Who was Michael B Tretow? Tributes pour in as audio engineer noted for his contribution to ABBA dies at 80

ABBA is now mourning the demise of its longtime sound engineer, Michael B Tretow, who died at the age of 80.

Tretow's son, Rasmus Tretow, and his wife, Malin Hertzman, affirmed his demise in a statement to Swedish publication Aftonbladet. According to Express UK, Görel Hanser, ABBA's manager, also affirmed the news. At the time of writing, the cause of death remains unclear, though he had been dealing with ailing health.

Michael B Tretow was well-known in the Swedish music industry for his contributions to ABBA, as well as being a musician in his own right. Furthermore, the composer co-owned ABBA's record label and publishing company alongside them and Stig Anderson.

He is credited for contributing to the band's debut album, 1974's massive hit Waterloo. He continued to work with the group right until they disbanded. He is also credited for contributing to ABBA's Voulez-Vous and Super Trooper.

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Michael B Tretow's life and legacy explored as all four members of ABBA pen rare statements mourning him:

In the wake of Michael B Tretow's demise, all four members of the Eurovision icons have paid their respects. As reported by the Mirror, 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. 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!"

Bjorn Ulvaeus echoed the sentiments, as reported by the outlet:

"His significance for ABBA cannot be overestimated. He was a warm, generous person and a good friend. Thanks, Micke, for all the laughs!"

Anni-Frid Lyngstad said:

"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!"

Agnetha Fältskog also offered her condolences, 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."

Michael B Tretow began working at Metronome Studios in Stockholm in 1967, though he later made his foray into GLN (Glenmark) studios. He worked there for two years before he shifted to the band's Polar Studios in 1978. He went on to work with all of the band's albums, save for their latest one in 2021, Voyage.

Despite the band splitting up in the early 1980s, he worked with Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson personally. Michael B Tretow was also known for serving as the sound engineer on projects like the Chess album, which boasts the dominating hit I Know Him So Well, with vocals from Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickinson.

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As reported by NME, given the technician's major contributions to ABBA's legendary discography, fans have long referred to Michael B Tretow as the “fifth member” of the group. Many flocked to social media to mourn his demise.