The haunting falsetto that defined an era of pop music now carries a different kind of resonance. Morten Harket, the voice behind a-ha’s immortal “Take on Me,” recently shared news that’s struck a chord with fans worldwide — he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The revelation from the Norwegian singer, who turns 66 this September, comes at a poignant moment. Just months after a-ha’s “Hunting High and Low” celebrated its 40th anniversary, Harket opened up about his condition with disarming honesty. “I’ve got no problem accepting the diagnosis,” he stated, echoing wisdom passed down from his 94-year-old father: “I use whatever works.”
That philosophy seems particularly fitting for an artist whose career has always defied easy categorization. While American audiences might remember a-ha primarily for their breakthrough hit, the band’s influence stretches far beyond that singular moment in 1985. They’ve sold out arenas across 38 countries, proving there’s always been more to their story than one perfect falsetto.
Modern medicine has stepped in to help write the next chapter. Last year, Harket underwent an innovative treatment at the Mayo Clinic — deep brain stimulation, which involves carefully placed electrodes connected to a device resembling a pacemaker. It’s a testament to how far treatment options have evolved for the estimated 10 million people worldwide living with Parkinson’s.
But perhaps the most touching aspect of Harket’s journey involves his relationship with his instrument — that remarkable voice. “I don’t really know. I don’t feel like singing, and for me that’s a sign,” he admitted recently, speaking about the complex dance between medication and performance. The dopamine supplements crucial for managing his symptoms present an unexpected challenge to his vocal abilities.
Looking back from 2025, a-ha’s legacy feels more significant than ever. Their evolution from ambitious Oslo musicians to global stars reads like a masterclass in artistic persistence. Even their latest album, “True North” (2022), showcases the creative spark that’s kept them relevant for four decades.
The timing of Harket’s announcement has sparked necessary conversations about aging in an industry that often seems perpetually young. His candid approach — discussing everything from technical medical details to deeply personal creative struggles — offers a blueprint for how artists might navigate similar challenges.
Remember that iconic “Take on Me” video, where pencil sketches transformed into reality? There’s something metaphorical about that now — how life keeps redrawing our expectations, forcing us to adapt and find new ways forward. Harket’s story isn’t just about a diagnosis; it’s about the continuing evolution of an artist who refuses to let medical challenges write the final verse.
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