Latest news with #Morten
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
A-ha singer Morten Harket diagnosed with Parkinson's
A-ha singer Morten Harket has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The 65-year-old star - who is the frontman and a founding member of the 'Take On Me' hitmakers - has accepted the diagnosis as he battles the degenerative condition, having originally planned to keep it "strictly private". The band announced in a statement: "This isn't the sort of news anyone wants to deliver to the world, but here it is: Morten has Parkinson's disease.' In his own statement on the group's official website, Morten 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.' " Although part of Morten was willing to open up publicly about the illness, he was also concerned about his own "need for peace and quiet to work". He explained: '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." The singer noted he's trying to find a balance between his medication and the "side effects", as well as still trying to live his life. He added: "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.' Meanwhile, he acknowledged that his future work with the band is unclear, as he waits to find out the lasting impact of Parkinson's on his voice. Asked if he can sing "at all", he told the group's website: '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.'
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
a-ha legend Morten Harket in heartbreaking health admission and says 'I don't want to sing'
a-ha legend Morten Harket in heartbreaking health admission and says 'I don't want to sing' Take on Me and Sun Always Shines on TV star said 'I'm trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline' A-ha - Magne Furuholmen, Morten Harket and Pal Waaktaar. Lead singer Morten has Parkinson's Disease (Image: Getty Images ) A legendary 1980s heartthrob and a-ha member has revealed he has Parkinson's Disease. Morten Harket who is 65, explained in a post on the band's website that he is battling the condition. The Take on Me and Sun Always Shines on TV star in a heartbreaking post admitted that he 'doesn't feel like singing' and it is impacting his voice. Morten who is a father of five and a grandfather 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 also revealed he's been battling the disease for some time and had kept it to himself and close family and friends. He explained why: ''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. 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.' Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement, causing symptoms like tremor, slowness of movement, and muscle stiffness. It's a degenerative condition where nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine begin to die off, leading to a decline in movement control. Article continues below Asked if he can still sing Morten 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.' The actor Michael J. Fox is probably the most famous Parkinson's patient. The star of the Back to the Future films has been open about living with the diagnosis he received in 1998; in 2000 he set up a foundation to promote research into the causes of and treatment for the disease. In June 2024, Morten underwent a neurosurgical procedure in which electrodes were implanted deep inside the left side of his brain. These 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. The method is called deep brain stimulation (DBS) and is among the most advanced treatments in neurology. The procedure had the desired effect: with the right electrical impulses now reaching Morten's brain, many of his physical symptoms practically vanished. In December 2024 he underwent a similar procedure on the right side of his brain, which was also successful.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
A-HA star Morten Harket reveals life-changing health diagnosis saying it could end his pop career
EIGHTIES A-ha pin-up Morten Harket has Parkinson's disease. The Advertisement 5 Morten Harket has revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease Credit: Getty 5 The A-ha singer acknowledged it could affect his pop career Credit: Getty The star added: 'Part of me wanted to reveal it. 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.' Advertisement Read More on Morten Although the disease is not fatal, victims' condition gradually worsens over time. It is the most widespread – and the fastest-spreading – neurological condition in the world. Last year Norway-based Morten underwent neurosurgical procedures in which electrodes were implanted deep inside both sides of his brain. The procedure meant many of his physical symptoms practically vanished. Advertisement Most read in Music He is still able to drive his boat - but is worried about being able to sing for much longer. And hits not yet released may never be heard by fans. The star, whose hits included Scoundrel Days, Summer Moved On and Stay On These Roads, said: 'The problems with my voice are one of many grounds for uncertainty about my creative future .' He added: '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. Advertisement "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 .' Looking forward he bravely said: '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. Advertisement "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.' The star told fans: 'Don't worry about me. Find out who you want to be – a process that can be new each and every day. Everything you need to know about Parkinson's Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition, meaning that it causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time. It affects around 153,000 people in the UK. People with Parkinson's don't have enough of the chemical dopamine because some of the nerve cells that make it have stopped working. This can cause a range of more than 40 symptoms, but the three main ones are: Tremor (shaking) Slow movement Rigidity (muscle stiffness) Other common signs include: Mild memory and thinking problems Trouble sleeping Issues with balance Pain Anxiety and depression Shuffling walk with very small steps Difficulty making facial expressions Loss of sense of smell Problems peeing Constipation The four main ways of managing Parkinson's include medication, staying active, exploring occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech and language therapy, and monitoring symptoms. Source: "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. '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. Advertisement "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.' 5 The star has opened up on living with the illness Credit: Getty Advertisement 5 Morten with his A-ha bandmates Credit: Getty - Contributor 5 Morten expressed fears that some of his tracks could go unheard as a result of the condition Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
