A1 fans, you should have a look!!!!

Question: Why a new musical direction?

Ben: I think we wanted to change the direction because we've all grown up, well, it's three or four years since we've started. It's just a natural progression to where we want to be. Now we've been in the business a little bit longer we can be a bit more experimental and do the type of music we've been wanting to do all along.Mark: It's not a drastic change either. I don't know what people are expecting, but it's still good pop, so I don't think it's going shock anybody. We're not turning into a nu-metal band or anything!Ben: Although we did try it out for a week!

Question: Do you worry about what else is going on in pop music?
Mark: We don't feel any threats from any other bands as I'm sure no other bands feel any threat from us. It's just all about making good music, enjoying it and we're aware of what's happening in the pop music scene because otherwise we'd be out of touch with our fans and we'd be out of touch with what's going on. So we always know what's Number One and we always know what the latest songs are, just because we're music fans anyway, we're quite into what's happening on the scene. But we don't think, "Ooh, that band's done that, so we should do this." We don't think that, it's not really important, we just focus on what we've got and what we do, and hopefully our fans will like it and I think they will.

Question: What percentage of the new sound is a1 as we know it?
Christian: We've written all the songs...Paul: With a few co-writers, so it's all us. There have been songs written in that kind of vein before but they've never made it onto our albums because we've wanted to stay really fresh pop, so now we've started using songs that never quite made the second album because it might have been a bit too grown up or too acoustic or rock-based, but we've used those kind of songs now.Christian: I think we've really relaxed into the project. I think that this is the most 'us' that we have ever been.Ben: We've pretty much played every single instrument on the album, apart from the drums and the strings, of course, apart from me getting on my violin. It's a very 'real' album.

Question: How have your performances changed over the past couple of years?
Ben: As far as performances go, we've got a lot better as time's moved on because we're constantly learning - learning how to be better performers, better singers, better songwriters and better artists in general, so if you actually compare our first gig to our last gig I think we're a lot more relaxed, and we have a lot more fun on-stage, we feel a lot more confident. We've done so many gigs it's almost like second nature to do what we do now. We put a lot of personality into what we do and how we perform. I think touring and performing is why we're actually in this business, and it's surprising how little performing you actually get to do, so when do get to perform we love it.

Question: What advice would you give to a new band starting out?
Mark: There's a lot of advice that we'd like to give people who are just starting out in the business now. There's believe in what you do, be prepared to do a lot of hard work because it certainly doesn't happen overnight. It's always important to listen to what people around you say, but then again it's also important to not necessarily take too much of it on board because there's going to be a lot of people saying things from different areas, so go with what you believe in and remember your friends and family on the way up of course, and just be really, really positive - it helps to be really positive in this business.




Forever trust in who you are
And nothing else matter!

