Celebrity

ABBA Mourns Beloved Sound Engineer Michael B. Tretow, Dead At 80

Published on May 22, 2025

Following the untimely loss of their sound engineer Michael B. Tretow at the age of 80, ABBA has paid a heartfelt homage to him.

The musician collaborated extensively with the band during their peak in the 1970s and was a well-known character in Swedish music for many years.

Following Michael’s death, the band’s four members have paid their respects with infrequent statements.

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 onto say, “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 issued to Aftonbladet, Anni-Frid Lyngstad said, “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!”

Agnetha Fältskog paid tribute, saying, “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.”

The Swedish Herald, which reported his passing Tuesday evening, described how Tretow worked as a sound engineer at Metronome Studio before being hired as the sound engineer for Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ band in the 1970s.

Tretow created ABBA songs including Ring-Ring, Waterloo, and Super Trouper, according to a Mixdown article.

With the exception of their 2021 reunion album Voyage, he worked with the band on all of their albums.

Although they haven’t been photographed together much since their 1982 breakup, ABBA did come back together in 2022 to celebrate the premiere of their holographic performance, ABBA: Voyage.

Fans have also taken to social media to share their sympathies, with poses including: “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”

“So sad…” He truly was the 5th Member of ABBA;