Contest: win tickets for the “Roxette Diaries” world premiere in August at Way Out West

In cooperation with Roxette and Jonas Åkerlund’s management D&D we are proud to offer you the chance to attend the world premiere of “Roxette Diaries” in Gothenburg during the Way Out West festival.

The premiere will be on August 14th in a cinema in Gothenburg at around 3 pm local time (information about exact location and time will be given to the winners later on).

We have the following prizes to give away:

  • 1st prize: 2 festival passes for the Way Out West festival which takes place in Gothenburg from 13th until 15th of August (some artists from the line-up: First Aid Kid, Pet Shop Boys, Patti Smith) and for the premiere of “Roxette Diaries”
  • 2nd-9th prizes: 2 tickets for the premiere of “Roxette Diaries” movie (8 pair of tickets in total).

In order to participate in the contest you will need to answer these two questions:

1) When was “The Look” 2015 remake digitally released?

2) Who is the director of the “Roxette Diaries”?

Send an e-mail to rxbcontests@gmail.com including the following:

  • Answers to the 2 questions above
  • Your name and address
  • Your cell phone number

We kindly ask you to participate only if you think you can attend the premiere in Gothenburg.

The winners will be chosen randomly amongst all participants who answered the questions correctly and will be announced here and on our Facebook page on Friday 31st of July.

You can participate until the 31st of July until 1pm (CET time!). Winners will be announced shortly after so that you have time to plan your trip!

Good luck!

Don’t forget to read the small letter…

Update Aug 4:
the winners are:

Tove V.
Jörg Z.
Marie-Claire v K.
Oliver S.
Danielle B.
Ann S.
Jana G
Tanja H.
Yana T.

Congratulations! Check your inboxes and kindly confirm that you can attend (if you haven’t already). Thanks!

Contest terms and conditions that you agree on and accept when participating in the contest:
– You can only participate once.
– We will randomly pick the winners among all valid emails (valid means: with name, address, cell phone number and correct answers).
– The winners will be notified per e-mail and will be required to reply to the e-mail confirming they can attend.
– Further information (location, time etc.) will be given to the winners on time.
– The winners are responsible for their transport to and from the location and any costs that might arise in connection to winning the prize.
– The prizes are for two. The winner +1. The prizes won’t be paid out in cash.
– Roxetteblog.com or Roxette’s management will not enter into any correspondence regarding the result of the contest and are not liable for any damages, loss or expenses that may result in connection to the prize.
– In the event the premiere is cancelled or postponed, no other date or other prize will be offered as replacement and we are not responsible for costs or losses caused by this.
– Of course, all submitted data will only be used for the purpose of the contest, to contact you for confirmation and instructions, and won’t be given to third parties not related to this contest.
– The names and a picture of the winners may be published on this website or on RoxetteBlog’s official Facebook page anytime.
– Participants must be at least 18 years old.
– We reserve the right to change these terms and conditions, in our sole discretion, any time.

Roxette_Diaries_trailer_stills_rs

Thank you, Eskobar!

Unfortunately, that Roxette 30th Anniversary tour (European leg) is coming to an end also means that we have to say bye to Eskobar. After yesterday’s show in Halmstad, it’s just 3 shows left with Eskobar as special guest, so we wanted to take the chance to thank Daniel, Frederik and Jocke for making the time before Roxette’s show feel shorter, for cheering the audience up and for performing such great versions of your songs, you have been a great opening act!

IMG_0797-1I was very happy when I found out Eskobar would be the support act for Roxette during their European tour. I have liked the band since early 2000ies and I had never seen them live. And I was sure that Roxette fans and audience in general would like them too, who can resist their melodies?

After having seen them 4 times now and the reaction of the audience at the shows and also on social media, I think it is safe to say that the guys really enchanted us! Many have bought their albums, share their music and leave very positive comments about Eskobar everywhere. We have also got many messages of people asking if Eskobar will join Roxette in the possible continuation of the tour in other parts of the world, what Eskobar will do next, where to buy their stuff and more. So we thought of putting all the information in one article.

But before that, we also got a message from Eskobar for all of you:

Now that this tour is coming to an end we would like to send the biggest thank you to Per & Marie, but also to Christoffer, Clarence, Magnus, Dea & Pelle in the band, everyone in the amazing crew, the drivers & the bosses and everyone else. What a fantastic experience filled with so much laughs, jokes, BBQ, great music and wonderful people. Also a very big thanks to everyone all over Europe who took their time to watch Eskobar support Roxette. We have felt extremely welcome in every city thanks to you all!

Great music lives forever!!!

//Eskobar

Future plans, new album, tour, beer?

Eskobar’s upcoming album will be released in the upcoming months. The guys are also planning to release a live album recorded during this tour. And would also love to go on tour in the near future. If you want to stay up-to-date, check out Eskobar’s Facebook page, all information will be shared there.

We don’t know if Eskobar will be the support band in possible future Roxette shows in other countries. Of course, many of us would love to see that so.. let’s just keep our fingers crossed (not only for Eskobar but for more Roxette shows in 2016!).

Frederik‘s beer Svinninge Bullet is also available in Sweden at Systembolaget, so if you are there this summer and you like beer, give it a try.

