Morten Harket Parkinson’s Disease Announcement Leaves Fans in Shock—Here’s What We Know

Morten Harket: Parkinson’s Disease Profile

The instantly identifiable voice behind A-ha’s classic hit, “Take On Me,” Morten Harket, recently revealed a personal story that touched fans of all ages. The Norwegian singer, 65, acknowledged receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder that he has been discreetly managing for a number of years. In addition to being frank, his admission—which was made via the band’s official website by longtime biographer Jan Omdahl—was especially poignant because it followed a string of delicate brain surgeries intended to slow the disease’s progression.

Harket made a decision that was both highly personal and medically significant when he decided to have deep brain stimulation (DBS) on both hemispheres of his brain twice, in June 2024 and December 2024. DBS, which involves inserting electrodes into specific brain areas, has emerged as a highly successful treatment for some Parkinson’s symptoms, especially stiffness and tremors. Harket had a clear objective: to protect what he valued most: his independence, his creative pursuits, and, if feasible, his voice.

But the voice is still unsure. Harket described the situation in a very straightforward manner, saying that he doesn’t feel like singing right now. For a man who used to soar into falsetto with laser-like precision, that internal hesitancy indicates a significant change. He freely acknowledged that he doesn’t anticipate regaining complete technical command. He is more concerned with whether his voice can still express meaning and act as a medium for emotional truth.

Many well-known people have spoken out about having Parkinson’s disease in the last ten years. The public discourse surrounding the illness is progressively changing as a result of Michael J. Fox’s open memoirs and Ozzy Osbourne’s most recent revelations. Instead of hiding, these people are empowering and educating others. Harket’s announcement, which is remarkably humble, helps bring about that change. Harket’s tone is more introspective than Fox’s, who presented his journey as a public mission. Speaking from a place of introspection rather than a platform, he echoed his 94-year-old father’s pragmatic approach to aging when he said, “I use whatever works.”

The effects of Parkinson’s disease extend beyond motor control. It complicates artistic expression, disrupts routines, and changes identity. Harket explained that managing one’s mindset, blood sugar levels, brain signals, and medications all require a daily “balancing act.” On good days, he doesn’t show many symptoms. However, preventing those symptoms necessitates a highly effective system of constant adjustments—an unseen dance simply to keep things in balance.

Harket has greatly lessened the more upsetting aspects of his illness by forming strategic alliances with his medical team, which includes experts from the Mayo Clinic. However, he underlined that this trip is not a straight line but rather a rollercoaster. Some days seem doable, while others are unclear. Although he is still writing lyrics, he is not sure if they will ever be turned into complete songs. He used the remarkably powerful metaphor of “time will tell if they make it” to describe his creative limbo.

A-ha made a lasting impression on music history with its eerie synths and soaring hooks. Harket’s distinctive tone and vocal dexterity were always at the core of the band’s appeal, even though “Take On Me” became their global catchphrase. His voice, which combined emotional sensitivity and control, came to represent the global appeal of Scandinavian pop. It seems particularly poignant that a neurodegenerative condition now threatens such a voice.

However, Harket’s candor is far from a farewell. More like a reset, it reads. He has allowed himself the opportunity to rediscover who he is outside of the parameters of vocal perfection by disclosing his diagnosis now, following surgeries and years of silence. The next stage of his career might not feature sold-out arenas or falsetto acrobatics, but it might offer something even more poignant: music crafted with the nuanced wisdom of a person who has really faced himself.

For many artists, working remotely became the standard during the pandemic. This trend could be especially advantageous for Harket. Musicians can now work together asynchronously, contribute from home studios, and manage the creative tempo thanks to new tools. This adaptability might enable Harket to pursue new musical avenues that fit his present skill level without requiring comparisons to his earlier work.

In addition to music, his public statement highlights a larger cultural change in the way we perceive chronic illness. Conditions like Parkinson’s are no longer kept to themselves; they are becoming more widely discussed in society, particularly as long-time survivors like Michael J. Fox and Muhammad Ali continue to influence public opinion. The inclusion of Harket in this story literally gives voice to the artistic community’s distinct interest in these debates.