A1 member Mark Read graces 'Unang Hirit''s virtual concert stage!

British-Norwegian boy band A1 member, Mark Read, graced Unang Hirit's episode earlier, September 11, and performed his new single “Smile Again.”

During Lyn Ching's virtual interview with Mark, the singer sent a heartfelt message to all the band's Filipino fans all the way from the United Kingdom.

A1 band / Source: markreadofficial (IG)

“Firstly, I just want to send out my best wishes to everyone over there who have been too affected by what's been going on. Stay safe, everyone,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mark shared that his newly-released song "Smile Again" was inspired by his desire to create an uplifting and inspiring piece amid the pandemic.

“I needed to release a song that was more e uplifting.

"On the flip side, something that would just cheer people up,” he shared.

Although restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic,

Mark, together with his bandmates Ben Adams, Paul Marazzi, and Christian Ingebrigtsen, decided to launch virtual concerts for their beloved fans.

“We've done two already. They're been fantastic, so much fun. It's not the same as being there in person.

“Obviously, we can't do greet and meets for a while but just to see all of our fans from all the world, many from the Philippines, on the screen with us and doing a Q&A, it's brilliant.

"In the meantime, I think that's going to be just fine,” he said.

It's no secret that A1's songs are still loved by Filipinos and Mark said that they were very much aware of the support from Filipino fans.

“It's really quite overwhelming and every time we go over there, people are singing the song everywhere we go.

“I think that's the ultimate compliment and accomplishment when several years later, a song could still connect people. That's the power of music,” he said.

Moreover, when asked by Lyn to speak any Filipino word as a gift to their avid supporters, Mark remarked, “Miss na kita. I really do miss you all and I hope you all are staying safe. Mahal ko kayo."

Followed by today's Filipino catchphrase, “Sana all!”

Mark Read

A1 band popularized the songs “Like A Rose,” “Walking in the Rain,” “Heaven by Your Side,” and “Everytime” among others.

Watch Mark Read's wonderful performance of “Smile Again” in the video below: