Lasse Wellander was a legendary Swedish guitarist who played with the iconic pop group ABBA for nearly 50 years. He first recorded with the group’s backing band in 1974 and was featured on their debut album as well as on several subsequent hits.
Unfortunately, on April 8, 2023, he passed away at the age of 70 after a battle with cancer. In this article, we pay tribute to Lasse Wellander’s life and legacy, his contributions to ABBA’s music, and his impact on the music industry.
Contents
Early Life
Lasse Wellander was born and raised in the village of Skrikarhyttan in Sweden. He began playing guitar in his teenage years and played with local groups before joining Ted Gärdestad’s backing band. It was through Gärdestad that Wellander was introduced to ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, leading to his long and storied career with the band.
Birthday and Education
Lars Johan “Lasse” Wellander was born on May 16, 1952, in Norrköping, Sweden. He started playing the guitar when he was 11 years old, inspired by The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. Wellander studied at the Music Conservatory in Stockholm, where he honed his skills as a session musician.
Quick Biography
| Full Name | Lars Johan Wellander |
| Known As | Lasse Wellander |
| Date of Birth | May 16, 1952 |
| Date of Death | April 08, 2023 |
| Death Cause | Cancer |
| Place of Birth | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Nationality | Swedish |
| Occupation | Musician, Guitarist |
| Instruments Played | Guitar, Mandolin |
| Years Active | 1960s – March 2023 |
| Associated Acts | ABBA, Agnetha Fältskog, Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Ted Gärdestad, and more |
| Awards | Swedish Grammis Award for “Best Instrumental Album” in 1983 and 1984 |
| Home | Click Here |
Lasse Wellander’s Family
Wellander was a private person and did not share much about his personal life in public. However, his family has released a few statements in the wake of his passing, providing some insights into his life and their reactions to his death.
In a statement shared on social media, his family described their “indescribable sadness” over his loss and thanked his fans and colleagues for their support and tributes. They also expressed their love and admiration for Wellander, describing him as a “wonderful husband, father, brother, and friend”. However, they have not shared any further details about his family members or their backgrounds.
Musical Career
Lasse Wellander was born in 1952 in the small Swedish town of Skrekarhyttan [6]. He began playing the guitar after watching the Beatles perform on television in 1963. Before joining ABBA, Wellander played in a rock-blues band called Nature that toured with the Swedish singer-songwriter Ted Gärdestad.
Joining ABBA
Wellander’s big break came in 1975 when he was invited to join ABBA as their lead guitarist. He quickly became an integral part of the band’s sound and was the main guitarist on many of their albums. Wellander’s playing can be heard on many of ABBA’s biggest hits, including “Knowing Me Knowing You,” “Slipping Through My Fingers,” and “Eagle”.
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Prolific Session Musician and Solo Artist
Wellander was also a prolific session musician, working with many other Swedish artists over the years. He also released seven solo albums, showcasing his skills as a guitarist and songwriter.
Awards and Recognition
Wellander’s contributions to Swedish music were recognized with several awards and honors throughout his career. In 1997, he received the Albin Hagström Memorial Award from The Royal Swedish Academy of Music, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Swedish music.
Contributions to ABBA’s Music
Wellander played lead guitar on some of ABBA’s biggest hits in the 1970s and ’80s, including “Knowing Me Knowing You,” “Slipping Through My Fingers,” and “Eagle”. His guitar work was an integral part of ABBA’s sound, and his contributions helped to shape the band’s signature pop sound. In addition to his work with ABBA, Wellander also collaborated with other artists such as Ted Gärdestad, Agnetha Fältskog, and Tomas Ledin.
Legacy and Impact
Lasse Wellander’s impact on the music industry extends far beyond his contributions to ABBA’s music. He was a highly respected guitarist and a sought-after session musician, working with a wide range of artists and genres throughout his career.
His technical proficiency and innovative approach to guitar playing inspired countless musicians and helped to shape the sound of pop music in the 20th century.
Remembering Lasse Wellander
Wellander’s death has left a profound impact on the music industry, with many artists and fans paying tribute to him on social media and in public statements.
ABBA, in particular, has been deeply affected by his passing, with the band members describing him as a “dear friend” and “irreplaceable talent”. The band has also expressed their condolences to his family and thanked Wellander for his invaluable contributions to their music and legacy.
Conclusion
Lasse Wellander’s passing is a great loss to the music industry and to his legions of fans around the world. He was a true icon of the guitar, a master of his craft, and a beloved member of ABBA’s extended family. His legacy lives on in the music he created and the countless musicians he inspired. Rest in peace, Lasse Wellander.
FAQs
What was Lasse Wellander’s most famous guitar riff?
Wellander played lead guitar on many of ABBA’s biggest hits, but his riff on “Knowing Me Knowing You” is often cited as one of his most memorable contributions to the band’s music.
Did Lasse Wellander collaborate with any other artists besides ABBA?
Yes, Wellander collaborated with a wide range of artists throughout his career, including Ted Gärdestad, Agnetha Fältskog, and Tomas Ledin.
Who was Lasse Wellander?
Lasse Wellander was a guitarist and session musician from Sweden who was best known for his work with ABBA.
What was Lasse Wellander’s age at the time of his death?
Wellander died at the age of 70.
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