My "a-ha" moment - how a homecoming gig broke internet barriers

In the annals of digital history, there are moments that stand out for me like beacons of innovation and foresight. The date was March 24, 2001. The internet was barely out of nappies* (*diapers in US), and dial-up modems still screeched their haunting song.

I entered the frame as the recently-hired "MSN Head of Events" to a) help drive engagement and b) give our ads team things to sell. MSN also was riding on the coat tails of an exclusive-to-web performance of Madonna in late 2000, which was the first big event to "break the internet" (even if the internet was about as robust as a newly-laid egg).?? Fueled by the news coverage of the Madonna event, the email servers were bursting with sublime and ridiculous opportunities to be the next big event to clog up the internet's arteries. ??

However, one opportunity stood large amongst others - the opportunity to live broadcast a-ha's homecoming gig to Oslo. Bear in mind it was now 2001, and a-ha hadn't played in Norway for a little while and their audience had got much older than when they first appeared on the scene with Take on Me in 1984. The deal-maker Torstein Harildstad invited me over to Oslo a few times to meet with a central negotiation group. This was the first time I'd negotiated via the medium of a translator but despite the additional communication steps, we eventually prized out a deal that kept everyone happy.

• Mercedes Benz emerged as the presenting sponsor, injecting vitality into the pan-European broadcast.
• MSN reaped the rewards with a windfall from Mercedes Benz and integrated branding opportunities.
• a-ha found themselves thrust into the spotlight with a deluge of impressions during their album release window.
• Accenture satisfied their client's needs, while Telenor stress-tested the burgeoning internet pipeline.
• MediaWave added another feather to their cap with a compelling case study.

As the fateful day of the gig arrived on March 24, 2001, nerves were high but optimism reigned supreme. With Norway's cutting-edge internet infrastructure paving the way for seamless streaming, spectators around the globe were treated to a glimpse of the future. The VIP area buzzed with excitement as journalists marveled at the flawless transmission, heralding a new era of digital entertainment. Post-gig euphoria enveloped all involved as a-ha's triumphant performance captivated millions of viewers worldwide.

The event not only showcased a-ha's enduring global appeal but also underscored the transformative power of live streaming in shaping our digital landscape. As I look back on that historic night, we are reminded that sometimes, amidst the chaos of innovation, there emerges a moment of pure magic - an "ah-ha" moment that lingers in the memory as a testament to human ingenuity and artistic relevance.

The concert was also packaged up for the full DVD release which you can buy on Amazon or also stream here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDvCB0XP5S4