Roxette - In Concert 2025

ICC Theatre Sydney, Sydney, NSW - 08/03/25

It’s been almost five years since the world lost Marie Fredriksson, a voice and presence that helped shape one of pop-rock’s most beloved duos. But as Per Gessle and his handpicked ensemble took the stage at Sydney’s ICC Theatre, it became clear that Roxette’s legacy is not only intact—it’s thriving. Featuring both original members and fresh talent, the mix brought a vibrant energy to a crowd eager to relive the magic of Roxette’s golden years. From the moment the first note rang out, it was an unstoppable wave of joy—smiles stretched across faces, voices lifted in song, and fans abandoned their seats to rush to the front.

The expansive stage setup allowed every band member to shine, with a striking lighting display that elevated the show’s energy. Lena Philipsson, making her debut in Australia, embraced the moment with warmth and enthusiasm, seamlessly carrying the torch as the band’s lead vocalist. Per Gessle, ever the showman, switched between stunning checkered acoustic guitars—black and blue, red and black—while guitarists Jonas Isacsson and Christoffer Lundquist unleashed a dual-guitar assault that was pure rock spectacle. The stage was lined with twin Marshalls, twin Vox amps, and twin thundering 8x10 bass cabs, a welcome sight in an era where rock bands have become a rarity in the mainstream. Backing vocalist Dea Norberg played a crucial role in bringing Roxette’s signature harmonies to life, delivering a flawless performance that elevated the night’s biggest moments. Whether adding depth to the ballads or power to the anthems, her presence was a key ingredient in the band’s rich, full sound.

As one fan put it, “This is exactly what the music scene has been missing—bands that can play.”

The show struck a perfect balance between high-energy anthems and heartfelt moments. A stripped-down acoustic section saw the band gather with four guitars—including a 12-string—alongside piano and a ride cymbal for Vulnerable, a rarely played gem written by Per on an airport floor in Japan. The harmonies soared, creating one of the night’s most beautiful moments. Then came the emotional peak: It Must Have Been Love. Lena dedicated it to Marie, and the entire crowd rose to their feet in a moment of collective tribute, turning the venue into a sea of swaying lights.

If that was the night’s most poignant moment, Dangerous was its wildest. The crowd was fully unleashed, clapping above their heads, singing at full volume, and losing themselves in a performance that featured windmilling power chords, a searing guitar solo, and a keyboard solo that reminded everyone why Roxette’s sound was so iconic. As the band introductions began, Christoffer Lundquist stole the spotlight with an unexpected Aussie touch—playing Waltzing Matilda on guitar, much to the crowd’s delight. The room erupted into a sing-along, a rare and joyous fusion of Swedish pop royalty and Australian pride.

Returning to the stage for the Encore, Per shared a playful anecdote: he had written Spending My Time on the same day as Joyride—a song so good, he joked, it made skipping lunch worthwhile. He and Lena delivered it as an intimate acoustic duet, with the audience taking over the second chorus completely unaccompanied. From there, the final stretch of the night was a rollercoaster: Listen to Your Heart began with a soaring piano intro that had fans screaming, culminating in a thunderous drum fill that sent them into overdrive. The Look kept the momentum peaking, with Christoffer launching himself off the drum riser and landing on his hands and knees—a true rock ‘n’ roll moment. Then, the band toned things down for a reflective close with Queen of Rain, a moment of introspection after the high-energy finale. It was a gentle, poignant way to end a night filled with celebration.

Sydney’s ICC Theatre played host to a night that was more than just a nostalgia trip—it was a celebration of timeless music performed by a band that understands the power of a great song. With Scandinavians well-represented in the crowd and fans of all ages soaking up every note, it was clear that Roxette’s magic is alive and well.

More than just a concert, it was a reminder of what live music is supposed to be: uplifting, electric, and unforgettable.

Brought to life by Mellen Events and Live Nation Australia, this was a show that won’t soon be forgotten.

And for those who missed it—or simply want to experience it again—Roxette will be performing in Adelaide and Hobart this week, the at A Day On The Green on March 15th in the Hunter Valley and the 16th at Mount Cotton, where they’ll be joined once again by Boom Crash Opera and even more Aussie rock royalty, Jon Stevens. It’s set to be another unmissable night of music, memories, and masterful live performance.