Swedish guitarist Lasse Wellander, who was famously known as the main guitarist for ABBA’s albums, passed away on 7th April 2023 at the age of 70.
The musician had a long-standing relationship with ABBA, joining the band in October 1974 and soon becoming its lead guitarist.
He played with the band for several years and was part of their touring band in 1975, 1977, 1979 and 1980.
Wellander also worked with ABBA’s former members, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, on various projects after the band’s disbandment.
He contributed to the soundtracks of Mamma Mia! The Movie, its sequel, and ABBA’s latest album, Voyage, released in 2021.
Furthermore, he had a successful solo career and released seven solo albums.
On 9th April, his family announced his passing on social media. They released a statement on Facebook, saying: “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.”
The statement goes on to praise Wellander for his talent as a musician and his qualities as a family man, describing him as kind, caring and loving.
Fans of Wellander and ABBA took to social media to express their grief and offer condolences to the musician’s family.
One Facebook user described Wellander as “a real guitar legend” and thanked him for his contribution to music.
Another person called him a “fantastic guitarist and friend.”
Anders Berglund, a Swedish composer and musician, spoke of the fun times he shared with Wellander and offered his condolences to his family.
The legends passing is a great loss to the music industry and to his fans, who will miss his talent and contributions to music.
