Legendary ABBA guitarist Lasse Wellander has died aged 70.
The music legend is behind a number of the iconic band’s biggest hits and was an enormous part of their ’70s and ’80s success.
The guitarist, who played on a total of 24 of ABBA’s recordings, died on Good Friday.
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However, Wellander’s family only shared the heartbreaking news today.
They wrote in an emotional statement on Facebook: “It is with indescribable sadness that we have to announce that our beloved Lasse has fallen asleep.
“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 and miss you so much.”
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Like the members of ABBA, Wellander was also Swedish-born and joined the band’s 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 soon became the main guitarist on the band’s albums, and even toured with them in 1975, 1977, 1979 and 1980. He had also continued working with Björn and Benny in the post-ABBA period.
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As well as being an immensely popular studio musician in Sweden, Wellander also had a solo career of his own. He released seven solo albums, two of which entered the Top 40 album charts in the mid-1980s.
Similarly, Wellander also assisted the Broadway and film production of Mama Mia! the smash-hit musical.
Most recently, Wellander had a full circle moment when he lent a hand with ABBA’s most recent record, Voyager.
The legendary foursome shocked fans around the world when they reunited to release a number of new songs which Wellander lent his guitar prowess to.
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