Hey PopRockers, for the first time in 10 years, Swedish pop duo Roxette has hit Australian shores, last playing in the Perth Arena. It was a new look, due to the untimely passing of Marie Fredricksson in 2019, with Lena Phillipsson taking over. Roxette also had some pretty good stars supporting with Boom Crash Opera and Jon Stevens playing before Roxette in Perth
The venue was on the grounds of Kings Park Botanical Gardens. Walking through the gates, you could already spot hundreds of Roxette fans waiting patiently for the show to begin in the blazing setting sun. That estimate would later be blown out of the water. Luckily they didn’t have to wait long and we were soon seated and waiting for the show to begin.
The emcee ran through all the necessary duties and then the show began with Boom Crash Opera.
Boom Crash Opera hit the stage with drummer Peter Maslen setting the mood with a playful ad-lib. As Peter Farnan, John, and Dale took their places, the night kicked off with Onion Skin. The crowd was still arriving, but you could already see deck chairs wobbling and people moving to the beat.
The band played like they were in their 20s, even joking that none of them looked a day over 35. The energy stayed high as they launched into Gimmie Gimmie, a track that had everyone dancing in their seats.
Then came Hands Up in the Air, and it sounded incredible live. Dressed in bright white, Dale was like a lighthouse in a storm, swaying to the music. Next, Get Out of the House turned things up even more. The band was on fire, pulling out guitar solos and even throwing in some Chuck Berry-style duck walks.
After Great Wall, fans got an unexpected treat. Boom Crash Opera dropped their brand-new track, Latest Hustle, a day before its release. For Perth fans who missed out and for those catching them on Roxette’s Aussie tour, keep an ear out for this one. It blends their classic sound with modern elements—definitely worth a listen.
Back to the classics, Dancing in the Storm proved that radio just doesn’t do this song justice. It went off live, even as more fans kept arriving. Better Daze followed, with Dale stepping into full rockstar conductor mode.
During the second chorus, the band took turns showing off. John laid down a killer bass riff, proving how powerful bass can sound live. Peter Maslen got another moment to showcase his drumming skills before Peter Farnan went wild with a guitar solo—at one point, it even looked like he was playing with his teeth!
The set wrapped up with The Best Thing, with Dale delivering powerhouse vocals. Then, they brought it full circle with Onion Skin one more time, closing out a night that was nothing short of electrifying.
Boom Crash Opera still knows how to bring the house down!
After a brief intermission, Jon Stevens hit the stage with an electrifying presence. At first, it seemed like an extended soundcheck, but it was clear the wait was worth it. The crowd, especially the ladies, erupted in excitement as he took centre stage.
Stevens kicked things off with Touch, sending the noise level soaring. Fans sang along, especially two enthusiastic ladies in the front row.
Then, he shared that he had toured with some of INXS’s original members, stepping into Michael Hutchence’s legendary role. He followed this with What You Need, the first of five INXS covers. A bearded fan in the front row jumped up, dancing and rocking out—setting the tone for an energetic night.
Next, Miles and Miles had Stevens scanning the horizon. Looking back, thousands of phone lights lit up the venue, creating a stunning moment.
Then, he had everyone on their feet for New Sensation—and no one hesitated. The energy stayed high as he shifted back to Noiseworks with Hot Chilli Woman. His vocal screams and tricks channelled a bit of Van Halen, proving he can still sing with the best.
Returning to INXS, Never Tear Us Apart struck a deep emotional chord. Fans familiar with Port Adelaide Football Club know how powerful this song is in front of thousands. At times, the crowd’s singing overpowered Stevens, making for a goosebump-worthy moment. The iconic sax solo sealed the deal.
Then, No Lies blasted through the venue, raising the decibel level even higher. The ground vibrated as if something massive was about to emerge.
Things took a sultry turn as Stevens delivered Need You Tonight with effortless charm. The sound guy might as well have been boiling a tea kettle with the audience’s high-pitched squeals.
During Voice of Reason, Stevens introduced the band, giving each member their moment. Guitar, bass, sax, and drum solos showcased their incredible talent.
Stevens wrapped up with Take Me Back, pushing his vocals to the limit while the audience sang along passionately.