A-HA star Morten Harket reveals life-changing health diagnosis saying it could end his pop career
Morten admitted he isn't sure if he will be able to finish some of the music he is currently working on health woes A-HA star Morten Harket reveals life-changing health diagnosis saying it could end his pop career EIGHTIES A-ha pin-up Morten Harket has Parkinson's disease. The Take On Me crooner, 65, said: "I've got no problem accepting the diagnosis.' Advertisement 5 Morten Harket has revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease Credit: Getty 5 The A-ha singer acknowledged it could affect his pop career Credit: Getty The star added: 'Part of me wanted to reveal it. 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.' Advertisement Parkinson's disease is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain and affects communication between neurons in the brain and muscles. Although the disease is not fatal, victims' condition gradually worsens over time. It is the most widespread – and the fastest-spreading – neurological condition in the world. Last year Norway-based Morten underwent neurosurgical procedures in which electrodes were implanted deep inside both sides of his brain. The procedure meant many of his physical symptoms practically vanished. Advertisement He is still able to drive his boat - but is worried about being able to sing for much longer. And hits not yet released may never be heard by fans. The star, whose hits included Scoundrel Days, Summer Moved On and Stay On These Roads, said: 'The problems with my voice are one of many grounds for uncertainty about my creative future.' Morten Harket stars in A-ha's music video for hit song 'Take On Me' in 1984 He added: '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. Advertisement "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.' Looking forward he bravely said: '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. Advertisement "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.' The star told fans: 'Don't worry about me. Find out who you want to be – a process that can be new each and every day. Everything you need to know about Parkinson's Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition, meaning that it causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time. It affects around 153,000 people in the UK. People with Parkinson's don't have enough of the chemical dopamine because some of the nerve cells that make it have stopped working. This can cause a range of more than 40 symptoms, but the three main ones are: Tremor (shaking) Slow movement Rigidity (muscle stiffness) Other common signs include: Mild memory and thinking problems Trouble sleeping Issues with balance Pain Anxiety and depression Shuffling walk with very small steps Difficulty making facial expressions Loss of sense of smell Problems peeing Constipation The four main ways of managing Parkinson's include medication, staying active, exploring occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech and language therapy, and monitoring symptoms. Source: Parkinson's UK and NHS "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. '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. Advertisement "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.' 5 The star has opened up on living with the illness Credit: Getty Advertisement 5 Morten with his A-ha bandmates Credit: Getty - Contributor
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Iconic '80s band member diagnosed with Parkinson's as group share statement
A-ha frontman Morten Harket has revealed he has Parkinson's disease. The Norwegian band shared a press release on their own website telling fans of the news and said Morten has been "battling his own body" in recent years. It added: 'This isn't the sort of news anyone wants to deliver to the world, but here it is: Morten has Parkinson's disease.' In his own interview on the band's official website, Harket, 65, said he had initially kept the degenerative condition private but has now decided to tell fans. He 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. 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. 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.' Mortem spoke to the band's biographer Jan Omdahl at his home on Norway's south coast for the announcement. He said a few people in his immediate circle knew that he is ill, but he had held off telling more people because of the unpredictable consequences of going public with the illness. But behind the scenes Mortem has been making the most of advanced technology in treating Parkinson's and has been using a method called deep brain stimulation. Morten's neurologist in Norway is Dr. Christina Sundal at NeuroClinic Norway, and she was previously a research fellow with the Parkinson's team at the Mayo Clinic. This is a renowned clinic in the US for medication and advanced brain surgery. Morten underwent a neurosurgical procedure in June 2024 in which electrodes were implanted deep inside the left side of his brain. These 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. The method is called deep brain stimulation (DBS) and it is among the most advanced treatments in neurology and thankfully Morten responded well. The procedure had the desired effect: with the right electrical impulses now reaching Morten's brain, many of his physical symptoms practically vanished. In December 2024 he underwent a similar procedure on the right side of his brain, which was also successful, and he is still able to drive in Norway although not everything about his body is as it was. His voice has changed with Parkinsons. 'The problems with my voice are one of many grounds for uncertainty about my creative future,' he says. Asked if he can sing at all, he adds: '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.' '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.' Despite these comments he has been writing lyrics on an iPad and has recorded some fairly recent demos. Asked if he had a message for fans, Mortem 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.' ENDS
