Roxette

Roxette In Concert 2025 – Bergen – 12th June 2025 – #12

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After an incredibly successful start in South Africa and Australia, the Roxette In Concert 2025 tour continues in Europe. The first gig of the summer leg happened in Bergen, Norway. There are 14 summer shows altogether and the first 10 of them are festival concerts, while the last 4 gigs in Sweden are regular shows.

Bergenfest’s headliner on 12h June was Roxette. After entering the venue, we checked the whole area and also looked for merch stuff, but there was unfortunately nothing Roxette-related at the shop. So we walked to the main stage and occupied our spots in the front row. There were huge screens on the two sides of the stage, so that even those could see everything who were standing in the very back.

First act on the main stage was Norwegian rock band The September When between 17:00 and 18:00. Then came The The from the UK and they performed between 19.15 and 20.15. During these two concerts there weren’t loud sing alongs, but the crowd enjoyed the performances.

After The The, we could see the crew setting up the stage for Roxette, while at a smaller stage next to the main stage there was another concert.

Roxette entered the stage at 21:30 sharp and the show ended at 23:00, just like it was scheduled. It felt like there was less talking between the songs than usual, to keep focus on the songs and be able to include as many hits as possible in these 1.5 hours.

17 songs fit in, and they all fit in perfectly. The setlist has changed vs. the South Africa – Australia version mainly because it’s a festival setlist, so it contains less songs and it’s rather the ballads that were skipped. Among the 17 songs there was one new, that wasn’t played on the first leg. As you might remember, Lena had a fracture in her foot in April, but in May she already posted that her foot was doing better and better. She also posted that she had started to prepare for summer and practised a couple of new songs just in case they change the setlist. She practised Almost Unreal and it turned out to be a very cool addition to the set.

Talking about Lena’s fractured foot, she is doing very fine now, as if nothing had happened. I was so excited to hear her live, because even though she was very convincing to me via all the videos I watched during the first leg of the tour, I wanted to hear her with my own ears. She didn’t disappoint! Her vocal skills are simply outstanding. Lena was in top top top shape. But not only her. Per was amazing as well and the whole band was very tight. They enjoyed being back on stage together again and sounded just fabulous. The audience rewarded them with loud sing-alongs and cheering during the whole show.

Roxette played in Bergen in 2011. When Per greeted the crowd after the first two songs, he talked about that. They were talking to the audience in Swedish. As you know by now, Swedish is very similar to Norwegian and they understand each other perfectly. Mr. G also said that they thought they would play some old favourites. The audience was cheering. He added: „If you know the lyrics, please sing along. If you don’t know the lyrics, sing along anyway.” Haha. Per also presented Lena as a fantastic new member of the Roxette family. The crowd was cheering again. Per asked Lena how she felt and she said she felt wonderfully good. It’s very nice to be in Bergen, she added.

Before IMHBL, Lena dedicated the song to Marie who we all miss so much, she said. She asked the crowd to sing it together with her.

Before Joyride, Per introduced the band members. Magnus felt so good that he recited I Got You (the James Brown song) as a poem. Haha. Mr. G turned to Clarence and told us that he has been producing Roxette since the very beginning, since Neverending Love, so Clarence started playing a bit of Neverending Love. PG introduced Jonas as a good old Roxette member, who took a 15-year break, but thank God he is back. Dea was introduced as one of Per’s favourite singers who is the backing vocalist and plays the tambourine as well. On drums, a newcomer, Norpan Eriksson. And last, but absolute least, Sweden’s last hippie, Christoffer on lead guitar. Before getting down to Joyride, Chris played In The Hall Of The Mountain King as the intro to it.

After Joyride, the band went off stage and after the audience cheered loudly, Per and Lena came back to perform Spending My Time. Only the two of them. Per said they don’t like the band anymore, haha, but Lena said they just gave a little break for them. PG added that he wrote this song the same day he wrote Joyride.

After SMT, the band came up on stage for the last two songs. Both Listen To Your Heart and The Look were so powerful. The Look was an amazing closing song at this festival, leaving everyone on a high. After the show we were walking to our hotel and there was a bar where live music was played. The guy on the guitar played The Look while we were passing by. So cool!

