Swedish pop-rock icons Roxette are gearing up to electrify Pretoria’s SunBet Arena this Friday, and ahead of the much-anticipated performance, HOT 1027’s Rob Vega caught up with Per Gessle, the band’s legendary frontman.  

Speaking from his hotel in Cape Town, Per shared his excitement about performing in South Africa again, particularly in a city they’ve never played before. “We never played Pretoria, and I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.  

“The energy from South African crowds has always been incredible.”  

A night of Roxette’s Greatest Hits at Sunbet Arena 

For fans attending the show, Per promised a nostalgic journey through Roxette’s greatest hits, describing the setlist as a celebration of the band’s iconic catalogue. “If you’re a Roxette fan, you’ll know every song,” he assured. With classics like It Must Have Been Love, Listen to Your Heart, The Look, and Joyride, the evening is set to be an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages.  

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Honouring Marie Fredriksson & Embracing South African Traditions 

Rob and Per also spoke about Lena Philipsson, the singer joining him on this tour to honour Marie Fredriksson’s legacy. Per explained that he had worked with Lena since the 1980s and was blown away by her talent. “I never realised just how good she was until we recorded together in 2023,” he admitted.  

“She has this incredible vocal ability that reminds me of Marie during her early 90s peak.” Beyond the music, Rob introduced Per to a unique South African tradition—the braai. 

Final Thought

As Per Gessle prepares for his unforgettable performance, he might just get a taste of South Africa’s famous braai tradition before hitting the stage. 

When asked if he had ever experienced one, Per was intrigued. “I don’t know what a braai is,” he admitted, laughing. Rob explained, “It’s like a barbecue, but the South African way. You must try it!” Per, who enjoys the occasional steak, seemed keen to check it out before heading to Pretoria.

With just days to go before Roxette takes the stage, the excitement is building for what promises to be a magical night filled with nostalgia, emotion, and timeless hits. Don’t miss Roxette live at the SunBet Arena, Pretoria, this Friday! Powered by HOT 1027.