Morten Harket of A-ha Reveals Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis

Morten Harket, lead singer of the iconic band A-ha, has publicly confirmed he is battling Parkinson's disease, a diagnosis that casts uncertainty over his future in music.

Morten Harket, the iconic voice behind A-ha's 1985 global hit "Take On Me," has revealed that he is living with Parkinson's disease. The 64-year-old singer shared the news in a heartfelt interview published on the band's official website, offering fans a glimpse into his personal journey with the condition.

Harket said he had kept the diagnosis private for years but felt it was time to share the truth with fans. "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.

Harket, who has undergone two rounds of deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery at the Mayo Clinic—first on the left side of his brain in June 2024 and again on the right six months later—said the treatment has helped preserve his motor function. He noted that being able to drive himself to the interview was one indication of progress.

"I'm trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline," Harket said. "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 currently manages most daily functions, Harket admitted that the condition has impacted his ability and desire to perform. "The problems with my voice are one of many grounds for uncertainty about my creative future," he shared.

Asked whether he can still sing, he answered, "I don't really know. I don't feel like singing, and for me that's a sign." The singer added that he's not positive he can achieve full technical control of his voice.

"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 admitted.

Though he acknowledges the challenges ahead, Harket expressed a sense of peace about making his diagnosis public, stating it allows him to focus on managing the illness and preserving his health.