TT News Agency published a short interview with Per Gessle before the Gyllene Tider movie premiere.
Per Gessle was initially skeptical of a film about Gyllene Tider. He says:
It felt like there was no reason to make a film about the four decades of Gyllene Tider. You can do that when we have stopped.
But Per Gessle was convinced by director Per Simonsson, whose film “Sommartider”, released in theatres on 17th July, focuses on the road to the big breakthrough.
It captures the feeling of this youthful euphoria that we had when we started the band. When everything is possible while everything is impossible. That’s exactly how it was. I think it turned out great.
The film is not a documentary, but is about him. It was hard to grasp.
I thought I would be very emotionally affected. But I wasn’t. It was hard for me to feel that it was about me. When you watch it, it’s like in a dream. That you suddenly dream about yourself. You don’t realize it’s you. But now that time has passed and I’ve seen it a few times, I’ve taken it in in a different way.
Per Gessle has been a support for director Per Simonsson and also helped with the script work. The pop star is known for his need for control, but not this time.
I’m very fussy when it comes to my own projects. So if someone else is going to do something about us or about me, I think it’s better to let them do it their way. But of course I shout when I think something is wrong.
Valdemar Wahlbeck stars as the young pop nerd Gessle. Per praises him:
I think he is fantastic. I had never met him before, but I think he is an absolutely wonderful person. He is wonderful.
Per Gessle moved on to Roxette after Gyllene Tider. After Marie Fredriksson’s passing, Roxette has lived on in new constellations, next time with Lena Philipsson. On 6th September, there will also be a premiere in Malmö for “Joyride – The Musical” based on Roxette’s music.
Gyllene Tider has also made a comeback from time to time. Most recently last year with a tour and recently a live album was released. But the attention surrounding the new film doesn’t open for more Gyllene Tider.
No, we have no plans. Gyllene Tider is very far down on my list right now. I’m working on my solo record and then it’s Roxette with Lena all next year. And the musical will soon premiere. I’m busy with other things.