Ready or not, here's a1!
By Lennat Mak
Are you ready for another radio-friendly boy band? If so, the land of pop (that's England, where most of the top boy/girl bands are from) is proud to present a1!
They are an all-new talented boy band consisting of Ben Adams (18), Mark Read (22), Paul Marazzi (25), and Christian Ingebrigtsen (23), who write their own songs, choreograph their own dance, and of course, decide what to wear themselves.
And they don't name themselves a1 unless they can expect to score an A1 in whatever they do. While many bands are still struggling to get themselves a Top 10 hit, a1 has already taken over the U.K. singles charts by storm with all their three singles released so far ("Be The First To Believe," "Summertime Of Our Lives," and the No. 3 smash hit, "Everytime/Ready Or Not"). Add to their list of accolades the a1-mania they are creating wherever they choose to perform.
Already gaining much recognition back in their home country, the next big step will be for them to conquer the rest of the world. Bringing along their electrifying live performances and the ability to harmonize, a1 has come all armed and prepared with "Here We Come" -- their debut album which blends pop, soul, funk, and rock together seamlessly.
With thousands of young female (and male!) fans all ready to embrace them during their recent Singapore visit, are you ready to welcome them as well?
MTV Asia Online: How many countries have you guys visited in Asia so far?
Mark: Singapore is actually the second country we have visited so far. We just went to Japan last month, which was excellent, and Japan was sort of like the introduction for us. We basically set out a plan at the beginning of this year, slating Asia as our main focus this year. We did quite a lot in the U.K. last year, which was quite a success. But this year, it's quite important for us to reach out to as many territories as possible, beginning with Asia. So, Japan and then Singapore! It's really good to be here! And after Singapore, we will go back to Japan for a three-week tour in Japan. That will be like 47 prefectures in just three weeks! It's going to be incredible!
MTV Asia Online: So how much have you guys seen Singapore and how do you find it?
Ben: Singapore is absolutely fantastic! We have got lots of support from the fans. The fantastic part is when you are in a place that you've never been to before and actually have recognition from the radios, the TV stations and such. The place is beautiful and the shopping is excellent. But most of all, the girls are fantastic! Really nice people here!
MTV Asia Online: Okay, who is most popular with the girls?
(Paul manages a loud "Me!" but later changes his mind when Mark and Christian points to Ben.)
MTV Asia Online: Why Ben?
Paul: 'Cause he's lovely! Just look at him! He's handsome and cute and he's got funny hair! (Ben goes all red-faced and attempts to hide behind Paul.)
Mark: I can see the look girls are giving him. They are completely smitten by him! Just like little kittens!
Christian: (Winking at Ben)Well we all know why... Because he's the baby of the band, and he's the best looking here!
MTV Asia Online: Who's the party animal?
Mark: Hmm, I don't know. We can all party. We can really, really party. We can go out all night long. If we set to give ourselves a party after a tour, we won't go home until six in the morning!
Ben: I think Mark is the party animal! He has this ability to stay up all night, not get a wink of sleep, go into lots of activities in the next really busy day, and be completely fine! (Looking at Mark) You can really party!
Mark: Oh, man! You should look at how all these guys drink!
Ben: (Feigning innocence) You mean orange juice?
Mark: Yeah, Coca Cola! Nah, I think we can all party, but the king of the group has got to be... Paul!
Paul: (Sighing) I knew I'd win some title...
MTV Asia Online: Who is the most annoying in the band and why?
Paul: Oh god! Christian! He's sitting there not doing anything and he's already annoying me!
Christian: I don't think anyone is annoying in the band. I don't know. I mean I wouldn't choose to be in a band with three annoying people, would I? (After saying that, Christian folds his arms in front of his chest and gives out a series of sarcastic ha-ha-ha's.)
Paul: (Looking at Christian) Oi, what does that mean?
Christian: Well, it depends, you know. Everybody can get annoying at times. And generally, I think we are not annoying. We enjoy each other company A LOT!
Mark: (Nodding) We do!
MTV Asia Online: How many tattoos do you guys have?
Paul: I have got one on the arm and one on the back.
