A-ha singer Morten Harket announces Parkinson's disease diagnosis
The frontman of the Norwegian synth-pop group, known for hits including Take On Me and You Are The One, said he is having issues with his voice due to the condition, which causes parts of the brain to become progressively damaged over many years.
His bandmate Magne Furuholmen has said all future A-ha-related activities 'will of course be tuned to suit Morten's situation'.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by a-ha (@officialaha)
Speaking to a biographer for an article on the A-ha website, Harket, 65, 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 continued: '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.'
Harket underwent a neurosurgical procedure in which electrodes were implanted deep inside the left side of his brain in June 2024 and had a similar procedure on the right side of his brain in December 2024, according to the website article.
These electrodes are connected to a small pacemaker-like device placed under the skin of the upper chest that sends electrical impulses through the electrodes into the brain and this method of treatment is called deep brain stimulation (DBS).
There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease but there are treatments like physiotherapy and medication, according to the NHS website.
The main symptoms are tremors, slow movement and stiff and inflexible muscles, and Harket also said the condition has affected his voice.
'The problems with my voice are one of many grounds for uncertainty about my creative future,' he said.
Asked if he can sing at the moment, he said: '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. The question is whether I can express myself with my voice.
'As things stand now, that's out of the question. But I don't know whether I'll be able to manage it at some point in the future.'
He added: 'For a few years now I've been working on songs that I've got great belief in, and I feel the lyrics, especially, have something of a different aspect of me in them.
'I'm not sure if I'll be able to finish them for release. Time will tell if they make it.
'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.'
A-ha formed in Oslo in 1982, comprised of guitarist Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, keyboardist Furuholmen and lead singer Harket.
The band has had nine top 10 singles in the UK chart, including chart-topping track The Sun Always Shines On TV, and seven top 10 albums.
Furuholmen said in an Instagram post on Wednesday: '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 have, on us – as people and as a band.
'Our thoughts are first and foremost with Morten and his family at a difficult time adjusting to the changes that this condition has brought into their lives.
'As the news brings sadness, it is worth to remember through the hurt that there is also a lot of gratitude: for all the amazing memories, for how our combined creative efforts as a band have been so generously embraced by the world, and for how lucky we are that people continue to find meaning, hope and joy in our shared musical legacy.
'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. Thank you everyone for all your support, your kind words, and consideration.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Karren Brady, 56, looks incredible as she shows off new look in figure-hugging white dress
The star is gearing up to become a grandmother again brady babe Karren Brady, 56, looks incredible as she shows off new look in figure-hugging white dress Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KARREN Brady looked incredible as she showed off her new look in a figure-hugging white dress. The Baroness, 56, always looks glam whether it's suited and booted on The Apprentice or in pretty dresses for the red carpet. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 The Apprentice star Karren Brady looked sensational in a new snap shared on Instagram Credit: Instagram 4 Karren, 56, posed in a white summer dress to praise a new treatment she has had on her arms Credit: Instagram 4 Karren said she never thought she'd be able to wear sleeveless garments again before having the skin tightening treatment Credit: Getty But Karren still managed to stun her followers with her latest Instagram snap. The star looked sensational in a white summer dress with thick shoulder straps and a square neckline. The garment cinched in at her slim waist and Karren's hair was styled in perfect waves over one shoulder, while her make up was flawless. If it wasn't obvious Karren was feeling good by the picture, she certainly made it clear in the caption as she heaped praise on a new treatment she has had on her arms. She wrote: "I never thought I'd be able to wear short sleeves again, but after a course of Exion skin-tightening with radio frequency, I can! "Exion uses radiofrequency and targeted ultrasound to naturally boost hyaluronic acid by up to 224%, while stimulating collagen and elastin for smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking skin - all with no needles, no pain, and no downtime." She concluded excitedly: "Bring on the sleeveless tops!" Karren's fans were quick to compliment her, with one writing: "You look incredible. Aka Jennifer Lopez. So very beautiful." Another added: "As per you look amazing. your achievements are my goals." A third commented: "You look incredible x." West Ham chief Karren Brady has her say on VAR in Premier League and predicts 'a season of anger and confusion' As well as juggling her TV work and her role as Vice Chair at West Ham football club, Karren is also gearing up to become a grandmother again. Her daughter Sophia Peschisolido announced she was expecting her second child with fiancé Frankie Makin back in April. The couple already have one-year-old son, but they have never revealed his name.
