Legendary ABBA Guitarist Lasse Wellander has died aged 70.
The music legend was responsible for many of the iconic group’s biggest hits and was a big part of their success in the 70s and 80s.
The guitarist, who played on a total of 24 ABBA recordings, died on Good Friday.
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However, Wellander’s family only shared the heartbreaking news today.
They wrote in a moving statement on Facebook: “It is with indescribable sadness that we have to announce that our beloved Lasse has passed away.
“Lasse recently fell ill with what turned out to be cancer that had spread, and early on Good Friday he passed away surrounded by his loved ones.”
“We love you and miss you very much.”
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Like the members of ABBA, Wellander was also of Swedish descent and joined band members – Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad – in 1974 during their early recording days.
According to ABBA’s official website, Wellander quickly became the lead guitarist on the band’s albums and even toured with them in 1975, 1977, 1979, and 1980. He had also continued to work with Björn and Benny in the post-ABBA era. .
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As well as being an immensely popular studio musician in Sweden, Wellander has also had his own solo career. He released seven solo albums, two of which entered the Top 40 album charts in the mid-1980s.
Similarly, Wellander also helped the Broadway and film production of Mama Mia! the hit musical.
More recently, Wellander had a looping moment when he lent a hand with ABBA’s latest album, Voyager.
The legendary quartet shocked fans around the world when they came together to release a number of new songs that Wellander lent his guitar prowess to.
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