Morten Harket, lead singer of the Norwegian synth-pop group A-ha, has announced he has Parkinson’s disease. The news was confirmed in a statement released by the band on Wednesday, 2 June, which read: “This isn’t the sort of news anyone wants to deliver to the world, but here it is: Morten has Parkinson’s disease.” The 65-year-old, best known for his distinctive falsetto voice on the band’s 1985 global hit Take On Me, originally chose to keep the condition private.
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In a personal message published on the band’s official website, Harket shared that he had accepted the diagnosis and referenced the calm perspective of his 94-year-old father: “I use whatever works.” He added that part of him had wanted to go public with the diagnosis for some time but had prioritised peace and quiet to continue his work. He explained that managing the effects of the medication, along with maintaining physical and mental balance, has been a difficult yet ongoing process.
Harket credited treatment developments at the Mayo Clinic in the United States with helping to ease his symptoms. Known for his performance on The Masked Singer UK in 2021 and with a career spanning over four decades, Harket has released 11 albums with A-ha and six solo records. Some of the band’s other notable hits include Stay On These Roads, Scoundrel Days and Summer Moved On. The singer has six children from previous relationships and continues to live with his partner, Inez Andersson.
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Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative condition globally, after Alzheimer’s. While the exact cause is still unclear, experts suggest a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental influences may contribute to the damage of nerve cells in the brain. In the UK, around 145,000 people are currently living with Parkinson’s. Typical symptoms include tremors, muscle stiffness, and slow movement, with some experiencing anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. While medication can help manage symptoms, it does not halt the disease’s progression. Additional therapies may include physiotherapy, occupational support, and, in rare cases, surgical intervention.