Mark: Who says we don't have any tattoos on? We have got the guts to do it but... I just don't like the idea of having something on me that's forever...
Ben: (Cheeky grin) But your arm's on you forever...
Mark: Eh! You don't want a tattoo when you are 93...
Paul: Well, I do!
Mark: Your tattoo will be on ugly skin that is saggy and wrinkly and wriggly!
Paul: Rubbish! Mine's isn't ugly and wrinkly! I will get myself genetically frozen.
MTV Asia Online: Alright, guys! How do you see yourself in five years' time?
Mark: Probably five years older.
Paul: Oh no! I will be 30 in five years' time!
Ben: You will be 30? How old will I be? I will be (starts to count on his fingers) 23! Ha ha ha!
Paul: Aww! You are so young!
Christian: (On a more serious note) Hmm, in five years time, we will still be writing songs and singing. I actually think a1 will still be together as a1 in five years' time. But in the future, I know all of us will enjoy writing songs and creating music together. I think we will do that as long as we live.
Ben: Yeah, we have actually written 10 of the 12 tracks on our debut album. Hopefully we can write all of the tracks next time -- well, at least as many as that. Also possibly writing for other people as well. That's what we really are looking forward to, to write songs for some very big artists.
MTV Asia Online: Do you get recognized a lot? Do you have to put on disguises?
Mark: I try to fake it, with a really big hat...
Paul: Oh! Then people will mistake you as one of the members from Jamiroquai!
Mark: Yeah! And then I get recognized like crazy! I think if you picked the right day to go shopping then it would be alright. If you picked like a Saturday afternoon, you are so going to get recognized and get hassled all the time. But we love it!
Ben: But I think it's great for people to come up to us asking for autographs. Every single bit of support we get is absolutely brilliant. We went shopping the first day when we are in Singapore and we got recognized -- which is great!
Mark: I get recognized two times when I was in Florida last year and we haven't been to America yet!
MTV Asia Online: If you guys were to make a movie, what will it be about?
(All the lads from a1 suck in their breath after hearing this question.)
Paul: Lots of breathing in like that!
Christian: I think we like all those American sitcoms like "Friends," "Ally McBeal," "Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air," and all that. One thing that all of them have, which we like, is that it makes you laugh and, at the same time, has a serious side as well. It brings a good message across.
Mark: It has to be plenty of action as well! If you see all three of our videos, we always try to do stunts like swinging across ropes in the jungle, climbing rocks, riding horses, and stuff like that.
MTV Asia Online: The debut album "Here We Come" has been quite a success. So, are there any plans for the second album?
Paul: We are still promoting our first album so we are still excited about that. But in the meantime, we have also written lots of new materials for the second album.
Mark: What I can tell you is that the second album will be incredible! One thing about a1 is that we will keep improving and learning from what we have done in the past. I think the inspiration and influences that we have given each other in the first album have given us the scope and opportunities to write even better songs -- like fun pop songs and classic ballads.
MTV Asia Online: So, what's the most amazing thing about a1?
Mark: There are so many things!
Christian, Ben, and Paul: It's me!
Mark: Everything that we do together has its high points. The fact that we write songs together, which is quite unusual for a fairly new band like us, the fact that we have so much say in the production. When people see a manufactured band, they will think, "Oh, you are just like puppets with people behind pulling strings." But actually, the manufacturing point ended after we met. Because after we met, WE decided on what songs we are going to write, what clothes we are going to wear, and how we are going to do all the other things.
Ben: I mean, at first glance, yes, we are boys and we are in a band. And I think because of the reputation that boy bands have got, people will think that we are not much different. But the difference is that we took three years to get together because of the criteria to get in the band. We all have to write songs, play instruments, perform live, and connect to the audience. We wrote 10 songs on the album, do our own instruments, and Paul does a lot of the choreography. And we are trying to get into producing as well. We are a very musically based band. And we really love to sing!

