Morten Harket, the 65-year-old frontman of Norwegian synth-pop band A-ha, has publicly revealed his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease after battling the condition privately for several years. The announcement was made Wednesday through a statement on the band’s official website, written by their biographer Jan Omdahl.
Harket acknowledged his acceptance of the diagnosis, expressing that he has adopted his 94-year-old father’s philosophy regarding physical decline. The singer indicated that acknowledging the diagnosis was not problematic for him, but his need for peace and quiet to work had prevented him from making the announcement earlier.
The disease has significantly impacted Harket’s vocal abilities, creating uncertainty about his creative future. He explained that he currently does not feel like singing, which he considers a telling sign. The singer noted that expressing himself with his voice is currently out of the question, though he remains uncertain about future possibilities.
To manage his symptoms, Harket underwent advanced neurosurgical procedures at the Mayo Clinic in the United States. In June 2024, electrodes were implanted deep inside the left side of his brain, followed by a similar procedure on the right side in December 2024. These devices connect to a small pacemaker-like apparatus placed under the skin of his upper chest, delivering electrical impulses through the electrodes in a treatment known as deep brain stimulation.
The surgical interventions produced dramatic improvements in his symptoms. However, Harket described the ongoing management as “a difficult balancing act between taking the medication and managing its side effects.” On good days, he shows virtually no sign of many familiar physical symptoms of Parkinson’s, but maintaining symptom control requires round-the-clock effort to balance medication, electrode signals, sleep, blood sugar and mindset.
Despite his condition, Harket has been working on new musical material, expressing great belief in the songs he has created during this period. He indicated that the lyrics particularly reflect a different aspect of himself. However, he remains uncertain whether he will be able to finish and release these songs, noting that time will determine their fate.
The singer emphasized that his identity extends beyond singing, acknowledging other passions that are equally important to him. He views singing as his responsibility and finds certain moments of performing absolutely fantastic, but stressed that he possesses other interests that are just as necessary and true to his character.
Bandmate Magne Furuholmen addressed the diagnosis through an Instagram post, expressing that knowing about Harket’s condition for some time did not diminish the impact of the news. Furuholmen indicated that all future band-related activities will be adjusted to accommodate Harket’s situation.
A-ha formed in Oslo in 1982, consisting of Harket, guitarist Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, and keyboardist Furuholmen. The band achieved global success with their 1985 debut album “Hunting High and Low,” which featured the international hit “Take On Me.” The group has secured nine Top 10 UK singles throughout their career.
Harket explained his decision to go public with his diagnosis, noting that protecting his privacy by treating the condition as a secret had become more bothersome than the prospect of public knowledge. He had been conflicted about revealing the information, with part of him wanting to share the news while another part sought privacy for his work.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the nervous system and worsens over time. The condition causes a loss of nerve cells in the brain region called the substantia nigra, leading to reduced dopamine production. Symptoms typically include involuntary shaking, slow movement, muscle stiffness, and balance problems, as well as potential mental and behavioral changes.
Harket urged fans not to worry about him, encouraging them instead to focus on discovering their own identities and addressing environmental concerns. He assured supporters that he is receiving proper care and asked them to direct their energy toward real problems while knowing he is being taken care of appropriately.