Nearly ten years have elapsed since Swedish pop rock icons Roxette graced the stage Down Under. However, founding member Per Gessle has announced his return to Australia for a series of shows in 2025.
Despite the heartbreaking loss of his friend and lead singer, Marie Fredriksson, in 2019 after a lengthy health struggle, Gessle emphasized to Today Extra that this upcoming tour isn't about "reinventing Roxette."
"It was devastating for all of us when Marie passed away. She battled illness for a very long time, since 2002," he shared with Richard Wilkins.
TODAY, 2023 (Nine Network)
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"We were prepared for it, but it was really tough, so I didn't really know what to do with the legacy," Gessle shared.
In the years following Fredriksson's passing, he contemplated his options and whether it was appropriate to bring in another vocalist to sing lead alongside him.
However, he emphasized that this was not about replacing Fredriksson. Instead, it was a tribute to the timeless Roxette hits that audiences worldwide cherish.
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While Gessle could undoubtedly deliver a stellar performance 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 experiencing those tunes harmonized.
That's precisely why he extended an invitation to his longtime collaborator Lena Philipsson to join him on their upcoming tour.
"She's been a friend since the '80s, and I actually penned her first song, (Kärleken är evig), which became her breakthrough hit in Sweden," he shared.
"Moreover, she's an exceptional vocalist, seasoned like myself, and an outstanding entertainer. I believe she's the ideal partner for this endeavor."
Roxette's Australian tour for 2025 is set to commence in March, with presale tickets becoming accessible starting next Wednesday, May 8th.