Michael B. Tretow, also known as Bo Michael Tretow, passed away at the age of 80 on May 20, 2025. He is best known as one of the most legendary record producers and audio engineers to come out of his native Sweden, and his audio engineering and production efforts with the pop group ABBA in the late 1970s are considered some of his most notable work.
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The news of Tretow’s passing came from his wife (Malin Hertzman) and son (Rasmus Tretow), as well as ABBA’s former manager (Görel Hanser), via an announcement in the Swedish publication Aftonbladet. The cause of Tretow’s death has not been released to the public.
The four members of ABBA have since posted their well-wishes and tributes to the late audio engineer via social media.
“He was curious and always willing to try new paths,” said ABBA member Björn Ulvaeus. “It could be anything from the latest tech to a sound he had heard somewhere. Without his thoroughness and talent, our songs would not be played as much as they are to this day.”
The Legacy of Michael B. Tretow
Michael B. Tretow was born in Sweden in 1944. He started working at Metronome Studios in Stockholm in the late 1960s before moving on to Glenmark (GLN) studios for several years. After that stint, he came to ABBA’s Polar Studios in 1978, where he would eventually fill the role of studio manager.
Tretow was known for his habit of experimenting with recording techniques, often with incredible results. In fact, he is often credited for giving ABBA their sound, and is also often referred to as the “fifth member” of ABBA.
Some of his most notable work with ABBA as an engineer can be heard in the albums Ring Ring (1973), Waterloo (1974), and ABBA (1975), among many others. He also produced ABBA’s 1986 live album, as well as the compilation album Gracias Por La Música in 1980.
He was also an established artist and musician on his own. His first album, titled Mikael & Michael, was released in 1966 with Mikael Ramel. He is also known for collaborating on Caramba in 1981 with Ted Gärdestad.
We wish Michael B. Tretow’s family, friends, fans, and loved ones nothing but the best during this difficult time. We really lost a true legend in the recording industry.
Photo by Oscar Abolafia/TPLP/Getty Images
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