There are a couple of new guitar picks in use. Per posted about them previously and not long before the gig he also posted about the late arrivals, some good enough yellow picks.

Setlist

  1. The Big L.
  2. Sleeping In My Car
  3. Dressed For Success
  4. What’s She Like?
  5. Crash! Boom! Bang!
  6. Opportunity Nox
  7. Fading Like A Flower
  8. Almost Unreal
  9. Stars
  10. She’s Got Nothing On (But The Radio)
  11. It Must Have Been Love
  12. How Do You Do!
  13. Dangerous

Band presentation

  1. Joyride

Encore

  1. Spending My Time
  2. Listen To Your Heart
  3. The Look

Next stop is Idyll festivalen in Fredrikstad, Norway on 20th June! Check out all the tour dates and links to ticket sales sites HERE!

 

Photos in the article are taken by Patrícia Peres. More photos HERE!

Per after the show:

Oh yeah. The Roxette tour is up and running. Amazing summer premiere in Bergen, Norway last night! Such a beautiful place and such a beautiful crowd! Thanx for all very loud voices and for making an ordinary Thursday feel so very special!

Roxette to announce autumn tour leg in Europe

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PRESS RELEASE – In 2016, Roxette did what we believed was to be the last ever concerts. Now, nearly a decade later, Roxette’s frontman, songwriter and founder Per Gessle picks up the torch and brings the iconic hits back to the stage. Joined by Swedish pop sensation and superstar Lena Philipsson, Roxette In Concert is set to embark on their highly anticipated arena tour across Europe this fall – following a series of exclusive shows and festival appearances this summer.

Tickets for Roxette In Concert go on sale Friday May 9th at 10:00 am CEST! (Live Nation, Ticketmaster)

The first leg of Roxette In Concert has just come to an end – and it has been a massive success. Kicking off with a groundbreaking performance in Cape Town, South Africa, the tour continued through Pretoria, and then moved on to nine unforgettable shows in Australia. The energy was electrifying, with over 75,000 fans singing along to the iconic anthems, proving once again the timeless appeal of Roxette’s music. The response has been extraordinary, with both critics and fans celebrating the powerful performances.

“We may only be in the first quarter of 2025, but Roxette is already the top contender for the best live show of the year.” – Sheldon Ang Media

“More than just a concert, it was a reminder of what live music is supposed to be: uplifting, electric, and unforgettable.” – Music Festivals Australia

“The setlist was a masterclass in hit-making, from the sweeping ballad It Must Have Been Love to the high-energy How Do You Do! and Joyride. The encore delivered peak nostalgia – Spending My Time and Listen to Your Heart brought the emotion, while The Look had the crowd on their feet. Closing with Queen of Rain, Roxette proved that even after all these years, their music still resonates.” – Newcastle Live

It’s been five years since Roxette lost Marie Fredriksson to cancer, a devastating loss that left family, friends, and fans in grief. Yet, their legacy lives on, with their songs continuously streamed, played, and enjoyed by old and new supporters around the world.

“The first leg of the tour has been an incredible experience. It’s been really emotional and powerful to reconnect with the fans and bring Roxette’s music back to the stage. The response has been overwhelming. Marie will always be irreplaceable, but I’m lucky to have found an amazing voice and brilliant performer in Lena Philipsson. I co-wrote Lena’s first major hit back in 1986, and she’s one of Sweden’s brightest stars.” – Per Gessle

“The first part of the tour has been absolutely amazing! Working with Per and performing these iconic songs has been a true joy. I’m so excited for what’s to come next.” – Lena Philipsson

Later this year, Roxette brings their impressive show to cities across Europe, offering fans a rare opportunity to relive the soundtrack of their lives – with a fresh, powerful live production and the same timeless magic that made Roxette one of the most successful pop acts of all time.

The highly anticipated arena tour will follow a select run of summer concerts across Europe, including several major festival appearances and four already sold-out shows in Sweden.

The live band features long-time Roxette collaborators and world-class musicians: Christoffer Lundquist, Magnus Börjeson, Magnus “Norpan” Eriksson, Dea Norberg, along with original Roxette legends Clarence Öfwerman and Jonas Isacsson.

