Why legendary band behind ‘Barbie Girl’ are splitting up after 30 years together

Aqua, the world renowned Danish-Norwegian brand behind hits like “Doctor Jones,” “Cartoon Heroes” and of course, “Barbie Girl,” has announced they will be splitting up after more than three decades together.

The group, most recently comprised of members René Dif and Lene Nystrøm on vocals and keyboardist Søren Rasted, shared a statement announcing the news on Instagram with their 108k followers in both Danish and English.

“Dear everyone, after many incredible years, we have decided to close the chapter of AQUA as a live band,” it began. “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.”

Their statement continued: “We’ve traveled 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.”

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Sharing further insight into a potential reason for the dissolution, they penned: “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.”

They concluded with: “From the bottom of our hearts: thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey over the past 30 years. Thank you for the love, the energy, the support, and for all the moments we’ve shared together. Nothing but love and gratitude from here on.”

Signing off: “Endless love, Lene, René & Søren.” Guitarist Claus Norreen was originally part of the band as well, but left in 2016, citing in his own statement at the time: “I have recently come to the realization that my part of the journey was coming to an end.”

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“As my musical focus has taken on a somewhat different tone over time, I have realized and accepted that my own desire to continue touring with Aqua is no longer there,” although did add that he still considers the remaining members of the band “my family.”

This isn’t the first time the band split up, though. In 2001, just after releasing their second studio album Aquarius, and after being hit with a lawsuit by Mattel over copyright infringement from their hit “Barbie Girl,” the group decided to disband. However, they reunited in 2007 and went on a Danish tour. They split up a second time in 2012, but reunited once again in 2016.

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The band was originally formed in 1995, although didn’t start performing under the name “Aqua” until the year after. Their debut single as Aqua, “Roses Are Red,” was a commercial success in their home country, with their follow-up “My Oh My” breaking sales records in Denmark.

They released their debut LP, Aquarium, in 1997, which contained “Barbie Girl.” The song was a global phenomenon, a touchstone of ’90s culture, and was even a top 10 hit in the United States.

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Aqua released their second album, Aquarius, in 2000 before their first split. Their third and most recent album followed a decade later, 2011’s Megalomania. They returned to mainstream attention in 2023 with the release of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, when their biggest hit was sampled in Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice’s “Barbie World,” giving them their second top 10 hit.