**A-ha’s Morten Harket Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis, Casting Uncertainty Over Musical Future**
Morten Harket, the iconic lead singer of Norwegian pop legends A-ha, has publicly disclosed that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a neurological condition that affects movement and speech. This announcement marks a significant chapter in the life and career of Harket, who, alongside his bandmates, helped define 1980s synth-pop with hits such as “Take On Me” and “The Sun Always Shines on TV.”
Harket, now 65, has stated that he has begun to experience issues with his voice as a result of the illness. In a candid interview for the official A-ha website, he explained how the progressive nature of Parkinson’s has already started to impact his daily life and creative ambitions. There is currently no known cure for the disease, but various treatments, including medication and physiotherapy, can offer some relief.
Coping with Parkinson’s disease requires a combination of medical intervention and personal resilience. The singer described undergoing two deep brain stimulation procedures in 2024, each involving the implantation of electrodes on different sides of his brain. This treatment, which delivers electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain, is designed to help manage Parkinson’s symptoms, though it does not address every aspect of the illness.
The effect on Harket’s famed vocals is a particular concern for both the musician and his fans. “The problems with my voice are one of many grounds for uncertainty about my creative future,” he revealed. He went on to express the challenge of balancing medication with the desire to maintain as much of his usual life as possible—a delicate task given the unpredictable nature of the condition. “There’s so much to weigh up when you’re emulating the masterful way the body handles every complex movement, or day-to-day life in general,” he observed.
Harket also described his father’s acceptance of ageing as a source of inspiration, stating, “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’.” Nevertheless, he admits that finding peace and quiet to work, rather than the diagnosis itself, has been the greatest challenge to his creativity.
Asked about his current ability to sing, Harket was frank: “I don’t really know. I don’t feel like singing, and for me that’s a sign. The question is whether I can express myself with my voice.” Looking ahead, he is unsure whether he will ever regain the technical control for which he is known, yet he holds out cautious hope that he may eventually find a way to continue.
Despite this adversity, Harket has not lost his artist’s spirit or sense of innovation. He shared that he has been writing songs over the past few years, though he is uncertain if he will be able to complete them. “Time will tell if they make it,” he mused, adding, “I really like the idea of just going for it, as a Parkinson’s patient and an artist, with something completely outside the box.”
A-ha, comprised of Harket, keyboardist Magne Furuholmen, and guitarist Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, shot to global stardom after forming in Oslo in 1982. The band has achieved both critical and commercial success, with nine top 10 singles and seven top 10 albums in the UK alone. The news of Harket’s diagnosis was also met with heartfelt support from his bandmates. Furuholmen acknowledged the emotional weight of the announcement, writing, “Having known about Morten’s diagnosis for some time does not take the force out of the blow.”
In recognising the impact of Harket’s health on their future, Furuholmen assured fans that the band’s activities would be adjusted to accommodate Harket’s needs and wellbeing. “All future A-ha-related activities will of course be tuned to suit Morten’s situation, but together we will work to try and find ways to give you the best of ourselves,” he wrote.
The revelation of Harket’s condition has prompted an outpouring of gratitude from both bandmates and fans. Furuholmen reminded supporters of the group’s shared legacy, expressing thanks for decades of musical memories and noting the enduring hope and joy many continue to find in A-ha’s work—a sentiment sure to resonate with the millions who have been touched by their music.