ABBA lead tearful tributes to star who ‘made their music timeless’
22 May 2025, 11:05 | Updated: 22 May 2025, 11:13
The music icon worked with the band on tracks including 'Mamma Mia' and 'Waterloo'.
Listen to this article
Loading audio...
ABBA have led tributes to their hugely influential sound engineer Michael B. Tretow, who has died aged 80.
Michael worked with the band on all of their albums, bar 2021’s Voyage, and was also a musician himself.
- ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus’ ‘love at first sight’ marriage with 28-years-younger wife explored
- ABBA: All four members reunite for special knighthood honour in Sweden
- Did Agnetha Fältskog accidentally hint at an ABBA reunion?
As ABBA’s sound engineer, he is credited with having had a huge influence on the band’s iconic sound.
Working on tracks including ‘Waterloo’, ‘Super Trouper’ and ‘Ring Ring’, Michael was key to ensuring the band's vocal lines were never overpowered in the mix, and utilised pioneering ways of instrument recording to capture their musical accompaniment.
All four of ABBA’s members issued emotional statements yesterday, remembering their old music partner following his family’s confirmation of his death.
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.
- Who were ABBA before they became ABBA?
- ABBA's final ever TV performance singing 'Thank You for the Music' is so moving
- ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus admits he was drunk when he wrote THIS iconic hit
“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 called Michael “the security in our little studio bubble” thanks to his “never-ending creativity, warmth and joy...
“For us, you are forever part of the ABBA sound and you will never be forgotten,” she shared.
Agnetha Fältskog said: “So glad I got to spend some time with you a few weeks ago... You were so sick, but your laughter and humour were still there...
ABBA's Bjorn Ulvaeus reflects on 50 years since 'Waterloo' and Eurovision!
“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.”
Björn Ulvaeus remembered Michael by saying: “His significance for ABBA cannot be overestimated. He was a warm, generous person and a good friend. Thanks, Micke, for all the laughs!”
Fans have also been paying tribute to the late producer, with many expressing their sympathy to his family, and mourning the loss of ABBA’s “fifth member”.
