Morten Harket, lead singer of the Norwegian pop 1980s band A-ha, recently announced his Parkinson’s diagnosis and divulged that he might never sing again. The 65-year-old Harket helped A-ha dominate the 80s pop scene with hit songs such as “Take On Me”, “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.”, and “The Living Daylights”.
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Morten Harket broke the news in a press release/interview published on A-ha’s website on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Harket disclosed that he has been participating in therapy for the last year. While it has helped diminish the effects of the disease, he states that it is still difficult to perform and sing.
Harket told the group’s biographer, Jan Omdahl, “I don’t feel like singing, and for me that’s a sign.” “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. But I don’t know whether I’ll be able to manage it at some point in the future,” added Harket.
Morten Harket Says He Has “No Problem Accepting the Diagnosis”
Despite the prospect of never signing again, Harket is seemingly taking this major road bump in stride. He told Omdahl, “I’ve got no problem accepting the diagnosis,” and “Part of me wanted to reveal it.” Harket continued, “Acknowledging the diagnosis wasn’t a problem for me; it’s my need for peace and quiet to work that has been stopping me.”
In addition to receiving therapy, Harket also had two major neurosurgical procedures in 2024. His current neurologist is Dr. Christina Sundal, who has connections with the Mayo Clinic in the United States and has been able to procure treatment for Harket at the renowned hospital.
Harket will live with Parkinson’s for the rest of his life. However, his care will make the disease and its symptoms manageable. Though, as he stated, there is no telling if he will be able to return to the stage and sing during his life. He further testified to that fact by stating, “The problems with my voice are one of many grounds for uncertainty about my creative future.”
Photo by Gina Wetzler/Redferns
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