History of Roxette in Timeline

Roxette was a Swedish pop rock duo composed of Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle. They achieved remarkable success, becoming the second highest-selling music act from Sweden, only surpassed by ABBA.

1975: Release of Dr. Feelgood's 'Roxette'

Dr. Feelgood released the song 'Roxette' in 1975, which would later become the name of Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson's band.

1981: Fredriksson Sings with Gyllene Tider

Marie Fredriksson sang with Per Gessle's band, Gyllene Tider, for the first time in 1981.

1982: Fredriksson and Gessle's Early Collaborations

Marie Fredriksson provided background vocals for a Swedish-language album by Gyllene Tider in 1982. In the same year, Per Gessle collaborated with ex-ABBA singer Frida on a song for her album 'Something's Going On'.

February 1984: Release of 'The Heartland Café'

Gyllene Tider, featuring Marie Fredriksson on background vocals, released their only English-language album, 'The Heartland Café', in February 1984.

1985: Gessle's 'Scener' and Fredriksson's 'Den sjunde vågen'

Per Gessle released his second solo album, 'Scener', featuring Marie Fredriksson on background vocals, in 1985. Marie Fredriksson also recorded her second solo album, 'Den sjunde vågen' (The Seventh Wave), during this time.

1985: Wham! Performs in China

The British pop duo Wham!, became the first Western pop act to perform in China in 1985.

October 1986: Release of 'Pearls of Passion'

Roxette released their debut album, 'Pearls of Passion', in October 1986.

1986: Formation of Roxette and Release of 'Neverending Love

Encouraged by EMI's managing director, Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson formed Roxette and released their debut single, 'Neverending Love', in the summer of 1986.

1987: Fredriksson's 'Efter stormen' and Roxette's Collaborations

Marie Fredriksson released her third solo album, 'Efter stormen' (After the Storm), in 1987. Roxette also released the single 'I Want You', a collaboration with Eva Dahlgren and Ratata, in the same year.

October 1988: Release of 'Look Sharp!'

Roxette released their second album, 'Look Sharp!', in October 1988, which topped the Swedish charts for 14 weeks.

1988: 'The Look' Becomes a US Radio Hit

An American exchange student brought 'Look Sharp!' to a Minneapolis radio station, leading to 'The Look' becoming a surprise radio hit in the US in 1988.

April 1989: "The Look" Hits Number One

In April 1989, after initially being rejected by EMI, Roxette's song "The Look" became a global sensation, reaching number one in the US and topping charts in 25 other countries. This breakthrough marked the beginning of their international success.

November 1989: "Listen to Your Heart" Tops the Charts

In November 1989, Roxette achieved another milestone with their single "Listen to Your Heart" reaching number one in the US, showcasing their versatility with a guitar-heavy ballad. Notably, it became the first US Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single not available on 7-inch vinyl.

February 1990: "Dangerous" Climbs the Charts

Released in late 1989, Roxette's duet "Dangerous" gained significant traction, reaching number two on the US charts in February 1990. This success further solidified their global presence, securing top 10 positions in major music markets like Germany and Australia.

June 1990: "It Must Have Been Love" Dominates the Charts

Featured on the "Pretty Woman" soundtrack, Roxette's "It Must Have Been Love" achieved remarkable success, spending two weeks at number one in the US in June 1990. The song's popularity soared globally, topping charts in over 20 countries and cementing its status as one of their most successful releases.

1990: Roxette Returns to the Studio

As 1990 came to a close, Roxette wrapped up their tour and headed back to Sweden to begin work on their follow-up album to "Look Sharp!". This period marked a time of creative energy and focus for the band.

March 1991: "Joyride" Released to Critical Acclaim

March 1991 marked the release of Roxette's album "Joyride," a critical and commercial triumph that topped charts internationally and became their best-selling album. The album received positive reviews, with critics praising its catchy melodies and heartfelt songwriting.

1991: Roxette Embarks on "Join the Joyride!" Tour

In 1991, Roxette launched their ambitious "Join the Joyride!" World Tour, captivating over 1.5 million fans across 107 concerts worldwide. The tour showcased their energetic performances and solidified their status as a global music force.

1991: Roxette Honored with Swedish Postage Stamp

In a testament to their cultural impact, Roxette was honored with their own postage stamp in Sweden in late 1991. This recognition highlighted their significant contributions to Swedish music and solidified their legacy.

1991: Music Industry Mergers Impact Roxette's Momentum

The end of 1991 brought about a wave of mergers within the music industry, including the formation of EMI Records Group North America. These changes resulted in a shift in priorities, impacting the level of support and promotion Roxette received in the US market.

