Kiel Is Ready to Spend Time with Roxette in July 2026

More than three decades after first becoming one of pop music’s defining acts, Roxette are returning to the stage with a new chapter that celebrates both their legacy and their future. On July 18th, the Swedish band will perform at Merkur Ostseehalle in Kiel, Germany, as part of their "Live – Back Again!" tour, bringing some of the most beloved songs of the late ’80s and early ’90s back to audiences.

Roxette’s worldwide breakthrough came in 1989, when "The Look" climbed to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, turning Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle into global stars almost overnight. With hits including "Listen To Your Heart", "Joyride" and "It Must Have Been Love", the duo became one of Sweden’s most successful bands, selling more than 75 million records worldwide. Their soundtrack contribution to the movie Pretty Woman in 1990 turned “It Must Have Been Love” into a global classic, and albums like "Joyride" cemented their place in pop history. Their albums dominated charts, their tours filled arenas, and songs like "Fading Like A Flower", "Dangerous" and "Spending My Time" became staples of radios worldwide.

Besides their success, the story of Roxette has also been marked by profound loss. In 2002, Marie Fredriksson was diagnosed with a brain tumor, forcing the band into a lengthy hiatus. Although the duo eventually reunited and returned to touring in 2009, Fredriksson retired from live performances in 2016 due to ongoing health complications. She died in December 2019, leaving behind the musical legacy of one of the most distinctive voices in pop history.

For many fans, the idea of Roxette continuing without Marie Fredriksson seemed unimaginable. Yet, Per Gessle has decided to start a new chapter, not to replace Fredriksson but as a tribute to the music they created together. Since 2025, Lena Philipsson has started to join Gessle on stage. Rather than attempting to imitate Fredriksson, Philipsson brings her own personality and artistry to the stage, making this new version of Roxette feel familiar yet refreshing.

When Roxette take the stage in Kiel this July, the evening will likely feel less like a comeback and more like a celebration of pop history – and of music that continues to amaze audiences long after its original moment has passed.

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WRITTEN BY

Michelle

I write about the stories and emotions that shape music, culture and conversations. While exploring the impact of media and pop culture, I like to put a particular focus on the voices of women and their evolving place in the industry. I am especially drawn to interviews that go beyond the surface, uncovering the perspectives and personalities behind the work.