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Michael B. Tretow, the celebrated sound engineer for ABBA, has passed away at the age of 80. His son Rasmus Tretow and his wife Malin Hertzman confirmed the news to the Swedish outlet Aftonbladet. The band’s manager, Görel Hanser, also confirmed his passing. While the cause of death has not been disclosed, it is known that he had been unwell. As the news spread, members of ABBA shared their tributes to this iconic figure, who co-owned the band’s record label and publishing company alongside the group and Stig Anderson.
”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!” Benny Andersson expressed to the publication. ”His significance for ABBA cannot be overstated. He was a warm, generous person and a good friend. Thanks, Micke, for all the laughs!”, commented Björn Ulvaeus.
Anni-Frid Lyngstad remarked: “You were the security in our little studio bubble with your never-ending creativity, warmth, and joy. No one fit the bill as well as you! For us, you are forever part of the ABBA sound and will never be forgotten!” Meanwhile, the fourth member Agnetha Fältskog added: “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 present… So many memories are preserved; your encouraging words during the recordings meant so much. We are saddened now, a talented and unique person has left us. Sleep well Micke, you are in our hearts forever.”
Fans of the group, who rose to fame by winning Eurovision in 1974 with “Waterloo,” also shared their condolences on Facebook: “So sad…He truly was the 5th member of ABBA,” wrote one fan. “Sad news. He was crucial in developing the ABBA sound!” another agreed.
“Oh no, that is so sad. My sincere condolences to his family and friends; he was so important in the creative world of ABBA. Such sad news,” a third commented.
“Aww, so sad… I really liked him while watching ABBA videos… May God bless his family and friends,” a fourth wrote. “May he rest in peace; his music lives on,” a fifth simply stated.
“Wow! Such truly sad news. He provided ABBA with that special sound and referred to some of his techniques as ‘sprinkling glitter’ on their music. God bless you, Mikke. Rest in peace,” a sixth remarked.
Michael started his career at Metronome Studios in Stockholm in 1967, later working at GLN (Glenmark) studios for two years before joining ABBA’s Polar Studios in 1978.
He played a vital role in shaping the “ABBA sound” after Björn and Benny appointed him as the band’s sound engineer in the 1970s. He contributed to all of ABBA’s albums except for their most recent release, “Voyage,” from 2021.
He continued to collaborate with Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson even after ABBA disbanded in the early 1980s.
Among other projects with the duo, he served as the sound engineer on the “Chess” album, which featured the number one hit “I Know Him So Well,” sung by Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson.
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