The death of Lass Wellander marks the loss of a major figure in the music industry, especially for ABBA fans who have enjoyed his contribution to the band’s music over the years. Wellander’s guitar playing was a fundamental component of ABBA’s sound, and his involvement with the band spanned several decades.
Lasse Wellander has died at the age of 70, according to his family.
Wellander has contributed to most of ABBA’s songs over the years and toured with them in the 1970s and 1980s.
In addition, he was involved in the band’s latest album Voyage, which was released in 2021 and contained 10 brand new songs by the Swedish singers.
Wellander’s family, who expressed a heartfelt tribute at the news of his death, confirmed the news.
“It is with indescribable sadness that we have to announce that our beloved Lasse has fallen asleep,” they said in a statement released on Sunday. Lasse recently developed a condition that was later determined to be cancer that had progressed; he left early on Good Friday accompanied by his loved ones. We admire you and miss you terribly.
Wellander’s passion for music began when he joined local bands in Nora, Sweden, where he grew up. At the age of 16, he started his professional career with Peps & Blues Quality, which opened the door for him to later work with a number of musicians.
In October 1974, he began collaborating with ABBA members Agnetha Faltskog, Born Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad on the songs “Crazy World” and “Intermezzo”.
Having been involved in most of ABBA’s recordings, including all eight of their albums, as well as their tours in 1975, 1977, 1979, and 1980, his partnership with the band was expected to be one of his longest.
After ABBA’s first split in 1982, he continued to work with Andersson and Ulveaus on projects such as Chess and the soundtrack to two Mamma Mia films, including the hugely popular 2008 film starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried.
Wellander had a successful solo career in addition to working with other musicians. His first album was released in 1981 and 11 more followed over the following years.
Wellander’s ‘Romans from Pastoralsvit opus 19 by Lars-Erik Larsson’ spent four weeks at Svensktoppen in 1985 and 1986, with most of his recordings being instrumental.
His last album, Simple Ticket in English, was released in 2006, and three singles – “Overdrive”, “Merry-Go-Round” and “O Come, All Ye Faithfull” – were released the following year.
Our thoughts are with Lasse Wellander’s family, friends, and supporters during this difficult time.
Wellander’s passing is a significant loss to the music industry and his contribution to ABBA’s music will be cherished by fans forever. The music world has lost a talented musician, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of musicians. Our thoughts remain with Wellander’s family, friends, and fans at this difficult time.