Morten Harket (50) is struggling with the voice and had to cancel yesterday’s concert in Hessentag in Germany. Harket, who along with rest of the band is on a Farwell Tour, is suffering from a virus infection in his throat and has lost his voice.
- We are hoping to replace yesterday’s concert with a new show on Sunday. That is what we are focusing on now, manager Harald Wiik says to VG Net.
Hoping for Kiel tomorrow
The plan is that a-ha is going on stage in Kiel tomorrow night, Tuesday.
- We believe it will turn out all right, and that we do not need to cancel any more concerts. However, we will need to evaluate the condition, Wiik says.
The band reports from Twitter: "Hello from the 'front'- Morten is well but can't sing- we are confident that he will be back in shape for Kiel!"
Not cancelled in 24 years
Barely two months have gone since Harket struggled with his voice in South-America. Still, it is a rare thing the Norwegian trio has to cancel.
- We had a few problems in South-America, but a-ha have not cancelled a gig since 1986. But Morten can, like everyone else, get a virus infection. That is impossible to protect onself against, according to Wiik.
The manager believes the outdoor concert last week marked the vocalist.
- The problem may have occurred because of draught. Mortens vocals are so demanding he is extra vulnerable, Wiik says, and adds Harket has been checked by a specialist.
Fans comfortingAlso during the concert in Trier Saturday did the a-ha vocalist struggle with his voice, but he carried through. There have been lots of comments on the band’s web site from people who still brag about the concert experience despite Harket’s problems.
- One would preferably carry out as planned, but Morten is better now, so we hope for a replacement concert Sunday and that we do not need to cancel any more shows.
(Source: VG Photo Simen Grytøyr)
