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Post by dizzymoe33 on May 8, 2015 17:00:52 GMT
The bass player, guitarist, and producer Rutger Gunnarsson (born 1946) has passed away in his home in Stockholm at the age of 69. Through his unique way of playing his bass, beautiful string arrangements and solid producing for many Swedish and international artists from the 70’s to today. Rutger worked closely with Björn and Benny on uncountable productions. Rutgers three children: Joanna, Rickard and Mimmi, together with the music world will miss him as a family member, colleague and musician.   |
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Post by chelseacharger on May 8, 2015 18:07:24 GMT
Sad to hear this. A highly respected musician and recognised as one of the best bass players about by his peers and fans alike. So many of the ABBA songs contain those great driving and innovative bass lines. He of course was classically trained and he once recalled how he first came to work with ABBA. He actually came along to an audition to play with the Hootenanny Singers but got the job because of his singing and ability to sight read sheet music. Something B & B couldn't do. As Rutger remembered "I didn't even touch the bass". B & B probably knew he was quality on that score already. His classical training would then also be put to use in the string arrangements for ABBA too. RIP.
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Post by 15/11/79 on May 8, 2015 19:35:32 GMT
Sad news. That's three of ABBA's key support members now gone: Rutger, Ola Brunkert and Malano Gassama, all three can be seen onstage in The Movie. I saw Rutger play onstage with ABBA live and he was fantastic. Rest in peace and thanks for your huge contribution over the years.
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Post by shoshin on May 9, 2015 16:21:51 GMT
Such sad news. After the four members and Tretow, Rutger's bass was imho the most distinctive contribution to the ABBA sound. Musicians tend to cite One Of Us as the pinnacle of his craft. Thanks to Fafner we have a 'centre stage only' OOU, which was designed to showcase Agnetha's vocals but also draws attention to the bassline so that we can better appreciate Rutger's work. RIP. |
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Post by dizzymoe33 on May 9, 2015 16:59:29 GMT
Rutger Gunnarsson and Agnetha during the 1979 tour Photo credit; Torbjörn Calvero  A wonderful talented musician who will be greatly missed. RIP Rutger |
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Post by Fafner on May 9, 2015 18:00:23 GMT
Sad to hear this. RIP.
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Post by dizzymoe33 on Jun 4, 2015 16:19:28 GMT
A heartfelt article about Rutger Gunnarson, signed by Frida, Agnetha, Björn and Benny, was published in the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter today. "Not only did we fall for his way of playing classic guitar, but also for the humor that always sparkled in his eyes, and for his quick verbal comebacks. He was someone that we would have fun with and if something in our world was to become great, it would need to be fun." www.dn.se/arkiv/kultur/rutger-gunnarsson |
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Post by Zeebee on Jun 11, 2015 20:38:05 GMT
Gosh, this thread was started in May, and I missed it until now. I hadn't heard the news of Rutger Gunnarsson's passing. Monica, how did you find out?
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Post by dizzymoe33 on Jun 12, 2015 21:32:34 GMT
Gosh, this thread was started in May, and I missed it until now. I hadn't heard the news of Rutger Gunnarsson's passing. Monica, how did you find out? I found out on facebook and a couple of different ABBA sites. |
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