Review: Roxette still 'Dressed for Success'

Tel Aviv Exhibition Center, October 22

By SHAWN RODGERS
Roxette 311 (photo credit: Courtesy of Orit Pnini)
Roxette 311
(photo credit: Courtesy of Orit Pnini)
If one needed further convincing that Roxette is back and up to the challenge of a world tour, Saturday night’s performance at the Tel Aviv Exhibition Center, before a crowd of some 13,600, should be proof positive.
The euphoria when Roxette rushed onto the stage was fantastic. When the band opened with the hit single, “Dressed for Success,” it was as if Marie Fredriksson (vocals) and Per Gessle (vocals and guitar) had leapt off the album cover of Don’t Bore Us – Get to the Chorus and come to life. They looked exactly the same as I remembered them! The pair were backed by a keyboard player, two other guitarists, a drummer and a back-up singer/tambourine player, and the relaxed presence of the group and their constant energy and interaction with one another made them a hugely entertaining act to watch.
They played all their hits, including “The Look,” “Listen to Your Heart,” “Spending My Time,” “Joyride,” “Fading Like a Flower,” and “Sleeping in My Car” as well as a few tracks from their latest album, Charm School.
During the audience participation segment at the beginning of “It Must Have Been Love,” even the ever-present strolling drink vendors stopped in their tracks to sing along... it was that hard to resist.
A highlight was when guitarist Christoffer Lundquist strummed an electric version of “Hava Nagila,” relying on the crowd to fill in the words.
The band attempted to leave the stage twice and both times they were cheered back on. While it is undeniable that the years have affected the voices of the singers, the good mood, energy and the characteristic combination of simplicity and humility of Roxette have not changed.
Fredriksson, more timid and quiet than in the past (perhaps because of her fight with cancer) kept a tuned and smooth register. Gessle has an amazing gift for writing really great music.
Together, they create and deliver a Roxette addiction for those who just can’t get enough of their unique sound. This Joyride is far from over!