Hallandsposten interview with Per Gessle about Gyllene Tider’s new album and tour in 2023

Jan-Owe Wikström did an interview with Per for Hallandsposten after the news about Gyllene Tider’s 2023 comeback came out. It all started with a newly purchased guitar, Mr. G says.

I bought a new guitar just over a year ago and when I do that, plug it into the amplifier and start playing, it usually automatically turns into a new song. And this one definitely screamed for Gyllene Tider.

In connection with the upcoming shooting of the Gyllene Tider movie, which is planned to be released in 2024, Per, MP, Göran, Anders and Micke Syd have also met more often than usual. Per told the guys he had written two damn good GT songs and wondered if they should record them. No one said no, so it spurred him on and he wrote ten more.

Almost a year ago, Per and MP went to the Tits & Ass Studio and recorded them. Then in spring the rest of the band joined the recording in Sweetspot Studio in Harplinge. The result is: twelve songs that Per is very proud of and satisfied with.

It’s catchy, uptempo, 2.30 and breathes vinyl and it’s the best GT record we’ve made. A completely different energy compared to “Samma skrot och korn”, which was made to play live.

The previous album was recorded in twelve days at Studios La Fabrique outside Saint-Rémy de Provence, down on the French Riviera. Now it was on home soil with the band themselves as producers.

The difference was that back then everything should be ready when we left. Here, we have been able to listen to and change and screw things up because we own the studio ourselves.

After all, everything is so easy with this band. No prestige, no egos but – magic. I can’t put my finger on it, but Anders and Micke play together in a different way than with other musicians, I sing in a different way in Gyllene Tider, MP’s guitar sounds a certain way, Göran’s organ… yes, everything becomes Gyllene Tider.

The record was ready in spring 2022 and it will be released in spring 2023. And yes, the title of it is Hux flux. Just like one of the songs’ title and the name of the upcoming summer tour.

While Per already during the recording of Samma skrot och korn in France felt that the band was too good to stop even then and the same feeling emerged during the tour in three of the other members, Micke Syd was adamant that this would be the dignified farewell. Per explains they respected and bought it and also thought it would be like that.

But while I never want to recklessly put myself in a hopeless or possibly fatal situation and I never say never, I understand how Micke thought. He is a good, spiritual guy who lives in the moment and then felt that we would finish on top when everyone was alive and in good health. At the same time, Micke is the one who is out the most and plays GT songs in various contexts, so when the record and tour came up, he was almost the first to say yes.

Per also believes that the corona pandemic probably affected everyone more than you think.

Yes, I can only speak for myself, but it gave you a different perspective on everything. You are more thoughtful, appreciate what you have and it became a different way of thinking, a different pace. Like, for example, my acoustic tour. I don’t think it would have come off otherwise. Not now anyway.

On 7th July next summer, Gyllene Tider will be at Brottet in Halmstad again for the premiere of the Hux flux tour. They booked the venues last summer because nowadays you have to be out in good time. Partly for the ticket sales vis-a-vis other artists, partly so that the venues are free.

If Malin-My Wall and Dea Norberg will join the band like the last tour, Per doesn’t want to reveal.

And of course there might be more than one concert at home in Halmstad and maybe the grand finale won’t be in Ullevi in Gothenburg.

Of course, it depends on how big the interest is, and then the neighbouring countries will come into the picture as well. But we are heading towards a recession, so the goal is for the tickets to be as cheap as possible, even though the costs are triple. Rather that people can afford it and that it becomes a public celebration.

And this time the word farewell is not mentioned…

Gyllene Tider is back again!

How many times is a band like Gyllene Tider allowed to come back? As many times as they want!!! Even after their so-called farewell tour with which they celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2019. Now 4 years later, GT will be back on stage with a big summer tour in 2023! The tour is called „Hux Flux”, which means „all of a sudden” in English. If a new album is to be recorded is not known yet.

As announced in a press release on 19th October, Gyllene Tider returns next year to add a golden edge to the Swedish summer once again. The extensive summer tour is called Hux Flux and consists of 15 concerts. Tickets go on sale at 9.00 am CET on Tuesday, 25th October via LiveNation.se.

Some relationships are too precious to give up. Like the seemingly stainless love affair between Gyllene Tider and their devoted audience. For more than 40 years, the Halmstad band has continued to attract listeners – new and old – with its vast song catalogue and its acclaimed concerts. A feat that is unparalleled in Swedish pop history.

