that Michael B. Tretow had been a source of security in their studio bubble, bringing endless creativity, warmth, and joy. She added that no one else could have filled that role as perfectly and said he would always be a part of the ABBA sound and never forgotten. Agnetha Fältskog shared that she was grateful to have spent time with Tretow just a few weeks before his death. Despite his illness, she said his laughter and humor were still present. She recalled the many memories they had shared and said his encouraging words during recordings had meant a great deal. She described his passing as the loss of a talented and unique person and said he would remain in their hearts forever. Michael B. Tretow was more than just a sound engineer; he was seen by many fans as the fifth member of ABBA. He helped create the signature ABBA sound using innovative production techniques, as per Mirror. According to Mixdown, Tretow engineered and produced classics like Ring Ring, Waterloo, Mamma Mia, and Super Trouper. He used tom-heavy drum mixing to preserve the vocal clarity and famously mic'd grand pianos with three C414 condensers, a rare method at the time. Tretow worked on all of ABBA's albums except their 2021 reunion record, Voyage. He started with the group while working at Metronome Studio in the 1970s and remained a key creative force behind the scenes.
