Swedish pop group ABBA is mourning the loss of one of their own.
The legendary group’s longtime sound engineer, Michael B. Tretow, has died.
Responsible for some of the group’s biggest hits and essential to the ABBA sound, Tretow passed at 80, per Swedish publication Aftonbladet.
The cause of death was not revealed.
The official ABBA account mourned the loss, sharing the members’ tributes on Instagram, and captioning the post, “Michael B. Tretow, ABBA’s sound engineer throughout their career, has left us.“
“You meant more to us four in ABBA than anyone else,” Benny Andersson began, adding, “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.”
He reflected further: “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 highlighted that Tretow’s “importance to Abba cannot be overstated,” noting that “without his thoroughness and talent, our songs would not be played as much as they are to do this day,” while also remembering him for being “a warm, generous person and a good friend.”
Anni-Frid Lyngstad also paid tribute, stating, “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 recalled some of their final moments together before his death, 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.”
Often referred to as the unofficial “fifth member,” he began working with ABBA in the ’70s, helping produce several albums across the four-piece’s storied career, including 1973’s Ring Ring and 1994’s Thank You For The Music.
Per Mixdown, his “unique approach” and contribution were key in songs like “Super Trouper” and “Waterloo,” which helped them win Eurovision in 1974, rendering them a household name.
His final contribution was the 1981 project, The Visitors. In 2001, he suffered a stroke that forced him to step away from a life in public, the outlet reported.
He is survived by his son, RasmusTretow, and wife, Malin Hertzman.
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Legendary ’70s Group Breaks Silence Over Heartbreaking Loss first appeared on Parade on May 22, 2025
