Who Was Michael Tretow? All About Legendary Music Producer Behind ABBA’s Greatest Hits Amid His Death At 80

It is with sadness that we report the passing of Michael Tretow, a key figure in creating some of ABBA’s most iconic songs, at the age of 80. His family confirmed the news. Known as ABBA’s pioneering sound engineer, Tretow was instrumental in crafting the distinctive studio sound that made the legendary band stand out.

According to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, Tretow’s relatives shared the sad news of his passing. They kindly requested that their privacy be respected and asked not to disclose details about the circumstances surrounding his death.

Originating from Sweden, Bo Michael Tretow embarked on his musical journey and conducted recording experiments during his youth years. His professional pathway flourished upon being appointed as a sound engineer at Metronome Studio in Stockholm. It was there that he crossed paths with Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, an unexpected meeting that would significantly shape the trajectory of pop music history.

Tretow significantly contributed to ABBA’s rise to international fame, earning the nickname “the fifth member” by fans and peers. He was instrumental in creating ABBA’s distinctive Wall of Sound style, known for its dense layering and complex melodies. His engineering talents were integral to every album released by ABBA, except for their 2021 album, Voyage.

Benny Andersson gave Tretow an extraordinary compliment by calling him “an incredible source of inspiration and joy-giver.” Meanwhile, Anni-Frid Lyngstad emphasized that he was forever intertwined with the unique sound of ABBA. Agnetha Fältskog recalled her last visit to Tretow before his passing, noting that even in his illness, his wit and spirit remained vibrant.

Beyond his work with ABBA, Michael Tretow also had a thriving solo music career. His talents were utilized in many movie and commercial soundtracks too. Tragically, he leaves behind his spouse and child.

Read More

2025-05-21 14:07