Who was Michael Tretow? ABBA pays tribute to beloved colleague
ABBA has issued a string of heartfelt tributes to Michael B. Tretow after family confirmed that he had died at the age of 80.
Known as the band’s beloved sound engineer, Mr Tretow leaves behind an impressive legacy in the music world for his contribution to the legendary Swedish group.
All four members of ABBA have paid their respects since learning of his passing, reflecting how much of an influence he had on the group’s world-famous melodies.
"You meant more to us four in ABBA than anyone else,” wrote Benny Andersson. “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!"
According to local Swedish reports, Anni-Frid Lyngstad also added: “For us, you are forever a part of the ABBA sound and you will never be forgotten!”
So, who was Michael Tretow, and what was his role in creating ABBA’s greatest hits?
Who was Michael Tretow?
Mr Tretow (whose full name is Bo Michael Tretow) was known as a legendary sound engineer in the Swedish music world and played a key role in supporting ABBA in the creation of their music.
Born in 1944 in Sweden, Mr Tretow reportedly grew up experimenting with music and recordings in his bedroom before professionally stepping into the music world.
According to the ABBA Onmibus, he landed a coveted role as a sound engineer at Metronome Studio in Stockholm, and the rest is history. During his time at the studios, he met with ABBA artists Benny and Björn, and they started working together more closely on developing the band’s music.
Dubbed by one fan as “the fifth member of ABBA,” Mr Tretow is credited as a key component in the group’s creativity, the brains behind its multiple instrumental melodies and layered ‘Wall of Sound’.
It’s believed that Mr Tretow worked on all of the band’s albums except for Voyage in 2021.
Aside from his incredible contribution to ABBA’s legacy, he was also a musician in his own right and released several tracks throughout his career. He also contributed to a number of film and advert scores, and remains a massive influence in the Scandinavian music world.
Did Michael Tretow have a family?
While ABBA may have considered him a key part of their musical family, Tretow also leaves behind his wife and son.
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Mr Tretow is survived by his son, Rasmus Tretow, and his wife, Malin Hertzman, who both confirmed to the Swedish outlet Aftonbladet that the music icon recently passed away.
What was his cause of death?
Mr Tretow’s family has asked for privacy at this time and hasn’t provided any details regarding his cause of death. According to Aftonbladet, Ms Hertzman was quoted as confirming his death but refused further comments.
ABBA’s Agnetha Fältskog appeared to suggest in her tribute that Mr Tretow had been sick in the weeks running up to his passing.
"Dear Micke. 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... “ she wrote in her tribute.
“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."
ABBA’s manager Görel Hanser also confirmed news of Mr Tretow’s death, adding: “It's tough as it is.”