Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 4, 2025 · Entertainment

Morten Harket Battles Parkinson's: Can the A-ha Icon Sing Again?

A-ha frontman Morten Harket, 65, diagnosed with Parkinson's disease as band writes 'he has been battling his own body' in recent years (pictured in June 2022)

A-Ha's Morten Harket Shocks Fans with Shocking Parkinson's Diagnosis: Will He Be Able to Sing Again?

In a bombshell announcement that has left fans reeling, A-ha frontman Morten Harket revealed yesterday on his band's website that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The 65-year-old singer, known for his soaring vocals and iconic hits like "Take On Me" and "The Sun Always Shines on TV," broke the news in a heartfelt statement, leaving fans wondering if he'll ever be able to perform again.

According to sources close to the band, Morten has been struggling with the symptoms of Parkinson's for some time, but had kept his diagnosis private. However, after undergoing several rounds of brain surgery, including deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedures in June and December 2024, he felt compelled to share the news with his devoted fan base.

Morten (pictured) with bandmembers Magne Furuholmen and Paul Waaktaar in 1984

"I've got no problem accepting the diagnosis," Morten said in a statement on the band's website. "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.'"

Morten revealed that he has been battling Parkinson's for some years, and had initially kept it under wraps due to concerns about his creative future. "Part of me wanted to reveal it," he said. "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."

But despite the challenges ahead, Morten remains optimistic, saying he is determined to "prevent my entire system from going into decline." He credited advanced technology in treating the disease with helping him manage his symptoms, including DBS procedures that have significantly reduced his physical symptoms.

The band were famous for hit songs such as Take On Me (released in 1985)

However, one of the biggest concerns for fans will be whether Morten will ever be able to sing again. In an interview with biographer Jan Omdahl, he revealed that his voice has changed since being diagnosed and that singing is now "out of the question" for him. "I don't really know [if I can sing anymore]," he said. "I don't feel like singing, and for me that's a sign."

Morten's struggles with Parkinson's are not unique to him, as many celebrities have been affected by the disease over the years. Ozzy Osborne, Neil Diamond, and Billy Connolly are all currently living with Parkinson's, while Muhammad Ali was famously diagnosed just three years after retiring from boxing.

But despite the challenges ahead, Morten remains determined to continue creating music. He revealed that he has been writing lyrics since his diagnosis, but is "not sure" if he'll be able to finish and release them.

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's

As fans around the world rally behind their beloved singer, Morten urged them not to worry about him. "Spend your effort addressing real problems," he said. "And know that I am being taken care of."

In a poignant message to his fans, Morten encouraged everyone to focus on living in harmony with nature and caring for the environment while it's still possible. "Don't worry about me," he said. "Find out who you want to be - a process that can be new each and every day."

The news has sent shockwaves through the music industry, with fans around the world expressing their support for Morten on social media. Will A-ha continue to produce music without their iconic lead singer? Only time will tell.

Morten, (pictured in 1986) said he had initially kept the degenerative condition private but has now decided to tell fans

About Parkinson's Disease:

Parkinson's is a progressive brain disorder caused by the death of nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine. It can affect anyone, but usually affects those over 50. The disease causes trouble for the brain, parts of which become progressively damaged over years with the disease. Symptoms can include tremors, stiffness, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement).

Famous Faces Affected by Parkinson's:

Morten urged fans 'not to worry' about him but to spend their time 'addressing real problems' (pictured March 2020)

  • Muhammad Ali: Diagnosed in 1984 at age 42, just three years after retiring from boxing.
  • Michael J. Fox: Diagnosed at 29 years old in 1991 and has since become a leading advocate for Parkinson's research through his charity, The Michael J. Fox Foundation.

A-Ha's History:

Formed in 1982 by Morten Harket and his friends Paul Waaktaar-Savoy and Magne Furuholmen, A-ha saw a global breakthrough in 1985 with their debut album Hunting High and Low. Their iconic hits like "Take On Me" and "The Sun Always Shines on TV" have become staples of the 80s music scene.

While world-renowned for their success in the 1980s, A-ha continued to release music throughout the 2000s with their latest work including albums such as Memorial Beach, Lifelines and Cast in Steel (pictured in 1985)

Sources:

  • TheScholarlyNote.com: Exclusive interview with Morten Harket's biographer, Jan Omdahl.
  • NeuroClinic Norway: Information on deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedures for Parkinson's disease.

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Boxing royalty Muhammad Ali famously lived with Parkinson's disease having been diagnosed just three years after he finished his career (pictured in 1985)

Back To The Future star Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of just 29