 It was through this chance encounter that Read went on to receive his first big break, as he would become one of the four members of the chart-topping band a1.Along with band mates Ben Adams, Christian Ingebrigtsen and Paul Marazzi, Read achieved great success across the globe with a1, including 2 UK numbers 1 singles, 8 top ten hits, 3 studio albums and a Brit Award for Best Newcomer in 2001.Their first number 1 came with their cover of the A-Ha song "Take On Me" and was soon followed by the self-penned "Same Old Brand New You".