Live Review: Roxette in Perth, Australia 2025
5th of March 2025 at Kings Park Perth Western Australia
Review by Sheldon Ang
Photography by Sheldon Ang Photography
What a joyride!
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. The last time this photographer and writer sang his heart out while photographing was at the final KISS concert at the RAC Arena in 2022. It may be a biased opinion considering each song – or at least the commercial releases- sparked the nostalgia of his high school years, when life was seen through a different lens – for better or worse.
“If you know the song, please sing along. If you don’t know the song, just sing anyway, like we do,” said Per Gessle, the surviving member of Roxette.
And hit after hit they came, as over 6000 fans obeyed the 90s commander of Sweden, as we immersed into the 90s, with memories of the 90’s look, Rage TV on Saturday mornings, and Barry Bissel’s Take 40 Australia
“So sit back and enjoy the joy ride.”
The night is sparked by Big L. The crowd rises to their feet – an unfamiliar sight in Perth- followed by Sleeping in My Car. It seems the fans are embracing Lena Philipsson – who has taken the role of lead vocalist in recent tours following the passing of Marie Fredricksson in 2019. She may not be an official member of Roxette. Instead, she’s the featured artist. Australia, being a country of fair go, has rapturously embraced Lena as she takes the stage with the bounce and stage presence of a veteran.
As for the alumni of the Barry Bissel era, the moment has arrived. With the punchy guitar riff at the intro, the momentum is set with Dressed for Success, arguably one of the greatest hits from the late 80’s. The single from the Look Sharp! album elevates the crowd to a euphoric level thanks to the punchy projection of Lena, through her sassy vocals that are filled with determination. She constantly weaves across the stage with the vocals and stage persona that’s inducing new blood into a chronologically aging band.
But the band formed in 1986 didn’t show any signs of wear and tear. Per scintillates through his guitar, pointing its head to the heavens like a rock god, often pointing his hands in the same direction, with the crowd mirroring his movement in rock god gestures.
Like a rock band with pop infusion, the stage is busy with three guitarists and a bass player, keyboardist, drummer and backup vocalist to complement Roxette and Lena. The wall of sound is united on the Swedish front and there are occasions when the lead guitarist soars with his six strings like Angus or Slash, even taking a moment to play Waltzing Mathilda that induces a roar of patriotism.
With a sense of familiarity, the hits keep rolling in Fading like Flower, commencing with the gentle piano before the snares, guitars and drums hit, signaling the tone of the story that’s about to unfold. Lena thrust her hips at the crescendo and the emotional depth resonates with the vulnerability and longing that this song deserves.
Per had a solo moment in Opportunity Nox, which transitioned to Vulnerable in an acoustic performance. The middle of the concert is filled with ballads as the setlist continues with Wish I Could Fly and the biggest ballad of them, and also “Marie’s favourite song” – It Must Have Been Love. The 1987 track that was used in Pretty Woman over 35 years ago catapulted Roxette to global fame. At this point, poignancy rains and saltwater drips from the faces of the old-school followers, as we sense the presence of Marie. Perhaps it’s the melancholic piano setting the love-sick mood of the broken kind, or perhaps visions of the old flame that’s ignited from a world that seems a lifetime away. After all, love never dies. Lena tells the story beautifully, a deserving justice in honor of the late Marie. It is her song.
With moments of reflection, the switch is flicked with the faster tone in How Do You Do. Perhaps the biggest roar of the night so far goes to Dangerous. Lena haughtily walks across the stage towards Per, and once again, the lead vocalist sings with conviction, one that soars to match the lyrics and tempo. The playfulness and flirtatiousness of her tone make this hit the fans’ favourite so far in the live setting of Kings Park.
The fans are fully unstrapped to one of the most recognisable whistle hooks as they jump onto the Joyride. Per Gessle’s smooth vocals are full of wit and charm, which makes it a perfect one-two combo with Lena’s soaring voice.
The encore is also packed with the biggest hits of the 80s and 90s, with Spending My Time in an acoustic set with only Per and Lena on stage. The crowd sings along in a beautiful harmony of unity and solidarity. The blend of emotional depth and soaring melodies continues with Listen To Your Heart, as the dreamy piano kicks in a beautiful ethereal propagation as the song intensifies, backed by self-appointed singers of 6,000
We sense the end is near.
The Look takes us again to the peak of the night – one filled with an undulating set of emotions. Per’s talk – singing style at the verse is exactly how it was in 1989. And as she goes “na na na na na” something tells us this is not a final goodbye, despite it has been 10 years since Roxette graced the Australian shores.
Roxette continues across Australia with tickets are available from Ticketek
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank Valerie MacIver Public Relations, Mellen Events and Roxette for the media accreditation
About the Writer/Photographer: The founder of Perth-based Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) has been accredited to more than 170 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth), Backstreet Boys, KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP, P!NK and of course The Script with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, UB40, Delta Goodrem, The Wiggles and Toni Childs on social media. He has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro (pictured below), Ian Moss, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 70 artists – including many Swedish band. He’s also a contributor on Triple M Radio as a music journalist.
