Credited from: REUTERS
Morten Harket, the lead singer of the iconic Norwegian band A-ha, disclosed that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a condition affecting the nervous system. The announcement was made on the band's official website and has been confirmed by their record label, Sony Music. At 65 years old, Harket shared that he has undergone multiple rounds of brain surgery to alleviate symptoms, but remains uncertain about his future performances, stating, "I did not know if I would be able to perform again" according to Reuters, HuffPost, and Channel News Asia.
Harket has acknowledged that the disease significantly impacts his vocal capabilities, contributing to feelings of uncertainty regarding his creative future. He remarked, “The problems with my voice are one of many grounds for uncertainty about my creative future,” which reflects the struggle artists face when battling health issues. Despite these challenges, he expressed a commitment to his artistry, having worked on new songs infused with “a different aspect of me” according to HuffPost and Channel News Asia.
Originally formed in 1982, A-ha achieved worldwide fame in the 1980s, particularly due to their hit "Take On Me." Harket's health struggles have prompted a significant response from fans and fellow band members, including heartfelt messages from his bandmate Magne Furuholmen, who expressed gratitude for their shared musical legacy. Harket's journey with Parkinson's has become a topic of interest, emphasizing the challenges many artists face in balancing health and creativity according to Reuters, HuffPost, and Channel News Asia.