Morten Harket Diagnosed With Parkinson's Disease: ‘I Don't Feel Like Singing'
Last Updated:
Morten Harket didn't say exactly when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's, but explained that he takes medicine to control his symptoms.
Morten Harket, lead singer of the iconic Norwegian band A-ha, has revealed that he is living with Parkinson's disease. The Take On Me hitmaker shared the news on the band's official website, though he did not specify when he was diagnosed. Harket explained that he is currently managing his symptoms with medication. In addition, he underwent surgery in the United States last year, during which doctors implanted tiny electrodes in his brain. These are connected to a small device in his chest as part of a treatment known as deep brain stimulation (DBS), which has helped stabilise his condition. While the treatment has been largely successful, Harket acknowledged that the disease has impacted his voice.
The singer 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. ' Part of me wanted to reveal it. 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. You're actually seeing me at my worst right now."
Morten Harket's voice, long considered his most distinctive gift, is now beginning to show signs of strain. He admitted that the changes in his voice are one of the main reasons he feels uncertain about his musical future. At times, he experiences sudden drops in energy, moments when everything around him seems to fall silent. Throughout the years, his bandmates Paul and Magne have often written songs that pushed his vocal abilities to the limit, constantly challenging him to deliver his very best.
Now, due to the illness, Harket said, 'I don't feel like singing, and for me that's a sign. I'm broad-minded in terms of what I think works; I don't expect to be able to achieve full technical control. I don't know whether I'll be able to manage it at some point in the future. When we tune the frequencies and direction of the electrodes, it is also able to affect the region of the voice, but we're not yet able to capture and control it. If I don't take dopamine, my voice settles down, but then the general underlying symptoms become more pronounced."
Morten Harket knows that many people will now send him advice, treatment ideas and suggestions. But he explained that he needs to focus only on the doctors' and experts' advice. He trusts their knowledge and wants to stick to their advice. He also asked people not to worry about him. Instead, he encouraged everyone to focus on their own growth and purpose. He also reminded people to protect nature and care for the environment, as these are the real issues that need attention.
The A-ha singer shared that he has been working on new songs for the past few years. He feels that the lyrics show a different, more personal side of him. However, he's not sure if he'll be able to complete and release them.
First Published:
June 05, 2025, 15:15 IST
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