Left to right: Sven Lindvall, Per Lindvall and Christer Karlsson.

The Swedish musicians Per Lindvall (drums), Sven Lindvall (bass) and Christer Karlsson (keyboard) have been a-ha’s regular backing band since 2000.

But in different e-mails to Brazilian fans, the Lindvall brothers reveal that they won’t be playing with a-ha in 2009.

Per writes:
“No, the Swedes are not backing A-HA anymore. A-HA are trying a new concept. Less live playing and more programmed stuff. So – unfortunatly we are not coming to Brasil. Maybe with another band sometimes!”

His brother Sven also writes:
“I’m sorry, Per, me and Christer are not playing with A-ha this year. They’re heading for a different sound and production. We’re all good friends and the swedish backing band wishes them all the best and lots of success. Maybe we will play together later, but not this year.”

It is not known whether a-ha will bring in some new musicians, or rely mostly on pre-programmed rhythms instead of bass and drums – as the Lindvall brothers seem to indicate.