Sommartider, Flickan i en Cole Porter-sång, Leva livet, När vi två blir en, Ljudet av ett annat hjärta, Kung av sand – the list of beloved songs is of course much longer and there is no doubt that Gyllene Tider’s music is inscribed in the Swedes’ DNA. Now the time has come to create new memories together with the original members Per Gessle, Mats “MP” Persson, Anders Herrlin, Göran Fritzon and Micke Syd Andersson who together illustrate that life, just like music, only gets better with age.

In 2019 Gyllene Tider celebrated their 40th anniversary as a band. An anniversary that was honored with a rarely seen celebration when the band played in front of a total of a quarter million people around Sweden and Norway. What was intended as a kind of thank you and goodbye became a long break instead.

Per says:

The pandemic changed us all. Those were tough and empty years. I felt a strong longing to play together with my ’70s buddies again. The brotherly relationship we have and the love we receive from our audience is magical and in times like these the decision to continue the Gyllene Tider saga feels right. So it is with great pleasure that I can announce that the history of the Gyllene Tider didn’t end a few years ago as we all thought at the time. All of a sudden, the band is back again. See you next summer!

The 15-show summer tour starts on 7th July in Halmstad and ends at Ullevi in Gothenburg on 5th August.

Tour dates

7th July 2023 (Friday) – Halmstad, Brottet
10th July 2023 (Monday) – Helsingborg, Sofiero Slott
12th July 2023 (Wednesday) – Malmö, Mölleplatsen
14th July 2023 (Friday) – Linköping, Stångebrofältet
15th July 2023 (Saturday) – Eskilstuna, Sundbyholms Slott
17th July 2023 (Monday) – Lysekil, Pinneviken
19th July 2023 (Wednesday) – Skövde, Boulognerskogen
21st July 2023 (Friday) – Kalmar, Fredriksskans
22nd July 2023 (Saturday) – Ronneby, Brunnsparken
26th July 2023 (Wednesday) – Piteå, Pite Havsbad
28th July 2023 (Friday) – Stockholm, Stockholms Stadion
29th July 2023 (Saturday) – Rättvik, Dalhalla
2nd August 2023 (Wedneday) – Karlstad, Mariebergsskogen
3rd August 2023 (Thursday) – Uppsala, Botaniska Trädgården
5th August 2023 (Saturday) – Göteborg, Ullevi

Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, 25th October at 9.00 am CET via Livenation.se. Pre-sale starts for registered Live Nation members on Friday, 21st October at 9.00 am CET.

Update on 21st October: 12th August (Saturday) – Fredrikstad (Norway), FMV Vest is added. Pre-sale for Fredrikstad, Norway starts on Monday, 24th October at 10.00 am CET via livenation.no.

 

GT 1982 photo by Anders Andersson

Review and CONTEST – Win an “Akustiska kvällar” book signed by Per Gessle!

The Per Gessle Unplugged photo book, Akustiska kvällar is published today, 17th October. I’ve just had the chance to hold the book in my hands and I must say I’m in love with it. It’s a quite big, 22 x 29 cm size book with that contagious smile on the front cover shining on my book shelf now.

The paper quality is perfect for such a photo book. It’s non-glossy, so you don’t need to wear gloves whenever you want to flick through it. Haha.

The book starts with Per’s foreword, telling the story of how the whole acoustic joyride began and became a 10-gig session at Hotel Tylösand and later a concert hall tour. There is a tremendous amount of beautiful photos taken by Anders Roos, who – to quote Mr. G – „was a fly on the wall during the tour and boy did he fly!” Anders’s shots show us PERfectly how it is to be on tour with Gessle.

The pics are divided into three parts: Hotel Tylösand in 2021, the autumn tour leg in 2021 and the spring tour leg in 2022. You also get the complete list of songs played on those concerts and of course, the whole band and crew are listed.

Getting down to the photos, my personal favourites are the ones taken backstage and during the rehearsals, because those are the no-access areas for us fans. When the band is on stage, but not yet dressed in their stage outfits, but everyday clothes are special too. Besides that, there are tiny little details, such as instruments, setlists, gadgets (capo, in-ear system, etc.), wifi password of one of the theatres and hey, you can even have a glimpse of THE ginger tea from above. Gosh, so many ginger pieces during so many shows! Haha.

There are of course tons of on-stage pics from the concerts taken in different venues from various angles and distances. Close-ups and photos where you can see the whole stage set. All the most memorable moments on stage are caught, e.g. Helena singing next to Per, PG hi-five with Clarence after Ljudet av ett annat hjärta, Magnus doing his thing during Tuffa tider, Christoffer playing barefoot, PG left leg stomping while playing the ukulele and the list is neverending.

