Latest news with #A-Ha
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A-ha's Morten Harket reveals he has Parkinson's disease
Morten Harket, frontman of celebrated Norwegian synth-pop band A-Ha, has revealed that he has Parkinson's disease. The news was shared by the band in a statement on their website which read: 'This isn't the sort of news anyone wants to deliver to the world, but here it is – Morten has Parkinson's disease.' The pop icon, aged 65, shared further details of the diagnosis in the post, and explained why he has sharing the news after previously keeping details on his health 'strictly private'. '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 wrote. '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.' Harket said he underwent neurological procedures to have electrodes implanted inside his brain last year and that this had reduced the symptoms. He continued: '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.' Regarding whether Harket can still perform and sing, he wrote: '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.' Parkinson's is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the world, behind Alzheimer's. It causes deterioration in the brain's nervous system, leading to tremors and other symptoms that can become progressively worse over time. Common symptoms include involuntary shaking, slower-than-usual movement, and stiffness in the muscles. The disease can be treated with surgery and medication, but there is no cure. It is not known what exactly leads to people developing the condition. Other famous faces who have had Parkinson's diagnoses include Back To The Future actor Michael J. Fox, heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne and Scottish comedian Billy Connolly.
New York Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
A-Ha singer Morten Harket may not sing again after Parkinson's diagnosis
A-ha singer Morten Harket has revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and may not be able to sing again. The 'Take on Me' superstar shared in an interview on the Norwegian synth pop band's website that treatment for symptoms of the condition have affected his voice and 'creative future.' The 65-year-old singer said he has been undergoing deep brain stimulation treatment for the past year after two procedures to implant electrodes into the left and then right side of his brain. 4 Morten Harket in the music video for the A-Ha song 'Take On Me.' The electrical impulses fired into his brain have reduced the impact of some of the disease's physical symptoms but have affected his soaring vocal power and ability to sing. 'I don't feel like singing, and for me that's a sign,' he told the band's biographer Jan Omdahl. '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.' 4 Harket from A-ha performs on stage at the Bergenfest festival on June 15, 2022 in Bergen, Norway. Redferns Harket said he had kept the diagnosis private until now so he could focus on the 'delicate balancing act' of managing his symptoms with medication and advanced neurological treatment. He said he had 'no problems accepting the diagnosis' and took his 94-year-old father's advice to 'use whatever works' as he navigates living with the degenerative disorder. '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,' Harket said. '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. 4 A-ha perform at Idyll Festival at Isegran on June 17, 2022 in Fredrikstad, Norway. Corbis via Getty Images 4 (L-R) Morten Harket, Magne Furuholmen, and Pal Waaktaar-Savoy. picture alliance via Getty Images '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 and bandmates Magne Furuholmen and Paul Waaktaar-Savoy last toured Australia in 2020 and performed what may be their final concert at the Hollywood Bowl in July 2022. The musician said he had been working on new songs in recent years but was unsure 'if I'll be able to finish them for release.' But the philosophical singer told fans not to worry about him. 'Don't worry about me. Find out who you want to be – a process that can be new each and every day. Be good servants of nature, the very basis of our existence, and care for the environment while it is still possible to do so,' he said. 'Spend your energy and effort addressing real problems, and know that I am being taken care of.'
Euronews
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Euronews
A-ha's Morten Harket reveals he has Parkinson's disease
Morten Harket, frontman of celebrated Norwegian synth-pop band A-Ha, has revealed that he has Parkinson's disease. The news was shared by the band in a statement on their website which read: 'This isn't the sort of news anyone wants to deliver to the world, but here it is – Morten has Parkinson's disease.' The pop icon, aged 65, shared further details of the diagnosis in the post, and explained why he has sharing the news after previously keeping details on his health 'strictly private'. '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 wrote. '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.' Harket said he underwent neurological procedures to have electrodes implanted inside his brain last year and that this had reduced the symptoms. He continued: '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.' Regarding whether Harket can still perform and sing, he wrote: '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.' Parkinson's is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the world, behind Alzheimer's. It causes deterioration in the brain's nervous system, leading to tremors and other symptoms that can become progressively worse over time. Common symptoms include involuntary shaking, slower-than-usual movement, and stiffness in the muscles. The disease can be treated with surgery and medication, but there is no cure. It is not known what exactly leads to people developing the condition. Other famous faces who have had Parkinson's diagnoses include Back To The Future actor Michael J. Fox, heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne and Scottish comedian Billy Connolly. In a true David versus Goliath struggle in the business world, the French conglomerate Louis Vuitton has launched an intellectual property lawsuit against the Portuguese liqueur producer, Licores do Vale. The French firm says the Monção company's use of an LV (with an inverted V) on the labels of its bottles, and a graphic for its brand's communications, are too similar to the one used by the fashion house in its productions. The action was brought before Intellectual Property Court in order to challenge the registration of the Portuguese brand by the National Institute of Industrial Property. According to the lawsuit filed and quoted by Jornal de Notícias, Louis Vuitton accuses Licores do Vale of "parasitically exploiting the prestige of a third party's brand", and creating "unfair competition" with an "identical or similar" symbol. The French giant says that it is "an almost total reproduction" at "verbal, phonetic and conceptual" level and that it has registered products in the same category, thus reinforcing the alleged similarities. A post shared by Licores do Vale (@_licores_do_vale) Licores do Vale producer, André Ferreira told Jornal de Notícias, that he developed the logo together with his girlfriend in order to promote the product at small agricultural fairs in the region. "The L is for liqueurs and the V is for valley, it was turned upside down to symbolise the mountains surrounding the parish [of Longos Vales] and the little leaves represent nature," he said. Ferreira, a metrology technician, who is trying to take his first steps in the world of artisanal production, says he was "surprised" by the measure, emphasising that the products are not on sale for now. "This is a hobby. We've only just begun and started straight away with this entry. The Louis Vuitton logo and the Licores do Vale logo have nothing to do with each other." Ferreira applied to register the trade mark in August 2024 and it was granted in January 2025. At the time, Louis Vuitton "prioritised international trademark registrations", with no consequences for the small Portuguese producer, who saw his application accepted. Even so, and despite the registration having been approved, the legal appeal now lodged by Louis Vuitton puts that registration on hold, leaving "Licores do Vale" in limbo. On social media, particularly Instagram, many users have shown their support for the small Portuguese producer, encouraging him to continue his business and even to take advantage of the media coverage generated by the case. On Instagram, where liqueurs of different flavours are discussed, the small business has just over 1,000 followers. Louis Vuitton, a French brand with 170 years of history, has more than 55 million followers on Instagram alone.
