a-ha
Norwegian synth-pop band that achieved global fame in the 1980s with their groundbreaking music videos and chart-topping hits.
Formed in Oslo, Norway, in 1982 by Morten Harket (vocals), Magne Furuholmen (keyboards), and Paul Waaktaar-Savoy (guitar). Released debut album 'Hunting High and Low' in 1985, featuring the iconic single 'Take On Me.' Disbanded in 2010 but reunited in 2015 for ongoing projects.
- The music video for 'Take On Me' pioneered rotoscope animation, won 6 MTV VMAs in 1986, and became one of the most played videos in MTV history.
- Internal tensions nearly split the band in 1988; Harket temporarily pursued solo work before reconciliations led to continued collaborations.
- They hold a Guinness World Record for drawing the largest paying audience (198,000) at a 1991 concert in Rio de Janeiro.
- After their 2010 'farewell' tour, they reunited for a Nobel Peace Prize Concert performance in 2015, releasing new albums like 'Cast in Steel' (2015) and 'True North' (2022).
