Few voices are as instantly recognizable as Morten Harket’s — the soaring falsetto that turned “Take On Me” into a global anthem. In June 2025, the a-ha frontman announced he has Parkinson’s disease, a condition that has already affected his voice through treatment side effects.
Age: 65 (born 1959) ·
Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) ·
Band: a-ha ·
Most Famous Song: Take On Me ·
Diagnosis: Parkinson’s disease (announced June 2025) ·
Number of Wives: 2
Quick snapshot
- Exact stage and progression of his Parkinson’s disease
- Whether he will be able to perform live again
- Long-term impact on his vocal ability
- Plans for future a-ha projects or tours
- June 2025: Harket reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis; BBC Breakfast covers the story on June 5 (BBC Breakfast)
- Treatment side effect has already hindered his voice (Wikipedia)
- Public messages of support followed the disclosure (BBC Breakfast)
- Harket is relying on medical professionals for treatment guidance (Wikipedia)
- He has asked fans not to send alternative cure advice (Wikipedia)
- Potential for Parkinson’s advocacy given his public platform (Wikipedia)
- Future performances uncertain; a-ha’s touring plans not announced (Wikipedia)
Twelve key facts about Harket, one pattern: his life is anchored by a-ha, but his health disclosure adds a new, urgent layer.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Morten Harket |
| Birth Date | September 14, 1959 |
| Birth Place | Kongsberg, Norway |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter |
| Years Active | 1982–present |
| Band | a-ha |
| Known For | Lead vocalist, Take On Me |
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Net Worth (estimated) | $40 million (2025) |
| Spouses | Camilla Malmqvist (1989–1998), Anne Mette Tømmervold (2000–2012) |
| Children | 3 |
| Health | Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (2025) |
What has happened to Morten Harket?
In June 2025, Morten Harket announced he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The news broke via a statement on a-ha’s official channels and was widely reported, including by BBC Breakfast (UK public broadcaster), which covered the story on June 5. The band’s statement expressed support and requested privacy. The disclosure immediately drew public attention because of Harket’s status as the lead singer of a globally beloved band.
Harket, who turns 66 in September, made clear in his statement that he accepted the diagnosis without difficulty. “I have absolutely no problem accepting it,” he said, according to Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia). He quoted his 94-year-old father’s approach to aging: “I use whatever works.”
Treatment for Parkinson’s — specifically deep brain stimulation performed at a Mayo Clinic center — has had a side effect that hinders Harket’s voice. For a singer whose career is built on his vocal instrument, that trade-off is the most consequential detail of his entire disclosure.
“I need to listen to the professionals taking care of me. I cannot process additional suggestions.”
— Morten Harket, via Wikipedia
Has Morten Harket got Parkinson’s disease?
Yes, the diagnosis is confirmed by multiple sources. The band’s official announcement and subsequent reporting by BBC Breakfast established that Harket has Parkinson’s, a progressive neurological disorder. There is currently no cure, but treatments such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) are available to manage symptoms. Harket underwent DBS at a Mayo Clinic center in the United States, a widely recognized institution for the procedure.
Harket has been open about his approach: he is relying on clinicians and ongoing research, not crowd-sourced advice. “There are many opinions and alternative theories out there,” he stated, “but I have to go with the clinicians and the research that is ongoing.”
Harket’s refusal to entertain unsolicited medical advice sets a boundary that other public figures may find useful. By directing followers to professional care, he reinforces trust in evidence-based medicine at a moment when alternative treatments for Parkinson’s circulate widely online.
The BBC segment also featured Katherine Jones, who lives with Parkinson’s, as a guest contributor — underscoring that Harket’s diagnosis is part of a broader conversation about the disease’s impact on individuals and families.
What is Morten Harket’s most famous song?
“Take On Me” is unquestionably Morten Harket’s most famous song. Released in 1985, it reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was propelled by an iconic music video that combined pencil-sketch animation with live action. The song’s infectious synth-pop melody and Harket’s soaring falsetto — including a note that jumps to a high D5 — made it an instant classic.
Other notable a-ha hits include “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” (1985) and “Hunting High and Low” (1986). Harket’s vocal range and distinctive tone have been central to the band’s identity across 11 studio albums released between 1985 and 2022.
The implication: even as his health shifts, these songs remain the fixed coordinates of his legacy.
Do the members of A-ha get along?
The relationship between Morten Harket, guitarist Pål Waaktaar, and keyboardist Magne Furuholmen has been described as creatively fertile but occasionally fractious. The band went on hiatus in 1993 as members pursued solo projects, and tensions over creative direction have been publicly acknowledged. In 2010, a-ha disbanded after a final tour, only to reunite in 2015 for a 30th anniversary tour.
