A-ha singer Morten Harket, 65, shares Parkinson’s diagnosis after battling condition privately: ‘Don’t worry about me’
A-ha frontman Morten Harket has revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, ending years of keeping the condition private.
The Norwegian band released a statement on Wednesday saying: “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 singer said he originally kept his diagnosis “strictly private” but has now decided to inform fans.
“I’ve got no problem accepting the diagnosis,” Harket said in his own statement.
“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.”
The singer has been undergoing treatment at the Mayo Clinic in the United States, where he received advanced brain surgery to manage his symptoms.
In June 2024, Harket underwent a neurosurgical procedure on the left side of his brain, with electrodes implanted deep inside.
These connect to a pacemaker-like device placed under the skin of his upper chest that sends electrical impulses to the brain.
The treatment, known as deep brain stimulation (DBS), proved successful, with many of his physical symptoms practically vanishing.
Six months later, in December 2024, he underwent a similar procedure on the right side of his brain, which was also successful.
Despite the positive results, Harket continues to face challenges with his condition.
Harket drew inspiration from his 94-year-old father’s approach to physical decline, saying: “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 singer acknowledged the complex challenges of managing his condition.
“I’m trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline,” he said. “It’s a difficult balancing act between taking the medication and managing its side effects.”
He described the daily struggles of living with Parkinson’s: “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.”
Despite the successful surgeries, Harket faces uncertainty about his singing career.
“The problems with my voice are one of many grounds for uncertainty about my creative future,” he admitted.
When asked if he can still sing, Harket responded: “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.
“The question is whether I can express myself with my voice. As things stand now, that’s out of the question.”
He offered reassurance to fans: “Don’t worry about me. Find out who you want to be – a process that can be new each and every day.”