Abba icon dies as benny andersson leads tributes- 'meant more to us than anyone'

09:29, 21 May 2025 The Swedish pop icons ABBA are in mourning following the death of their beloved sound engineer Michael B Tretow, who has been highly credited for making the band's

music 'timless'. All four members of the band have issued tributes to Michael, who worked on all but one of ABBA's albums, following the sad news he has passed away aged 80.

Benny Andersson said: "You meant more to us four in ABBA than anyone else. READ MORE Eamonn Holmes falls off chair live on air before show cuts to ad break "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!" Anni-Frid Lyngstad

shared her sentiments with Aftonbladet, saying: "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!" Bjorn Ulvaeus shared: "His significance for ABBA cannot be overestimated. He was a warm,

generous person and a good friend. Thanks, Micke, for all the laughs!" Agnetha Faltskog rounded off the tributes, 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, reporting his passing late Tuesday night, remembered Tretow's

early days at Metronome Studio where he was given the chance by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson to become the iconic sound engineer for Abba. Heartfelt messages have been flooding social

media as fans mourn the loss of a man many consider the 'fifth member' of ABBA, with tributes like: "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." Another said: "So sad... He truly was the 5th Member of ABBA," and "Aww so sad... I really liked

him when viewing ABBA videos, etc May God bless his family and friends." Article continues below Tretow leaves behind his son Rasmus Tretow and his spouse Malin Hertzman.