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Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
A-ha singer Morten Harket announces Parkinson's disease diagnosis
A-ha's lead singer Morten Harket has announced his diagnosis with Parkinson's disease. 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'. 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. Magne Furuholmen, Morten Harket and Pal Waaktaar of A-ha during a signing session at HMV Oxford Street, London (Yui Mok/PA) 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. 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.' 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. 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, 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. Morten Harket on stage at the Brit Awards 2006 (Yui Mok/PA) '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.'
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Much-loved music store in major Scots city shuts down after 11 years
Punters will have one last chance to visit the store as it hosts a closing down sale SHUT UP SHOP Much-loved music store in major Scots city shuts down after 11 years A MUCH-LOVED music store in a major Scots city has pulled the shutters down after 11 years. Union Vinyl, located on the Market Brae Steps in Inverness, closed on Saturday, just weeks after celebrating its anniversary. 2 Union Vinyl in Inverness pulled down the shutters on Saturday Credit: Facebook 2 There will be a closing down sale later this week Credit: Facebook The store was known for its extensive collection of albums, though it did not stock music from some of today's most popular artists. Owner Nigel Graham said: 'We do have a certain type of customer. 'If they are into Taylor Swift or whatever, they can quite happily go to HMV for that." Instead, classic albums like Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, Blondie's Parallel Lines, and Fleetwood Mac's Rumours would only last a few days on the shelves at Union Vinyl. Nigel explained that rising costs had become "too much" for the independent shop to handle. He told The Press and Journal: 'The cost of living has proved too much. 'Unfortunately, it was just not sustainable to keep the shop going. 'I had been looking to have someone take it over, but no one could get it over the line. 'It takes a special kind of person to do this job. 'It's a passion project. It's not for the money'. Oasis vinyl The business was born out of Nigel's love of collecting records. It began as a pop-up shop on Union Street in Inverness, later moving to Academy Street and eventually settling on Market Brae Steps. In 2021, he opened a second store called Vinyl 2 Vintage in his hometown, Nairn. Despite the second shop's success, the Inverness location has since become financially unviable. He said: 'The overheads are not as high for our shop in Nairn, but in Inverness we were paying a lot more and it just got too much. 'We just weren't getting the customers. 'They say there is this big vinyl resurgence but I don't think there is – we have never really seen the impact of that. 'Big businesses and corporate companies do kill the independent shops.' The Inverness shop was just a stone's throw from where Nigel used to hunt for records as a young man. He said: 'I do feel it's a shame. 'There has been a record shop on Market Brae steps since the 1970s. I think it's a loss of a tradition. 'I would love someone to take it on.' Pulling down the shutters for a final time, employee Robert Ross played David Bowie's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust - the last song of which is Rock 'n' Roll suicide which Nigel described as "quite apt". There will be one final chance to visit Union Vinyl during a closing-down sale on June 6 and 7. However, much of the remaining stock will be transferred to the store on Nairn High Street. Nigel continued: 'I was also stretched between the two shops. That was a factor. 'The shop in Nairn is bigger and better and I will have more time to devote to it now. 'I hope some people will want to cross the divide to Nairn to come look at some vinyl. 'I like to think some of my regular customers will come over.'
Wales Online
16-05-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Famous breed of dog is dying out with barely any puppies born
Famous breed of dog is dying out with barely any puppies born The breed is facing an uncertain future after recording its lowest annual puppy births since records began, whereas once they numbered in the thousands One type of dog breed is proving far less popular than was once the case (Image: Shared Content Unit ) The Smooth Fox Terrier, a quintessentially British breed and the recognisable face of the HMV mascot, is facing an uncertain future after recording its lowest annual puppy births since records began. Once among the top ten most popular breeds a century ago, with nearly 3,000 puppies registered annually at its height, this small terrier breed has recently been classified as a vulnerable native breed by The Kennel Club due to dwindling numbers. A mere 45 puppies were born in 2024, marking the lowest ever number recorded for the breed. Several other iconic British breeds have also had a concerning start to the year. