From day one this seemed like a genius way to get your new stuff out to fans, also giving them a Unique look at the band in a different way, but also for each member to have to actually see and hear what the other one is doing solo. This is a very unique way to re-charge before completing your new album, a great way to let ego's collide (lets face it, the best BANDS have to disagree on directions to go), and just a great way to get energy off each other's vibe, playing and writing. To my recollection NO BAND has ever tried this, and IMHO they all should!!

From the a-Ha.Com website

Alone Together, Words Apart
2008-06-03

"One evening, one audience (thankfully not an audience of one), one production, one crew, three acts. A columbi-egg, surely? It's a-ha, only not. It's not a-ha, only it is. Oh well, you work it out..." So the introduction of the Royal Albert Hall concert program attempts to explain the concert event which drew fans from around the UK - and around the world.

When the triple-solo concert at Royal Albert Hall was announced on a-ha.com back in January, fans in 17 countries eagerly bought their tickets and began to plan their journey to London for the ultimate a-ha/not a-ha experience. For many years, the idea has been a favorite among fans: a single event with Morten Harket, Magne F and Savoy on stage together as solo artists. Apparently the band was as intrigued by the idea as the fans were.

In preparation for the big night in London, there were three additional concerts announced at Rockefeller Music Hall in Oslo, Norway on May 20, 21 and 22. All three shows sold out in advance.

To get the mini-tour underway, Morten, Magne and Savoy gave a special invitation-only concert on May 19, also at Rockefeller Music Hall in Oslo. The venue was packed with the band members' family, friends and colleagues for this 'dress rehearsal'. Also in attendance were a dozen fans who had attended a fan party earlier in the afternoon; a-ha's management had heard about the gathering and invited them to the show as a last minute surprise.



The anticipation was palpable on May 19 at 8:00pm when the lights went down and Magne took the stage for the first of these concerts. Magne's set list held a few surprises and left the audience wanting more. Savoy played an energetic set, making the most of their six-person ensemble. By the time Morten began to play, the crush of bodies in the hall made it clear that many were enthusiastic about hearing his new material.

Following a short intermission (during which harpist Erin Hill skillfully played several a-ha songs to the delight of the audience), the members of a-ha returned to the stage together, wearing crisp suits and broad smiles. Having been promised new material at these concerts, the audience waited in eager silence as the first notes of...'Train of Thought' began to play! Hardly new, but the opening song choice was an excellent foil for the second and third songs of the set, both from the coming a-ha album expected later this year. The new songs recalled the early synth sound of a-ha, and were very warmly received. The final song was of course 'Take On Me.'


Click thumbnails for images from the Rockefeller Music Hall performances
All photos courtesy of Tibolo and Monica.

The four concerts at Rockefeller behind them, the guys traveled to London on May 23. Magne's band performed that night at the sold out Notting Hill Arts Club.

With renewed energy, Morten, Magne and Savoy took the stage at Royal Albert Hall on May 24. The crowd welcomed each of them with resounding applause, and the concert went off without a hitch. Once again the new a-ha songs were met with surprise and appreciation from the fans.

SET LIST

Magne F:

A Dot Of Black
The Longest Night
Kryptonite
Running Out Of Reasons
All the time *
Don't Do Me Any Favours
Come Back
The Summers Of Our Youth


Savoy:

Tears From A Stone
Star (I'm Not Stupid Baby)
Best Western Beauty *
Any Other Way
Whalebone
Velvet
Foolish


Morten Harket:

Send Me An Angel
Movies
Shooting Star
There Are Many Ways To Die
With You With Me
A Kind of Christmas Card *
Darkspace
Spanish Steps
The One You Are


a-ha:

Train of Thought
[new song - title to be confirmed]
[new song - title to be confirmed]
Take on Me
*these songs were played at Rockefeller, but not at Royal Albert Hall.






Some photos from the show, more on http://www.a-ha.com
The members also released their latest solo efforts on the same day, May 19th, reviews to follow.