#OBITUARY: Lars Berghagen

Swedish singer and songwriter Lars ‘Lasse’ Berhagen has died aged 78. He was a star of the Swedish entertainment industry for nearly 60 years, not just as a singer, but also as a presenter for such programmes as Allsång på Skansen. Eurovision fans will best remember him for being the Sweden’s representative at the 1975 Eurovision Song Contest held in Stockholm.

Lasse’s early work included the song Teddybjörnen Fredriksson, which eventually became his theme tune. He also worked a songwriter with a certain Benny Andersson, who later became part of ABBA. During the 1970s, he acted in several feature films.

In Melodifestivalen, Lasse tried three times, winning it and getting to all the way to, erm, Stockholm in 1975. In 1973, he finished 7th with the song Ding-dong. In 1974 he finished second to ABBA with the song Min kärlekssång till dig. His song in 1975 was Jennie, Jennie. Stockholm 1975 was the first year of the voting system where 12 points was given to a country’s favourite song. After the voting, Lasse finished 8th. Here’s his performance in Stockholm.

Over the course of 40 years, Lasse hosted or took part in TV programmes such as Strapetz, Positiva Klubben, Tjocka släkten and Så mycket bättre. But it was as host of Allsång på Skansen that he is probably best remembered. He gave the show a new lease of life during his time in charge between 1994 and 2003.

Lasse’s first wife was singer Barbro Margareta Svensson, better known as Lill-Babs. She represented Sweden in the 1961 Eurovision Song Contest. They had a daughter Malin. He also has a daughter with his second wife Eva Strand.

Lasse was born on 13 May 1945 and died on 19 October 2023, aged 78.

Eurovision Ireland send our regards to Lasse’s family and friend at this difficult time.

Author: John Stanton

Source: Eurovision Ireland