For decades, his unmistakable falsetto has echoed across airwaves, dance floors and karaoke bars around the world.
But now, the voice behind one of pop’s most iconic songs is confronting a change that’s as personal as it is profound.
Morten Harket, the unmistakable voice behind A-ha’s global smash ‘Take On Me’, has revealed he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The 65-year-old Norwegian singer, whose soaring falsetto defined a generation, shared the news in a candid interview on the band’s official website, opening up about his health, his creative future, and the realities of living with a progressive neurological condition.
For many fans, Harket’s announcement comes as a shock.
After all, A-ha’s music—especially their 1985 debut album Hunting High and Low—remains a staple on playlists and radio stations worldwide.
‘Take On Me’ is instantly recognisable, its iconic synth riff and animated video etched into pop culture history.
But behind the scenes, Harket has been quietly grappling with a diagnosis that affects more than 150,000 Australians and millions globally.
A personal battle, publicly shared
Harket admitted he initially wanted to keep his diagnosis private, preferring to focus on his work and maintain a sense of normalcy.
‘I’ve got no problem accepting the diagnosis,’ he said, reflecting on his father’s pragmatic approach to ageing: ‘I use whatever works.’
But as time went on, he realised that sharing his journey might help others—and perhaps bring him some peace.
‘Part of me wanted to reveal it,’ Harket explained. ‘It’s my need for peace and quiet to work that has been stopping me. I’m trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline.’
He’s been managing the condition with medication and, more recently, advanced neurosurgical procedures.
In June 2024, Harket underwent a successful operation to implant electrodes into his brain.
The procedure, repeated six months later on the opposite side, led to a dramatic improvement in his symptoms.
Living with Parkinson’s: The challenges and the hope
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects movement, causing tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.
There’s currently no cure, but treatments like medication and advanced surgical procedures can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
For Harket, the biggest challenge has been balancing medication with its side effects, and coming to terms with how the disease affects his voice—his most treasured instrument.
‘I don’t feel like singing, and for me that’s a sign,’ he admitted.
‘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.’
His honesty is both sobering and inspiring. Harket’s willingness to talk about these challenges helps break down stigma and encourages others to seek support.
A-ha’s enduring legacy—and Harket’s message to fans
A-ha, formed in Oslo in 1982 by Harket, guitarist Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, and keyboardist Magne Furuholmen, quickly became one of Norway’s most successful musical exports.
Their blend of synth-pop and heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with fans around the world. Even today, ‘Take On Me’ is a go-to karaoke favourite and a symbol of 1980s optimism.
Despite his diagnosis, Harket remains philosophical.
When asked what he’d say to A-ha fans, he replied: ‘Don’t worry about me. Spend your energy and effort addressing real problems, and know that I am being taken care of.’
It’s a message of resilience and perspective—one that resonates with anyone facing health challenges or supporting loved ones through difficult times.
A family man and a creative force
Beyond his music, Harket is a father of six, with children from previous relationships and his current partner, Inez Andersson.
His family, he says, has been a source of strength and support throughout his journey.
As for his creative future, Harket remains open-minded. ‘I don’t expect to be able to achieve full technical control,’ he said, ‘but I’m broadminded in terms of what I think works’.
Your turn: Let’s talk about Parkinson’s
As Morten Harket shares this personal chapter, his story adds to the broader conversation about living with long-term health conditions—particularly those that impact creativity, identity and everyday life.
While each experience with Parkinson’s is unique, his openness invites reflection, support and understanding.
Have you or someone you know been affected by Parkinson’s disease? What support, tools or insights have helped you manage the changes it brings? Whether you’re familiar with A-ha’s music or simply moved by Morten’s story, we invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Also read: Don’t ignore this tiny vision change—experts warn it could signal Parkinson’s