Forever trust in who you are
And nothing else matter!

Ben Adams
He is the baby of the band
Once became head chorister of St Margaret's Westminster Abbey. He sang for the Pope, the Queen and for royal weddings and charities. He has also been on radio, television shows like Barrymore and documentaries too
He recorded two classical CDs
He went to an arty school and did a lot of acting both in plays and musicals as well
His best performance was as the MC in a musical called Cabaret and spent a week in character!
Ben bared all in the dinner hall!! We had this thing at school called de-bagging... I'd just finished football and was wearing my jogging pants in the school canteen. I had a tray of food in my hands, when one of my mates came running up and whipped my trews down! I didn't have any boxers on, so everyone got a full frontal view! I was a bit embarrassed, but managed to laugh it off - after a while!
Ben's trousers fell down!We were appearing on a Saturday morning show and we were dancing around on stage, when my trousers fell down. It completely distracted the other lads, and they were laughing their heads off. Then I pulled them up and tripped over the curtain. It was obviously a bad day!
Ben puked on his mate's carpet!I was at a friend's party when I started to feel very ill... I ran to the front door, but didn't quite make it, I was sick in front of all my mates and on my best friend's beige, hall carpet!
Ben knocked over his girlfriend!On my first date. I fell down a flight of stairs in this bar, arm in arm with my date. Needless to say we never saw each other again. I think she thought I was a bit of an idiot!

Mark Read
Loves Disney very much. His fave films are The Lion King, A Bug's Life and Toy Story
He describes himself as DISNEY!!
He feels a bit like the dad of the band because he likes to be organised and look out for the rest of the guys!
He has been playing piano since he was two years old! and age 11, he joined his parents' band and a year later, when he was 12, he started playing on cruise ships that went everywhere!
When he was 15, he performed in front of 20,000 people in Rumania. He represented England in a song festival there and won the contest as Best Young Newcomer.
Mark had a run-in with Stephen BZ!Once, on a tv show, I said that Boyzone's Everyday I Love You wasn't the most exciting song they'd done, but it was very pleasant. I said it would be a hit because if Boyzone released She'll Be Coming Round The Mountain, it would be number one', which us a true fact. Later, Stephen came up to me at a gig and said, 'I'm not happy about what you said about us'. He was really quite annoyed, I'd never spoken to him before and I hadn't even said anything horrible!
Mark commiteed a Royal faux-pas!When we first met Fergie, I didn't realise there were certain protocols you should follow. I just went straight up to her, gave her a big slap on the back and a hug. Everyone around was like (sharp intake of breath) she was really nice, though and didn't seem to mind. She even sent us a Christmas card!
Mark got caught out!When I was abroad once, I met this girl who was in a football team. One night, after her curtew, we were having a smooch on the hotel landing and her Coach caught us! He went completely ballistic at me! That was really embarrassing and quite scary!
Mark was sick on stage - literally!When I was on the cruise ships, sometimes the sea got really rough. One night, I was sitting on stage playing the piano and the whole boat was swaying really badly. I had a bucket next to the curtain, and I'd be singing, then I'd have to run off, vomit into the bucket, run back on and keep singing the same song. And this happened all night!
Mark's dad takes him skipping!Whenever we're out in the high street, shopping, my dad always gets the urge to take my hand and have a skip down the road! He makes my older brothers do it with him as well. My dad's so silly - but really funny!
Mark was a ballet dancer!When I worked on the cruise ship, we always had to dress up in stupid costumes. One time I had to parade around as a ballet dancer, in tutu, tights, the full works! Someone video'd it and I'm terrified the footage will surface!

