Most people think of a-ha as the "one hit wonders" behind the 80's hit "Take on Me".  Granted that was their biggest hit, but they have had many successful albums over the years that have spawned #1 hits all over the world. I was sad to receive an email today from the official website:

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.

It's quite a shame considering that the latest CD Foot of the Mountain is considered one of their very best. Oh well. Nothing lasts forever.