Bye-bye, A-Ha

No, no, apparently this is the first time A-Ha have split; those five A-Ha less years in the mid-1990s were only a hiatus. Although given that most bands who split these days tend to reform in less than five years, it's hard to see how you'd tell the difference between a band on hiatus and a split-up band. Perhaps they still pop in to turn the lights on and off in the rehearsal room if they're only on hiatus.

But now, we must get used to living without A-Ha, as they're officially off:

"We've literally lived the ultimate boy's adventure tale," the group said in a statement.

Literally? I'm thinking this would mean they've fought Nazis and lions in the jungle with a NO GIRLZ sign stapled to their backs.

Still, don't worry: they're not about to wade into the sea and never return:

"We are retiring as a band, not as individuals," the band reassured fans in their statement.

So... lots of so-so solo records, then?

The trio added that the split would allow them to pursue "other meaningful aspects of life, be it humanitarian work, politics, or whatever else."

Ah, the choices Morten Harket faces - "shall I go into politics? Shall I build a house for the humanity? Or... maybe... whatever else. Ooh... it's raining. Whatever else today, then. What time is Homes Under The Hammer on?"

Mind you, although they've started to say goodbye, it's going to be one of those long ones:

The group have announced they will mount a farewell tour before disbanding. Only the final date, in Oslo on 4 December 2010, has so far been confirmed.

December 2010? That's not splitting up - most of the bands schlepping about at the moment dream of being able to book dates in December 2010. It's a little cruel when you've got acts like Joe Lean And The Jing Jang Jong hoping they can make it through to Friday teatime for A-Ha to be announcing a split fourteen months in the future, isn't it?