ABBA’s Long-term Guitarist Lasse Wellander Dies at 70 after a Battle with Cancer

A Sad Day for Music Fans as ABBA’s Guitarist Passes Away

The music world mourns the loss of Lasse Wellander, ABBA’s go-to guitarist on albums and tours. After a short battle with cancer, Wellander passed away on Good Friday surrounded by his loved ones. He was 70 years old.

Wellander began his career in music as part of the band Peps & Blues Quality in the late 1960s before joining the band Nature, which later supported other artists. He started working with ABBA while touring with Ted Gärdestad in 1974 and quickly became their main guitarist on albums and tours in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

ABBA Members Pay Tribute to Their Dear Friend

ABBA paid tribute to Wellander on social media following news of his passing. They described him as a dear friend, a fun guy, and a superb guitarist, while also mourning his tragic and premature death.

Wellander’s creative input and his rock-solid guitar work were pivotal to ABBA’s sound both on stage and in the recording studio. He continued his decades-long relationship with the band until his death, even working on their latest album “Voyage,” which received nominations for the 2023 Grammys.

A Talented Musician Recognized for His Work

Wellander was much more than just a guitarist for ABBA. He played on Ulvaeus and Andersson’s concept album “Chess” and appeared on albums by Agnetha Fältskog after ABBA split in 1982. He also played with other bands and released seven studio albums, two of which made it to the Top 40 album charts.

Wellander was recognized for his exceptional work as a musician. In 2017 he received the prestigious Albin Hagström Memorial Award, which celebrates Swedish musicians, and the Studioräven Award from Swedish radio.

Remembering Lasse Wellander’s Legacy

Beyond his creative contributions to ABBA and other groups, Wellander was also a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather. His family described him as humble and an amazing musician who inspired many with his music.

In recent years, Wellander expanded his work as a solo recording artist. His final release was a one-off single in November 2022. His legacy as a talented musician and kind-hearted person will continue to inspire fans of ABBA and music enthusiasts worldwide.

The news of Lasse Wellander’s death comes as a blow to the music industry, but his memory will live on through the music he created throughout his spectacular career. All those who knew him will cherish the memories they shared with him.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons