Danish Europop group Aqua have announced they are ending their time as a live band after three decades, saying they want to 'protect' what they have created together. The band, best known for their 1997 hit Barbie Girl, shared the news on Instagram, thanking fans for their support over the years.
The group, consisting of René Dif, Lene Nystrøm, and Søren Rasted, wrote: 'After many incredible years, we have decided to close the chapter of AQUA as a live band.' They added that the decision was made 'while the memories are still strong, and while the love for the music, the story, and each other remains intact.'
Aqua formed in 1995 and released their debut album Aquarium in 1997, which became a global success. Barbie Girl earned two Grammy nominations and is one of the best-selling singles of all time. The song also led to a lawsuit from Mattel, which was dismissed with the judge advising the parties to 'chill.'
The band performed at the 2001 Eurovision Song Contest and briefly split in 2001 before reuniting in 2007. They continued touring and released their last album, Megalomania, in 2011. Original member Claus Norreen left in 2016. Aqua remain the most successful Danish group of all time, selling over 33 million records worldwide.
