A-ha frontman Morten Harket diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The news was revealed Wednesday on the Norwegian synth-pop band’s official website in a statement by biographer Jan Omdahl. The announcement also disclosed that the singer has undergone two brain surgeries.
Harket, 65, stated he accepts the diagnosis, saying, “Over time, I’ve adopted my 94-year-old father’s perspective on the body’s gradual decline: ‘I use whatever works.'”
A-ha is best known for their iconic hit, Take On Me, from their 1985 debut album, Hunting High and Low, showcasing Harket’s renowned falsetto.
Omdahl, author of the A-ha biography The Swing of Things, wrote: “Known as A-ha’s iconic frontman, a divinely gifted singer, reluctant pop star, solo artist, songwriter, and father of five, Morten Harket has also been battling a health challenge in recent years. Morten has Parkinson’s disease.”
Omdahl explained that the singer’s condition had been private until now, known only to a few close associates. He noted the stress of going public contributed to delaying the announcement.
“Part of me wanted to reveal it,” Harket shared. “Acknowledging the diagnosis wasn’t a problem; it’s my need for peace to work that held me back. I’m striving to prevent overall decline. It’s a balancing act between medication and managing side effects.”
He elaborated, “There’s much to consider when emulating the body’s masterful control of complex movements, social situations, and daily life.”
According to the NHS website, Parkinson’s disease results from “a loss of nerve cells in the substantia nigra” leading to “reduced dopamine.” Dopamine’s role in regulating movement explains symptoms like tremors, slow movement, muscle stiffness, depression, and anxiety.
Omdahl emphasized that while Harket will live with the disease, medication and brain surgery at the Mayo Clinic have “mitigated symptom impact”. He underwent deep brain stimulation (DBS) – electrode implantation – in June 2023 and again in December 2024, both successfully.
While he can still drive, Harket is uncertain about his future as a singer. “Vocal challenges contribute to uncertainty about my creative future,” he admitted.
Omdahl described how, on good days, Harket shows minimal symptoms but requires constant effort to manage medication, electrode signals, sleep, blood sugar, and mental state. “It’s a constant balancing act,” Omdahl added.
Regarding singing, Harket said, “I don’t feel like singing, which is telling. I don’t expect full technical control. The question is if I can express myself vocally. Currently, that’s not possible, but it might be in the future.”
He continued, “Singing is my responsibility, and at times, it’s fantastic. But I have other passions, equally important.” The article cites fellow artists with Parkinson’s, including Ozzy Osbourne, Michael J. Fox, and Muhammad Ali.
Harket plans to “listen to professionals,” reassuring fans, “Don’t worry. Focus on real problems; I’m receiving care.” He’s working on new lyrics but is unsure about completion and release.
“Time will tell. I like the idea of creating something outside the box as a Parkinson’s patient and artist. It’s all on me; I need to address this first.”
He concluded, “Initially, publicity bothered me. Ultimately, keeping it secret bothers me more.”
Harket, also a solo artist and 1996 Eurovision co-host, was knighted in Norway in 1992 alongside his A-ha bandmates.
Mags Furuholmen posted support on Instagram: “Our thoughts are with Morten and his family. The news is sad, but we’re grateful for amazing memories, the world’s embrace of our music, and the joy our legacy continues to bring.”