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Past and discography

Eskobar has released 5 albums so far. You can buy most of them online on CDON but also Bengans or Ginza.

2000 – ‘Till We Are Dead

2001 – There’s Only Now

2004 – A Thousand Last Chances

2006 – Eskobar

2008 – Death In Athens

If you want to get more of their discography – Eskobar has released about 20+ singles… try your luck in second-hand stores or check Amazon out.
And in our interview from May you can read about how they started and their career so far.

Videos and rare stuff

Eskobar also has a YouTube channel with videos to their singles as well as unreleased songs and demos from “The Complete B-side collection 1999-2006”.

And of course, if you search by Eskobar, you will find videos of performances and concerts. Here is a selection of videos you may want to check out:

Starlight, from the upcoming album

Performance and interview from 2008

“Someone new” featuring Eva Dahlgren

Once again, thank you for your music and wonderful performances!

20 tour dates for 2016?

Per says in the Kappahl interview that the plan is to go on with the tour until 2016 (asDSC00278 he already mentioned many times before, and that would be the meaning behind the whole XXX tour, as Roxette turns 30 in 2016!).

Now he revealed that Roxette plans to do about 80 dates until 2016. If you count the dates until Drammen (Norway) on August 22, that makes up to 61 dates. Which means about 20 would be left to be announced / planned. And this raises lots of questions:

Will these dates be in 2016 only? Will there be more in 2015? Where will it take Roxette to? South Africa? South America? North America? Some more Europe / Sweden to celebrate the 30th anniversary “home”? Lots of questions for our never-resting minds!

What we know for sure is that fans are longing to see more of Roxette live, both those who have been to (many) shows since the tour started and those who haven’t seen Roxette since at least 2012. And that The Look 2015 is awesome. And that we cannot wait until the new album is out! And that we already need the tour dates for 2016.

Roxette XXX Tour – London, United Kingdom (The O2) – July 13 – #53

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Photo: Judith Seuma

Roxette played at a sold-out O2 Arena in London. It was the first time Roxette played in this venue, which opened its doors in the mid 2000ies and has become the concert venue in London in the past years. Many major artist have played here since then so it was almost almost about time for Roxette to play here finally. The place is impressive. And so is the sound!

Unfortunately not many people had taken their places during Eskobar, but those who were there did enjoy the tunes of this fab band. And then it hit me. When Daniel mentioned it was their last show with Roxette outside of Sweden. In a way it was also Roxette’s last show outside of Scandinavia or Nordics (if you don’t count the concert in Poland). It’s really just a few more shows to go and then…? Let’s hope there will be more to come. LIVE, that is (we already know there are some releases on the way!). Wherever in the world. This band proved yesterday once more that they are unstoppable and they bring and spread lots of joy and fun and smiles wherever they go. And the world needs more of these memorable moments!

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Photo: Judith Seuma

Before the show we chatted with our seat neighbours. They asked where we come from, if we have seen Roxette live before… and we, not knowing how seated concerts are here, wondered if people would stand up. None of the locals could give an answer. Just a “We hope so! But it very much depends on the music and mood” I thought to myself… if it’s up to that then we will sure have a party! And it was.

People stood up during the intro already, while Marie and Per and the band were taking their places on stage. “So it is standing! It’s gonna be fun!” shouted the guys next to me with a big smile. Security made sure however that nobody was standing in the corridors or  running to the front, not even during The Look. But oh was it fun!!

 

I was totally taken by surprise by all the screaming and the sing along. And this (besides the great magic moments with the band) is what I will remember forever. Wherever I have seen Roxette around the world, it is this proud and happy feeling of hearing and experiencing thousands of people sing along to their songs. Not only the major hits but also other less known songs. Like when people scream and clap at the surprise of Marie singing Paint. The noise when Roxette reappeared after the short break to play LTYH and The Look was just impressive.

What happened in London can probably be summarized in these two videos below.

Marie did improvise a lot at the endings of the songs or during bridges not only with yeahs!, she did add a jazzy soulish touch at some points and her voice was so strong and powerful… that made me drop my mouth open (just check the videos out!). Per was running from one side to the other, looking at the audience very directly and asking us to sing and clap even louder. With his permanent smile on his face. And the band… wow!! They are all so great together. They have their ‘insider jokes’, those funny moments with each other that have now become part of the show… Chris played the British anthem, which ended with everyone singing.. god save the queen!

Per also seemed to be in a chatty mood. I think of all shows I have seen, this had the funniest talks in between songs.

And this time a special mention about lovely Dea. Since I was sitting in row 6 I had a better overview of what was going on on stage and saw some details that just confirmed what an important part of the band Dea is. She does her job amazingly, always cheering everybody up, greeting those she knows, she has found her place in the band, she has her funny insider moments with Chris, Magnus (Dangerous), Marie (Stars, Dangerous, She’s Got Nothing On) and Per (IMHBL), and besides that she always keeps an eye on Marie to help out whenever needed. And also celebrates and looks amazed when Marie delivers like yesterday. Probably because of this (and my guess is much more) Marie introduces her during Watercolours as ‘my very good friend Dea!’

