Almost a decade since their last performance Down Under, Swedish pop rock icons Roxette are making a comeback to Australia in 2025, confirmed by founding member Per Gessle.
Despite the loss of his friend and lead singer Marie Fredriksson in 2019 after a prolonged health battle, Gessle emphasized to Today Extra that this upcoming tour is not about “reinventing Roxette.”
“It was devastating for all of us when Marie passed away, she was ill for a very long time, since 2002,” he told Richard Wilkins.
“We were prepared for it, but it was really tough, so I didn’t really know what to do with the legacy.”
In the years following Fredriksson’s passing, Gessle contemplated his options, including the possibility of bringing in another vocalist to perform alongside him.
However, he emphasized that this decision was not about replacing Fredriksson but rather honoring the timeless Roxette hits that audiences worldwide cherish.
“I’m not starting a new Roxette or a new band or anything like that, I’m just doing a tour, keeping the Roxette song catalogue rolling,” he said.
“And I’ve got the old classic band back together as well, so I think it’s going to be great.”
While Gessle would undoubtedly excel in singing all the hits like “It Must Have Been Love,” “Joyride,” “Listen to Your Heart,” and “Fading Like a Flower” solo, there’s an undeniable magic in hearing those tunes as harmonies.
That’s why he extended an invitation to his long-time collaborator Lena Philipsson to join him on this upcoming tour.
“She’s been a friend of mine since the ’80s and I actually wrote her first song, (Kärleken är evig) which was her first big hit in Sweden,” he said.
“And she’s a tremendous singer, she’s a little older, just like me and an amazing performer, so I think she’s just the perfect match for this project.”
Roxette’s highly anticipated 2025 Australian tour will commence in March, with presale tickets set to be available from next Wednesday, May 8th.
