Two years have passed since Lasse Wellander, the legendary guitarist of ABBA, passed away suddenly.

 

 

 

 

 

Yet, the pain remains fresh for those who were closest to him.

In a deeply emotional and candid interview, Björn Ulvaeus, a member of ABBA, shared the lasting impact of his friend’s life and the shock that still lingers in his heart.

“I’m still shocked by it,” Björn said, his voice breaking with emotion as he recalled the sudden loss of Lasse.

These simple yet heavy words revealed the depth of grief that Björn continues to bear.

He went on to say that even though two years have passed, it still feels like just yesterday when he received the heartbreaking news of Lasse’s passing.

For Björn, the pain is not just about losing a colleague but about losing a lifelong friend with whom he shared countless memories, both on and off stage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lasse Wellander was not just ABBA’s guitarist.

He was a key figure in creating the distinct sound of the band and some of their most timeless tracks.

His guitar riffs, often subtle yet powerful, helped define the ABBA sound, a sound that still resonates worldwide today.

Songs like “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme (A Man After Midnight)” and “Take A Chance on Me” became legendary not only because of the iconic vocals of Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad but also because of Lasse’s unmistakable guitar work.

His immense contributions helped ABBA achieve success and widespread popularity, even though the public often failed to recognize the crucial role he played.

In the interview, Björn spoke not only about Lasse’s musical genius but also about his character.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Lasse was the kind of person who made everyone around him feel like they were the most important person in the room,” Björn recalled.

“He had this quiet strength, a warmth that made you feel at ease, no matter how big the stage or how tense the moment.”

It is clear that for Björn, Lasse was not just a colleague; he was a constant presence, a steady rock amidst the whirlwind of fame that ABBA experienced.

Their friendship spanned decades, and their professional relationship was built on mutual respect.

While ABBA became a global sensation, the behind-the-scenes dynamic of the group was rooted in camaraderie and a shared passion for music.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lasse, with his reserved nature and effortless talent, was the type of person who never sought the spotlight but was always ready to support his bandmates in any way he could.

His selflessness and dedication to the craft left a lasting impression on everyone who worked with him.

However, Lasse’s legacy is not confined to his time with ABBA.

He was also a gifted solo artist, recording his own music and performing on stages across the world.

His versatility as a musician allowed him to collaborate with various Swedish artists, all of whom spoke highly of his generosity and musicality.

Lasse was one of those rare musicians whose talents transcended genres, yet he never sought to overshadow others.

He was content to be the quiet force that helped elevate the music to new heights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yet it is through his work with ABBA that Lasse’s legacy will live on forever.

ABBA’s music has had a lasting cultural impact, with their albums still selling millions of copies worldwide, and their songs cherished by multiple generations.

Even after the band’s break-up, Lasse’s influence remained a cornerstone of ABBA’s signature sound.

He played a vital role in shaping the musical direction of the group’s later albums, including Super Trouper and The Visitors.

Reflecting on those years, Björn admits that the bond they shared extended far beyond work.

He remembers the countless hours spent on the road, in the studio, and in hotel rooms, discussing everything from music to life itself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The profound connection they had was not based on the pursuit of fame or success, but on a genuine love for what they did together.

For Björn, the loss of Lasse has been not only a personal tragedy but a reminder of how fragile life can be.

He says that the more he reflects on time, the more he realizes how precious each moment of life is.

Although the pain has never fully subsided, Björn finds comfort in knowing that Lasse’s contributions will live on through the music.

“What he left behind is eternal,” Björn says softly.

“The songs, the sound, the spirit of ABBA—it’s all still here, and it will never fade.”

 

 

 

 

 

Lasse’s presence on ABBA’s records and his impact on the band’s legacy ensure that he will never be forgotten.

As for Björn, while the pain of losing his dear friend will never completely fade, he is determined to honor Lasse’s memory in the best way possible: through the music they created together, a testament to their friendship and musical partnership that transcends time.

The tears Björn sheds today are a reflection of that deep and unbreakable bond, one that will forever be remembered.