When the band Bridges released their self financed LP“Fakkeltog” (Torchlight Procession) in 1980, few professed this to be the start of a success story unparalleled in Norwegian pop and rock history. When a-ha released their first single in October 1984, the situation in the Norwegian music scene was introvert with very few artists stepping out beyond the borders of the homeland. Through multi-million singles and album sales, a-ha quickly established themselves as a player to be reckoned with. With many of the contemporary artists of the 80’s fading into oblivion, the a-ha machinery has kept it going for more than 28 years before literallyending on a high note.
The presentation on Thursday, 2 December from 4-6pm at the National Library will take you through a select body of their discography, highlighting items of collector’s value, but also focussing on of the width in their global distribution. The great importance of the early days of Bridges and Poem will be touched upon as well as presenting a few mythbusters as far as their musical history goes. Through sound and slides, this boy’s adventure tale will be presented from the view of a music lover, fan and collector.
P.A. Stenersen (b. 1969– Military background and holder of a Cand.Mag,-degree (International Politics and English from the University of Oslo.) More than 10 years of international experience with marketing and sales through employment at Norwegian outdoor clothing brand Helly Hansen ASA and the china manufacturer Porsgrunds Porselænsfabrik AS.
P.A. Stenersen has followed the band since the very beginning in 1984. Frustrated by the lack of international success by Norwegian bands in general and the annual embarrassment of hearing“Norway – nil points” at the Eurovision Song Contest, he embraced the music combined with the attitudes and ambitions of a-ha as they entered the scene in 1984. Started collecting in early 1986 when the 4 singles off their debut album were snapped up in one go. In addition to travelling Europeto see them live, he has kept with the band as a collector ever since and today boosts the biggest collection of a-ha and related in the world. With a 3 volume book edition capturing the band’s musical career as the ulterior target, the groundwork laid forth has given him recognition as one of the main experts on the band and their global discography.
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