Morten Harket, lead singer of the iconic Norwegian band A-ha known for their 1980s hit “Take On Me,” announced on Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The 65-year-old made the revelation in a statement on the band’s website, which was confirmed by Sony Music.
Harket shared that he has undergone multiple brain surgeries and is currently managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s, a progressive neurological disorder that affects the brain’s nervous system, causing tremors and other debilitating effects. While treatments such as medication and surgical interventions can alleviate symptoms, there is no known cure.
Last year, Harket underwent a neurological procedure to implant electrodes in his brain, which has helped reduce his symptoms. Despite this, he remains uncertain about his ability to perform in the future.
“I’ve got no problem accepting the diagnosis,” Harket said, acknowledging the challenges of balancing medication with its side effects. “I’m trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline.”
A-ha, formed in 1982 by Harket alongside Paul Waaktaar-Savoy and Magne Furuholmen, achieved international fame with their debut album Hunting High and Low in 1985, featuring hits like “Take On Me” and “The Sun Always Shines on TV.” Recently, “Take On Me” was featured in HBO’s popular series The Last of Us, performed acoustically by the character Ellie.
Swifteradio.com
