Michael B. Tretow, the acclaimed sound engineer for ABBA, has died at the age of 80.
His son Rasmus Tretow and wife Malin Hertzman confirmed the death to Swedish publication Aftonbladet, with ABBA's manager Görel Hanser also verifying the news.
Tretow was widely regarded as the mastermind behind the iconic "ABBA sound" that helped propel the Swedish supergroup to global fame.
He worked closely with all four members of ABBA throughout their career and was considered a towering figure in Swedish music.
Michael B. Tretow (second from left) with ABBA in 1977
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No cause of death has been released, although reports indicate he had been ill. His passing has prompted heartfelt tributes from all four members of ABBA, who have rarely been photographed together in recent years.
Benny Andersson paid an emotional tribute to Tretow, saying: "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.
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Michael B. Tretow (left) in the studio with ABBA
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"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!"
Björn Ulvaeus echoed these sentiments, stating: "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 shared her own tribute, 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!"
Agnetha Fältskog revealed she had recently visited Tretow before his death: "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 rare personal statements from all four ABBA members underscore the profound impact Tretow had on both their music and their lives.
Tretow was known for his innovative production techniques that helped define ABBA's distinctive sound. According to music industry reports, he pioneered a "wall of sound" production technique that became synonymous with ABBA's music.
All four members of Abba has issued statements
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His expertise was particularly evident in hits like Ring-Ring, Waterloo, and Super Trouper, where he employed tom-heavy drum mixing. To ensure vocals remained light and delicate, Tretow would only mic the toms and bass drums, believing cymbals could overwhelm the mix.
He was also revolutionary in his approach to recording the grand piano, using three C414 condenser microphones - an uncommon technique at the time.
Sad news from Sweden. Aftonbladet reports that ABBA’s friend and recording engineer Michael B. Tretow has died, aged 80 https://t.co/ppZz6uP6kF
— Official International ABBA FAN CLUB (@officialabbafan) May 20, 2025
Tretow worked on all of ABBA's albums except for their 2021 comeback release Voyage. After working at Metronome Studio in the 1970s, he was brought on as ABBA's sound engineer by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, going on to help craft the classic ABBA sound that made them one of the most successful pop groups in history.
Michael is survived by his son Rasmus Tretow and his wife Malin Hertzman.
