ABBA’s guitarist, Lasse Wellander, was behind some of the group’s biggest hits to date, as his family shared their “indescribable sadness”.
Lasse had fallen ill with cancer which spread as the musician sadly died on Good Friday.
The Swedish guitarist was also involved in the band’s recent Voyage album, which was released in 2021.
A statement released by Lasse’s family on Sunday read: “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.”
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The statement concluded: “You were a fantastic musician and humble like few, but above all, you were a wonderful husband, brother and grandfather.
“We love and miss you so much.”
Fans flocked to social media and shared their condolence messages to the legendary guitarist.
Geoff penned: “This man’s guitar playing has been heard by Billions. But most wouldn’t recognise him. #RIP.”
Scott wrote: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Lasse Wellander, guitarist on many of ABBA’s songs. My condolences to his family and all who knew and worked with him. Thank you for the music.”
Carol tweeted: “Really sad to hear @abba guitar genius Lasse Wellander has passed due to cancer. RIP & Thank you for the music Lasse!”
Britt added: “Another Swedish legend has left us.”
Sean said: “Rest in peace Lasse Wellander of ABBA. I only ask if there was any foul play with regard to his passing. God bless him and his close friends and family.”
Lasse began playing guitar as a child and joined bands local to where he lived in Nora, Sweden
He started recording with ABBA – Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad – in October 1974, featuring on their hits Intermezzo No.1 and Crazy World.
The guitarist featured on 24 of the pop group’s recordings and featured on all eight of their albums.
He toured with the stars and performed in front of sold-out crowds in 1975, 1977, 1979, and 1980.
Lasse went on to work with other Swedish artists when the band split in 1982.
The musician released his own solo album in 1981, and produced and released another 11 further albums in the years after.
In 2008, he was enlisted to work on the Mamma Mia! movie soundtrack, with the film starring the likes of Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried.
In 2021 he was involved in creating ABBA’s most recent album Voyage.
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