ABBA have paid tribute to their longtime manager and best friend Görel Hanser, who has died aged 76. Fans call her the irreplaceable “fifth member” of the iconic Swedish superband, reports
Music icons ABBA have announced a heartbreaking loss following the death of their longtime manager and dear friend Görel Hanser at the age of 76. The cause of death was not disclosed, but the band members confirmed the sad news in a joint statement on their social networks.
With a black and white photo of their beloved colleague, they wrote: “It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Görel Hanser. We have lost our dearest friend and closest colleague. This loss is immeasurable. Please respect our privacy during this time of grief.” they announced.
The tribute was signed by all four members of the group: Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Frida Lyngstad. The iconic group were flooded with support in the comments as fans from around the world offered their condolences.
Görel had been with the foursome since their beginnings, when she started working in the office of their first manager, Stig Anderson’s Sweden Music label and Polar Music record label, in September 1969. She was quickly promoted to his personal assistant and became a key figure in the organization, eventually rising to the position of vice president of the record company.
During the group’s golden era, she worked closely with the band and eventually became their personal manager, overseeing media relations and accompanying them on concert tours and promotions. According to Express, she also became a close friend of every member of the group. For her 30th birthday in 1979, he and Stig Anderson composed and recorded a special song for her, Sång Till Görel, of which only a few copies were made and given to her and her friends to commemorate the occasion. The song is banned from the radio and is one of ABBA’s most popular recordings.
Görel was well known to fans and often communicated with them personally regarding autographs and other requests. Visitors to Benny’s studio were often surprised when she opened the door herself.
ABBA fans group Access named her the ‘fifth member’ of the iconic group and recalled what she meant to fans around the world. “We are at a loss for words…” they wrote. “It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Görel Hanser today. For decades, Görel stood by ABBA’s side at every stage of their journey. Her loyalty, dedication, warmth and unwavering belief in the group helped create a story that millions of us have come to love. For many of us, she was ABBA’s fifth member.”
“What made Görel special was not only her incredible work behind the scenes, but also the kindness she showed to fans around the world. She always understood what ABBA meant to us and sincerely valued and respected that bond. It’s hard to imagine ABBA’s story without Görel. Her influence will be felt for generations to come. Today we mourn an extraordinary woman, but at the same time we celebrate a life full of loyalty, friendship and love for the people and music that brought us all together. Thank you, Görel, for everything you have given ABBA and the fans. We will never forget your legacy. Our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends and all whose lives she touched. Rest in peace, wonderful Görel,” they concluded.