October 1992: Marie Fredriksson Releases Solo Album, "Den ständiga resan"

In October 1992, Marie Fredriksson released her first solo album in Swedish in five years, titled "Den ständiga resan" ("The Eternal Journey"). This release allowed Fredriksson to explore her own musical style and connect with her Swedish audience.

October 1992: Roxette Releases "Tourism: Songs from Studios, Stages, Hotelrooms & Other Strange Places"

October 1992 marked the release of Roxette's album "Tourism," a compilation featuring remastered older recordings, live performances, and new material recorded in various locations around the world. The album aimed to capture the band's dynamic energy and creative process.

1992: "Joyride" Earns Juno Award Nomination

Roxette's single "Joyride" continued to garner recognition in 1992, earning a nomination for a Juno Award in the category of Best Selling Single by a Foreign Artist. The song's success in Canada further highlighted their international appeal.

1992: Charles Koppelman Restructures EMI

The year 1992 saw significant changes at EMI as Charles Koppelman took the helm, leading to a major restructuring and personnel changes. These shifts within the company would have a notable impact on Roxette's career trajectory.

September 1993: "It Must Have Been Love" Re-Release

Coinciding with the UK television premiere of "Pretty Woman," Roxette's hit song "It Must Have Been Love" was re-released in September 1993. The re-release saw the song re-enter both the UK and Irish singles charts.

1993: Release of "Rarities"

Roxette released a compilation album titled "Rarities" in 1993. The album, primarily released in Japan and parts of South America, featured a collection of demos, B-sides, remixes, and material from their 1993 MTV Unplugged performance.

1993: Last High-Charting UK Single Until "Wish I Could Fly"

Roxette's single "Wish I Could Fly," released in 1999, became their highest-charting UK single since their 1993 releases. The single peaked at number 11 on the UK charts.

1994: "Crash! Boom! Bang! Tour"

Following the release of their album "Crash! Boom! Bang!" Roxette embarked on a world tour in 1994. The tour was notable for their performance in Beijing, making them the first Western band to perform in China since Wham! in 1985.

1994: Release of "Crash! Boom! Bang!"

Roxette released their sixth studio album, "Crash! Boom! Bang!" in 1994, marking a departure from their previous pop sound towards a more rock-oriented style.

October 1995: Release of "Don't Bore Us, Get to the Chorus!"

In October 1995, Roxette released their first greatest hits compilation album, "Don't Bore Us, Get to the Chorus!" The album featured four new songs and achieved chart success, reaching the top 5 in several European countries and the top 10 in Australia.

1996: Gessle Reunites with Gyllene Tider and Solo Projects

Per Gessle briefly reunited with his former band, Gyllene Tider in 1996. Following the reunion, both Gessle and Marie Fredriksson pursued solo projects, each releasing individual albums. Fredriksson released "I en tid som vår" ("In a Time Like Ours") and Gessle released "The World According to Gessle," both achieving chart success in Sweden.

1997: Re-release of 'Pearls of Passion'

Roxette's debut album, 'Pearls of Passion', was re-released internationally in 1997 with the bonus track 'It Must Have Been Love (Christmas for the Broken Hearted)'.

1998: Recording of "Have a Nice Day"

In 1998, after a period of pursuing solo projects, Gessle and Fredriksson reunited to write and record material for their upcoming Roxette album, "Have a Nice Day."

February 1999: Release of "Have a Nice Day"

Roxette released their seventh studio album, "Have a Nice Day" in February 1999. The album marked a comeback for the duo in continental Europe, topping the charts in Sweden and reaching number 2 in Germany.

1999: Release of 'Have a Nice Day'

Roxette returned from hiatus in 1999 with the release of their album 'Have a Nice Day'.

2000: Fredriksson's "Äntligen" and Roxette's US Tour

Marie Fredriksson released a solo greatest hits compilation album titled "Äntligen" ("At Last") in 2000. The album was a commercial success in Sweden, topping the charts for three weeks. The same year, Roxette signed a US distribution deal with Edel Music and embarked on a small tour in the United States, including performances at the Boston Mixfest and Virgin Megastore in Times Square.

September 2001: Cancellation of South Africa Tour Dates

In September 2001, Roxette was forced to cancel scheduled concert dates in South Africa as part of their tour due to the aftermath and security concerns following the September 11 attacks.

2001: Release of 'Room Service'

Roxette released their album 'Room Service' in 2001.

September 2002: Fredriksson's Brain Tumor Diagnosis

In September 2002, Marie Fredriksson of Roxette was hospitalized due to a concussion after fainting at home. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent successful surgery for its removal.

