Roxtette will return to two venues in South Africa during 2025 – Ticketing info here.
Roxette, a Swedish pop rock duo, has captivated audiences around the world with their infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Formed in 1986, the band consists of two talented musicians, Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson. Over the years, Roxette has released numerous chart-topping hits, embarked on successful tours, and gained a dedicated fan base. In this article, we will delve into the band’s history, explore their discography, discuss their tours to South Africa, and provide exciting details about their upcoming 2025 tour to Cape Town and Pretoria.
Per Gessle, born on January 12, 1959, in Halmstad, Sweden, is a Swedish singer-songwriter and guitarist. He is best known as the male half and primary songwriter of Roxette. Gessle’s musical journey began in the 1970s when he formed the band Gyllene Tider. However, it was his collaboration with Marie Fredriksson in Roxette that propelled him to international fame. Gessle’s songwriting prowess and distinctive voice have been instrumental in shaping Roxette’s signature sound. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards and nominations, including the Grammis Award for Song of the Year and Artist of the Year.
Marie Fredriksson, born on May 30, 1958, in Össjö, Sweden, was a talented singer and songwriter. She joined forces with Per Gessle to form Roxette and became the female vocalist of the duo. Fredriksson’s powerful and emotive voice added depth and emotion to Roxette’s music. Tragically, she passed away in 2019, leaving behind a remarkable musical legacy. Her contributions to Roxette and the music industry as a whole will always be remembered.
Discography
Roxette’s discography is a testament to their enduring success and musical versatility. The duo has released ten studio albums, one live album, thirteen compilation albums, one remix album, and eleven video albums. Their discography showcases a wide range of musical styles, from catchy pop-rock anthems to heartfelt ballads. Some of their most notable albums include:
“Look Sharp!” (1988): This breakthrough album catapulted Roxette to international fame. It features hit singles like “The Look,” “Listen to Your Heart,” and “Dressed for Success.”
“Joyride” (1991): Building on their success, Roxette released this critically acclaimed album, which spawned chart-topping hits such as “Joyride,” “Fading Like a Flower,” and “Spending My Time.”
“Crash! Boom! Bang!” (1994): Known for its introspective and melancholic tone, this album includes fan favorites like “Sleeping in My Car” and “Crash! Boom! Bang!”
“Have a Nice Day” (1999): Roxette’s comeback album after a brief hiatus, it features the infectious single “Wish I Could Fly” and showcases the band’s ability to evolve their sound.
These are just a few highlights from Roxette’s extensive discography, which spans over three decades. Each album is a testament to the duo’s musical talent and their ability to create timeless songs.
Roxette’s music has resonated with fans all over the world, and South Africa is no exception. The band has embarked on successful tours to South Africa, captivating audiences with their electrifying performances. In February 2025, Roxette is set to return to South Africa for a series of highly anticipated concerts in Cape Town and Pretoria.

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