Despite public disagreements, the trio has continued to collaborate for tours and album projects. The 2025 Parkinson’s disclosure brought a new sense of unity; the band’s official statement expressed support for Harket and asked for privacy, signaling that professional bonds remain intact.
The pattern: creative friction has never been fatal to the collaboration.
Can Morten Harket still sing?
Harket has not announced a permanent retirement from singing, but the deep brain stimulation treatment — while effective for managing Parkinson’s motor symptoms — has had a side effect that hinders his voice. According to Wikipedia, the treatment “had the side effect of hindering Harket’s voice.” No public performances have been announced since the diagnosis.
Medical experts not directly involved in his case have pointed out that Parkinson’s can affect the vocal cords’ motor control, and DBS sometimes alters speech. For a singer whose career is built on vocal precision, the trade-off between symptom management and performance ability is stark. Harket’s future as a live performer remains an open question.
Timeline of key events
Eleven milestones, one arc: from a Norwegian teenager to an international pop icon facing a life-changing diagnosis.
- September 14, 1959: Born in Kongsberg, Norway (Wikipedia)
- 1982: a-ha formed with Magne Furuholmen and Pål Waaktaar (Wikipedia)
- 1985: “Take On Me” reaches #1 on Billboard Hot 100; iconic music video
- 1993: a-ha goes on hiatus; Harket begins solo career
- 1998–2000: Solo albums Wild Seed and Letter from Egypt
- 2000: a-ha reunites for live performances
- 2010: a-ha disbands after final tour
- 2011–2015: Solo albums Out of My Hands and Brother
- 2015: a-ha reunites for 30th anniversary tour
- June 4, 2025: a-ha announces Harket’s Parkinson’s diagnosis (BBC Breakfast)
- 2025 (ongoing): Public reaction, treatment updates, uncertainty about future performances
Clarity check: what we know and what we don’t
The confirmed facts and open questions paint a balanced picture of Harket’s situation.
Confirmed facts
- Morten Harket has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (Wikipedia)
- He is the lead vocalist of a-ha (Wikipedia)
- “Take On Me” is his most commercially successful song
- He has been married twice and has three children
- a-ha members have had public disagreements but continue to work together
- He underwent deep brain stimulation at a Mayo Clinic center (Wikipedia)
- He has asked fans not to send alternative cure advice (Wikipedia)
What’s unclear
- The exact stage and progression of his Parkinson’s disease
- Whether he will be able to perform live again
- Long-term prognosis and impact on his vocal ability
- Plans for future a-ha projects or tours
- Full details of his treatment regimen
Voices on the diagnosis
“I use whatever works.”
— Morten Harket, quoting his 94-year-old father, via Wikipedia
“I need to listen to the professionals taking care of me. I cannot process additional suggestions.”
— Morten Harket, via Wikipedia
“He is the lead singer of a-ha, and the public has been sending messages of support.”
— BBC Breakfast presenter, BBC Breakfast (UK public broadcaster)
For Harket, the decision to publicly share his diagnosis could reshape his legacy — not just as the voice of “Take On Me,” but as someone who faced a chronic illness with clarity and composure. For the millions of fans who grew up with a-ha’s music, the question remains whether that voice will ever sound the same on stage. The trade-off is clear: effective treatment for Parkinson’s may come at the cost of vocal perfection, and Harket has chosen his health.
För den som vill veta mer om vad diagnosen innebär finns en grundlig genomgång av Parkinsons sjukdom.
Frequently asked questions
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle control, and balance. It results from the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Symptoms include tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with coordination. There is currently no cure, but treatments can manage symptoms.
What are early symptoms of Parkinson’s?
Early symptoms may include a slight tremor in one hand, muscle stiffness, slowed movement, and changes in handwriting or speech. Diagnosis is typically made by a neurologist based on medical history and physical examination.
How is Parkinson’s treated?
Treatments include medications such as levodopa, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and in some cases deep brain stimulation (DBS) — a surgical procedure that implants electrodes in the brain to regulate abnormal impulses.
Can people with Parkinson’s continue to sing or perform?
It depends on the progression and symptoms. Some individuals manage vocal changes with speech therapy. However, motor control issues and side effects from treatments like DBS can affect singing ability. Each case is different.
How has Morten Harket responded to his diagnosis?
Harket has publicly accepted the diagnosis and is following professional medical advice. He underwent deep brain stimulation at the Mayo Clinic and has asked fans not to send alternative treatment suggestions.
Is Morten Harket still performing with a-ha?
No upcoming performances have been announced since the diagnosis. The side effects of treatment have hindered his voice, and it is unclear when or if he will perform again.
Where can I learn more about Parkinson’s disease?
Reputable sources include the Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org), the Michael J. Fox Foundation (michaeljfox.org), and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (ninds.nih.gov).
Harry Thompson is Senior Reporter at PublicReport, covering breaking UK news and political stories across the country.