2002: Music Export Prize and Compilations

In 2002, Roxette received a Music Export Prize from the Swedish Government at the Grammis ceremony. Following this, they released two compilation albums, "The Ballad Hits" and "The Pop Hits".

2002: Fredriksson's Brain Tumor Diagnosis

Marie Fredriksson was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2002, leading Roxette to take a break from recording and touring.

2002: Roxette Cancels Night of the Proms

Roxette had been scheduled to perform at the Night of the Proms in 2002, but had to cancel due to Marie Fredriksson's illness.

February 2003: The Ballad Hits UK Release

In February 2003, to coincide with Valentine's Day, Roxette released "The Ballad Hits" in the UK.

October 2003: World Music Award Win

In October 2003, Roxette's album "The Ballad Hits", which sold over a million copies in a year, helped the duo win a World Music Award for Best Selling Scandinavian Artist.

2003: D.H.T.'s "Listen to Your Heart" Release

Belgian dance group D.H.T. released a trance cover of Roxette's "Listen to Your Heart" in 2003.

2003: Gessle's Solo Success

With Fredriksson recovering, Per Gessle released his first Swedish-language solo album in 18 years, "Mazarin (Cupcake)", in 2003, achieving great success in Sweden.

October 2004: Fredriksson's Solo Album Release

In October 2004, during her recovery from brain tumor surgery, Marie Fredriksson released her first English-language solo album, "The Change," which topped the Swedish album charts.

November 2005: Roxette Public Appearance and Gessle's Awards

In November 2005, Gessle and Fredriksson made their first public appearance together since Fredriksson's brain tumor diagnosis in 2002, at a BMI awards ceremony in London. Gessle received awards for "It Must Have Been Love" and, with co-writer Mats Persson, for D.H.T.'s cover of "Listen to Your Heart".

October 2006: Roxette's 20th Anniversary Celebration

Roxette marked their 20th anniversary in the music industry in October 2006 with the release of "The Rox Box," a comprehensive package including new singles and a greatest hits album.

2006: Fredriksson's Cover Album

Marie Fredriksson returned to the music scene in 2006 with a Swedish cover album titled "Min bäste vän" ("My Best Friend").

2007: Gessle's "En händig man" Release

Per Gessle released his solo album "En händig man" ("A Handy Man") in 2007.

2008: Roxette's Tax Issues

In 2008, Roxette faced legal issues with the Swedish Tax Agency and were ordered to pay 4.5 million kronor in unpaid taxes related to earnings from the German leg of their 1994/95 tour.

2008: Gessle's "Party Crasher" Release

Per Gessle released another solo album, "Party Crasher," in 2008.

April 2009: Roxette Reunion Rumors Surface

Rumors of a Roxette reunion began circulating in April 2009 following an interview with Per Gessle by the BBC, where he hinted at the possibility.

May 2009: Roxette Reunion Confirmed

On May 5, 2009, Roxette officially announced their reunion after an eight-year hiatus, with plans to perform at the Night of the Proms concert series in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.

May 2009: Per Gessle Starts Work on New Album

Per Gessle began working on new music in May 2009, which would eventually become part of a new Roxette album.

May 2009: First Roxette Performance in Eight Years

Roxette made their first public appearance together in eight years on May 6, 2009, during Per Gessle's concert in Amsterdam, performing "It Must Have Been Love" and "The Look."

July 2009: Performance at New Wave Festival

In July 2009, Roxette performed at the New Wave festival in Latvia.

October 2009: Roxette Recording New Songs

In October 2009, Swedish newspaper Expressen reported that Roxette was back in the studio working on new material for an upcoming album.

2009: Roxette Reunion

After an eight-year hiatus, Roxette reunited on stage in 2009 during Per Gessle's 'Party Crasher' tour.

2009: Gessle Acknowledges the Impact of Grunge

In a 2009 interview with BBC News, Per Gessle reflected on the changing musical landscape of the early 1990s. He acknowledged the rise of grunge, particularly the popularity of Nirvana, as a contributing factor to Roxette's shift in commercial success in the US.

January 2010: Roxette Announces Concert at The Race Legends Event

In January 2010, Roxette announced a concert at The Race Legends event in Sweden, scheduled for August.

June 2010: Performance at Stockholm Concert Hall

Roxette gave a special performance at Stockholm Concert Hall on June 18, 2010, during a gala concert held the day before the wedding of Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden.

August 2010: Secret Gig at Leifs Lounge

On August 4, 2010, Roxette held a secret, two-hour gig at Leifs Lounge in Halmstad, Sweden, serving as a dress rehearsal for their upcoming European tour.

September 2010: Concerts in Russia, Denmark, and Norway

Roxette performed concerts in Russia, Denmark, and Norway throughout August and September 2010.

