"Never forgotten": ABBA pay tribute to fallen bandmate
<p>Lasse Wellander, long-term guitarist for ABBA, has passed away at 70 after a short battle with cancer. </p>
<p>Lasse’s family made the heartbreaking announcement on social media, writing that it was “with indescribable sadness that we have to announce that our beloved Lasse has fallen asleep. </p>
<p>“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.</p>
<p>“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.</p>
<p>“We love and miss you so much.”</p>
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<p>Shortly after, ABBA released a statement of their own, paying emotional tribute to their late bandmate. Lasse played an “integral role” in the group’s success through the ‘70s and ‘80s, and featured on 24 recordings, including a number of their greatest hits - from the likes of ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’ to ‘The Winner Takes It All’, ‘Crazy World’, and ‘Thank You for the Music’.</p>
<p>“Lasse was a dear friend, a fun guy and a superb guitarist,” the band wrote on Facebook. “The importance of his creative work in the recording studio as well as his rock solid guitar work on stage was immense. </p>
<p>“We mourn his tragic and premature death and remember the kind words, the sense of humour, the smiling face, the musical brilliance of the man who played such an integral role in the ABBA story. </p>
<p>“He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.” </p>
<p>The tribute was signed off by Agnetha [Fältskog], Björn [Ulvaeus], Anni-Frid ‘Frida’ [Lyngstad], and Benny [Andersson] - the same bandmates that Lasse began recording with in October 1974. </p>
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<p>As well as playing on all eight of ABBA’s albums, the late musician also experienced touring with the group, performing to sold-out crowds all over. In 2007, he even had the honour of working on the soundtrack for Mamma Mia!, a movie based on some of the band’s most popular songs. </p>
<p>And in 2021, Lasse contributed to ABBA’s <em>Voyager </em>album, a reunion work that saw all four key members return with 10 new tracks to share with fans. </p>
<p>Fans that have joined the band - and Lasse’s family - in paying tribute on social media, honouring his work and his vast contributions to the world of music. </p>
<p>“Such sad news,” wrote one. “My condolences go to his family, friends and all his fellow musicians. RIP Lasse … Thank You For The Music Lasse.”</p>
<p>“Such a sad loss. I still remember him on stage in Dortmund 1979, what a great concert, what a great musician,” shared another. “May he rest in peace.”</p>
<p>“Thank you for the music Lasse. Your music will live on,” promised one. “Deepest condolences to you all and his family. We are mourning all around the world with you.”</p>
<p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>
