a-ha say goodbye

A hugely successful international career that spans nearly three decades, 35 million albums sold and a long list of No. 1 hits comes to an end next year as pop icons a-ha part ways after a major international tour.

With album sales in excess of 35m units, and 15 top ten singles in the UK and the top spot of the Billboard charts secured, a-ha holds an undisputed position as Norway’s most successful music export of all time.

The trio, which formed in the early 80s, now calls it quits as witnessed by today’s announcement declaring a-ha’s disbandment following the completion of next year’s farewell tour.

In the mid 80’s, the Norwegian trio generated teenage hysteria and general pandemonium wherever they went. Since reforming in 1999 after a 7-year hiatus, the band has seen the focus shift away from the pop phenomenon they once were towards the musical legacy they leave behind – inspiring a whole generation of esteemed artists of today, from Coldplay and Keane, to Kanye West, Oasis, The Strokes, Robbie Williams, even U2. In 2006 the band received a ‘Q Inspiration Award’ in honor of their lasting musical influence.

Writes the band in a press release issued on Oct 15th: ‘With the current album ‘Foot of The Mountain’ enjoying both commercial success and critical acclaim, A-ha has decided to call it a day. As a consequence, A-ha will not be releasing any further albums in the future. The band would like to thank their fans and everyone who has contributed to their amazing journey, and say:

‘We’ve literally lived the ultimate boy’s adventure tale, through a longer, more rewarding career than anyone could hope for.

Doing this now will give us a chance to get more involved in other meaningful aspects of life, be it humanitarian work, politics, or whatever else – and of course through new constellations in the field of art and music. We are retiring as a band, not as individuals.

Change is always difficult and It is easy to get set in one’s ways. Now it is time to move on.’

2010 marks the 25-year anniversary of A-ha’s multi-platinum debut album ‘Hunting High & Low’ and the debut single ‘Take On Me’ which with the aid of a truly unforgettable video went on to become a number 1 in 27 countries worldwide, including USA.

Next year sees a-ha heading out on an extensive world tour to bid farewell with the trio’s many loyal fans.

a-ha’s final live appearance will be at Oslo’s Spektrum on Dec 4 2010.

Source: Mic.no