November 2010: Roxette Announces First World Tour Since 1995

Generating excitement among fans, Roxette announced their first world tour in 15 years in November 2010.

December 2010: New Year's Eve Concert in Poland

To ring in the new year, Roxette performed a live concert in Warsaw, Poland, on December 31, 2010, which was broadcast internationally.

January 2011: "She's Got Nothing On (But the Radio)" Released

Roxette released "She's Got Nothing On (But the Radio)" in January 2011, which went on to become one of their biggest hits.

February 2011: Charm School Released

Roxette released their eighth studio album, "Charm School," in February 2011, marking their comeback to the music scene.

2011: Release of 'Charm School'

Roxette released 'Charm School', their first studio album in a decade, in 2011.

2011: Release of "Greatest Hits"

Roxette's "Greatest Hits" album was released in 2011 by Capitol Records, marking their first US release through EMI since their 1994 album "Crash! Boom! Bang!"

March 2012: Roxette Performs in China

In a significant cultural moment, Roxette was granted permission to perform in China for the first time in March 2012.

March 2012: Travelling and "It's Possible" Released

Roxette released their ninth studio album, "Travelling," along with the single "It's Possible," in March 2012.

September 2012: Charm School World Tour Ends

After a successful run, Roxette's Charm School World Tour, their first in 15 years, came to an end in September 2012.

2012: Release of 'Travelling'

Roxette released their album 'Travelling' in 2012.

2013: Gessle Reunites with Gyllene Tider, Fredriksson Releases Solo Album

In 2013, Per Gessle reunited with his former band, Gyllene Tider, for a new album and tour, while Marie Fredriksson released her eighth solo album, "Nu!," and toured Sweden.

April 2014: 25th Anniversary of "The Look" and New Tour Announced

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of their hit song "The Look," Roxette announced a new leg of their "The Neverending World Tour" in April 2014.

October 2014: "The Neverending World Tour" Begins

Roxette embarked on a new leg of their "The Neverending World Tour" in October 2014, captivating audiences worldwide.

2014: BMI Awards for 'It Must Have Been Love' and 'Listen to Your Heart

Roxette's singles 'It Must Have Been Love' and 'Listen to Your Heart' were awarded by BMI in 2014 for reaching five million radio plays.

July 2015: "The Look (2015 Remake)" Released

Roxette released a modern take on their classic hit with "The Look (2015 Remake)" in July 2015.

March 2016: Roxette Diaries Premieres

Directed by Jonas Åkerlund, the documentary "Roxette Diaries," offering a behind-the-scenes look at the band's journey, premiered on streaming services in March 2016.

April 2016: "The Neverending World Tour" Cancelled

Due to concerns about Marie Fredriksson's health, the last leg of "The Neverending World Tour" was cancelled in April 2016.

June 2016: Good Karma Released

Roxette released their tenth studio album, "Good Karma," in June 2016, featuring a new sound influenced by Swedish musicians Addeboy vs Cliff.

2016: Release of 'Good Karma'

Roxette released 'Good Karma', their final studio album, in 2016.

October 2018: 30th Anniversary Edition of Look Sharp! Released

Celebrating three decades of their iconic album, Roxette released a special 30th-anniversary edition of "Look Sharp!" in October 2018, featuring unreleased demos and outtakes.

November 2018: Per Gessle Tours as "Per Gessle's Roxette"

Per Gessle embarked on a European tour in late 2018, performing Roxette's hits under the name "Per Gessle's Roxette."

December 2019: Marie Fredriksson Passes Away

After a long battle with a brain tumor, Marie Fredriksson sadly passed away on December 9, 2019, at the age of 61.

December 2020: Bag of Trix and "Let Your Heart Dance with Me" Released, Per "Pelle" Alsing Dies

Roxette released the outtakes album "Bag of Trix" and the single "Let Your Heart Dance with Me" in December 2020. Sadly, longtime drummer Per "Pelle" Alsing also passed away this month at age 60.

2021: 30th Anniversary Edition of Joyride Released

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of its release, an expanded edition of Roxette's album "Joyride," featuring bonus demos and outtakes, was released in 2021.

2021: Gessle Starts PG Roxette

Per Gessle began releasing music under the name PG Roxette in 2021.

2022: Release of 'Pop-Up Dynamo!'

PG Roxette, Per Gessle's new project, released their debut album 'Pop-Up Dynamo!' in 2022.

2022: Expanded Look Sharp! Re-Release and ROX RMX Compilation

The 30th-anniversary edition of "Look Sharp!" was further expanded for digital platforms, and "ROX RMX," a compilation of Roxette remixes, was released in 2022.