Fans of Swedish pop sensation, Roxette flocked to Bimbadgen in the Hunter Valley on Saturday to Per Gessle’s return to the stage for a day on the green with the act’s new singer Lena Philipsson.
Stepping in after the sad passing of Gessle’s original duo partner Marie Fredriksson, Philipsson delivered not only a tribute to the legacy of Roxette, but put on a performance fitting of their timeless hits.
Boom Crash Opera kicked things off, delivering a nostalgia-fueled set brimming with classics from their 1987 self-titled debut album and fan favourite, 1989’s long player These Here Are Crazy Times!.
Dale Ryder’s vocals soared around the sweltering valley (seriously, how hot was it on Saturday), reminding early arrivals why the band remains a beloved part of Australia’s rock history.
Jon Stevens hit the stage for a set featuring the most loved songs from his band Noiseworks and a good dose of tracks listed from the INXS catalog. But in all honesty, he could have just sung numbers from the phone book, and the packed amphitheater of adoring fans would have responded just the same way.
Then came Roxette, and from the opening notes of The Big L., the crowd was transported back to the golden era of pop-rock.
Gessle led the charge, his signature songwriting shining through on Sleeping in My Car and Dressed for Success. The setlist was a masterclass in hit-making, from the sweeping ballad It Must Have Been Love to the high-energy How Do You Do! and Joyride.
The encore delivered peak nostalgia—Spending My Time and Listen to Your Heart brought the emotion, while The Look had the crowd on their feet. Closing with Queen of Rain, Roxette proved that even after all these years, their music still resonates.
For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this wasn’t just a concert—it was a reminder of Roxette’s enduring legacy – And we’re here for it!
You can check out a galley of photos from the show from Mushroom Creative House below and keep up to date with what a day on the green has in store for the Hunter Valley by visiting adayonthegreen.com.au.
