Fans and ABBA members react to the loss of a music mastermind (80)
- Replies 5
The passing of a key figure behind one of music’s most iconic sounds has left fans and collaborators deeply moved.
His influence shaped a legendary band’s timeless hits in ways many might not fully realise.
As tributes pour in, the story of his remarkable career and lasting impact comes into focus.
Michael B. Tretow, the legendary sound engineer behind ABBA’s signature sound, died aged 80.
His son Rasmus Tretow and wife Malin Hertzman confirmed the news to Swedish publication Aftonbladet, with ABBA’s manager Görel Hanser also verifying his passing.
No cause of death was disclosed, although it was known he had been unwell.
Tretow played a vital role in shaping ABBA’s timeless music, co-owning the band’s record label and publishing company alongside the members and Stig Anderson.
Benny Andersson paid tribute to him, saying: ’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 reflected on Tretow’s importance, commenting: ‘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 described him as ’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!’
Meanwhile, Agnetha Fältskog said: ’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.’
Fans also shared their grief on social media, with one writing: ’So sad…He Truly was the 5th Member of ABBA.’
Another commented: ’Sad news. He was crucial in developing the ABBA sound!’
Expressions of sympathy continued with remarks such as: ’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.’
Others added: ’Aww so sad...I really liked him when viewing ABBA videos etc....may God bless his family and friends.’
One fan wrote simply: ’May he rest in peace and his music is alive.’
Another praised his unique approach: ’Wow! Such really sad news. He gave ABBA that special sound and referred to some of his techniques as ‘sprinkling glitter’ on their music. God Bless you, Micke. Rest in Peace.’
Michael B. Tretow started his career at Metronome Studios in Stockholm in 1967.
He then spent two years at GLN (Glenmark) studios before joining ABBA’s Polar Studios in 1978.
It was during the 1970s that Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson appointed him as ABBA’s sound engineer, a role in which he became instrumental in creating their distinctive sound.
He worked on every ABBA album except their most recent, Voyage from 2021.
Following ABBA’s split in the early 1980s, Tretow continued collaborating with Björn and Benny.
Notably, he engineered the sound for the Chess album, which included the chart-topping hit ‘I Know Him So Well’ performed by Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson.
Below is the complete Abba’s tribute to Michael.
Michael B. Tretow’s remarkable contributions to music will be remembered for generations to come. His legacy lives on through the timeless songs he helped bring to life, forever echoing in the hearts of fans worldwide.
May he rest in peace.
His influence shaped a legendary band’s timeless hits in ways many might not fully realise.
As tributes pour in, the story of his remarkable career and lasting impact comes into focus.
Michael B. Tretow, the legendary sound engineer behind ABBA’s signature sound, died aged 80.
His son Rasmus Tretow and wife Malin Hertzman confirmed the news to Swedish publication Aftonbladet, with ABBA’s manager Görel Hanser also verifying his passing.
No cause of death was disclosed, although it was known he had been unwell.
Tretow played a vital role in shaping ABBA’s timeless music, co-owning the band’s record label and publishing company alongside the members and Stig Anderson.
Benny Andersson paid tribute to him, saying: ’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 reflected on Tretow’s importance, commenting: ‘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 described him as ’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!’
Meanwhile, Agnetha Fältskog said: ’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.’
Fans also shared their grief on social media, with one writing: ’So sad…He Truly was the 5th Member of ABBA.’
Another commented: ’Sad news. He was crucial in developing the ABBA sound!’
Expressions of sympathy continued with remarks such as: ’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.’
Others added: ’Aww so sad...I really liked him when viewing ABBA videos etc....may God bless his family and friends.’
One fan wrote simply: ’May he rest in peace and his music is alive.’
Another praised his unique approach: ’Wow! Such really sad news. He gave ABBA that special sound and referred to some of his techniques as ‘sprinkling glitter’ on their music. God Bless you, Micke. Rest in Peace.’
Michael B. Tretow started his career at Metronome Studios in Stockholm in 1967.
He then spent two years at GLN (Glenmark) studios before joining ABBA’s Polar Studios in 1978.
It was during the 1970s that Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson appointed him as ABBA’s sound engineer, a role in which he became instrumental in creating their distinctive sound.
He worked on every ABBA album except their most recent, Voyage from 2021.
Following ABBA’s split in the early 1980s, Tretow continued collaborating with Björn and Benny.
Notably, he engineered the sound for the Chess album, which included the chart-topping hit ‘I Know Him So Well’ performed by Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson.
Below is the complete Abba’s tribute to Michael.
Michael B. Tretow’s remarkable contributions to music will be remembered for generations to come. His legacy lives on through the timeless songs he helped bring to life, forever echoing in the hearts of fans worldwide.
May he rest in peace.
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Condolences to his loved ones
Michael
I always wanted to be a sound engineer or music producer. Having no musical experience at all, I may have put a whole new slant on sound production. Who knows?
