Lasse Wellander, veteran ABBA guitarist dies at age 70

Swedish supergroup ABBA’s long-term guitarist Lasse Wellander has died at age 70 after a short battle with cancer. Lasse passed on on Good Friday, leaving many heartbroken after he could not survive a battle with cancer.

A statement on Facebook announced the death of the man who was the main guitarist for the supergroup and toured with them in 1975, 1977, 1979 and 1980.

“It is with indescribable sadness that we have to announce that our beloved Lasse has fallen asleep. You were an amazing musician and humble as few, but above all you were a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather. 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,” the statement read.

“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. We love and miss you so much.”

The ABBA Museum responded to the news with a tribute to the late guitarist. The statement described Lasse as an “absolutely brilliant guitarist” and a “truly devoted musician”.

“After a short period of illness, our beloved friend and the absolutely brilliant guitarist Lasse Wellander has passed away. He was the most caring and lovely person and a truly devoted musician. Please take a moment and listen to all his fantastic guitar playing for ABBA – from the early years to Voyage.”