Iconic 90s pop band Aqua have announced they are splitting up, less than a year before their smash hit Barbie Girl celebrates its 30th anniversary. The Danish-Norwegian group, who formed in 1995 and sold over 33 million albums, took to Instagram on Monday to share the news.
Band Members Confirm End of an Era
Lene Nystrøm, 52, René Dif, 58, and Søren Rasted, 56, who reunited without fellow founding member Claus Norreen, 55, in 2016 after a hiatus, have been touring the world for the past decade. In a statement, they said: 'After many incredible years, we have decided to close the chapter of AQUA as a live band. AQUA has been such a huge part of our lives, and together we have had the chance to experience more than we ever dared to dream of.'
They continued: 'We have travelled the world countless times, met so many wonderful people, sung together with millions of you, and shared memories that we will carry with us forever. When you have been together for this long, you also learn when it is time to protect what you have created together. For us, this feels like the right moment to say goodbye, while the memories are still strong, and while the love for the music, the story, and each other remains intact.'
Fans React with Devastation
Devastated fans were quick to rush to the comments, with many expressing their sorrow and gratitude. One fan wrote: 'NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO,' while another said: 'It is your 30 year anniversary next year!! Of aquarium!!! People want to see it.' Others shared: 'So glad I got to see you all one last time this year. What an incredible legacy,' and 'Devastated... but also so grateful to have seen your brilliant live show several times... your incredible catalogue of songs will live on forever.'
Barbie Girl Legacy
The group released their biggest hit, Barbie Girl, in May 1997. It featured on their album Aquarium and topped charts worldwide, including four weeks at number one in the UK. Follow-up singles included Doctor Jones, Cartoon Heroes, and Back to the 80s. In 2023, they returned to the charts with a collaboration with Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice for Barbie World, featured on the soundtrack for the Margot Robbie movie about the Mattel doll.
Spice Girls Reunion Hopes
Meanwhile, fellow 90s icon Melanie Chisholm from the Spice Girls has revealed she is still holding out hope for a reunion tour. The singer, best known as Sporty Spice, discussed her new solo album on This Morning on Thursday. Melanie, 52, who released her latest solo album, Sweat, said she would like to see the band headline Glastonbury and get back in front of crowds. Addressing rumours of a holographic reunion similar to ABBA Voyage, she said: 'That would be an amazing thing for us to do, for that legacy to be able to live on, but personally, I want to see us on stage together. I think we need to do some more live stuff, while we still can.'
