A new picture of Morten
(Photo credit: Stian Andersen for a-ha.com)
Morten Harket has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This was revealed in an article on a-ha.com today, written by a-ha biographer Jan Omdahl.
“I’ve got no problem accepting the diagnosis. 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 says.
Although it’s a disease that Morten will have to live with for the rest of his life, the article describes how Morten underwent advanced brain surgery in June and December 2024 which, together with medication, has softened the impact of his symptoms.
But it has changed his voice, which he says is “one of many grounds for uncertainty” about his creative future. When asked by Omdahl if he’s able to sing now, Morten says he doesn’t really know:
“I don’t feel like singing, and for me that’s a sign. I’m broadminded in terms of what I think works; 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.”
He points out that being a singer is just one of many aspects of his life:
“I’ve got other passions too, I have other things that are just as big a part of me, that are just as necessary and true.”
Morten has the following message to us fans:
“Don’t worry about me. Find out who you want to be – a process that can be new each and every day. Be good servants of nature, the very basis of our existence, and care for the environment while it is still possible to do so. Spend your energy and effort addressing real problems, and know that I am being taken care of.”
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Magne has also posted a statement about Morten’s diagnosis on his Instagram:
“dear everyone.
morten has just shared the painful news that he has parkinson’s disease.
having known about morten’s diagnosis for some time does not take the force out of the blow, nor diminish the impact it has had, and will continue have, on us – as people and as a band.
our thoughts are first and foremost with morten and his family at a difficult time adjusting to the changes that this condition has brought into their lives.
the news brings sadness, but it is worth it to remember through the hurt that there is also a lot of gratitude: for all the amazing memories, for how our combined creative efforts as a band have been so generously embraced by the world, and for how lucky we are that people continue to find meaning, hope and joy in our shared musical legacy.
all future a-ha-related activities will of course be tuned to suit morten’s situation, but together we will work to try and find ways to give you the best of ourselves.
thank you everyone for all your support, your kind words, and consideration.”
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a-ha manager Harald Wiik has given the following comment to VG:
“As a lifelong a-ha fan and having had the great pleasure of working with Morten, Magne and Paul as much as I’ve done, there’s nothing I would want more than seeing them on stage together again, but making plans for the future is neither possible nor appropriate at this time.
My only focus is on giving Morten any support and help he would want and need. My thoughts also go out to all others affected by this brutal disease.”
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We here at a-ha-live.com would like to thank Morten for his openness and honesty about the diagnosis. We hope the treatment and medications will continue to alleviate the worst symptoms and want to wish him all the best on the journey ahead.
