“Lasse was a dear friend, a fun guy and a great guitarist,” Anni-Frid, Benny, Björn and Agnetha write in a statement on social media. “The importance of his creative input in the recording studio and his solo guitar work on stage was immense. We mourn his tragic and untimely death and remember the kind words, sense of humour, smiling face and musical brilliance of the man who was so played an integral role in ABBA’s story.”
In addition to ABBA’s music, Wellander also contributed to the soundtrack of the two ‘Mamma Mia’ films. He also played a role in the making of Abba’s album ‘Voyage’, which will be released in 2021. Wellander turned 70 years old. His cause of death has not been disclosed.