Music Legend Battling a Challenging Foe: Morten Harket's Parkinson's Reveal
Morten Harket, the notable vocalist, is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
In a shocking move, Norwegian pop sensation Morten Harket, the face of the renowned band a-ha, has come clean about his battle with Parkinson's disease. In an honest interview shared on the band's official website, Harket discussed his diagnosis, stating he was diagnosed several years ago. The resilient musician emphasized his acceptance of the diagnosis, adopting the attitude of his 94-year-old father: "I take whatever works."
However, the disease is no walk in the park. Harket, a dad of five, openly shared struggles in maintaining his body's integrity. "It's a delicate dance between managing medications and dealing with their side effects," he explained. A life-long journey with Parkinson's looms large ahead.
Electrifying Treatment and Surgery
Technology proved a blessing in Harket's fight. In 2024, he underwent neurourgical treatment, with electrodes implanted in his brain for deep brain stimulation. The procedure noticeably improved his symptoms. A later operation in December focused on his right hemisphere, offering further relief.
A Changing Voice and the Future of His Iconic Songs
The disease's grasp on his indelible voice, instrumental to his career, is a cause of uncertainty for Harket's creative future. "My voice troubles are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to questioning my career trajectory," he admitted. Can he still sing timeless hits like "Take on Me"? "I can't promise anything," he said, hinting at a potentially tough road ahead. Yet, he refuses to view this as a tragedy, reminding us that his identity is not confined to music alone.
Continuing to Compose Tunes
Yet, composing new songs remains a beacon of hope for Harket. He has penned a few tunes that might someday find their way to the public. The future of these creations remains uncertain, but he held a message for fans: "Worrying about me isn't necessary."
Back in 2022, a-ha refrained from touring after releasing the album "True North" and a companion film, with keyboardist Magne Furuholmen admitting Harket's lack of delight was the reason. "I don't think it's fair for us to tour if it brings pressure for Morten and robs him of joy," Furuholmen said in a Deutsche Presse-Agentur interview.
Parkinson's disease, known for symptoms such as uncontrollable tremors, slowed movements, stiff muscles, balance issues, masked faces, and monotone speech, is among the fastest-growing neurological disorders worldwide. As many as 300,000 people aged 40 and above face this challenge in Germany alone.[1] Yet, Harket stands tall, determined to harmonize his battle with Parkinson's with his unbridled passion for music.
- In the midst of his battle with Parkinson's, technology has provided a silver lining for Morten Harket, as he underwent neururgical treatment in 2024, involving deep brain stimulation, and a subsequent operation in December that focused on his right hemisphere.
- While the disease has cast doubt on Harket's ability to maintain the smooth performance of his iconic songs, such as "Take on Me," he refuses to view this as a tragedy, expressing a desire to continue composing new music, with the hope that some of his new creations might find their way to the public in the future.
- The intersection of Harket's career and personal life is apparent in discussions about his health, as his struggle with Parkinson's has stirred conversation not only in the realms of music and entertainment but also in health-and-wellness, mental-health, and pop-culture, with celebrities and fans alike expressing their support and empathy for the renowned musician's journey.
