A-ha frontman Morten Harket diagnosed with Parkinson's disease

Australia Broadcast Center

2 days ago

A-ha lead singer Morten Harket has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
The news was announced on Wednesday on the Norwegian band's official website, written by their biographer Jan Omdahl.
In the statement, it was revealed Harket, 65, had already undergone several rounds of brain surgery and had "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," he said.
"I use whatever works."
His diagnosis had until now, remained strictly private, but for a few people in his immediate circle.
When asked why he held off making an announcement, Harket replied it was so he could focus on the "delicate balancing act" of managing his symptoms with medication and advanced neurological treatment.
While Harket has been able to manage the condition for now, it has been affecting his voice, raising uncertainty for his creative future.
When biographer Omdahl asked if Harket thinks if he could sing right now, his response was: "I don't really know.
"I don't feel like singing, and for me that's a sign.
"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."
While Parkinson's can be treated with surgery and medication, there is no current cure.
In June 2024, the singer successfully underwent a neurological procedure called deep brain stimulation (DBS) in which electrodes were implanted in the left side of his brain, connected to a pace-maker like device.
Six months later, he had the same procedure on the right side.
"I'm trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline," Harket said.
When asked what he'd say to A-ha fans now, he replied: "Don't worry about me.
"Spend your energy and effort addressing real problems, and know that I am being taken care of."
Formed in 1982 by Harket and his friends Paul Waaktaar-Savoy and Magne Furuholmen, the band are best known for their hits Take On Me and The Sun Always Shines on TV, which featured in their debut album Hunting High and Low.
In a post on Instagram, Furuholmen said his thoughts were with his band mate and his family at a "difficult time".
"The news brings sadness, but it is worth to remember through the hurt there is also a lot of gratitude," he wrote.
"For all the amazing memories...for how lucky we are that people continue to find meaning, hope and joy in our shared musical legacy."
Other stars including Michael J. Fox, Ozzy Osbourne, Alan Alda and Billy Connolly have all spoken about their experience with the progressive disease.
According to Health Direct, Parkinson's disease occurs when the "nerve cells in the brain don't make enough of a body chemical called dopamine, which affects movement and mood".
Dopamine plays a vital role in regulating the smooth control of muscles and movement, and so typical symptoms can include tremors, stiff and inflexible muscles and slow movement.