The only disadvantage of the book is that there are photos in the size of two pages where the PERson in the middle doesn’t appear the way you want to see him, hiding between those two pages. Haha. Anyway, there is still a huge amount of pictures you can enjoy, e.g. pics where Per is sitting on stage alone with his guitar, in front of an empty concert hall and the photo is taken from behind or doing exercises before getting on stage or having his make-up done or … really, many-many shots.

Each of the 1000 books is signed and includes a print of one of the pics from the book in size 18 x 24 cm. There are 30 different prints circulating.

Read more about the book and where to buy it HERE.

C-O-N-T-E-S-T!

And now… let’s get down to the contest! Here is your chance to win one of the 2 books we have received! Both books are signed by Per and include a surprise print (18 x 24 cm)!

In order to participate, answer the following questions correctly:

  1. How many Per Gessle Unplugged concerts were there between July 2021 and May 2022, including the Hotel Tylösand sessions? 31
  2. How many cities had more than 1 concert during the tour? Name all of them! 3: Halmstad, Örebro, Göteborg; (4 if Tylösand is also counted -> both answers were accepted)
  3. Which was the opening song on each setlist on the PG Unplugged tour? Kung av sand
  4. How many band members stayed on stage for Ljudet av ett annat hjärta and who were they? 2: Per Gessle and Clarence Öfwerman

You can find the answers to all questions on RoxBlog.

Send an e-mail with your name, address and the correct answers to the questions to roxblog.contest@gmail.com until 23:59 CET, 24th October 2022. The 2 lucky winners will be announced on 25th October 2022. Good luck!

UPDATE on 25th October: the two winners have been picked and informed via email about their winning. Thanx, everyone, for taking part! The winners are Marcello Fioravanti from Italy and Dawn Campbell from Canada! Congrats!

Contest terms and conditions:
– In order to participate, you have to send an e-mail to roxblog.contest@gmail.com with name, address and correct answers to the 4 questions. We will consider all e-mails we receive until 23:59 CET on 24th October 2022.
– 2 winners will be picked randomly among those who have participated and sent the correct answers.
– You can only participate once. Any attempt to participate twice or more times will lead to your disqualification.
– Prizes won’t be paid out in cash. Prizes will be sent by registered mail only once.
– The winners will be announced on this website, on our Facebook page and will also be notified per e-mail. You’ll be required to answer the e-mail confirming your address.
– RoxetteBlog will not enter into any correspondence regarding the result of the contest and is not liable for any damages, loss or expenses that may result in connection to the prizes.
– By taking part in the contest, personal data (first name, surname, e-mail address and address) will be collected. These data are needed in order to run the contest, particularly in order to match participation applications to their entries as well as to identify and notify the winners. This method of processing data is therefore required pursuant to Article 6 Paragraph 1 lit b of the GDPR to fulfil contractual obligations. The personal data collected will be processed and used by RoxetteBlog only to the extent that is required in order to run the contest. The personal data will be stored for the duration of the contest and – in order to process any claims relating to winnings and damages – for a maximum of 6 months afterwards and they will then be deleted. By participating, you agree to all above mentioned and your name being published on this website, as well as on our social media channels in case you win.

Thanks a lot for the beautiful pics & book & support, Anders Roos!

Stills are from Tres Hombres Art’s instavideo.

Why Jewelry Is More Than Just an Accessory

Jewelry is often seen as something added at the end of an outfit, but its meaning goes far beyond decoration. A necklace, ring, bracelet, or pair of earrings can express personality, preserve memories, symbolize milestones, and even become part of someone’s identity. While clothing creates the foundation of a look, jewelry adds the details that make it personal.

Jewelry Tells a Story

Many pieces of jewelry carry meaning. A ring may represent a relationship, a pendant may remind someone of a loved one, and a bracelet may mark a special achievement or moment in life. These pieces are not only worn for style; they are connected to experiences, emotions, and memories.

This is why jewelry often becomes more valuable over time. Its worth is not always measured only by materials or price, but by the story attached to it.

It Reflects Personal Style

Jewelry gives people a simple way to show who they are. Someone who enjoys classic fashion may choose pearls, diamonds, or simple gold pieces. A person with a bold style may prefer large earrings, colorful gemstones, or layered chains. Others may enjoy vintage, handmade, or modern minimalist designs.

Even when two people wear the same outfit, their jewelry choices can make each look completely different. Accessories help turn basic clothing into something unique.

Jewelry Can Mark Important Milestones

Throughout life, jewelry is often connected to major moments. Engagement rings, wedding bands, graduation gifts, anniversary pieces, and family heirlooms all carry significance. These items become physical reminders of important chapters.

