Aqua
Aqua
Come On Barbie, Let’s Go Party
I’ve had the privilege to act as backstage and onstage photographer for AQUA, who achieved huge success across the globe
with their 1997 breakthrough single, “Barbie Girl”.
AQUA managed to top the charts in a number of countries where continental European pop acts would not normally succeed – including the United States, Australia and Japan. In addition their first three singles also topped the UK Singles Chart. Up until now AQUA has sold an estimated 33 million albums and singles, making them the most successful band ever in Danish music history.
The band’s members are vocalists Lene Nystrøm and René Dif,
keyboardist Søren Rasted and guitarist Claus Norreen.
This particular series of photos were shot at VEGA in Copenhagen, Denmark – one of the leading venues in Europe that has featured most of Scandinavia’s leading artists as well as international stars like Prince, David Bowie, Björk, Suede, Kylie Minogue, Norah Jones, Moby, Foo Fighters and many others.
The first person to arrive at the venue – besides the stage hands – is the tour manager. The minute after opening his computer he starts printing the set list for the concert.
The make-up room. Everything is quiet. Nobody has yet arrived. Neither the band, musicians, makeup artists nor stylists.
… even the stage and concert hall is quiet and empty.
Stage hands have prepared everything before sound check.
The set list … taped on Claus Norreens foot pedal controls.
Claus Norreen’s different guitars are lined up by the stage hands – ready to be played on.
Technicians correct the last hurdles before the sound check.
Lights and sound is being programmed on a computer.
Søren Rasted is the first one to arrive on stage for the sound check …
A few minutes later René Dif arrive …
René … always joking around. In the background Claus Norreen arrive …
The fun is over … it’s time to get serious – René prepares for his sound check …
René looks on while Claus is commenting on the sound.
Claus caught between the light and a smoke machine …
Sound problems means waiting … and time to send a text message and stretch out.
… done stretching out and ready for soundcheck.
The microphones are turned back on, and the soundcheck is in motion …
René Dif tries out his mic …
René is testing the sound with Claus and the band …
It’s time for Lene Nystrøm to try out her mic …
… and now the testing of both lead-singer microphones at the same time.
The soundcheck is over … time for a break before the concert – and meeting up with fans that have been waiting outside for hours.
Claus is busy writing autographs for the fans, that have lined up outside the back entrance to the venue … here with a fan that came all the way from Italy.
… the tools are out – it’s time for make-up.
Lene in her dressing room with the bands makeup-artist …
Søren takes a power nap while Lene is in makeup …
… fixing the last details.
Meanwhile René takes Lene’s seat …
A last smoke before the show …
… and a pose for the camera.
… and now it’s Sørens turn to get dolled up
Time to attach the earpieces …
The very very last details regarding the set list are discussed.
Lene is all dressed up and ready – the concert is now only minutes away. But there’s time to send one last text message to her parents before going on stage.
Behind the stage curtain … only two minutes left before entering the stage! As they have done through all the years, the band does their ritual – gathering hands, while René shouts all kinds of motivating words, which the others responds to.
… onlys seconds away from facing the audience.
René Dif takes the lead by firing up the audience …
… Lene has been on stage for only three minutes and she is already in a high gear – dancing, in front of the screaming crowds.
The concert is over … and as a last thing, before they go backstage to relax, the cartoon heroes want’s a picture with all their fans.
Backstage only seconds after the concert is over – a tired René Dif takes a moment by himself.
… a couple of minutes later – René is ready to party and takes the lead in the celebration of what everybody in the band think was one of their best concerts in recent years!