The lead singer of A-ha, Morten Harket, has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, an announcement made on Wednesday through an article penned by their biographer, Jan Omdahl, on the Norwegian synth-pop band's official website. The article also disclosed that the vocalist had undergone brain surgery on two occasions.
At the age of 65, Harket expressed, "I have no qualms about accepting the diagnosis." He further added, "Over time, I've adopted my 94-year-old father's perspective on how the body gradually concedes: 'I make use of whatever functions.'"
A-ha is renowned for their massive hit "Take On Me," featuring Harket's iconic falsetto, taken from their 1985 debut album "Hunting High and Low."
In his article, Omdahl, who authored the A-ha biography "The Swing of Things," described Harket as, "The iconic frontman of A-ha, a divinely talented singer, a reluctant pop star, a solo artist, a songwriter, an eccentric thinker, a father of five, and a grandfather. However, in recent years, Morten Harket has also been a warrior battling his own body."
"This is the kind of news no one relishes sharing with the world, but here it is: Morten has Parkinson's disease," Omdahl wrote. He noted that the singer's condition had been kept strictly confidential, known only to a close-knit circle.
Omdahl also elaborated on how the "unpredictable repercussions" and stress of going public with the illness had delayed the announcement. "A part of me wanted to disclose it," Harket confided in him. "As I've said, acknowledging the diagnosis wasn't an issue for me; it was my need for tranquility to focus on my work that held me back. I'm striving to prevent my entire system from deteriorating. It's a delicate balance between taking medication and managing its side effects," he added.
He emphasized, "There's much to consider when mimicking the masterful manner in which the body executes intricate movements, navigates social engagements and invitations, or manages daily life in general."
According to the NHS website, Parkinson's disease arises due to "a loss of nerve cells in the substantia nigra region of the brain," resulting in "a decrease in dopamine levels in the brain." Dopamine plays a crucial role in regulating body movements, and symptoms may include involuntary tremors, slowed movement, rigid and inflexible muscles, as well as depression and anxiety.
'I lack the inclination to sing,' emphasized Omdahl, underscoring that although Harket must coexist with his illness for the remainder of his days, the medication and brain surgery conducted at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in the United States have, according to him, 'eased the severity of his symptoms.' He elaborated that the celebrated artist underwent an advanced neurosurgical procedure known as deep brain stimulation (DBS) in June of the previous year, involving the implantation of electrodes deep within the left hemisphere of his brain. Furthermore, in December 2024, Harket successfully underwent a similar procedure on the right side of his brain, added Omdahl.
While Harket retains the ability to drive, his future as a singer remains uncertain. 'The issues with my voice constitute one of numerous reasons for uncertainty regarding my creative path ahead,' he confessed. The band's biographer depicted how, on better days, Harket exhibits 'negligible signs of many of Parkinson's most recognizable physical manifestations,' yet he still necessitates a 'relentless effort' to balance his medication, the signals emanating from the electrodes in his brain, sleep, blood sugar levels, and his mental state to keep the symptoms at a manageable level. 'This endeavor is not always fruitful and resembles a perpetual rollercoaster ride,' Omdahl continued.
When inquired by the writer whether he could still sing, Harket responded, 'I'm genuinely unsure. I don't feel the urge to sing, and for me, that serves as an indication.' He expressed an open-minded approach to what might work, acknowledging that he doesn't anticipate achieving full technical mastery. The crux of the matter is whether he can convey his emotions through his voice. 'As of now, that's impossible. However, I'm uncertain whether I'll manage it at some future juncture,' he added.
Other notable figures who have battled Parkinson's include fellow singer Ozzy Osbourne, actor Michael J. Fox, and the late boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Harket vowed to 'heed the advice of the professionals,' urging his fans, 'Don't fret about me. Devote your energy and efforts to addressing genuine problems, and know that I'm in good hands.'
He disclosed that he has been working on new song lyrics but expressed uncertainty about completing and releasing them. 'Only time will reveal their fate. I find the notion of pursuing this endeavor, as both a Parkinson's patient and an artist, with something entirely unconventional, highly appealing,' he said. 'It's entirely up to me. I just need to get this [announcement] out first.'
Harket, who has also pursued a successful solo career, was knighted in Norway in 1992 alongside his A-ha bandmates Paul Waaktaar-Savoy and Magne Furuholmen for their contributions to Norwegian music and international acclaim. Furuholmen posted a message of encouragement on Instagram, accompanied by an old photograph of the band together, stating, 'Our foremost thoughts are with Morten and his family as they grapple with the adjustments necessitated by this condition.' He expressed that while the news brings sorrow, they remain grateful for 'all the wonderful memories' and feel fortunate that 'people continue to find meaning, hope, and joy in our shared musical legacy.'