ROXETTE IN CONCERT – TOUR DATES 2025 EUROPE

  • June 12 – Bergen, Norway – Bergenfest
  • June 20 – Fredrikstad, Norway – Idyll
  • June 21 – Viborg, Denmark – Forever
  • June 23 – Munich, Germany – Tollwood (SOLD OUT)
  • June 27 – Madrid, Spain – Noches del Botánico (SOLD OUT)
  • June 28 – Mérida, Spain – Teatro Romano de Mérida
  • July 4 – Kestenholz, Switzerland – St. Peter at Sunset
  • July 12 – Weert, The Netherlands – Bospop
  • July 13 – Zottegem, Belgium – Rock Zottegem
  • July 17 – Pori, Finland – Pori Jazz
  • July 23 – Gothenburg, Sweden – Trädgårdsföreningen (SOLD OUT)
  • July 25 – Gothenburg, Sweden – Trädgårdsföreningen (SOLD OUT)
  • July 26 – Halmstad, Sweden – Brottet (SOLD OUT)
  • July 27 – Halmstad, Sweden – Brottet (SOLD OUT)
  • November 4 – Budapest, Hungary – Budapest Aréna (NEW)
  • November 6 – Prague, Czech Republic – O2 Arena (NEW)
  • November 15 – Valencia, Spain – Roig Arena (NEW)
  • November 16 – Barcelona, Spain – Sant Jordi Club (NEW)
  • November 18 – Leipzig, Germany – Quarterback Arena (NEW)
  • November 20 – Berlin, Germany – Tempodrom (NEW)
  • November 22 – Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena (NEW)
  • November 23 – Frankfurt, Germany – Jahrhunderthalle (NEW)
  • November 25 – Düsseldorf, Germany – Mitsubishi Electric Halle (NEW)
  • November 26 – Nuremberg, Germany – Arena Nürnberger Versicherungen (NEW)
  • December 1 – London, England – Wembley Arena (NEW)
  • December 4 – Linköping, Sweden – Saab Arena (NEW)
  • December 5 – Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena (NEW)

Per Gessle on SVT about “Joyride – The Musical” in Stockholm

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Per Gessle and Hanna Hedlund were guests on Morgonstudion, SVT. The program leaders ask Per how he is doing. Mr. G says he feels great, but a bit jet-lagged after Australia.

The program leaders inform that Joyride – The Musical moves from Malmö to Stockholm in autumn and they are curious how it feels for Per. Mr. G says it feels fantastic. It has been a tremendous success down in Malmö with 84 sold-out performances and it will be absolutely wonderful in Stockholm. It will be a bit different to Malmö, because in Malmö there is a special round stage and China Teatern in Stockholm is a different type of theatre. It’s going to be exciting.

Turning to Hanna, the program leaders ask her about how this musical came into her life. Hanna says she went to auditions. She was thirteen when the Look Sharp! album was released and she really wanted to get the role, because it’s a part of her in a way and her upbringing in the songs. She also says that it’s really a dream role for her. For someone her age, there aren’t that many musical roles like this. It’s a funny, crazy, wacky, annoying and wonderful character that she is going to play. The program leaders say it’s hard to imagine how crazy it must be to have a relationship like this with Roxette and then to stand on stage and do this. Hanna confirms it and she admits she is a little starstruck today, sitting next to Per.

The guys talk about the base book of the musical, Got You Back, written by Jane Fallon. Per explains she is an English author who in Sweden, is best known for being the partner of Ricky Gervais. She is a very talented writer and this book is magically good. They have been working on the idea of a Roxette musical for many, many years. But it always failed because the scripts simply didn’t work. When this book came into sight, it turned out that it was possible to make a musical out of it. They are grateful for that.

To the question how many songs fit in, Per replies it’s probably 25, 27, 28 songs. When he is asked if he has a favourite Roxette song, Per replies it’s The Look. Hanna says there are so many great songs, but Listen To Your Heart is really a favourite for her.

Here they show some footage from the rehearsals, so you can hear how Hanna sings LTYH. She has listened to this one so much. It’s her youth. You were never more in love than you were then and never more heartbroken than then. There is a lot of emotion in that song, she thinks.