Christian Ingebrigtsen
His dad used to be a famous pop star in Norway and his grandfather was a violin player in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
He got a lead role in a local production of the musical Oklahoma which received a lot of publicity when he went on an exchanged trip to America. He was even awarded the highest honour by the state of Kentucky for his achievements in performing arts
Christian had a run in with the Norwegian police!I got an international driving license in LA because it was cheaper than Norway. When I got home, I was pulled over by the police and they asked to see my license. Turns out, it was invalid, and I wasn't supposed to be driving. It was very embarrassing and I got in loads of trouble!
Christian forgot an A1 song!I once forgot a whole verse on stage and just stood there, staring into the crowd, Paul was shouting, 'Chris, Chris it's your line mate, sing! But I'd just blanked!
Christian was a loser!In junior high I really fancied this girl. At the end of year ball, I spotted her, went over and said how nice she looked. She just laughed at me and told all her mates. They started laughing and in the end everyone in our year was pointing at me laughing, and shouting 'loser!' I was really embarrassed 'cos I was only trying to be nice o her!
Christian mum had a rude pic of him on the wall!My mum once took a terrible picture of me and my cousin naked in our garden, and I'm standing there holding my thingy. Mum thought it was funny to put it up on our wall in full view of all my friends. She didn't take it down 'till I was 17!
Christian came a cropper!Me and my date were driving to this restaurant. I turned to speak to her, drove through a red light and nearly smashed into a car coming the other way. We were so lucky she was watching, 'cos she swerved the wheel so we didn't crash!

Paul Marazzi
He grew up in the East End until he was 11, and then Hertfordshire. Age 18, he moved to outside Benidorm, Spain.
He is a Spanish citizen
His mother is from Whitby (Scottish and English) and father is from India (Indian and Italian)
Previous jobs: a model for Christian Dior, a representative for a food company on the Costa Blanca, film dancers and hypnotist, has worked in a burger bar and danced in a nightclub The Choreographer for the band
Paul's Nan isn't bashful!I remember when my Nan was staying at our house. She's from Yorkshire and doesn't give a monkeys about anything! My friend Spud crashed at our place, in just his boxers. He woke up the next morning and Nan said 'I popped in last night and your bits were hanging out of your boxer shorts'. Spud was really embarrassed and apologised and my Nan said 'Oh, that's alright, I just tucked them back in for you!'
Paul got covered in dog poo!I was in Spain and I'd met this girl I really liked, so I asked her back to my parent's house. Mum asked us to take the dog for a walk up to the cathedral. On the way down the hill, the dog saw a cat and dragged me down this hill after it, I was flat on my stomach and he was dragging me through mud, dog poo, the lot! I don't think the girl was too impressed!
Paul had car trouble!I was about 15 and ne and Spud 'borrowed' my mum and dad's car for the night. We got back fifteen minutes before they were due home, but someone had parked in the spot where my mum had left the car. Luckily they moved, but we couldn't get the car in, so we had to bounce it into the space! My neighbour was a policeman, and he was watching us, but he was a good mate of mine and he never told my parents!
Paul got snubbed by Cerys Catatonia!I was backstage at a concert once and Cerys from Catatonia was just standing there, so I thought I'd go and say hello. I didn't realise that she was too cool for her own good! I kissed her and she just didn't do anything, she didn't even flinch! so I was like, right, ok then, and wandered off! It was mortifying!
Paul saw Mark's dad naked!The night before our first CD:UK performance, I stayed at Mark's house. I was really nervous, so I thought I'd go down and watch some tv to help me relax. I opened the door to the lounge and the house alarm went off. Mark's dad came running down the stairs and he was stark naked! He burst in and said, 'Paul what are you doing?' I mumbled an apology and he was like, 'oh that's alright then mate,' turned round and strolled back up the stairs, really casually. I was really embarrassed... But I must say he has a very pert bum for his age, heh - heh!
Paul ruined the school disco!I was in the fifth form and it was the second year disco, so we weren't even supposed to be hanging around the school. Well, my friend decided he needed a wee, but we couldn't find a toilet, so he did it against a wall. He didn't realise he'd weed on a socket and all the electric's in the school short-circuited and the lights and the speakers at the disco went out. The next day we got called out in assembly and the teachers told everyone what we'd done!
Paul's got an embarrassing name!My mum still calls me 'Pauly Boy' in front of all my mates and girlfriends or whoever. It's so embarrassing!

Forever trust in who you are
And nothing else matter!