The Journal
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Journal
A-ha frontman Morten Harket has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease
MORTEN HARKET, THE frontman of synth-pop band A-ha, has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The 65-year-old's diagnosis was announced in an article on the Norwegian band's website , written by their biographer Jan Omdahl. Omdahl said that he was asked to contribute the article to the band's website revealing Harket's condition after it was initially kept strictly private. Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It primarily affects movement but also impacts other bodily functions. There is no cure. 'It used to bother me to think about my sickness becoming public knowledge,' Harket is quoted as saying in the article. 'In the long run it bothers me more to have to protect something that is strictly a private matter by treating it as a secret.' A-ha was formed in 1982 with Magne Furuholmen and Paul Waaktaar-Savoy alongside Harket. Advertisement The trio's most well-known hit is widely regarded as being 'Take On Me' from their 1985 debut album. Norwegian pop group A-Ha in London,1985. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Now a father of five and a grandfather, Harket said of his condition: '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 has already undergone two successful neurological procedures to minimise in symptoms in the last year. When asked by Omdahl if he could 'sing now at all', Morten replied that he didn't know. ''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.' Harket said that he 'won't process' alternative theories and opinions from well-meaning individuals, saying that he is in the care of professionals. To his fans, he said, 'Don't worry about me. Find out who you want to be – a process that can be new each and every day. Be good servants of nature, the very basis of our existence, and care for the environment while it is still possible to do so. Spend your energy and effort addressing real problems, and know that I am being taken care of.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A-Ha Singer Morten Harket Reveals He Has Parkinson's Disease, Says He's Not Sure if He'll Sing Again
Morten Harket, the singer for A-Ha who rose to fame with the massive hit 'Take on Me,' has revealed that he is grappling with Parkinson's disease, and is not sure whether he will be able to perform publicly again. The singer made the revelation in an interview published on A-Ha's website in which he deals candidly with the effects of the disease. Harket says in the interview that he has had two brain surgeries to deal with staving off the effects on the body of the incurable condition. He held off for years in telling fans about the diagnosis, and only a few people in his close circle knew he was ill. More from Variety 'A-ha: The Movie' Review: An Appreciative Take on Them 'A-Ha The Movie': Watch First Trailer For Film on Iconic 'Take on Me' Pop Group (EXCLUSIVE) 'A-ha: The Movie' on 'Take on Me' Band to Receive Worldwide Release (EXCLUSIVE) 'It used to bother me to think about my sickness becoming public knowledge. In the long run it bothers me more to have to protect something that is strictly a private matter by treating it as a secret,' he told interviewer Jan Omdahl. 'Part of me wanted to reveal it,' Harket said, noting that '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.' While he is able to manage most daily functions at present, Market says in the interview, 'The problems with my voice are one of many grounds for uncertainty about my creative future.' Asked if he can sing at all now, Market answers: ''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.' The story says: 'The simple fact that, on good days, Morten shows virtually no sign of many of the most familiar physical symptoms of Parkinson's, doesn't mean that he is well.' The article says that Harket has been dealing with the condition through medication and through advanced brain surgery at the Mayo Clinic. In June 2024, he successfully underwent a neurosurgical procedure called deep brain stimulation (DBS) in which electrodes were implanted in the left side of his brain, connected to a pacemaker-like device; six months later, he had the same procedure on the right side, also successfully. The story uses the fact that Harket is able to drive while being interviewed as proof that these surgeries offered him relief in being able to regain strong motor functions. A-Ha headlined the Hollywood Bowl on July 31, 2022 at the end of a summer tour, and no public performances by the band have been registered since then on the website Setlists,fm. His attitude, as described in the story, is that he is trying to set aside his professional identity to get through the ordeals he is facing and concentrate more on what he is still able to accomplish. ''I was always meant to do different things, but I've ended up with a fairly permanent position as singer in a band. When I say that my identity isn't about being a singer, that's my direct response. It comes straight from the heart. People associate me with it, naturally enough, and I realize that. I see singing as my responsibility, and at certain moments I think it's absolutely fantastic that I get to do it. But I've got other passions too, I have other things that are just as big a part of me, that are just as necessary and true.' He is wary about some of the response he knows will come in from fans who want to be helpful. 'I'm going to get so many messages about what to do and how to deal with it. Lots of suggestions for cures and whatnot, all from well-meaning people. I know there are many opinions and alternative theories, but I need to listen to the professionals I have available to me, who are taking care of this with me and for me, and who keep a close eye on developments in many areas of research taking place today. I won't be able to process anything else.' Asked what he would want to say to A-Ha fans now, Market says, 'Don't worry about me. Find out who you want to be – a process that can be new each and every day. Be good servants of nature, the very basis of our existence, and care for the environment while it is still possible to do so. Spend your energy and effort addressing real problems, and know that I am being taken care of.' Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in June 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
