Lasse Wellander death: Abba guitarist dies aged 70

Musician played lead guitar on 24 of Swedish band’s songs

Abba’s long-time guitarist Lasse Wellander has died aged 70.

The news was announced by the Swedish musician’s family, who told Wellander’s fans that he had died on Good Friday (7 April) “surrounded by his loved ones”.

“It is with indescribable sadness that we have to announce that our beloved Lasse has fallen asleep,” their statement read, adding: “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.”

The musician died of cancer.

In tribute, Abba released a statement to PA, reading: “Lasse was a dear friend, a fun guy and a superb guitarist. The importance of his creative input in the recording studio as well as his rock solid guitar work on stage was immense.

“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.

“He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.”Wellander became a part of Abba in 1975, and played lead electric guitar on 24 of the band’s songs, including “Knowing Me, Knowing You”, “Take a Chance on Me”, “The Name of the Game” and "Voulez-Vous".

He also toured with members Agnetha Fältskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson.

Wellander, who was honoured with the Swedish Musicians Union’s Studioräven Award in 2018, also assisted in the creation of the soundtrack to the film adaptation of long-running jukebox musical Mamma Mia!, which was released in 2008.

More recently, he returned to play guitar for Abba’s comeback record, the Grammy-nominated Voyage, which was released in 2021.

Wellander released several solo albums throughout his career, the first of which was in 1981, a year before Abba split. His most recent, Simple Ticket, arrived in 2006.