THE HISTORY OF A1

A1's manager Tim Byrne started the au***ions for a1 in 1997, but the band was not completed before 1998. They signed a record deal with Sony/Colombia Records the 26th of February the same year.
At the au***ion 5000 boys tried out, but Byrne only liked one of them - Paul Leo Marazzi - and he was the very first member of a1. Later, one of Byrne's co-workers heard Mark Daniel Read sing along with the band on a concert. He asked him to au***ion for Byrne, and Byrne really liked what he heard. Now the group had two members, but that wasn't enough. Byrne called Paul McCartney's 'fame' school in Liverpool, The Liverpool Institute of performing arts, to ask if they had some boys who could fit in a boyband. The school recommended the Norwegian Christian Ingebrigtsen. After au***ion for Byrne, he was the third member, but still they missed one person. Mark had a friend he had played in a band with earlier, Ben Stevens Adams. He asked Ben to sing for Byrne, and after hearing the first verse of his song, Ben was the last member of a1 - ready to take control over thousands of teenage girls hearts.
Since the summer of '98, they have been presenting showcases for many record companies as well as the press, and the 26th of February 1999 they closed a record deal with Columbiarecords/Sony Music. The deal is one of the biggest ever made between a record company and a new band.
The band performed live for the first time at a festival in Birmingham the 27th - 29th of November, 1998, and since then they have been travelling all over the UK as well as visiting other European countries and Asia. In 2000 they made music history as they were the first band ever to visit all of Japan's 47 prefectures in one tour.
a1 went on tour for the first time in March, as they were the main supporting act for Steps during their UK tour. This October/November, they will do their own UK tour. a1's first single "Be the first to believe" was released the 21st of June, and debuted as number 6 in the official UK chart. The third single "Everytime/Ready or Not" went all the way to number 3 in the charts and did very well in the rest of Europe as well. Both singles are included in the first album, "Here we come", which were released the 22nd of November. It debuted as number 20 in the UK Charts.
a1's best selling single and their newest single - "Like A Rose" was at number 6 after the first week. They released the album - "Here We Come" at 22nd of November, and it sold for gold in just a short time... In Norway both "Everytime" and "Here We Come" has sold for gold, that is 10.000 copies...
a1's live shows are excellent. The boys write the songs themselves (10 out of 12 on "Here We Come") and play their own instruments. Nearly all of the songs are produced by Mark Taylor and Brian Rowling (famous for Cher's superhit "Believe"). However, a few of them are written, composed and produced by Steve Mac (perhaps most famous for working with Boyzone and Ronan Keating). All three producers are cooperating closely with the band, and a1 have co-written with Peter Cunnah from "D:Ream" on a few of the songs. The band's style is primarily pop, but they also make music that is different from your average boy band. Paul is the only one that doesn't play anything, but he helps with the choreography on the cool dances. In concerts they play the instruments in the slow songs, but when it's one of the (many) up-beat songs, they dance for their lives!!!

Forever trust in who you are
And nothing else matter!

NEWS OF THE WORLD ONLINE
Hi lads and welcome to the plush offices of the News of the World Online here in sunny Wapping, London. We had hundreds of e-mails for you from fans as far flungs as New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Norway, Japan and America. You seem to be a big hit because most of them wanted to date you! Anyway, as usual, I - The Spider - will start the ball rolling with a couple of teasers.
So if you're sitting comfortably, I'll get started.

THE SPIDER: Most of your fans seem to want to get all romantic and mushy with you. It must be tough saying no all the time. Do you have girlfriends at home?
MARK: No. We're all single. It's really hard to get involved because right now our lives are all about being in a1. We're up at 4am and don't get to bed until late so really there's no time. When we got together several of us had girlfriends. Paul was nearly going to get married, but we became so busy it was impossible to maintain a relationship. I've had girls too but eventually you sit back and realise your whole lives are consumed by being in the band. But it's not that we're not looking because we are.
THE SPIDER: Everyone in show business always says they love each other and they're all best mates. This just can't be the case. So who has really made you mad in the crazy world of pop?
BEN: Meat Load slagged us off so we don't like him much. He was reviewing our single and was nasty about it. It turned out Chef was launching his single at the time and Meat Loaf was a mate of his. Funnily enough, Boy George was a bit funny too. I was with him on a serious programme on BBC Radio 2 and he treated me as if I was little Ben from A1. But others have been really nice. We've met Britney Spears and Mariah Carey and they were both great. Lionel Ritchie has also been really complimentary about our work.
THE SPIDER: Now handsome young men like you always seem so squeaky clean. Surely you must get up some serious misbehavior when no-one is looking?
PAUL: (With a mischievous glint in his eye) Oh yeah mate, yeah all the time.
MARK: We're all human. We've all got skeletons in our closet - err not real ones though.
BEN: I did some washing up last nigh, does that count?
CHRISTIAN: We did a big gig in Sweden and I sat up all night playing the piano.
THE SPIDER: Not exactly Oasis then... Finally, so everyone reading here knows who you all are and so on, can you each give me a brief biography.
ALL: We're a1. We've had three top 10 hits and our latest single "Like A Rose" is in the shops on Monday, February 21.
BEN: I'm the baby of the group at 18 and joined the band when I was still at school.
CHRISTIAN: I'm 21. My dad was a pop star back in Norway. I'm also a qualified football referee back home.
MARK: I'm 21 too and from a musical family. I have been playing the piano since I was two! I joined my parents' band when I was 12 and traveled around with them on cruise ships.
PAUL: I'm 25. I was born and raised in England but moved to Benidorm in Spain when I was 18. I once modelled for Christian Dior.
THE SPIDER: Thanks for that. We'll, that's enough from me, let's turn you over to your army of fans because I fear they are about to lynch me. Good luck guys...
Kimiko: Who is the most romantic among you?
BEN: We're all quite romantic. Christian is a real textbook romantic though, all dinners and candles.
CHRISTIAN: I learnt a lot of my English watching movies on the telly so sometimes that's the way I talk. It means i have some funny chat up lines.
THE SPIDER: Like?
CHRISTIAN: Err... I don't think...
MARK: He went up to a girl the other day and said: So tell me, what's a beautiful girl like you doing alone? He denies it, but we were all there. (Rest of the band nod in agreement)
Jessie in Singapore: I manage your fan club here and we are looking forward to you coming over in March. What do you think about your fan clubs all over the world?
MARK: We're looking forward to coming over.
BEN: The support we get from you guys is just amazing.
CHRISTIAN: We get a fantastic feeling when people are inspired by our music and go to the effort of making fan clubs and web siters for us. If you have got a website of your own, visit ours at www.a1-online.com and leave the address and we'll take a look at it.
(continue)