For Per, it’s a magical song. Marie sang it and her vocals made this song really big. It was recorded in 1988 before they broke through. The break-through was in 1989. Back then they said, now we’re going to make a production that’s as American as it can be. And it eventually became No. 1 in the US. It’s fantastic.

Per is also a co-producer of the musical in Stockholm. The program leaders are curious how much he will be involved. PG says he will get involved when needed, but he trusts those who can do it better than him. He is mostly a producer to show that he cares and it’s important for him that it turns out well, so he would really like to be involved.

Hanna says she plays a character who helps the main character in her career. She is an annoying lady, but also lovely. Hanna went to see the musical at Malmö Opera and she says that you stand up at the end and just want to dance. It’s really, really good. It feels luxurious to have been able to see it. She is proud to be in the next production of the musical.

The program leaders ask Per about the Roxette tour in South Africa and Australia. Here they show a short footage where Lina Philipsson sings It Must Have Been Love. The reception was absolutely magical. It’s just like it was in the old days. People sing along. Per says that the Roxette audience is very active. They want to sing, sing, sing and they let them do it. Lena has done a fantastic job. It’s a tough situation for her, to put herself into Marie’s shoes, but she does it magically well. She does it in her own way. And that’s what makes it so good. She is such an enormously talented front person.

The program leaders are curious how the audience accepted her. Per says they love her. They are singing along. It’s two fantastic hours. Per has to pinch his arm every now and then that this is happening. It’s awesome.

To the question if it brings back a lot of memories when they are out there again Per replies that of course it does. They are playing the classic Roxette catalogue. There are 24-25 songs from the past. So of course you are talking about old memories backstage after the show. But when you are performing the songs, you are thinking ahead. You are there and then. You are not digging up the old stuff right away. It’s great fun to do this. It’s the classic Roxette band and we have Lena and a new drummer.

They are doing a pretty big European tour this summer. And then they will see if there is a continuation later.

With the musical, the ambition is of course to take it abroad as well, so Per hopes it goes further.

Hanna says they have just started the whole process for Stockholm. There is a new translation in the works which they haven’t read yet. Rehearsals start in July.

The program leaders ask Hanna if she is nervous to do this in a good way so that Per is happy. Hanna says she is not nervous, she has been given the trust and got the role. So it should work. They have six weeks of rehearsal time and that’s needed for it to land in a proper place.

Stills are from the morning show.

Per Gessle about the Roxette musical in Expressen – ”Marie is sitting there on your shoulder. Her whole being, her spirit is there.”

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Expressen met Per Gessle in what was once EMI Studios in Skärmarbrink. This is where Roxette’s first three albums were recorded, and on the now bare facade, the alert eye can catch a commemorative plaque engraved with the simple lines: “In memoriam Marie Fredriksson”.

On press day for Joyride – The Musical that premieres on 11th September at China Teatern in Stockholm, Maria Brander from Expressen talked to Per about the show. Before the get down to the hot topic, Expressen informs that Per is in the middle of a Roxette tour with Lena Philipsson, and has a 25-hour journey home from Melbourne behind him.

The time difference means that you get one day twice.

Expressen asks him if that is how he prolongs his life. Per answers:

Or shorten it, hahaha.

Regarding the musical in Stockholm, Mr. G says that the biggest thing is that it’s a completely different type of venue. Then it’s a different translation.

We thought there were some awesome things in the original book that didn’t really come across in the Swedish one, so we made a new version.

In addition to this, there is a largely new ensemble including Hanna Hedlund who was also on spot in the studio. She says:

My background is musicals, and I often get asked what my dream role is. But you have realized that you may be too old for some of them, and then suddenly a dream role appears that you didn’t know was coming.

She will sing one of her favourite songs, Listen To Your Heart.

Per turns to Hanna and says:

It’s a great role, the coolest in the musical, and it will be great with you.

Mr. G was not involved in the audition part, even though he can now call himself a co-producer.

It’s actually a way for me to show that I care. I really want to be part of Joyride – The Musical’s journey around the world, because I hope it will reach outside of Sweden.

