Band a-ha's lead singer, Morten Harket, has Parkinson's
Morten Harket, the singer and frontman of the pop band a-ha, has Parkinson's disease.
Harket, in an interview published on the band's website on Wednesday, said he was diagnosed several years ago and has come to terms with the neurological disease.
"I've got no problem accepting the diagnosis," the singer said. "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.'"
However, the disease poses a significant challenge for the father of five, as the interview showed.
"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 is no cure for Parkinson's disease, a progressive brain disease that causes shaking and muscle stiffness and slows movement, according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA). But there are treatment options.
The musician reportedly underwent neurosurgery in June 2024, during which electrodes were implanted in his brain. This procedure, known as deep brain stimulation, has significantly alleviated his symptoms. In December, a similarly successful operation was performed on the right side of his brain.
What will happen to Harket's voice – and his career?
However, his voice, which is so crucial to his career, has been affected.
"The problems with my voice are one of many grounds for uncertainty about my creative future,' he said.
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