The world of music has lost one of its quiet geniuses. The legendary sound engineer behind ABBA’s unmistakable sound has died at the age of 80. For many, ABBA’s music is the soundtrack of a lifetime—joyful, bittersweet, and instantly recognisable.
But behind the glittering harmonies and infectious melodies was Michael B. Tretow, who made ABBA’s music sparkle. As tributes pour in from the band and fans worldwide, it’s clear that Tretow’s influence went far beyond the mixing desk.
Tretow’s passing, confirmed by his son Rasmus Tretow, wife Malin Hertzman and ABBA’s longtime manager Görel Hanser, marks the end of an era for fans and musicians alike.
While the cause of death has not been disclosed, it is known that Tretow had been unwell for some time.
While ABBA’s four members—Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad—stood in the spotlight, Tretow was the wizard behind the curtain.
He didn’t just record their music; he shaped it, layering vocals, experimenting with new techniques, and, as one fan put it, ‘sprinkling glitter’ on every track.
It’s no wonder that many fans and even the band themselves have called him the ‘fifth member of ABBA’.
Andersson, in a heartfelt tribute, 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!’
Ulvaeus echoed the sentiment: ‘His significance for ABBA cannot be overestimated. He was a warm, generous person and a good friend. Thanks, Micke, for all the laughs!’
Lyngstad remembered Tretow as ‘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!’
Fältskog, who recently spent time with Tretow, shared: ‘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.’
‘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.’
A career that changed pop music
Tretow’s journey began in the late 1960s at Metronome Studios in Stockholm, before moving to GLN (Glenmark) studios. But it was at ABBA’s Polar Studios, starting in 1978, where he truly made his mark.
Tretow was the architect of the ‘ABBA sound’—a lush, multi-layered style that set the group apart from their contemporaries and helped propel them to global superstardom after their Eurovision win with ‘Waterloo’ in 1974.
Tretow’s technical innovations were legendary. He pioneered overdubbing, double-tracking, and other studio wizardry to create the rich, full sound that became ABBA’s signature.
His meticulous attention to detail and willingness to experiment meant that every ABBA album was a sonic adventure.
He worked on every ABBA album except their 2021 comeback, Voyage, and continued collaborating with Björn and Benny after the band split in the early 1980s.
Notably, he was the sound engineer for the musical Chess, which produced the hit ‘I Know Him So Well,’ sung by Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson.
Fans worldwide have quickly paid tribute, with many taking to social media to express their sadness and gratitude.
‘So sad…He truly was the 5th Member of ABBA,’ wrote one. Another added, ‘He was crucial in developing the ABBA sound!’
Others remembered his warmth and humour and how he brought joy to the creative process.
Tretow’s influence extends far beyond ABBA. His techniques have inspired generations of producers and engineers, and his work continues to be studied and admired.
The ‘ABBA sound’ is more than just nostalgia—it’s a masterclass in pop production, and Tretow was its master.
Despite his immense contribution, Tretow remained humble and mainly out of the limelight. Those who worked with him remember his technical brilliance, kindness, generosity, and infectious sense of fun.
As Andersson put it, he was ‘a fantastic inspirer and joy-maker’.
For those of us who grew up with ABBA’s music—or discovered it later in life—Tretow’s work is woven into the fabric of our memories. Whenever ‘Dancing Queen’ or ‘Mamma Mia’ comes on the radio, we hear his magic at work.
As we remember Tretow, we invite you to share your memories. Did ABBA’s music play a special role in your life? Do you have a favourite song or album that brings back fond memories? We’d love to hear your stories and tributes in the comments below.
Tretow may have left us, but his music—and the joy it brings—will live on for generations. Rest in peace, Micke. Thank you for the music.
Also read: The sun will come out tomorrow: remembering the life and music of Charles Strouse
Loved ABBA’s music and still do. Favourite – Fernando and Dancing Queen and ….. Benny and Bjorn are so talented in writing music, Anifred and Agnetha sang so beautifully together. They are wonderful people and my condolences to them on losing their friend and colleague.Trelow was a master at producing their music and although he is gone he has inspired many and was a great influence to the music industry . Have a few ABBA records but still to get myself a copy of Voyager.
Thanks so much for sharing, [email protected]. I myself cannot resist at least tapping a foot whenever I hear Super Trooper…