Review by Lauren Sherritt
Twenty-three years ago, on the week I was born, Roxette topped the Australian charts with smash hit The Look. Little could I have known then that over two decades on I would be watching the Swedish duo, still full of pop-energy and sing-along-able choruses, playing that very song to a crowd of over ten thousand of their most dedicated Australian fans.
The second Brisbane show of Roxette’s first Australian tour in over sixteen years was kicked off by tour companions 1927. Crowds poured into Brisbane’s Entertainment Centre, saturated by the heavy rain outside, excited to see this first rate band smash out old favourites If I could and That’s When I Think of You. Singer Erik Weideman dedicated the ever moving Compulsory Hero to those serving in the armed forces and it was clear to see that the audience were touched. It was easy to get a sense of Weideman’s excitement to be touring with Roxette, his schoolboy smile and the bounce in his step leaving no sense of playing things rock’n’roll cool, and as he left the stage his energy infected the already super-hyped crowd as they waited for the band to appear.
Fittingly, Roxette opened the show with their first hit single Dressed for Success and from then on the hits just kept coming. How Do You Do, Listen To Your Heart, Spending My Time, Joyride…Roxette’s is a back catalogue to die for. Stand outs of course included the Pretty Woman soundtrack addition, which in the words of Per Gessle himself “took Roxette from Sweden to Hollywood”, It Must Have Been Love. Marie Fredriksson’s stunning vocals filled the air, her talents truly showcased in the heart wrenching ballad.
During the first encore (of two), the band finally played the much anticipated The Look, the audience lapping up their turns to sing in the chorus. Their energy seemed to transfer back to the musicians they loved so much on the stage; Per, Marie and their band travelling across every inch of the stage as they played this favourite song.
As the show ended the duo stood for a moment, arms around each, surveying the huge number of supporters who had turned out see them. Some, like me, had grown up with their music, while others had started in youth and grown old(er) to it, but the love for this band was just the same. Together the pair shared a smile, a sense of satisfaction, and as they left the stage to the roaring of a delighted crowd it was clear that these two musicians, with all their talent and staying power, had created something very special that would still be gathering, keeping and amazing fans for many years to come.
Review by Lauren Sherritt
Acts: Roxette
Event: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Date: 24th February 2012
Toure Details: Roxette to play Brisbane – February 2012 | Tour Details!
Photo Credit: KristaBella Photography
Photographer: KristaBella Photography