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here The Airedale Terrier has been added to the 'At Watch' list for the first time – a category for breeds with between 300 and 450 annual puppy births - while both the Yorkshire Terrier and Shetland Sheepdog have recorded their lowest numbers since 1944 and 1946 respectively. The Scottish Terrier, which was added to The Kennel Club's 'At Watch' list last year, has seen a further decline, with last year witnessing the breed's lowest-ever annual puppy births, amounting to just 387 puppies. Article continues below Toy fox terrier puppies Despite the worrying trend, other quintessential British dog breeds reported a significant rise in popularity last year. Notable beneficiaries of this surge include the Rough Collie and Cairn Terrier. Having previously featured on the 'At Watch' list, the Rough Collie and Cairn Terrier secured a spot for themselves by documenting over 450 puppies in 2024. And in a remarkable upswing, a couple of vulnerable breeds reportedly recorded twice the number of the preceding year. For instance, the instantly recognisable Skye Terrier from the Magic Roundabout nearly doubled from a meagre 36 to 71, while the rather elusive Otterhound similarly increased its tally, reaching a considerable 42 in 2024 from 18 in 2023. Expressing concern at the figures Bill Lambert, spokesperson for Crufts, said: "The Smooth Fox Terrier was once one of our most popular breeds, and recognisable the world over as Nipper, the HMV dog, so these latest figures are a real cause for concern. "With 223 different breeds of dog, each with unique characteristics and personalities, we have such a rich diversity of dogs in this country but some are in real danger of disappearing forever, simply because many people don't know about them, meaning many people might not be getting the perfect match for them. "Opportunities to meet less popular breeds of dogs are limited, which is why we have a unique Discover Dogs area at Crufts where visitors can talk to experts and meet more than 200 breeds." Article continues below
Irish Examiner
16-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Limerick mayor signs off on development of council-owned land to 'revitalise' Moyross
Limerick mayor John Moran has signed off on plans to build 73 residential units and 42 apartments and develop a medical facility on land owned by the council. Cluid Housing and Whitebox have been given approval to use the land in a joint venture after they emerged as the successful bidders to develop the site, which will be known as 'Greenhills'. In 2023, elected members granted a Section 183, which led to a planning application for the mixed-use development on the site being granted in 2024. The development will include: 73 residential units; 42 two-bed apartments; A drive-through pharmacy; A coffee shop; A convenience store; And a day centre. Additionally, a nursing home with 90 beds and a new ambulatory medical facility will be developed. According to the mayor's office, a contractor has been identified and work is expected to begin shortly. This comes as the mayoral programme set for 2024 to 2029 includes revitalising the Moyross area — and activating public lands for housing 'more quickly'. An image of what the project could look like. Picture: Mayoral office The project will also provide a "significant jobs boost" to the northside of the city, creating employment in the area and provide upgraded medical facilities, and improved infrastructure. It will be a 'boost to affordable housing options'. Mr Moran said: 'This project is yet another of the plans in the More for Limerick programme for Moyross kicking into action, with other key ones to follow soon. I want to thank colleagues in our housing and regeneration teams, along with elected members in both the current and previous council term, for their work in getting this project shovel-ready. 'This is the moment for Moyross to begin to shape another new narrative — one of resilience, creativity and shared future — building on the progress in recent years. Onwards and upwards — more for Moyross.' Director general of the council Pat Daly, added: 'This is a game-changer for Moyross. With planning permission secured, the official disposal of this land lays the foundation for a more vibrant, healthy and sustainable community. We're looking forward to seeing the delivery of a project that aligns so closely with our vision for a thriving, equitable Limerick.' Read More Iconic music shop HMV to reopen in Limerick for first time since 2010s
Extra.ie
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
HMV returns to Munster for first time in more than 10 years
HMV's second Irish store opens today (Friday, May 16) in a Limerick shopping centre with the first 50 customers receiving a goodie bag! The iconic store opens at 9.30am at the Crescent Shopping Centre in Dooradoyle, 15 minutes outside Limerick city. Today's top videos STORY CONTINUES BELOW It will be the second Irish HMV store, with another one based on Henry Street in Dublin and will be the first time HMV has been in Limerick for more than a decade. HMV's second Irish store opens today (Friday, May 16) in a Limerick shopping centre with the first 50 customers receiving a goodie bag! Pic: Crescent Shopping Centre/ Instagram Record enthusiasts and collectors will be able to browse 5,000 different vinyl albums in-store, along with 5,500 different CDs and a wide range of music technology. Pop culture and entertainment fans will be able to dive into 3,000 products across franchises including Stranger Things, Pokémon, Star Wars, Marvel and DV, as well as 300 different t-shirt designs. The store opens at 9.30am on Friday, with the first 50 customers to make a purchase gifted a free pop culture swag bag. Customers looking to pop in can find the shop located in the City Mall wing of the centre. The shop is the first shop on your left when entering the centre through this wing (located beside Elvery's). The 5,478 sq. ft. store also features a performance space in-store, which is sure to draw signings and performances from both established artists and grassroots local brands. Local musicians are encouraged to contact the staff in-store for details on how to perform through HMV's Live & Local programme. It will be the second Irish HMV store, with another one based on Henry Street in Dublin and will be the first time HMV has been in Limerick for more than a decade. Pic: Crescent Shopping Centre/ Instagram To date, the programme has seen more than 1,600 gigs performed throughout the UK and Ireland this year. hmv Limerick's store manager, Bronwen Dawson said: 'Nothing beats discovering new music and pop culture products in a store filled with expert, knowledgeable staff. 'We're beyond excited to be back in Limerick and we can't wait to fling open the doors and show customers round on opening day. The stores opening hours align with those of the Crescent Shopping Centre:
