ABBA Legend Passed Away At Age 80

ABBA has paid tribute to their longtime sound engineer, Michael B. Tretow, who passed away at the age of 80. The group shared emotional messages on Instagram, reflecting on his impact and legacy.

Tretow played a key role in shaping ABBA’s unique sound during their most successful era in the 1970s. His work behind the scenes helped define the music that brought them international fame.

Born on August 20, 1944, in Norrköping, Sweden, Tretow was passionate about sound from a young age. As a teen, he experimented with recording in his bedroom before starting his professional career at Metronome Studio in Stockholm in 1967.

It was at Metronome that Tretow met Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson. Their collaboration marked the beginning of a creative partnership that helped ABBA become one of the world’s most beloved pop groups.

Tretow became known for his inventive studio techniques. He used effects like tape delay and vocal doubling to give ABBA’s music a full, polished sound. His attention to detail and willingness to experiment made him an essential part of their success.

Beyond ABBA, he worked on the musical Chess and collaborated with several Swedish artists, including Ted Gärdestad and Lena Andersson. He also released his own playful albums like Let’s Boogie and Hystereo Hi-lites.

In 2001, Tretow suffered a stroke and gradually withdrew from the music scene. He is survived by his wife, Malin Hertzman, and son, Rasmus Tretow.