Because jewelry can last for many years, it often becomes something passed from one generation to another. A piece that once belonged to a parent or grandparent may become a treasured family keepsake.

It Can Hold Financial Value

Jewelry can also have practical value. Gold, diamonds, watches, and other fine pieces may retain worth and can sometimes be bought, sold, traded, or appraised. Places such as Max Pawn Shop are often associated with jewelry transactions because many people look for ways to understand or access the value of their pieces.

This financial side adds another layer to jewelry’s importance. It can be both beautiful and useful.

Jewelry Builds Confidence

The right piece of jewelry can change how someone feels. A favorite necklace may make a person feel polished, while a bold ring may add confidence before a big event. Jewelry can help complete an outfit, but it can also create a sense of readiness and self-expression.

Sometimes, a small detail is enough to make someone feel more put together. That is part of what makes jewelry so powerful.

It Connects Fashion With Emotion

Unlike many fashion items, jewelry often blends beauty with emotional meaning. It can be stylish, sentimental, symbolic, and valuable all at once. A piece may match an outfit, but it may also remind the wearer of a place, person, or memory.

Conclusion

Jewelry is more than just an accessory because it carries meaning, personality, history, and value. It helps people express themselves, remember special moments, and feel more confident in their everyday lives. Whether simple or bold, modern or vintage, jewelry has the power to turn an outfit into something personal and meaningful.

How Jewelry Helps Express Individual Style

Jewelry is one of the most personal parts of fashion. While clothing creates the foundation of an outfit, jewelry adds detail, meaning, and character. A simple necklace, bold ring, elegant bracelet, or pair of earrings can say a lot about someone’s taste without needing words. Whether the style is classic, modern, artistic, or minimal, jewelry helps people express who they are.

Jewelry Adds Personality to Everyday Outfits

Even the simplest outfit can feel more complete with the right jewelry. A plain white shirt and jeans can look casual with small studs, refined with a gold chain, or bold with layered necklaces and statement rings. These small changes allow people to adjust their look based on mood, occasion, or personality.

Jewelry gives everyday fashion more flexibility. Instead of changing an entire wardrobe, someone can use accessories to create different looks from the same clothing pieces. This makes jewelry a powerful tool for personal style.

Different Pieces Reflect Different Moods

Jewelry often reflects how someone wants to feel or be seen. Delicate pieces can create a soft and elegant impression, while larger statement pieces can feel confident and creative. Vintage jewelry may show appreciation for history and uniqueness, while sleek modern designs can suggest a clean, polished style.

Some people prefer jewelry that blends quietly into their outfit, while others enjoy pieces that stand out. Both choices are valid because personal style is about comfort, confidence, and self-expression.

Jewelry Can Carry Personal Meaning

Many jewelry pieces have emotional value. Rings, lockets, charm bracelets, watches, and necklaces can represent memories, relationships, milestones, or family history. A piece of jewelry may remind someone of a special person, an important achievement, or a meaningful moment in life.

This emotional connection makes jewelry different from many other accessories. It is not always chosen only for appearance. Sometimes, the most meaningful pieces are the ones connected to personal stories.

Materials and Design Shape Personal Style

The type of metal, gemstone, shape, and design all influence the style of a jewelry piece. Gold can feel warm and classic, while silver often creates a cooler and more modern look. Diamonds, pearls, colored stones, and unique settings can each communicate a different sense of personality.

People who want guidance on choosing meaningful or high-quality pieces may speak with local diamond specialists to better understand options that match their taste, budget, and personal style.

Jewelry Helps Define a Signature Look

Some people become known for a certain type of jewelry. It might be hoop earrings, layered necklaces, stacked rings, a favorite watch, or a simple bracelet worn every day. Over time, these pieces can become part of a signature look.

A signature style does not need to be dramatic. It simply means choosing pieces that feel natural and recognizable. When jewelry consistently reflects someone’s personality, it becomes part of how they present themselves to the world.

Jewelry Works for Every Style

One of the best things about jewelry is that it can suit any fashion preference. Minimalists may prefer clean, subtle pieces. People with bold style may enjoy oversized earrings, colorful gemstones, or mixed metals. Classic dressers may choose pearls, diamonds, or simple gold jewelry. Creative dressers may prefer handmade, vintage, or unusual designs.

There is no single correct way to wear jewelry. The most important thing is choosing pieces that feel authentic and comfortable.

Final Thoughts

Jewelry helps express individual style by adding personality, meaning, and detail to an outfit. It can make simple clothing feel more polished, reflect different moods, and carry emotional value. Whether someone prefers timeless elegance or bold statement pieces, jewelry allows personal style to shine in a way that feels unique and memorable.