Morten Harket, the frontman of the Norwegian group A-ha, known for their iconic song “Take On Me” from the 1980s, revealed his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Harket, aged 65, disclosed this information through a statement on the band’s official website, which was further verified by Sony Music, the record label. He shared that he had undergone multiple brain surgeries and was currently managing the symptoms associated with the condition.
Parkinson’s disease is a condition that causes the degeneration of the nervous system in the brain, leading to symptoms like tremors that can worsen over time. Although treatments such as surgery and medication are available, a permanent cure for the disease is yet to be found.
Harket mentioned that he had received neurological procedures last year where electrodes were implanted in his brain, resulting in a reduction of his symptoms. Known for his impressive vocal range, Harket expressed uncertainty about his future performances.
Acknowledging his diagnosis, Harket expressed the challenges of balancing medication and dealing with the treatment’s side effects. He emphasized his efforts to prevent a decline in his overall health.
A-ha, formed in 1982 by Harket along with Paul Waaktaar-Savoy and Magne Furuholmen, gained international fame in 1985 with their first album, “Hunting High and Low,” featuring hits like “Take On Me” and “The Sun Always Shines on TV.”
The song “Take On Me” recently gained attention when it was performed acoustically by Bella Ramsey’s character Ellie in the second season of HBO’s popular series “The Last of Us.”