Forever trust in who you are
And nothing else matter!

Vicki in Cardiff: This is for Ben. Who will you be sending a Valentine to this year?
BEN: None of us have any special ladies at the moment apart from our mums so we won't be sending any, but through the News of the World Online let me send our love out to all you out there xxx.
THE SPIDER: On the subject of Valentine's Day, the News of the World's agony aunt Jane Butterworth will be online here next week to help you over any romantic hangovers. Anyway, back to a1...
Louise James, aged 10: What are your favourite internet sites?
MARK: I love the internet movie database at www.imdb.com. It has loads of info on movies and the stars. I am also into the Disney site at www.disney.go.com.
BEN: I like the News of the World one.
Yvonne Miller: When are you coming to see all us fans in Scotland?
BEN: We are planning to tour at the end of the year so make sure you get in the queue for tickets when they go on sale. All our dates will be posted on our webstie www.a1-online.com.
Louise Bexon: Would any of you ever date a fan? I just ask because my phone number is...
THE SPIDER: Whooa, steady there girl. This isn't dateline, that's at www.dateline.uk.com.
BEN: We're human and so are you lot so hey, yeah, there's no reason why not. We would just have to be sure the lady concerned was understanding of our job and the fact we're always away.
THE SPIDER: Psst, Louise, I passed them your number anyway OK.
TCP4U: I have a simple request. I would love a photo.
BEN: You can get a poster and pictures with our album and singles you know.
THE SPIDER: Plus, there are loads on here and if you read all the way to the bottom of this webchat, you'll find a little surprise lurking there too.
Julz Rowland: Mark, do you spend a lot of time in the gym to build up all your lovely muscles?
MARK: Yeah, I really love it. It's a great way to relax and I do a lot of swimming too.
BEN: I hat it. It's boring.
Supaporn Walton: Are you coming to New Zealand? If you are I recommend Wellington because that's where I am.
CHRISTIAN: Funnily enough our manager Vicki is from New Zealand and she has some mates there so it's in our minds.
BEN: We're off to the sunny Maldives first but if we have time we'll be over. Can we stay at your place?
Hannah in Es***: I love ya. If you could have a tattoo where would it be and who would you like to do it?
BEN: Ugh, I'd never get a tattoo or have anything pierced. It's just not me. But if someone held me down and I had to, I'd want Catherine Zeta Jones to do it.
MARK: I've got two already, one on my arm and another on my back.
Stefanie Nah: How do you feel when you're on stage and all the fans are screaming?
BEN: We've all wanted to be on stage since we were kids so it's just amazing. The feeling is better than scoring the winning goal at Wembley Stadium. It's a bit scary when the crowds chase us through the airport through...
Stefanie again: What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you to do?
MARK: I'd say being ordered to get out kit off but it happens all the time. That's really become quite normal now.
BEN: We're lucky because a1 hands are quite nice all in all but we do get asked to sign fans' bums every now and again.
Stacy Dykes: a1 rock! If you could change one thing about each other what would it be?
BEN: I'd make Paul more healthy.
THE SPIDER: I should explain. Paul was late today because he was at the doctors with about of flu but he bravely made his way here afterwards. What a hero!
MARK: I'd make Paul a bit taller because he's a bit short.
PAUL: I like me the way I am thanks. I wouldn't change a thing. I love the lads.
CHRISTIAN: Yeah, me too.
Stacy again: What are your favourite computer games?
BEN: Great question. Has to be Tekken 3 - no question.
PAUL: Ape Escape. You have to catch all these monkeys right and... OK.
BEN: Bust A Groove's my fave.
CHRISTIAN: Ready 2 Rumble the boxing game with all those guys with the wicked big afro haircuts.
MARK: We're also into WWF Attitude. You can create you own wresters and we've created ourselves. There's one with Ben's curtains haircut and everything. The only problem is that Paul always wins.
Another Stacey. This time Stacey Glass from Middlesborough: What do you see yourselves doing in five years from now?
MARK: Something better than what we are doing now. We're very positive about that. a1 aren't a flash in the pan. We have a big picture and plan to unveil parts of our great puzzle over time. You are never going to see us years down the line singing our old favourites.
Siska Suherlan in far-off Indonesia: Do you have your own e-mail addresses?
LADS: Errr, yes but...
MARK: That's a really beautiful name. We do have them but we have to keep them secret for obvious reasons. But if you send mail to us through our website and stick your name on there, we'll have a look OK.
Kirajade in Australia (known on the net as Silver Vampire): I am really into astrology. Can you tell me the time of day you were all born.
MARK: 4am on a Tuesday. I know that because my mom took 22 hours to have me and has never let me forget it.
CHRISTIAN: 11.07am.
PAUL: 10pm
BEN: 5am. I was the early bird.
Linda from Norway: Vi er to norske som skal...
THE SPIDER: Hang on a sec...
CHRISTIAN: It's OK, let me translate. It says she and her pal Camilla are going to the Norwegian grammies and they can't wait to see me. Well, I can't wait to see you two too. My dad was a pop star in Norway and he and I are presenting an award together. I can't wait.
Sarah Brand from Boston, Lincolnshire: What do you find attractive about the opposite ***?
CHRISTIAN: The ***iest part of a woman is her belly. It doesn't have to be absolutely flat but I love it and I love crop tops too.
BEN: Their hair. Colour doesn't matter just so long as it is nice and clean.
MARK: A smile. I can be captured in an instant by the right smile.
PAUL: What I love most about women is how they become more beautiful when they get angry.
Sarah Cook: If you weren't in a1, what would you be doing?
PAUL: I would probably still be in Spain. I used to work in nightclubs dancing and bar tending. I did a bit of karaoke. I also worked for a hypnotist filming his shows and from that got a job filming strippers on stage and selling the videotapes to punters!
Paula: You've travelld all over the world. Where do you like best?
BEN: London
CHRISTIAN: Stockholm in Sweden
PAUL: Puerto Vallarta. It's a seaside town in Mexico famous for being so romantic that Richard Burton ran away there with Elizabeth Taylor
MARK: I'm into Manchester man, and maybe Tokyo.
Christina and Paddy in Gibraltar: Hi, did you know the British Forces Broadcasting Service is doing you proud here and playing Like A Rose lots and lots?
LADS: That's brilliant. That's so cool. We had no idea.
CDatBabe: I have a broken heart at the moment. How would you break up with a girl?
MARK: You have to tell her straight how it is. It just stores up pain otherwise.
BEN: I once went out with my girlfriend's best mate. Ouch!
Nicole Danes: Are you virgins?
LADS: (Laughter all around and lots of shoving.)
BEN: We don't need any help on that score thanks all the same Nicole.
Natalie Simmons: Mark, thanks for calling me a babe and giving me a kiss at the Coventry Skydome. Love ya.
MARK: Hi, I remember!
Natalie: Do you read the messages you are sent?
MARK: We get loads of mail and we read it when they are on long journeys in the car.
THE SPIDER: You must get sent some pretty weird stuff too don't you?
MARK: Yeah, we get knickers.
BEN: And dirty letters! They're really funny.
THE SPIDER: Sadly a1 now have to rave off in their oh-so-showbiz blacked-out people carrier to appear on TV with Nickelodeon. Aaah! Now, I had so many e-mails from fans asking for the lads' autographs that even the Spider's top-of-the-line PC nearly went into meltdown. So, to keep you all happy, here they are. Have fun and see you again soon here at www.newsoftheworld.co.uk - the site where all the biggest stars come out to chat with their fans.

Forever trust in who you are
And nothing else matter!

