Roxette’s Success Still Surprises Guitarist Gessle
The Swedish duo, who were big in the 1980s and ’90s with hits such as The Look and It Must Have Been Love, had to take a hiatus in 2002 when singer Marie Fredriksson was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
In 2009, Roxette started playing together again and went on to play a sell-out arena tour of Australia in 2012.
“I’m surprised by the whole thing,” Per Gessle, the band’s guitarist and songwriter said.
“Surprised that Marie survived her illness, surprised we’re still working within Roxette and really surprised that there are still millions of fans out there who love what we’re doing.”
Even after all their success – the duo has sold more than 75 million albums worldwide – Gessle is humble about how well the band has been received since their comeback.
“You have to pinch your arm once in a while to check you’re not dreaming!” he said.
The world first took notice when the band released their second album, Look Sharp!, from which produced Roxette’s first No.1 single in the US, The Look, in 1989. But according to Gessle, their global success came as a surprise to the duo.
“We didn’t really know what we were doing at the time. It just happened,” Gessle said.
The guitarist says The Look single and the Look Sharp! album are his favourites from the group’s back catalogue because the music still sounds fresh.
“It’s a blessing to have that fab catalogue of songs that we have. Every artist wants that,” he said.
Roxette can’t be too surprised by their success in Australia, as five of the band’s albums have reached the top 10.
Gessle said they’re keen to try and mix it up for Aussie fans with performances they won’t forget.
“We certainly look forward to return and will do our best to create some memorable shows. Promise.”
ROXETTE’S AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES:
February 2, 2015: – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
February 14, 2015: – Perth Arena Perth Arena
February 17, 2015: – Adelaide Entertainment Centre
February 20, 2015: – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
February 23, 2015: – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
February 27, 2015: – Qantas Credit Union Arena, Sydney