Lasse Wellander, legendary guitarist from the highly acclaimed Swedish band, ABBA, died April 7 at the age of 70 after battling cancer, his family says.
Wellander’s family confirmed his death on social media April 9. “It is with indescribable sadness that we have to announce that our beloved Lasse has fallen asleep,” they wrote to Facebook, according to a translation from CNN. “Lasse recently fell ill in what turned out to be spread cancer and early on Good Friday he passed away, surrounded by his loved ones.”
“You were an amazing musician and humble as few, but above all you were a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather,” the statement in his memory reads, also describing Wellander’s personality and attributes.
“Kind, safe, caring and loving … and so much more, that cannot be described in words.”
The pain of his absence can already be felt, according to the statement.
“A hub in our lives, and it’s unbelievable that we now have to live on without you.”
The message concluded with a personal touch. “We love and miss you so much. Lena, Ludvig and Andréas.”
The famous musician played on the band’s most popular albums and was an integral part of their tour between 1975 and 1980, according to The Guardian.
Fellow ABBA band members, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad released a statement after Wellander’s passing. (RELATED: Famous Actor From ‘Elf’ Dead At Age 81)
“Lasse was a dear friend, a fun guy and a superb guitarist. The importance of his creative input in the recording studio as well as his rock solid guitar work on stage was immense,” they said, according to The Guardian. “We mourn his tragic and premature death and remember the kind words, the sense of humour, the smiling face, the musical brilliance of the man who played such an integral role in the Abba story. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.”