ABBA's long-term guitarist Lasse Wellander dies age 70
Musician Lasse Wellander - who was the main guitarist on ABBA's albums - has passed away at the age of 70.
The 70-year-old first played with ABBA in October 1974 and it didn't take long for him to become the Swedish band's main guitarist.
Wellander not only featured on ABBA's albums, but also toured with the Stockholm supergroup - formed by Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad - in 1975, 1977, 1979 and 1980.
As well as working with Andersson and Ulvaeus post-ABBA on the soundtracks to Mamma Mia! The Movie, its sequel and the ABBA album Voyage (2021), Wellander also had an extremely successful solo career, releasing seven solo albums.
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On Sunday, 9 April, his family took to social media to announce his passing.
Taking to Facebook, Wellander's family confirmed the musician had passed away on Friday, 7 April.
The statement reads: [Translation] "It is with indescribable sadness that we have to announce that our beloved Lasse has fallen asleep. Lasse recently fell ill in what turned out to be spread cancer and early on Good Friday he passed away, surrounded by his loved ones.
"You were an amazing musician and humble as few, but above all you were a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather. Kind, safe, caring and loving... and so much more, that cannot be described in words. A hub in our lives, and it's unbelievable that we now have to live on without you.
"We love and miss you so much. Lena, Ludvig and Andréas."
Tributes have flooded in on social media for the guitarist, with fans offering their condolences to his family and thanking him for his amazing contribution to music.
One Facebook user wrote: [Translation] "Finest finest Lasse, this is so extremely sad and completely incomprehensible. You have meant so much to me and my life and I am so grateful for our friendship."
"Sorry for your loss and take care of you in the family. A real guitar legend has now left this earthly life. Sad in every way & incredibly sad. Rest in peace, best Lasse," another commented.
A third said: "A great loss to so many, thanks for all the great music you gave us and all the memories attached to it. Rest in peace my condolences to the family."
Swedish composer and fellow musician Anders Berglund resolved: "Such a sad message and way too soon. I remember all the fun times we had together - studio, Soul band, Melody festivals, Rhapsody in Rock, the list never ends. Lasse - you were a fantastic guitarist and friend - rest in peace."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
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Poppy Bilderbeck