A-ha's Morten Harket shares emotional statement after Parkinson's diagnosis
The Norwegian band released a statement that read: 'This isn't the sort of news anyone wants to deliver to the world, but here it is: Morten has Parkinson's disease.'
In an interview about the diagnosis on the band's official website that serves as Harket's statement on the matter, the 65-year-old said: '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.''
He elaborated: 'Part of me wanted to reveal it. Like I said, acknowledging the diagnosis wasn't a problem for me; it's my need for peace and quiet to work that has been stopping me. I'm trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline.
'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.'
Later, when asked if he can still sing, he responded: 'I don't really know. I don't feel like singing, and for me that's a sign. I'm broadminded in terms of what I think works; I don't expect to be able to achieve full technical control.'
A-ha is a Norwegian synth-pop band formed in Oslo in 1982, consisting of Morten Harket (vocals), Magne Furuholmen (keyboards), and Pål Waaktaar-Savoy (guitar).
They rose to international fame with their 1985 debut album Hunting High and Low, which featured the iconic hit Take On Me, known for its innovative animated music video and Harket's falsetto vocals. More Trending
The song became a global success, reaching number one in multiple countries, and remaining one of the most recognisable songs in the world to this day.
While often associated with the 1980s, a-ha continued to release music and tour into the 21st century, building a loyal fanbase and evolving their sound.
Notable later work include albums like Memorial Beach, Lifelines, and Cast in Steel. Despite several breakups and reunions, a-ha remains an influential and enduring act in pop music history.
Harket has six children, three with his former wife Camilla Malmquist Harket, whom he divorced in 1998, a daughter with former girlfriend Anne Mette Undlien. and another daughter with his current partner Inez Andersson.
This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
For more stories like this, check our entertainment page.
Follow Metro.co.uk Entertainment on Twitter and Facebook for the latest celeb and entertainment updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.
MORE: Talking Heads fans feel 'gaslit' after rumoured 50th anniversary announcement is finally revealed
MORE: Arnold Schwarzenegger tried to rewrite one of the most famous lines in movie history
MORE: Famous Hollywood couple shattered after learning they can't move to Ireland permanently
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Spectator
2 hours ago
- Spectator
2716: Cluelessness
Eight entries – only four of which comprise one word – possess titular properties. Across 11 Playful killer whales swimming, not terribly well, lacking energy (7) 12 Former parking cut in safe English city (6) 13 Question in National Curriculum test exercises (6) 14 Section of relatively revolutionary musical (5) 15 Wheels finally augmented by auxiliary spoke (4) 17 Drive, say, sport from the east (4) 21 Consult on standard Persian dialect (6) 23 This, cradled in one's hands, breathed spasmodically (9) 26 Drinks case of alcohol with ease, oddly enough (4) 28 Half of alphabet – the smallest part? (4) 30 Airlifted cast in festival (3,2-4) 36 Suppressing anger, bore having shock? (6) 39 Curl up, withdrawing both hands (4) 40 Old does spot leader of hinds (4) 41 Open University linked to Northern Energy (5) 42 How you might thus have tea? (3,3) 43 Saint working final lyrical poem (6) 44 Insert aged airmen in English force (7) Down 2 Racial shifts around heart of arable Italian region (8) 3 Papal family contributing to investors in industry (6) 4 Animosity over tense card game (6) 5 Supplant American referee's intro on high tackles (5) 6 Exhausted elders assemble, standing for respect (6) 7 Tranquillity that's occasionally needed when one goes to pot (4) 9 Captured in vendetta, saving skin, crumbling (6) 18 King I now see meets large Jewish community (5) 19 Lost slave messenger periodically missing (4) 20 Mafia dons run away from island (4) 24 Brown gong buried in ancient city (5) 25 Essentially, man's idea upset woman (4) 27 Layer in ground at first unknown (8) 29 Most of rubbish in skip (4) 32 Big gun shot on table? (6) 33 Strong effect starts to influence mutual agreement (6) 34 Whale's flap almost covering ear (6) 35 Acknowledgement of A&E perhaps picked up (6) 37 BBC North holds up tips for later? (5) 38 Take out chum (4) Download a printable version here. A first prize of £30 and two runners-up prizes of £20 for the first correct solutions opened on 1 September. Please scan or photograph entries and email them (including the crossword number in the subject field) to crosswords@ or post to: Crossword 2716, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP.
Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
Destination X viewers slam 'unfair' twist as they warn they're going off show
Fans of Destination X on BBC One have been left furious by a 'rubbish' twist. The reality competition has been heating up in recent weeks, as fans are getting closer to winning £100,000. Rob Brydon's new BBC reality show, which has been tipped as Race Across the World meets The Traitors, sees players try and figure out where on earth they are by picking up on the clues dropped through various games, and the look of the area around them. Ultimately, the person to guess the furthest location from where they truly are by the end of the episode is booted out of the coach. However, in a huge twist, Josh was given the chance to sabotage someone and move their X 250km away from the point they chose – and he chose Nick. This led many fans on social media to share their fury over the decision, with @alexanderls3 writing on X: 'WHY do these shows always throw in stupid twists?! 'What do you mean Josh can move someone's pinpoint 250km away….. that's just straight up cheating as he's obviously going to choose the best player (Nick) and how is that fair? #DestinationX' @RebelDiamond_ added: 'If #Nick goes on that ridiculously unfair twist I'm going to be savage #DestinationX' @DrabWilly similarly said: 'Having a competitor move someone's pin 250km away from their guess makes a mockery of the show, just becomes a game of luck and randomness rather than skill (including deception) and intelligence. 'Prob won't bother watching if Nick ends up eliminated as a result #destinationx' @thraxar also wrote: 'Well I liked DestinationX until tonight's episode. Adding special abilities to totally change someone's guess and then ending on a a cliffhanger is rubbish 👎🏽 It felt fresh and interesting until now #destinationX' Meanwhile, @darwizzyszn_ described the 250km move as 'sabotage' and said it 'ruined the game'. This comes after fans slammed contestants for missing an 'unforgiveable' clue in last week's episode. More Trending The contestants were driven through beautiful landscapes as they stopped off at a castle to listen to music from artists linked to the final destination. Eventually, they listened to a song from The Sound of Music when Julie Andrews sings 'Do Re Mi'. However, one contestant, London cab driver Daren Parr took a while to come to the conclusion many viewers had already come to, at one pointing calling the noises 'nonsense'. Destination X airs at 9pm on BBC One on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Destination X's casting decisions are holding it back from success MORE: Game of Thrones star's 'underrated' period drama now streaming on Amazon Prime MORE: Strictly 2025 line-up confirms ninth contestant as history-making model
Metro
4 hours ago
- Metro
Children 'injured' as wacky worm ride derails in Welsh theme park
A popular children's ride has derailed leaving children among the injured, it has been reported. The Wacky Worm ride at Coney Beach Amusement Park in Porthcawl, Wales, was reportedly involved in an 'accident' at 5.50pm today. Pictures show the tip of the worm-themed ride hanging off the tracks after the derailment, which it was said left people with 'bloody noses'. South Wales Police and emergency services are at the scene and the park has been closed. A force spokesman said: 'Officers and other emergency services are in attendance at Coney Beach Amusement Park, Porthcawl, Bridgend, following an accident involving one of the rides. 'Please avoid the area to allow emergency services access. 'More updates will be made available when appropriate.' In a statement on social media, the amusement park said the incident took place 'on a third-party ride not owned by Coney Beach'. They added: 'We were instructed by the police to clear the site for further investigation. More Trending 'We apologise for the disruption and will be providing refunds to affected guests as soon as possible. We will be releasing instructions on refunds shortly. 'We thank you for your cooperation.' Hundreds of visitors are reportedly queuing for refunds. One witness, Kieran Roche told WalesOnline that there were several injuries, including bloody noses. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Fish thieving gull swooping on seaside chippy 'kicked to death' by angry customer MORE: Baked beans lover Captain Beany vows he hasn't given up on love despite remaining single MORE: Prison officer admits having an 'inappropriate relationship' with inmate
