ABBA have paid tribute to their sound engineer, Michael B Tretow, who died aged 90.
Tretow's death was confirmed by the band's manager Gorel Hanser, having been first announced to the Swedish outlet, Aftonbladet by his wife and son.
The sound technician co owned ABBA's record label, Polar Music. He was appointed sound engineer of the band in the 1970s, as well as going on to work on all of their albums, aside from their comeback record, 'Voyage' in 2021.
Honouring the late sound technician, all four members of ABBA paid tribute to Michael B Tretow.
”You meant more to us four in ABBA than anyone else", Benny Anderson said. “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,” he said, adding an in-joke: “I miss you. And I’ve saved all your coconuts!”.
Anni-Frid Lyngstad said that Tretow had “never-ending creativity, warmth and joy”, which created a sense of safety in the studio.
“No one fit the bill as well as you,” she added. “For us, you are forever part of the ABBA sound and you will never be forgotten".
Elsewhere, Bjorn Ulvaeus who had appointed Michael B Tretow as ABBA's sound engineer alongside Benny Anderson, also paid homage to him, saying that his impact on the group “cannot be overestimated”, adding he was a “warm, generous person and a good friend” who he thanked for “all the laughs” over the years.
Finishing off the tributes from the band, Agnetha Faltskog reflected on their recent time together.
“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", Falstkog said.
“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".
Michael B Tretow was also famously dubbed the "fifth member" of ABBA. He is survived by his wife and son.