Next stop Sweden. I really hope Sweden welcomes and celebrates Marie and Per and the band as Europe has done so far because they are unstoppable and one should only be proud of them all and they deserve it.

Per after the show: 

LONDON UPDATE: Oh yeah!!! Such a great evening at the O2 Arena tonight!!! What a wonderful crowd! Great band in spite of that Prof von L couldn’t get out of bed early in the morning due to back and neck pains. Check out the vids for more info re this!!!
Nevertheless, a breathtaking experience of positive energy. Thanx London, always a treat to play here! And boy, did you sing!!!! Cheers, P.

 

Setlist

Sleeping In My Car
The Big L.
Stars
Spending My Time
Crash! Boom! Bang!
Crush On You
She’s Got Nothing On (But The Radio)
The Heart Shaped Sea
Watercolours In The Rain / Paint
Fading Like A Flower
How Do You Do!
It Must Have Been Love
Dressed For Success
Dangerous
Joyride (intro: God Save the Queen)

Extra
Listen To Your Heart
The Look

Articles and photos

Iain Dale
The Independent
Mirror
rexfeatures.com
flickr.com – Gavin Dodds (Tigershoot)
flickr.com – David Turnbull

Roxette XXX Tour – Zurich, Switzerland (Live at Sunset) – July 11 – #52

Many people had told me that the audience in Zurich would be calm, even boring. It looks like last time Roxette played at Live at Sunset in 2012 the audience didn’t party along. So what to do? The first row was full of hardcore fans, so we agreed that we would stand up no matter what and make our own party.

liveatsunset1
Pic by Judith S.

Well, well! I think more than one (including Rox and band) was surprised! Roxette shows up on stage. Everybody is clapping and shouting. Sleeping in my car starts to sound, we stand up, we look behind us… most people in the audience is up and dancing and clapping and singing! And that went on during almost the whole show. We really couldn’t believe what was going on. Even the people at the very back were standing.  The only time people sat down was to listen and enjoy Marie and Dea perform Watercolours. And what a the noise of stamping feet (meaning ‘one more time’!) when Roxette left the stage after Joyride!

Roxette performed the open air set, meaning no Heart Shaped Sea (which is a pity, it would have fit the location and the mood in this case).

The band was full of energy from the very beginning, but something happened after Watercolours (or was it after Crash! Boom! Bang!??) and it felt like they got an energy boost and went even wilder. And the audience answered back with even more singing. That is what a live show is about!

liveatsunset2
Pic by Judith S.

Joyride was a balloon party. Balloons that Cathérine Frei from Switzerland and Ivan Kelava had been giving away to the people in the first rows, with the instructions to use them during the song. All those balloons flying in the air looked lovely in the warm July summer night Also the locals seemed to love Chris intro and even sang along to it.

The stage was about 3 meters from the first row and we were not allowed to get closer to the stage until Roxette came back to play the last two songs. The stage was very high getting much closer gave us another perspective of the stage and somehow the interaction with the band got even better. And Per and Marie and the band seemed to love it. Listen to your heart and The Look were incredible! It’s just awesome how these songs that we have heard so many times before (and they have played probably at all concerts since they were released) can sound so fresh and alive and different every time!

And here I also want to mention Åsa’s great job with the videos! I somehow realised yesterday (maybe because of the distance between stage and seats and the fact one could see Åsa better this time) that it’s quite some work. I guess it’s fun but also a challenge to track what’s going on on stage (which is a lot!) and the audience at the same time and capture the vibe. We love those videos! They are a nice memory of the shows from a unique perspective and of most of the songs. Thank you for that. Åsa chatted and took pictures with some fans before the show and even got a rose from Ivan. Nice!

All in all a perfect concert. The band in top shape, incredible audience and vibe and a very nice location. I was surprised too by the  location, organisation and festival setup. Nice festival area, food and drinks, relaxed atmosphere before the show, great views from a few places nearby the venue. It felt magical.

We will surely remember Live at Sunset 2015 with a big smile and will remain in our hearts forever.

Per after the show:

ZURICH: Oh yea, what a night it turned out to be! LIVE AT SUNSET. Absolutely, thanx for making this Saturday Night Fever happening. Great crowd, lots of fun when everyone came sooooo close to the stage the last twenty minutes. Felt like playing in a club!!! Day off tomorrow. then a sold out O2 in London. Cheers, P.

Next stop is London (13th July).

Articles and photos

usgang.ch
tilllate.com
nzz.ch
partyguide.ch
rtntvnews.de; photos
flickr.com – Intlekofer_Roger
artnoir review; photos
Nicole Joos Photography

Videos

Sleeping In My Car
The Look

Setlist

liveatsunset3
Pic by Judith S.

Sleeping In My Car
The Big L.
Stars
Spending My Time
Crash! Boom! Bang!
Crush On You
She’s Got Nothing On (But The Radio)
Watercolours In The Rain / Paint
Fading Like A Flower
How Do You Do!
It Must Have Been Love
Dressed For Success
Dangerous
Joyride (intro: Es Buurebüebli mani nid)

Extra
Listen To Your Heart
The Look