A special mention goes to the lighting techs, who created a true rock-star atmosphere. Their work added an extra layer of magic to an unforgettable night.
The anticipation built as Roxette took the stage. Before they appeared, I was momentarily distracted by what looked like heads on spikes—until the lights kicked in and the opening chords of “The Big L” rang out.
The crowd erupted as Per Gessle and Lena Philipsson stepped into the spotlight. Their chemistry was undeniable, forged over the last four years since Marie Fredriksson’s passing. While line-up changes can be tough for die-hard fans, Lena seamlessly fits into the Roxette legacy. She honoured Marie’s memory while showcasing her own star power.
Next up was “Sleeping in My Car,” and the band made it pop with infectious energy. Lena danced with the backup singer, who wasn’t just standing in the shadows—she hyped up the crowd, tambourine in hand, bringing an extra spark to the performance.
The fan-favourite “She’s Got Nothing (On the Radio)” had the audience moving. Behind me, an enthusiastic American gentleman waved his arms so wildly that I had to dodge a few times. But that just showed how much fun everyone was having.
Per, the backbone of Roxette, brought his signature smoothness to the performance. Whether strumming his guitar or engaging with the audience, his effortless cool made every moment feel genuine. His storytelling between songs added a personal touch, like when he shared how he wrote “Run to You” on the island of Capri.
His ability to balance emotion and energy was on full display during ballads like “Crash! Boom! Bang!” and “What’s She Like?” He made each note feel intimate, drawing the audience in. But when it was time to turn up the tempo, Per led the charge with his unmistakable swagger, keeping the energy sky-high.
“Fading Like a Flower” reminded everyone why Roxette excelled at power ballads. Their ability to blend emotion with soaring melodies is unmatched. Then, “Opportunity Nox” brought the tempo back up, turning the crowd into a sea of swaying bodies, clapping hands, and thigh slaps.
“Things Will Never Be the Same” highlighted the band’s musical talent, with keyboardist Clarence Öfwerman’s synth work transporting us straight back to ’80s Sweden.
When “It Must Have Been Love” played, you could see just how much Marie’s legacy meant to Lena. As she hit the iconic “All” note in the chorus, her eyes sparkled—possibly with tears. The moment was heartfelt and unforgettable.
“How Do You Do!” came next, with a particularly enthusiastic “F You” from the fan behind me—not out of anger, but pure excitement.
Then came “Dangerous,” an undeniable banger that got the entire audience singing. The band introductions followed, with each member getting their moment:
Then, it was time for “Joyride,” and the crowd exploded with energy. Every single person was on their feet, singing, dancing, and soaking in the moment.
Roxette left the stage, but the crowd wasn’t ready to say goodbye. The tension built, and when they returned, the cheer was earth-shaking.
They kicked off the encore with “Spending My Time,” though honestly, the crowd was so loud that it was hard to hear. Next was “Listen to Your Heart,” and our American friend behind me shouted another joyful “F off” in excitement.
Then came “The Look,” and we were all vertical again, rocking out like it was 1989.
But Roxette had one last surprise—instead of closing with a high-energy anthem, they ended with “Queen of Rain.” It was a stunningly emotional ballad, leaving the audience in awe and reflection.
As the band took their final bows, their smiles, blown kisses, and heartfelt gratitude capped off a night that Perth will remember for years.
Roxette in Perth delivered a memorable show, both for established fans and new ones alike. If anyone had doubts about how Lena would fit in with Roxette, she quashed them by exceeding all expectations. From the deck section you had one of the best seats in the park and you can fully appreciate how amazing Roxette are as a pop duo.
Jon Stevens and Boom Crash Opera propped up Roxette, doing a fantastic job at getting us all warmed up and capturing new fans along the way.
The Botanical Gardens of Kings Park helped the acoustics. The music resonated among the landscape very well and the staff were very nice and accommodating to everyone there.
As we made our way to the taxi stands and beyond, we were all talking about the awesome night we had had. Talking about the Roxette songs we loved or had just been introduced to. And that’s the makings of a successful gig: excitement and everyone going home happy with memories they will remember for a lifetime.
So PopRockers, if you are in the other states of Australia for the Roxettes Australian Tour, I highly recommend you check this tour out. You will not be disappointed.
Images thanks to Hunter Brothers Media.
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