Legendary A-Ha frontman Morten Harket has disclosed that his iconic singing career may be nearing its end following a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Known for his unforgettable vocals on the global hit “Take on Me,” the 65-year-old Norwegian singer shared the deeply personal news on the band’s official website.
Harket revealed that he has been battling the neurological disorder privately for the past year, undergoing intense treatment that has both helped and hindered him. In an interview with A-Ha’s biographer Jan Omdahl, Harket said he underwent two surgical procedures to implant electrodes into his brain—a technique known as deep brain stimulation.
While the treatment has alleviated some of Parkinson’s physical symptoms, it has also taken a toll on his vocal ability. “I don’t feel like singing, and for me that’s a sign,” Harket said. “The question is whether I can express myself with my voice. As things stand now, that’s out of the question.”
The singer described the emotional and physical complexities of balancing medications and managing side effects. “It’s a difficult balancing act between taking the medication and managing its side effects,” he explained. “There’s so much to weigh up when you’re emulating the masterful way the body handles every complex movement.”
Despite the challenges, Harket says he has accepted the diagnosis with clarity and resolve. He credited his 94-year-old father with giving him practical advice: “Use whatever works.”
He added that the reason for keeping his condition under wraps until now was to preserve the quiet space he needed to adapt. “Acknowledging the diagnosis wasn’t a problem for me; it’s my need for peace and quiet to work that has been stopping me.”
A-Ha, which includes Harket alongside bandmates Magne Furuholmen and Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, last toured in 2020 and performed what may have been their final show at the Hollywood Bowl in 2022. Though Harket has been writing new music in recent years, he’s uncertain if he will be able to complete and release it. “I don’t know whether I’ll be able to manage it at some point in the future,” he admitted.
Still, the ever-thoughtful artist had an uplifting message for his fans. “Don’t worry about me,” he said. “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.”
While his musical future remains uncertain, Harket’s focus is clear: to live purposefully and authentically, embracing each day as it comes.
