Sunday, May 20, 2012

Roxette - They've got the hits!

Band: Roxette with 1927
Venue: Rod Laver Arena
Date: February 18th 2012
Reviewed By: Espylyn


1927 are amazing tonight, the band and the crowd were in fine form and singer Erik employs strong vocals that cruises through Rod Laver Arena and the fans are disappointed. A band that formed in 1987 and still tours to this very day - a fact I didn't realise until the band mentioned they played for the Aussie troops last year as well as supporting Simple Minds. Hits such as “ that’s When I Think of You” and ‘If I could” got the crowd moving whilst the rockier songs such as “You’ll Never Know” and “Compulsory Hero” (dedicated to the Aussie troops) gave punters reason to dance and let loose..

Roxette entered and 'Dressed for Success' was received with full applause and smiles. Each time I looked around, the audience were beaming and the band reciprocated this. 'Sleeping in My Car', 'Only When I Dream' and 'Crash!Boom!Bang' were crowd pleasers. Swedish singers Marie Fredrikksson (vocals) and Per Gessle (vocals and guitar) belted out hit after hit and the voices were impeccable. Marie (who has survived a brain tumor) was gold tonight, a tiny lass with a big voice. Per Gessle took playing guitar to another level. I wish I could remember the other guitarist because he was a Muppet, but in a hilarious, great showman type of a way. I say Muppet as he bounced all over stage with his shaggy hair! 'Joyride' ended the first set and it wasn't long till we got 'The Look' and 'Spending My Time'. Another break and into 'Listen To Your Heart' they cruised and ending with 'Church Of The Heart' was a flat ending I thought as its a slower song but I guess all artists have their reasons for why they end on the song they do.