To the question how many times he has seen the production in Malmö, Per replies:

Four, five times, and it’s been good all the way through. But it’s been a long process over many years that has led to “Joyride”. Before we ended up in Malmö, there was an English production company that wanted to put on a musical. They made one with eight songs just for me and Marie. She was still with us at the time. I was struck by how well they fit into this format, the choreography and gestures. Then I stopped it anyway, because I didn’t like the script. It was too depressing, and it was a depressing time, because Marie was sick. At the same time, it didn’t really suit Roxette either.

To the question if Per can feel that Marie is still with him in this musical, he replies:

Yes, it’s her and my journey, and the legacy from it is being carried forward. It’s the same with my tour with Lena. Marie is sitting there on your shoulder the whole time. You can’t get away from that. And all of us who work with this – actors, singers, choreographers – we talk a lot about Marie: “Marie would have liked this. These clothes are so typical of Marie”. So her whole being, her spirit is there.

Expressen is curious if Per feels that the memories have been strengthened now during his and Lena’s Roxette tour.

No, when you play live you look forward, not back. Lena and I didn’t even have a rehearsal before we stood on stage together for the first time in front of 10,000 people in Cape Town. Anything can happen, and you have to learn along the way. For us, there was a huge difference between the first and now eleventh gig, in how relaxed we were.

Earlier Per said said that musicals are not really his area of interest.

No. How can I put it without stepping on some toes now? There’s a kind of manner in the musical world where you sing nicely and cleanly. I myself come from a different tradition, where it’s a lot about personality instead. But in Malmö we’ve gone around it a lot with different types of singers, and it will be the same in Stockholm.

Maria thinks Per seems careful and she wants to know if Per’s word is law in the production.

No, my whole career has been built on being careful, as you say. But I have also put a lot of focus on finding collaborators. I could never have written all these songs for Roxette if Marie hadn’t had the capacity to sing them. I also needed a producer like Clarence Öfwerman. It’s the same with the musical. I need help, but in my life I have succeeded in finding good people and long-term relationships. Whether it’s my business manager, my record label or my wife.

Per says Åsa thinks that the musical is fantastic. She has also seen it five times.

Yes, damn it. I’m not allowed to see it myself. Haha.

PG about what Jane Fallon, who wrote the book, thinks:

Both she and her husband Ricky (Gervais) were at the premiere in Malmö. He was quite serious as a person, but proud to be next to Jane. I have met her several times at meetings in London, and she has been super positive since day one.

To the question what he feels when he sees the musical, Per replies:

I feel proud. That it works, and that the audience stays and sings along. You are reminded of the power of these songs. To get a response from an audience, it is magical.

Stills are from the video included in the original article.

Joyride – the Roxette musical is coming to Stockholm

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After having sold out at Malmö Opera, Joyride – The Musical is finally coming to Stockholm.

The hit musical, which premieres at China Teatern on 11th September, is this time co-produced by Per Gessle himself, while the music now has a more intimate band feel in the original Roxette style.

Per says:

I have really been completely knocked out by the response to Joyride – The Musical in Malmö. Sold out for more than six months and an absolutely fantastic atmosphere inside the theatre. Now it’s time for a brand new production in Stockholm at the lovely China Teatern. It will be magical.

Listen To Your Heart, It Must Have Been Love, The Look, Dangerous, Dressed for Success… Everyone has a relationship to the classics that made Roxette a multi-million-selling global phenomenon in the late ’80s and early ’90s.

These songs also form the basis for the equally energetic, grand and inventive performance Joyride – The Musical, which will have its Stockholm premiere at the China Theatre on 11th September.

The musical, based on the successful English author Jane Fallon’s relationship comedy Got You Back, is handled in Stockholm by partly new creators and in a different production than in Malmö where it had its world premiere and was a great success. Among other things, adjustments are being made to both the script and translation, the latter by Calle Norlén. The choreography is by Jennie Widegren (Bounce) and Miles Hoare. In addition, Per Gessle himself is now stepping in as co-producer.

Organizer and musical director Joakim Hallin says:

It is exciting to see how well Roxette’s pop songs fit into the telling of this rather dramatic story. We have fewer musicians than in Malmö and that means we will work very dynamically with a tight Roxette band sound, but without losing the majesty of songs like “Listen To Your Heart” and “It Must Have Been Love”.

