Morten Harket, the iconic voice behind the Norwegian new wave band A-ha, has announced he is battling Parkinson’s disease. The diagnosis,revealed Wednesday,could possibly impact the singer’s vocal abilities and creative endeavors.

Harket shared the news via an interview on A-ha’s official website, acknowledging that he has been quietly managing the condition for several years.He expressed a pragmatic acceptance of the diagnosis, stating:

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.’

Harket emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and quiet to continue his work, while also navigating the challenges of treatment.

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.

According to A-ha’s biographer Jan Omdahl, Harket underwent deep brain stimulation (DBS) in June 2024. This neurosurgical procedure involves implanting electrodes deep within the brain.

Omdahl noted that DBS, among the most advanced treatments in neurology, considerably reduced the physical toll of Parkinson’s for Harket. combined with treatment from NeuroClinic Norway, it led to a dramatic improvement in his symptoms.

Despite the improvements from DBS, Harket’s signature vocals, known from hits like Take on Me and The Sun Always Shines on TV, remain affected by the disease.

The problems with my voice are one of many grounds for uncertainty about my creative future,
Morten Harket

He elaborated on the challenges of balancing medication and its side effects:

The voice problem comes especially when I take dopamine supplements. If I don’t take dopamine, my voice settles down – but than the general underlying symptoms become more pronounced.
Morten Harket

Harket expressed uncertainty about his ability to perform in the future, emphasizing the importance of self-expression.

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. 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.
Morten Harket

A-ha’s last live performance was in July 2022 during a world tour supporting their album, True North.

Despite the diagnosis, Harket offered an encouraging message to his fans:

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 surroundings 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.
Morten Harket

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system, primarily impacting movement.

What is deep brain stimulation (DBS)?

DBS is a neurosurgical procedure involving the implantation of electrodes deep within the brain to help manage symptoms of Parkinson’s.

How dose Parkinson’s affect Morten Harket’s voice?

The disease and its medications can impact Harket’s vocal control and stability,making singing more challenging.