Singer reveals surprising Parkinson’s diagnosis: 'Don’t worry about me, find out who you want to be'
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Morten Harket, the unmistakable voice behind A-ha’s global smash ‘Take On Me’, has shared some deeply personal news with fans: he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
For many of us who grew up with the synth-pop sounds of the 1980s, this announcement is both a shock and a poignant reminder of how life’s challenges can touch anyone—even our musical heroes.
At 65, Harket has been open about the impact Parkinson’s is having on his life and career. In a heartfelt interview on the A-ha website, he explained that vocal issues were the first sign something was amiss.
‘The problems with my voice are one of many grounds for uncertainty about my creative future,’ he shared.
For a man whose soaring falsetto defined a generation, the loss of his singing voice is especially significant.
‘I don’t feel like singing, and for me, that’s a sign.’ he said.
His bandmate, Magne Furuholmen, was quick to reassure fans that the band’s future activities would be adjusted to support Harket’s health.
‘All future band-related activities will, of course, be tuned to suit Morten’s situation,’ he added.
Harket’s attitude towards his diagnosis is both pragmatic and inspiring. He referenced his 94-year-old father’s wisdom: ‘I use whatever works.’
It’s a sentiment many of us can relate to as we navigate the ups and downs of ageing and health.
Harket’s acceptance of his condition is a powerful reminder that, while we can’t always control what happens to us, we can choose how we respond.
There’s currently no cure for Parkinson’s, but Harket hasn’t let that stop him from seeking the best possible care.
In 2024, he underwent neurosurgery at the renowned Mayo Clinic in the US, where electrodes were implanted in his brain—a procedure known as deep brain stimulation.
This technology, which connects to a device similar to a pacemaker in his chest, sends electrical impulses to help manage his symptoms.
Harket described the improvement as ‘dramatic’, though he’s candid about the ongoing balancing act between medication and its side effects.
‘I’m trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline,’ he said.
‘It’s a difficult balancing act between taking the medication and managing its side effects. There’s so much to weigh up when you’re emulating the masterful way the body handles every complex movement, or social matters and invitations, or day-to-day life in general.’
Despite the challenges, Harket hasn’t given up on music. He’s been working on new songs, though he admits he may not regain ‘full technical control’ over his vocals.
Still, he’s hopeful: ‘I really like the idea of just going for it, as a Parkinson’s patient and an artist, with something completely outside the box. It’s all up to me, I just have to get this out of the way first.’
Importantly, Harket wants fans to know that singing, while a huge part of his life, isn’t his entire identity.
‘I see singing as my responsibility, and at certain moments, I think it’s absolutely fantastic that I get to do it. But I’ve got other passions, too.
I have other things that are just as big a part of me, that are just as necessary and true.’
A-ha, formed in Oslo in 1982, became one of the most iconic bands of the 80s, with hits like ‘Take On Me’ and ‘You Are the One’ still beloved today.
The band’s influence stretches far beyond their chart success, inspiring countless artists and fans around the world.
Furuholmen summed up the band’s feelings in a touching Instagram post: ‘It is a day of sad news in A-ha world.
Having known about Morten’s diagnosis for some time does not take the force out of the blow, nor diminish the impact it has had, and will continue to have, on us—as people and as a band.’
He also expressed gratitude for the memories, the fans, and the legacy they’ve built together.
Parkinson’s disease affects more than 150,000 Australians, and many of our members may know someone living with the condition.
It’s a progressive neurological disorder that can impact movement, speech, and even mood.
While there’s no cure, treatments like medication, physiotherapy, and, in some cases, surgery can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Harket’s openness about his journey is a powerful example of resilience and honesty.
His story may inspire others facing similar challenges to seek support, try new treatments, and continue pursuing their passions.
Harket’s message to fans is both comforting and wise: ‘Don’t worry about me. Find out who you want to be—a process that can be new each and every day.'
'Be good servants of nature, the very basis of our existence, and care for the environment while it is still possible to do so.'
'Spend your energy and effort addressing real problems, and know that I am being taken care of.’
Credit: YouTube
Have you or someone you love been affected by Parkinson’s? How do you stay positive and creative in the face of life’s challenges? We’d love to hear your stories, memories, and thoughts in the comments below.
For many of us who grew up with the synth-pop sounds of the 1980s, this announcement is both a shock and a poignant reminder of how life’s challenges can touch anyone—even our musical heroes.
At 65, Harket has been open about the impact Parkinson’s is having on his life and career. In a heartfelt interview on the A-ha website, he explained that vocal issues were the first sign something was amiss.
‘The problems with my voice are one of many grounds for uncertainty about my creative future,’ he shared.
For a man whose soaring falsetto defined a generation, the loss of his singing voice is especially significant.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Morten Harket’s voice and creative future have been affected. Credit: Facebook
‘I don’t feel like singing, and for me, that’s a sign.’ he said.
His bandmate, Magne Furuholmen, was quick to reassure fans that the band’s future activities would be adjusted to support Harket’s health.
‘All future band-related activities will, of course, be tuned to suit Morten’s situation,’ he added.
Harket’s attitude towards his diagnosis is both pragmatic and inspiring. He referenced his 94-year-old father’s wisdom: ‘I use whatever works.’
It’s a sentiment many of us can relate to as we navigate the ups and downs of ageing and health.
Harket’s acceptance of his condition is a powerful reminder that, while we can’t always control what happens to us, we can choose how we respond.
There’s currently no cure for Parkinson’s, but Harket hasn’t let that stop him from seeking the best possible care.
In 2024, he underwent neurosurgery at the renowned Mayo Clinic in the US, where electrodes were implanted in his brain—a procedure known as deep brain stimulation.
This technology, which connects to a device similar to a pacemaker in his chest, sends electrical impulses to help manage his symptoms.
‘I’m trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline,’ he said.
‘It’s a difficult balancing act between taking the medication and managing its side effects. There’s so much to weigh up when you’re emulating the masterful way the body handles every complex movement, or social matters and invitations, or day-to-day life in general.’
Despite the challenges, Harket hasn’t given up on music. He’s been working on new songs, though he admits he may not regain ‘full technical control’ over his vocals.
Still, he’s hopeful: ‘I really like the idea of just going for it, as a Parkinson’s patient and an artist, with something completely outside the box. It’s all up to me, I just have to get this out of the way first.’
Importantly, Harket wants fans to know that singing, while a huge part of his life, isn’t his entire identity.
I have other things that are just as big a part of me, that are just as necessary and true.’
A-ha, formed in Oslo in 1982, became one of the most iconic bands of the 80s, with hits like ‘Take On Me’ and ‘You Are the One’ still beloved today.
The band’s influence stretches far beyond their chart success, inspiring countless artists and fans around the world.
Furuholmen summed up the band’s feelings in a touching Instagram post: ‘It is a day of sad news in A-ha world.
Having known about Morten’s diagnosis for some time does not take the force out of the blow, nor diminish the impact it has had, and will continue to have, on us—as people and as a band.’
Parkinson’s disease affects more than 150,000 Australians, and many of our members may know someone living with the condition.
It’s a progressive neurological disorder that can impact movement, speech, and even mood.
While there’s no cure, treatments like medication, physiotherapy, and, in some cases, surgery can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Harket’s openness about his journey is a powerful example of resilience and honesty.
His story may inspire others facing similar challenges to seek support, try new treatments, and continue pursuing their passions.
'Be good servants of nature, the very basis of our existence, and care for the environment while it is still possible to do so.'
'Spend your energy and effort addressing real problems, and know that I am being taken care of.’
Credit: YouTube
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