Morten Harket of a-ha Shares Parkinson’s Battle After Years of Silence

Morten Harket Steps Forward: Living with Parkinson’s Disease

For years, Morten Harket—the unmistakable voice behind a-ha’s biggest hits—has managed his health struggles in private. Now, at 65, he’s decided to talk openly about his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, ending a period of silence that left even some longtime fans surprised. His recent conversation with the band’s biographer, Jan Omdahl, lifted the veil on both his struggles and his determination to keep going, even as the ground shifts beneath him.

Harket’s approach is anything but defeatist. He draws inspiration from his father, who has reached 94 with a practical attitude he now tries to mirror: “I use whatever works.” That’s more than a catchy phrase. It’s become a reality for Morten, especially this past year, as he faced new medical hurdles head-on.

Navigating Medical Battles and Uncertain Futures

2024 was loaded with tough choices. Harket underwent deep brain stimulation—two separate surgeries where electrodes are embedded into his brain to try and lessen the classic symptoms of Parkinson’s like tremors and muscle stiffness. He says the results brought “desired effects,” but it’s not a cure. He’s still figuring out medication, navigating side effects, and dealing with physical changes most people rarely see. “I’m trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline,” he admits, capturing the ever-present uncertainty that comes with neurodegenerative diseases.

For someone whose life rests on singing and performing, Parkinson’s attacks the core of his craft. Harket says the disease has begun to restrict his vocal abilities, putting everything—from recording to live performances—up in the air. “My voice is my tool, but it’s also a part of me that’s becoming harder to trust.” His usual stage confidence now mingles with nerves: what will tomorrow bring when the voice that lifted “Take On Me” soars less reliably?

But even with these mounting challenges, Harket is focused on what he can still do and control. He puts his energy into staying calm, keeping life balanced, and looking for meaning outside music. “Don’t worry about me,” he insists. “Focus on who you want to be, and even more so, on how we treat the environment around us.” It’s a kind of call-to-action—redirecting attention from himself to bigger questions of value and growth.

For a-ha fans, the news stings. There’s nothing on the band’s immediate schedule and no word on when, or if, Harket will return to the stage. The band put out a statement confirming the news and praised Harket’s resilience, but kept future plans vague. It’s clear that all focus now is on Morten’s health, not ticket sales or chart success. But if anyone expected self-pity, they won’t find it here. Harket’s message is striking in its clarity: take care of yourselves, and keep moving forward, even when life’s notes go off-key.