The British-Norwegian boy band A1 shows no signs of slowing down, even as the music scene has undergone significant changes over the years.
In fact, the hit-making quartet made up of Paul Marazzi, Christian Ingebrigtsen, Mark Read, and Ben Adams is celebrating 25 years of being a group.
A1 rose to fame in the late '90s and was beloved for the hits "Like A Rose," "Everytime," "Same Old Brand New You," and their cover of the '80s classic "Take On Me" by A-ha.
Marking A1's more than two decades in the music scene is a new single titled "Call Me When You Land" released last September.
Furthermore, the group is currently here in the Philippines as part of their world tour aptly named TWENTY FIVE.
Owing to the group's large fan base in the country, A1 is booked to do four shows in the Philippines.
A1 will be at the SMX Convention Center in Davao on October 12 and the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino in Cebu on October 13.
The group wraps up its visit to the Philippines with a two-night concert at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City in Cubao, Quezon City, on October 14 and 15.
Tickets are available at SM Tickets for the Davao and Cebu shows, and TicketNet for the Quezon City concerts.
FUELED BY FANS SUPPORT
Staying together and performing after more than two decades is no easy feat for any group.
Christian credits the fans for inspiring them to hit the road still and relive the songs that made A1 one of the most successful boy bands.
The Philippines, particularly, holds a special place in the group's heart that they've been here a couple of times already
"We're so grateful that 25 years after we wrote some of the songs, people still want to hear the songs and when we come here we're being treated so fantastically," Christian told the media in a press conference on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Novotel Manila Araneta City in Cubao, Quezon City.
He continued, "We've been greeted with smiles and joy, and yeah, that makes us so happy and makes us want to continue doing what we do."
Christian related how his father, popular Norwegian singer Stein Ingebrigtsen, still enjoys performing at the age of 78.
Mused Christian, "He just did over 60 concerts this year, so far. That's because when he broke through in Norway during the late '60s and the early '70s, his fans from back then would always remember his songs as part of their youth and growing up.
"And I think it's the same for us. Like for those years, back around the late '90s and early 2000s, for anyone growing up in that era, our songs will always remind them of their youth.
"If we're 78 years old, our fans they'll be 70, will always still remember the songs."
MORE THAN A NOSTALGIA ACT
The guys of A1 want to remain proactive and not be limited to just being a nostalgia act in the eyes of its fans.
Releasing a new single "Call Me When You Land" is one way for the group to keep things fresh and interesting for themselves and their supporters.
Coming up with a new album is also a possibility amid the shift in the music landscape now dominated by streaming and downloads.
"We’ll, we’re gonna do both [release singles and albums]," said Christian.
"Obviously, times have changed so artists don’t release as many albums anymore, they release songs.
"We’ve got quite a few more songs coming and they will definitely be coming out.
"But we’re gonna release a few more songs first then hopefully we’ll keep touring."
ON WORKING WITH FILIPINO ARTISTS
During the press conference, the idea of collaborating with the new generation of Filipino artists was discussed.
A1 had previously collaborated with singer Morissette Amon on a rendition of their hit "Like A Rose" in 2020, and they expressed admiration for Ben&Ben.
"I love the music of Ben&Ben. I think they're a fantastic band," enthused Mark.
"They got great acoustic rock, eclectic, mature sound, and we've sort of matured with our music now so I think that would be a great fit."
Smilingly, Mark mentioned SB19 "but they're a bit young for us now [and] they're doing their thing."
Christian joked that they'll be called "Boys2Ben" — a reference to the American Grammy Award-winning group Boyz II Men — should the collaboration push through.
Read:
A1's Ben Adams calls Morissette Amon his "favorite singer in the world"
Ben Adams of A1 wants a duet with Sarah Geronimo
LOOKING BACK ON THEIR HEYDAYS
It's no secret that the group came to a halt temporarily in 2002 after its members called it quits due to exhaustion brought on by touring and their grueling schedule.
In hindsight, being around after all these years made A1, now all grown men with their own families, more appreciative of their accomplishments both past and present.
Mark told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), "We get the opportunity to actually appreciate what we do now a lot more than we did back in the day.
"We didn't have time. We were really caught in a whirlwind back in those days and every single moment was scheduled for us.
"And we were just caught up in that whirlwind that we didn't really take the moment to soak in what was really going on."
Similar to many artists at the height of their careers, album sales and chart positions take a front seat ahead of the joy that goes with the experience.
Mark said, "We were so concerned with, 'Oh what number in the charts this song is going to?' 'Oh, I wonder what number in the charts the next song is gonna go to?' You know, all our focus was about that."
Added Mark, "Now we don't have to worry so much about pressure. Now we just feel so grateful that here we are 25 years later still doing this. You just kinda appreciate everything, the opportunity.
"When we put on another show in Manila and we're told that the first night was sold out and we're gonna do another one, that just fills us up. It's just an amazing thing, and we never take that for granted."