09 April 2023 , 21:32
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Lasse Wellander, the guitarist behind some of ABBA's biggest hits has died, aged 70.
In a heartbreaking statement, his family penned: "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."
The statement continued: "You were a fantastic musician and humble like few, but above all, you were a wonderful husband, brother, grandmother, and grandfather."
He is said to have played a big part in most of the iconic band's recordings and tours throughout the '70s and '80s and also had a hand in creating the groups latest album titled Voyager, which was released in 2021.
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Musician Lasse Wellander has died at the age of 70He played on a total of 24 of the band's studio recordings, including all of their eight studio albums. He was a mainstay on their final tour between 1979 and 1980, which saw the band play their hit tunes to sold-out audiences across the globe.
Thankfully for Lasse - who joined Peps & Blues Quality alongside Peps Persson when he was 16 years old - his career didn't end when ABBA quit first time around.
As well as ABBA, he played alongside a number of other bands and artists from Sweden. He also released a self-titled debut album in 1981, before producing and releasing 11 more over the years.
Lasse won a number of awards for his music (Facebook)It wasn't just music for recordings either as he worked as a composer for a number of film and television tunes, including the score for the Swedish film Änglagård, which was released in 1992.
His final solo album was released in 2006, with its English title being Simple Ticket.
Throughout his career he was honoured with a number of awards, including the prestigious Swedish Royal Medal called the Litteris et Artibus in 2010.
He was later entered into the Swedish Music Hall of Fam in 2014 alongside other members of ABBA.
Following the news of his death, fans took to social media to send messages of condolence.
One user on Twitter wrote: "Lasse passed away on Good Friday with cancer. We would like to send our condolences to Lasse’s family and close friends. Thank you Lasse, for sharing your talent to the world."
Another penned: "Another Swedish legend has left us. #LasseWellanderRIP."
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