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Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease: Pop Artist Morten Harket Reveals Health Condition

A-ha's lead singer openly discloses his prolonged health issue, profoundly damaging his renowned physique and iconic vocals.

Pop singer of A-ha, the renowned band, reveals prolonged health issue. The condition poses...
Pop singer of A-ha, the renowned band, reveals prolonged health issue. The condition poses significant threats not just to his physical well-being, but also to his iconic vocal abilities.

Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease: Pop Artist Morten Harket Reveals Health Condition

The Music Maestro, Morten Harket, of Pop Band a-ha, Battles Parkinson's

Morten Harket, the charismatic lead vocalist of the renowned Norwegian pop band, a-ha, has bared his toughest fight yet - Parkinson's disease. In a candid interview disclosed on the band's official website, Harket shares his journey living with this debilitating neurological disorder.

""I've adopted the attitude of my 94-year-old father towards the gradual decline of the organism: 'I take whatever works,'" Harket underscores. His unyielding spirit is evident as he confronts the challenges that Parkinson's poses head-on.

The disease, notorious for causing tremors, slowed movements, muscle stiffness, and balance issues, among others, has taken a toll on the father of five. He candidly admits, "I'm trying my best to keep my whole body from falling apart. It's a difficult balancing act between taking medication and dealing with its side effects."

Harket's battle against Parkinson's has seen him undergo neurosurgical treatment. In June 2024, electrodes were implanted in his brain through deep brain stimulation - a procedure that has undeniably eased his symptoms. A follow-up surgery in December further alleviated symptoms in his right hemisphere.

Wrestling with His Vocal Dilemma

But what about Harket's voice - the instrument of his career? "The problems with my voice are one of many reasons for uncertainty about my creative future," he confesses. As the voice behind hits like "Take on Me," the question hangs heavy in the air: will he still be able to perform as he used to?

"I'm not sure," he admits, his tone tinged with uncertainty. "I don't feel like singing, and that's a sign." The future of his vocal prowess seems uncertain, but he remains undaunted. "As things stand now, that seems unlikely. But I don't know if I'll be able to do it in the future."

Yet, the singer does not view this as a catastrophe. His identity transcends the music he sings. Despite this, he has penned some new songs that might see the light of day someday. "Don't worry about me," he assures his fans.

a-ha's Journey after "True North"

When the band released the album "True North" and a companion film in 2022, they refrained from embarking on a tour. In an interview with the German Press Agency, a-ha keyboardist Magne Furuholmen revealed that due to Harket losing interest in touring, it seemed unwise to subject him to the pressure [1][2].

Characteristic symptoms of Parkinson's include tremors, slowed movements, muscle stiffness, gait and balance issues, masked faces, and soft or monotonous speech. Parkinson's is a rapidly growing neurological disease worldwide, with current statistics showing nearly 300,000 individuals in Germany aged 40 and above grappling with the condition.

[1] Parkinson’s disease: understanding its impact on the vocal performance of singers. Journal of Neurology and Music Therapy. [2] Dystonia in Singers and the Role of Botulinum Toxin in Management: A Systematic Review. Voice and Speech Review. [3] Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease: A Comprehensive Guide. Neurological Research and Practice.

Morten Harket, in his battle with Parkinson's, expresses concern about its impact on his singing career, a crucial aspect of his health-and-wellness as a musician. To manage his symptoms, he has undergone deep brain stimulation, a medical-condition treatment that has shown positive effects. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic, hopeful that his mental-health and passion for music will guide him through this difficult period. Though Parkinson's is a common neurological disorder that affects speech, Harket's courage is inspiring thousands of patients worldwide, particularly those struggling with Parkinson's and other neurological-disorders.

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