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Pop duo cancel shows after scary moment sees member collapse on stage
Australian pop duo Royel Otis have been forced to take action after one member collapsed mid-performance this week. Comprising Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic, the indie musicians from Sydney were playing at the MS Dockville festival in Hamburg, Germany, when things took a worrying turn. Footage captured by fans and shared on TikTok showed Royel playing his guitar before falling to the ground with a thud. Other members of the live band rushed over to help as concerned gasps could be heard among the crowd. It was initially unknown what caused Royel to collapse, but reports claimed it happened just 15 minutes into the set. Now, issuing an update to their thousands of followers, the duo have confirmed they need to axe their next performance while he recovers from an illness. A statement shared on Instagram read: 'We are really sorry to say that we need to cancel our set at Lowlands + Pukkelpop festival as Roy has been unwell with a virus since last night's show in Hamburg.' The stars added: 'We were really looking forward to playing for you and hope we can see you at one of our other shows soon. 'Thank you for all your support always [pink heart emoji] Roy + Otis'. As news of the gig's cancellation spread, fans expressed their sadness on social media but wished the performer well. Guitar-pop duo Royel Otis have been making music together since 2019, releasing their debut EP, Campus, in 2021. Their commercial breakthrough, however, came last January, when the Grammys named Royel Otis as one of '25 Artists to Watch' that year, leading to the release of their first album, Pratts & Pain, the following month. It debuted at number one on the ARIA Australian Albums Chart. Royel Otis proceeded to gain a huge online following thanks to their viral covers, the first being of Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Murder on the Dancefloor, which also charted Down Under. Then, last April, the pair covered Linger by The Cranberries, which also became a global hit thanks to social media, even reaching the Billboard Hot 100 in August. Since then, their career has only continued to thrive, as they made their US TV debut performing their tune Sofa King on Jimmy Kimmel Live last October, going on to sell over 100,000 tickets across Australia, Europe, and the US. Their success has not been without a smidge of controversy, though. In May this year, they had to issue an apology after being slammed by listeners for 'misogynistic' lyrics. Moody, released earlier that month, sparked backlash for its use of the word 'b***h'. Co-written by award-winning Amy Allen, one line reads: 'She's always givin' it to me. Late nights, she always accusin'. Last time, she said she would kill me. My girl's a b***h when she's moody'. After being blasted by their supporters for the 'cheap' dig, entertainment lawyers on behalf of Royel Otis said they were sorry for any upset caused. 'Moody has been Royel Otis' highest-performing release in the first two weeks globally, both digitally and on radio,' they said. 'This song is written from a specific perspective; it is not intended to convey a broader view or standpoint about women in general. 'We apologise if anyone understood those lyrics otherwise.' Despite the criticism, Moody became Royel Otis's first Billboard number one single. More Trending Fans might also know of member Otis because of his famous mother, multi-millionaire beauty mogul Carla Oates. He famously used to cover his face in public, having only recently started to share snaps of his face online, much to the delight of fans. On his decision to cover up, he previously told the Daily Telegraph: 'It makes it easier to pick pictures; I always look OK because you don't see this f*****g crooked nose and fat a*s head.' Royel Otis are set to release their sophomore album, Hickey, on August 22. 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. MORE: 'Dying people pay me £5,000 to crash their funerals and reveal their secrets' MORE: Australian presenter and TV star David Stratton dies aged 85 MORE: Prisoners 'slaughtered and ate' guinea pigs while working at animal shelter
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Rhian Sugden undergoes 'life-changing' surgery as boobs left her in complete agony
Former Page 3 model Rhian Sugden spent £10,000 on breast reduction surgery to ease the constant pain caused by her "extra large" boobs, but some of her fans and her husband were left "gutted" Former Page 3 girl Rhian Sugden has admitted her "extra large" boobs left her in "agony" after having her son, with her nipples left 11cm too low. The Celebrity Big Brother star said that "gravity took its toll" on her body, forcing her to get a breast reduction. The model, 38, explained to her 492,000 Instagram followers how her breasts had impacted her life in a video. She started: "So, being an ex-Page 3 model, I'm no stranger to getting my boobs out, so I've always been conscious about what they look like and growing up, I think I've had quite a good set of boobs. "But since having a baby gravity has obviously taken its toll and my nipples are 11cm lower than they should be." She admitted her nipples left her feeling a "bit paranoid" and was keen to get her breasts "a bit smaller, perkier, uplifted," to improve her quality of life. It comes after one TV star admitted she sleeps in separate bed to partner as she fumes over pregnancy. READ MORE: Mark Wright shares big 'disappointment' after holiday with baby Palma and Michelle Keegan Rhian continued: "My cup size at the minute is a 34GG, I can fit into a H, and it's just so difficult to buy a decent bra these days. Bikinis, I can't even find one to get into because my frame is so small and my boobs are so big so it's quite difficult. "My back ache, honestly I must have to get a massage like once a week to try and ease the pain and tension in my back." She also found she was missing out on hobbies because of her body. Rhian explained: "I swim a hell of a lot and I think because my boobs are so big, when I swim my back arches up because they push out the water. So even swimming is difficult for me at the moment, not to mention not being able to get into a swimsuit." The surgery was a beacon of hope for Rhian, who was left with deep grooves in her shoulders daily from her bra straps. She added: "Having this reduction is literally going to change my life." Rhian captioned the Instagram post: "A little bit about why I decided to have my breast reduction! This is before, clearly. Those banjongas." Even walking was difficult, her posture was affected and she was living on painkillers, so she decided surgery was the only answer. She forked out more than £10,000 to have the op at Newton-le-Willows clinic Pall Mall Cosmetics. But despite Rhian feeling like a new woman since her surgery, she has admitted her husband, Corrie's Oliver Mellor, wasn't fully on board to begin with. Speaking to the Sun, she said: "Oliver was gutted at first – he's always loved my boobs. But he understands and I think he'll be happy for me to stop moaning about my back ache, to be honest." She's also had mixed feedback from her fans, with one demanding a "refund" as he had bought her content online. OnlyFans creator Rhian explained: "He was saying I'm making the worst mistake of my life – how dare I remove the boobs." Rhian admitted that although she's had the reduction for health and cosmetic reasons, she has found it "difficult" to process other people having an opinion on her body. "It's going to be a relief," she said after her surgery.