A1 IN LOVE
MARK: THE LONELY ONE
"I haven't had a girlfriend for a very long time," sighs Mark. "I've seen a couple of girls and had a couple of flings, but there's been no-one special since A1 started." Poor Mark. He may be A1's most sensitive and thoughtful member, but even he admits he finds it difficult to show his feelings when he's in love...
Do you ever wish you had a girlfriend?
Not really. Obviously, you go through the stage of thinking, "Why haven't I got a girlfriend?" and if I think about it then yes, there are times when I wouldn't mind being with someone.
When does being on your own really hit you?
When I need someone to talk to. They guys in A1 are brilliant, but sometimes I could do with someone else to talk to.
Do you miss having someone to snog or hug?
Of course I miss snogging! But as for hugging, we're all sensitive guys in A1, so if one of us is down we're not afraid to give each other a hug. We're not too macho for that.
Have you ever been in love?
I've met girls I've really liked, but I don't think I've ever found someone I'd do anything for.
Why not?
I'm good at protecting myself. I'm a very trusting person, but I'm always cautions too. I keep a little bit of myself back. That's not just since I've been in the band - I've always done that.
But what does it feel like when you think you're falling for someone?
It feels great! You get nervous about meeting up with someone even if you know them really well, you get shy around each other and have that feeling of dizziness. When you're in love you wish you could be with the person all the time, and when you're not with them - even when you're speaking to someone else - you're thinking about what they're doing.
So how much of the 'real you' do girls see?
People tell me I don't always let my feelings show. A girl said to me recently, "Why don't you just tell me how you feel?" and I did have feelings for her, it just didn't seem like the most important thing to me at the time.
Which bit do you keep hidden?
A lot of girls expect to see my emotional side, but I'm a happy go-lucky type most of the time. I'm usually quite bubbly and it takes a lot to break through that. I reckon girls think that the emotional side of me doesn't exists.
Who does see your emotional side?
Only one girl has seen that side of me. We talked about it and came to an understanding that if she didn't mind holding on until I'm at the right stage in my life to commit, then that would be great. But I'd never really expect a girl to wait for little old me - they've got their own life to lead.
You travel a lot. How would you feel if a girl wanted to see other people while you were away?
I probably wouldn't deal with that very well, because when I like somebody I don't want to think of them with anyone else. I once said to a girl, "OK, you can go and see other people," but I didn't mean it and don't think she wanted to anyway.
So did you split up?
We've both moved on now. But we're very good friends.
All about Mark

Hello everybody. I'm Mark and even though I'm not the oldest member of a1, I feel a bit like the dad of the band 'cause I like to be organised and look out for the rest of the guys! But I'm also really friendly and energetic too!
I come from a very musical family, and I've been playing piano since I was two years old! At the age of 11, I joined my parents' band and we'd do all kinds of covers from the '60s until the present - I learnt what people do and what they don't like. When I was 12, we started playing on cruise ships that went everywhere!
When I was 15, I performed in front of 20,000 people in Rumania. I represented England in a song festival there and I won the contest as Best Young Newcomer. It was great fun and a brilliant learning experience for me!
All the while, I was juggling school as well. Everyone at school knew me as the Piano Man. They were always asking me to play the new chart songs for them and they always told me that one day I'd make it big!
It's a funny story how I joined a1! My brother's in a band too and when I went to one of their gigs, I was the one who was approached by a manager! The manager asked if I could sing and write songs and whether I'd be interested in joining a band like a1. I felt really guilty because my brother's band were looking for their break, but my manager didn't want to split them up.
I've been incredibly lucky 'cause everything's been perfect in my life. But I'm still trying to improve and be the best I can be!

Forever trust in who you are
And nothing else matter!

BIOGRAPHY

Name: Mark Daniel Read
Nickname: Pop a1
Date and place of birth: 7th November 1978 in Kingston, Surrey
Height/weight: 208 cms/ 62 kgs
Hair colour: brown
Eyes colour: blue - green
Personality: friendly, very attentive, perfectionist
Family details: Mum, Dad, two brothers
The instruments I can play are: The piano a lot, the drums a little
I always got an A1 on my school report for: Music, English and Art
My fave thing beginning with A is: Aladdin and the Aristocats
The 1 thing I always carry with me is: A good mood
I've got a real Appetite for: Spag Bog (that's Spaghetti Bolognese!)
The 1 thing I'd change about my appearance is: My teeth, having a brace didn't work!
My fave Actor/Actress is: Jim Carrey and Robin Williams
The 1 record I'd take on a desert island is: 'I Will Survive' from the 'Stranded On A Desert Island' collection
The Answer to everything is: Don't think you've got all the answers
The 1 word I'd use to describe myself is: Disney - my fave animated films are Toy Story, A Bug's Life and The Lion King
My motto is: Be happy!

Forever trust in who you are
And nothing else matter!

Woa ! toàn là tiếng Em.
Nhưng mình biết cả rồi

V MTV
http://vmtv.cjb.net

A, sorry, mình không chọc bạn tức lên đâu.
Cho mình hỏi, bạn là Britney nhưng cũng thích A 1 ?

V MTV
http://vmtv.cjb.net