Latest news with #Tretow
Irish Daily Star
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Star
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!" Read More Related Articles Bruce Springsteen's wordless message for Trump after being called 'dried out prune' Read More Related Articles Cassie Ventura's mother forced to pay P Diddy $20K for singer's fling with Kid Cudi 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.
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
Who Was Michael Tretow? All About Legendary Music Producer Behind ABBA's Greatest Hits Amid His Death At 80
Trigger Warning: This article contains mention of an individual's death. Michael Tretow, the man behind many of ABBA's greatest hits, has passed away at the age of 80, as confirmed by his family. ABBA's trailblazing sound engineer was the mastermind of the legendary band's unique studio sound. Tretow's family informed the news of his demise to Swedish publication Aftonbladet, who asked for respect of their privacy and will not report the circumstances of his death. Born in Sweden, Bo Michael Tretow started making music and recording experiments during his teenage years. His career took off when he became a sound engineer at Metronome Studio in Stockholm. There, he met Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, a chance encounter that would go on to influence the course of pop history. Tretow became a crucial element in the ascension of ABBA to international stardom. Dubbed by fans and colleagues as the "fifth member" of the band, he was responsible for developing the group's iconic Wall of Sound aesthetic, with dense layering and melodic complexity. His engineering skills were involved in all of ABBA's albums, aside from their 2021 album, Voyage. Benny Andersson paid Tretow the ultimate compliment by describing him as "a fantastic inspirer and joy-maker," while Anni-Frid Lyngstad highlighted that he would always be a part of the ABBA sound. Agnetha Fältskog remembered last visiting Tretow before his death, commenting that even in sickness, his sense of humor and spirit were still intact. Aside from his contributions to ABBA, Michael Tretow had a successful solo career as a musician and contributed his skills to numerous film and advertisement soundtracks. He is survived by his wife and son.
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.
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
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
