AQUA: Iconic 90s pop group announce shock split after three decades together
The group shot to international fame after the release of their 1997 hit Barbie Girl.
The bubblegum pop dream is over after iconic 90s music group AQUA announced they are breaking up after nearly 30 years together.
The Danish-Scandinavian outfit — best known for their global smash 1997 hit Barbie Girl — made the announcement on the band’s Instagram overnight.
“After many incredible years, we have decided to close the chapter of AQUA as a live band,” the group wrote.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“AQUA has been such a huge part of our lives, and together we’ve had the chance to experience more than we ever dared to dream of.
“We’ve travelled the world countless times, met so many wonderful people, sung together with millions of you, and shared memories that we will carry with us forever.
“When you’ve been together for this long, you also learn when it’s time to protect what you’ve created together.
“For us, this feels like the right moment to say goodbye, while the memories are still strong, and while the love for the music, the story, and each other remains intact.”
The band concluded their message by thanking fans for their support over the past three decades.
“From the bottom of our hearts: thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey over the past 30 years,” the post continued.
“Thank you for the love, the energy, the support, and for all the moments we’ve shared together.”
Formed in 1989, AQUA became one of the defining acts of the late 90s, dominating music charts worldwide with their album Aquarium which included Barbie Girl and other hits Doctor Jones, Cartoon Heroes and Lollipop.
Following the release of Barbie Girl, toy giant Mattel sued the band’s record label, MCA Records, over claims the song violated its trademark and the provocative lyrics sexualised the doll. But the lawsuit was later dismissed in 2002.
The iconic group went on to release two other albums, Aquarius in 2000 and Megalomania in 2011.
It’s not the first time the band has broken up, with the outfit originally parting ways in 2001 before reuniting in 2007 for reunion tours and new music releases.
The group’s recoupling lead to a fresh wave of nostalgia that introduced them to a new generation of fans.
Their popularity surged again in 2023 with the release of the Barbie movie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, which featured their song sampled by Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice.
