A1 (stylised as a1) is an Anglo-Norwegian boyband made up of Mark Read, Ben Adams, Christian Ingebrigtsen and Paul Marazzi. The group’s early singles include “Be The First To Believe”, released in 1999, and it becomes known for writing most of its own material, with three members also playing their own instruments.

Career

In 2000, A1 reaches the top of the UK singles chart twice, first with a cover of a-ha’s 1985 song “Take On Me” and then with “Same Old Brand New You”. After the release of the third album, Make It Good, Paul Marazzi leaves the group for personal reasons and the band later splits.

In August 2009, A1 reunites without Marazzi for a series of shows in Norway marking its tenth anniversary. Its first post-hiatus single, “Take You Home”, is released in November 2009 and serves as the official song for Norwegian Red Nose Day 2009 as well as a charity single for Save The Children. The group also takes part in the Norwegian Eurovision selection in 2010 with “Don’t Wanna Lose You Again”, written by Ben Adams, Mark Read, Christian Ingebrigtsen and David Eriksen, and finishes second in the national final.

Later releases and related activity

A1’s first album after the hiatus, Waiting For Daylight, appears in 2010, and Rediscovered is released in 2012. Ben Adams also appears on the Norwegian version of Strictly Come Dancing / Dancing with the Stars / Let’s Dance, Skal vi danse, on TV2 in 2012 and finishes second.

Musical style

The band is identified with pop and boyband music and is known for a self-written approach to much of its repertoire. Three of the members play their own instruments, which is part of the group’s public image.