Guitarist Lasse Wellander, 70, passed away after a brief fight with cancer. He was responsible for some of ABBA’s most iconic riffs.
The 70-year-old musical icon was a pivotal component of the band’s popularity in the ’70s and ’80s, appearing in several of their most iconic music videos. The devastating news was relayed by Lasse’s loved ones.
Lasse Wellander Dies Of Cancer
The death of Lasse was announced in a heartfelt Facebook post by his grieving loved ones. Lasse had lately been sick with cancer, and he died suddenly on Good Friday morning. In the statement, the family acknowledged their tremendous affection for Lasse and their sorrow at his passing.
“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. We love and miss you so much.”
His Early Life & Career
Lasse learned to play guitar in Nora, Sweden, where he grew up.
He joined Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad to form ABBA in October of 1974 and started recording with the group at that time.
Intermezzo No. 1 and Crazy World were only the beginning of their string of smashing successes.
READ ALIKE – Paul Cattermole Passes Away Weeks After S Club 7 Announced A Reunion
More than 20 ABBA songs, spanning all eight of their albums, were performed by the late guitarist. He also went on tour with the band, playing to sold-out audiences.
Wellander contributed to the soundtrack of the 2007 box office sensation Mamma Mia!, which starred Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried, among others. A new ABBA album, Voyage, was released not too long ago. They already scheduled a performance for shortly, but he went away before it could take place.
Ten new songs were released after the unexpected reuniting of the iconic four-piece band. It came out in November of 2021, and Lasse was a contributor.
More About Lasse Wellander
In addition to his success as a recording artist, he also composed music for films and television shows, such as the 1992 score for the Swedish film Nglagrd.
In 2006, he released his last solo album, titled Easy Ticket in English.
Many accolades were bestowed upon him during the course of his career, the most notable of which being the Litteris et Artibus, the Swedish Royal Medal, in 2010.
In 2014, he and the rest of ABBA were inducted into the Swedish Music Hall of Fame.
When word of his passing spread, mourners expressed their sadness online.
