A-ha’s Morten Harket Announces Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis

OSLO, Norway – Morten Harket, the lead singer of the iconic Norwegian synth-pop band A-ha, has revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The announcement was made on Wednesday through a post by the band’s biographer, Jan Omdahl.

The 65-year-old Harket stated, “I’ve got no problem accepting the diagnosis. With time, I’ve taken to heart my 94-year-old father’s attitude to the way the organism gradually surrenders: ‘I use whatever works.'” His comments reflect a candid acceptance of the challenges he faces due to the progressive neurological disease.

For some time, Harket kept his condition private, sharing it only with a limited circle of friends and family. He expressed that while he wanted to make his diagnosis public, his need for “peace and quiet” was a significant factor in delaying the announcement. “I’m trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline,” he noted.

Harket has undergone two brain surgeries at the Mayo Clinic, with the latest procedures occurring in June and December 2024. Omdahl explained that these advanced surgeries, including deep brain stimulation, have softened the impact of Harket’s symptoms.

Despite this, Harket has experienced challenges with his voice and described uncertainty about his future as a singer. “The problems with my voice are one of many grounds for uncertainty about my creative future,” he said. He added, “I don’t feel like singing, and for me that’s a sign.”

Omdahl highlighted how on good days, Harket may show few physical symptoms of Parkinson’s, but managing the disease remains a daily struggle. Harket described his experience as “a never-ending rollercoaster ride,” requiring constant balance between medication and the management of side effects.

As he faces this ongoing battle, Harket reassured his fans not to worry about him, stating, “Spend your energy and effort addressing real problems. I am being taken care of.” He also shared that he’s been working on new song lyrics but remains uncertain if he will finish and release them.

Harket, knighted in 1992 for his contributions to music, rose to fame with A-ha’s hits, including the classic “Take On Me.” His journey now includes adapting to life with Parkinson’s, a disease characterized by the loss of nerve cells in the brain and affects movement and coordination.

As celebrities like Ozzy Osbourne and Michael J. Fox have also faced the challenges of Parkinson’s, Harket seeks to navigate this new reality with resilience and creativity. Time will tell how this diagnosis will shape his legacy.