ADVERTISEMENTMorten Harket, frontman of celebrated Norwegian synth-pop band A-Ha, has revealed that he has Parkinson’s disease.
The news was shared by the band in a statement on their website which read: “This isn’t the sort of news anyone wants to deliver to the world, but here it is – Morten has Parkinson’s disease.”
The pop icon, aged 65, shared further details of the diagnosis in the post, and explained why he has sharing the news after previously keeping details on his health “strictly private”.
“I’ve got no problem accepting the diagnosis. With time I’ve taken to heart my 94-year-old father’s attitude to the way the organism gradually surrenders: ‘I use whatever works’,” he wrote.
“Part of me wanted to reveal it. Like I said, acknowledging the diagnosis wasn’t a problem for me; it’s my need for peace and quiet to work that has been stopping me. I’m trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline.”
Harket said he underwent neurological procedures to have electrodes implanted inside his brain last year and that this had reduced the symptoms.
He continued: “It’s a difficult balancing act between taking the medication and managing its side effects. There’s so much to weigh up when you’re emulating the masterful way the body handles every complex movement, or social matters and invitations, or day-to-day life in general.”
Regarding whether Harket can still perform and sing, he wrote: “I don’t really know. I don’t feel like singing, and for me that’s a sign. I’m broadminded in terms of what I think works; I don’t expect to be able to achieve full technical control. The question is whether I can express myself with my voice. As things stand now, that’s out of the question. But I don’t know whether I’ll be able to manage it at some point in the future.”
Parkinson’s is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the world, behind Alzheimer’s. It causes deterioration in the brain’s nervous system, leading to tremors and other symptoms that can become progressively worse over time. Common symptoms include involuntary shaking, slower-than-usual movement, and stiffness in the muscles.
The disease can be treated with surgery and medication, but there is no cure. It is not known what exactly leads to people developing the condition.
Other famous faces who have had Parkinson’s diagnoses include Back To The Future actor Michael J. Fox, heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne and Scottish comedian Billy Connolly.
