A-ha's vocalist, Morten Harket, reveals Parkinson's diagnosis: "My lack of desire to sing serves as a telltale sign"
From the Silence Comes a Voice: Morten Harket and His Courageous Battle with Parkinson's
Here's a sneak peek into the brave journey of Morten Harket, the lead vocalist of the iconic Norwegian band a-ha, as he faces the challenges of Parkinson's disease and embraces the future.
Morten Harket, the enigmatic voice behind a-ha's chart-topping hits, has revealed his battle with Parkinson's disease. Diagnosed a few years ago, the 65-year-old shared the news on the band's official website, showcasing his resilience and acceptance of the challenge that lies ahead.
As the father of five, Harket shared his struggle in maintaining his physical health, stating, "I'm doing my best to keep my whole body from falling apart." Managing the side effects of medication and balancing life with the disease has been challenging, but Harket remains optimistic.
In search of relief, Harket underwent deep brain stimulation in June 2024, implanting electrodes in his brain. The procedure was successful, and he underwent a second surgery on his right hemisphere in December, both resulting in positive outcomes.
The Voice, a Double-Edged Sword
The disease's impact on Harket's voice, his most potent weapon, leaves his creative future uncertain. "The problems with my voice are one of the reasons for uncertainty about my future in the music industry," he confessed. Whether he can deliver classic hits such as "Take on Me" with the same power remains to be seen. "I don't feel like singing - and that's a sign," he explained. Despite this, Harket remains adamant that his identity transcends singing. "My identity doesn't depend on singing. It's not a tragedy."
Despite this reality, Harket continues to work on music, writing new songs and promising fans that he's doing well. He reminds them not to worry about him.
In 2022, a-ha made the decision to discontinue touring following the release of the album "True North" and the film of the same name. Guitarist Magne Furuholmen explained that Harket had lost his enthusiasm for tour life. "I don't think we should go on tour if it's just pressure for him."
A Shocking Statistic
Parkinson's disease, one of the fastest-growing neurological disorders worldwide, manifests in symptoms like muscle tremors, slowed movements, stiffness, balance problems, and a monotonous or soft voice. Estimates suggest that around 300,000 individuals aged 40 and over in Germany are affected by the condition.
Knowledge and acceptance are vital in overcoming the challenges posed by Parkinson's disease. With the right attitude, courage, and medical intervention, a-ha's beloved frontman might just continue to enchant us with his voice for years to come.
In his quest for relief, Morten Harket has delved into the realm of science, undergoing deep brain stimulation to manage his Parkinson's disease. Meanwhile, the disease's impact on his voice, a vital tool in his career as a musician, raises uncertainties about his future in the music industry. Interestingly, Parkinson's, a rapidly growing neurological disorder worldwide, affects mental health and wellness, demanding our attention towards health-and-exercise routines, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health support for those battling the condition.
