Quote from Alex bobby on June 6, 2025, 4:27 AM

A-Ha Frontman Morten Harket Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis: “I’m Trying My Best Not to Let My System Decline”

Morten Harket, the distinctive voice behind the iconic 1985 synth-pop anthem “Take On Me” and the James Bond theme “The Living Daylights”, has revealed he is battling Parkinson’s disease. The 65-year-old Norwegian singer, best known as the frontman of legendary pop band A-Ha, made the emotional disclosure in a heartfelt statement posted on the band’s official website.

“This isn’t the sort of news anyone wants to deliver to the world, but here it is – Morten has Parkinson’s disease,” the band shared with fans across the globe.

Embracing the Diagnosis

In a deeply personal message, Harket explained his decision to go public with the diagnosis after previously keeping his health concerns private. “I’ve got no problem accepting the diagnosis,” he wrote. “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’.”

The acclaimed singer admitted that a part of him wanted to be open about the condition, even if it meant confronting difficult realities. “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.”

Undergoing Surgery and Facing the Future

In a further revelation, Harket disclosed that he underwent neurological surgery last year to have electrodes implanted in his brain—a procedure known as deep brain stimulation, which is sometimes used to alleviate symptoms in Parkinson’s patients. He described the outcome as positive, saying it “reduced the symptoms,” though managing the disease remains an ongoing struggle.

“It’s a difficult balancing act between taking the medication and managing its side effects,” he said. “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.”

Will Morten Harket Perform Again?

Fans naturally want to know whether the beloved singer will ever return to the stage or studio. On that subject, Harket was cautiously honest: “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.”

He added, “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.”

This somber admission marks a poignant chapter in the life of a performer who has thrilled audiences worldwide for nearly four decades with his soaring falsetto and emotional depth.

About Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder globally, after Alzheimer’s. It affects nerve cells in the brain, leading to shaking (tremors), slowed movement, and muscle stiffness, among other symptoms. These can gradually worsen, significantly affecting a person’s quality of life.

While there is no known cure, treatments including medication, physical therapy, and surgeries like deep brain stimulation can help manage symptoms. The disease’s exact causes remain unclear, though it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Celebrities Who’ve Faced the Same Battle

Harket joins a group of other prominent figures who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, bringing visibility and empathy to those living with the condition. These include Michael J. Fox, who has long been an advocate for Parkinson’s research through his foundation, Ozzy Osbourne, the rock legend who went public with his diagnosis in 2020, and beloved Scottish comedian Billy Connolly, who has also spoken openly about life with the disease.

Their courage in sharing their journeys has helped reduce the stigma and highlight the need for more research and support for those affected by Parkinson’s.

A Legacy Beyond Music

For millions of fans, Morten Harket is more than just the voice behind A-Ha. His charisma, artistry, and vulnerability have left a deep impression on the music world. His openness about Parkinson’s disease now adds another dimension to that legacy—one of strength, transparency, and grace in adversity.

As Harket steps away from the microphone to focus on his health, fans across generations are left with a musical legacy that remains timeless. Take On Me isn’t just a hit song—it’s a symbol of youth, energy, and now, resilience.