A-ha’s Morten Harket Opens Up About Living With Parkinson’s Disease

The voice behind one of the ’80s’ most beloved anthems has chosen courage over silence in sharing his health journey with the world.

A-ha frontman Morten Harket revealed Wednesday that he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, ending years of keeping his condition away from public attention. The 65-year-old Norwegian singer, whose soaring vocals made “Take On Me” a global phenomenon, shared the news through his band’s official channels on June 4th, according to The Independent.

“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 announced in a statement on their official website. The revelation comes after Harket maintained strict privacy about his diagnosis, prioritizing his need for quiet space to manage the condition.

Harket approached his diagnosis with considerable acceptance, drawing inspiration from his 94-year-old father’s philosophy. “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 shared.

The A-ha singer explained his decision to go public stemmed from an internal desire for openness rather than shame about his condition. “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,” Harket said.

Managing Treatment and Symptoms

Living with Parkinson’s requires constant adjustment and careful balance, something Harket addresses head-on in his daily routine. The singer described his ongoing efforts to maintain his health while managing the complex nature of the disease.

“I’m trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline,” Harket explained. “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.”

Advanced treatment options from the Mayo Clinic in the United States have provided significant relief for the performer. These medical developments have “softened the impact of his symptoms,” allowing him a better quality of life while managing the progressive condition, The Independent reports.

Parkinson’s disease affects approximately 1.1 million people in the U.S. alone, making it the second most prevalent neurodegenerative condition after Alzheimer’s, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. The condition typically manifests after the age of 50, with symptoms including involuntary tremors, slowed movement, muscle stiffness, balance difficulties, and various other physical and emotional challenges.

Uncertain Future for Musical Career

The diagnosis raises questions about Harket’s ability to continue performing, though he maintains an honest and grounded perspective about his musical future. His legendary falsetto voice, which helped define A-ha’s signature sound during their 1980s breakthrough, faces new challenges.

“I don’t really know if I can sing now,” Harket admitted. “I don’t feel like singing, and for me that’s a sign… 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.”

Despite uncertainty surrounding his vocal abilities, the A-ha star has embraced other aspects of his identity beyond music. “I’ve got other passions too, I have other things that are just as big a part of me,” he reflected.

The singer’s message to worried fans displayed a thoughtful nature and positive outlook on life. “Don’t worry about me,” the father of six assured supporters. “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.”

Harket’s openness about his Parkinson’s diagnosis joins him with other high-profile figures, including Michael J. Fox, Billy Connolly, and former President George H.W. Bush, who have shared similar journeys. His decision to speak publicly may inspire others facing the same condition, while demonstrating that life continues to be meaningful beyond any single diagnosis.