Joyride – The Musical serves both as a nostalgia trip for the part of the audience that grew up with these songs and an introduction to Roxette’s music for a new generation that is curious about one of Sweden’s greatest music export successes ever. Inspired by Roxette’s iconic music videos and a consistently ’90s aesthetic, the acclaimed star director Guy Unsworth, co-director Johanna Hybinette and award-winning set designer David Woodhead are building a completely unique world for this love triangle drama that takes place in London. The plot revolves around Stephanie and Katie, who both have a relationship with Joe, whose double life the women eventually get fed up with – with various complications and intrigues as a result.

The ensemble consists of Lucas Krüger (Joe), Emilie Evbäck (Katie), Jessica Marberger (Stephanie), Anton Lundqvist (Gary), Pia Ternström (Natasha) and Hanna Hedlund (Meredith).

Per says:

It’s fantastic to follow this journey. There are so many incredible people involved from all sides. A gigantic amount of talent is gathered around the same goal. For me, it’s mostly been about daring to let go of control over the material a little and trust those who can do this. It’s a whole new chapter for me.

SOME OF THE ENSEMBLE ABOUT ROXETTE

Hanna Hedlund: I was 13 when “Listen To Your Heart” came out. Right in puberty, so for me that song is associated with great love and great heartache. That song was as big as all the emotions you felt.

Emmie Asplund: I remember when I was 6-7 years old, I snuck into my older sister’s room and borrowed the CD “Joyride” – I loved it. Since then, Marie Fredriksson has been an inspiration, with her fantastic voice and cool image.

Jessica Marberger: Roxette is a soundtrack to so many people’s, and generations’, lives. Of course, for Per Gessle’s unique ability to compose melodious pop songs.

Olle Roberg: Even though “Fading Like A Flower” was released in the early ’90s, the bombastic drums and electric guitars of the ’80s still live on in this song. The verse in minor leads so well into the chorus’ major, the choruses are snappy and there’s a key rise – what more could you ask for?

Linda Holmgren: Really good music is immortal. Good music and good lyrics are touching and last to be played over and over again for years and also to be rearranged and performed in new contexts – and Roxette’s music has shown that it is just that.

Marcus Elander: For me, their music or many of their songs are timeless, which is very unique and cool.

Kitty Chan Schlyter: Strong melodies are energetic anthems. You can’t defend yourself and have to sing along or sway along. Then Marie’s voice was the crowning glory and made the song catalogue something out of the ordinary.

Lucas Krüger: A song that has recently become a favorite is “Queen Of Rain”. It has both sensitivity and power, and a unique sound that touches. I’m really looking forward to singing it!

Oliver Gramenius: I think some music has a kind of nerve at its core, a nerve that is not about trends or genres. It’s just there and it will touch people throughout time. Roxette has that nerve.

Emilie Evbäck: They are so incredibly good at capturing a specific feeling with each song that I think everyone can relate to. And then they were always one hundred percent themselves without following trends too much, which I think is a key to being timeless.

Ulrika Ånäs: Roxette was played a lot during my childhood. I had many moments in front of the mirror when I mimed to Marie’s amazing voice.

Hampus Engstrand: The songs stick in your head right away. Very catchy.

Olivia Kungsman: My parents listened to Roxette when I was little so I recognize a lot of their music from my childhood.

Alexandra Fors: I remember when I was a kid watching the movie Pretty Woman and hearing “It Must Have Been Love” and thinking it was so cool that a Swedish band had made it!

Pia Ternström: The music is both timeless and emotional, has strong hooks and a distinct and recognizable, raw Roxette sound. I think that a good cocktail of their enormous global impact, the power of nostalgia, catchy melodies and the eternally relevant themes of love, longing and passion means that both old and new generations continue to listen to Roxette. It’s impossible not to sing along.

The show is produced by 2Entertain, Vicky Nöjesproduktion, Elevator Entertainment and Live Nation. The show will be played at China Teatern in Stockholm between 11th September and 20th December 2025. Tickets will be released on Showtic on 31st March.

Photos by Christoffer Bendixen