Per Gessle

Per Gessle: The Creative Force Behind Roxette

A Musical Journey of Love, Loss, and Success

Early Life and Influences

Per Håkan Gessle was born on January 12, 1959, in Halmstad, Sweden. From an early age, music captivated him, particularly rock and pop bands such as ABBA, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones.

Gessle's musical influences shaped his own songwriting style, characterized by catchy melodies, introspective lyrics, and a blend of pop and rock elements.

Formation of Roxette

In 1978, Gessle joined the band Gyllene Tider with fellow musician Mats Persson. The band achieved considerable success in Sweden but disbanded in 1985.

Undeterred, Gessle formed a duo with singer Marie Fredriksson in 1986, which they named Roxette. Their breakthrough came in 1989 with the release of their album "Look Sharp!", which featured the global hit "The Look".

International Stardom and Personal Struggles

Roxette's success skyrocketed in the 1990s, with multiple albums and singles topping charts worldwide. Songs like "It Must Have Been Love" and "Joyride" became global anthems.

Amidst their musical triumph, tragedy struck when Fredriksson was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2002. Despite her illness, the duo continued to perform and record music, releasing their final album in 2012.

Solo Career and Legacy

Following Roxette's hiatus, Gessle pursued a successful solo career. He released several albums, including "Son of a Plumber" and "En vacker natt", which showcased his songwriting prowess.

Gessle's enduring legacy lies in his contributions to Swedish music. His songs have touched the lives of millions, inspiring joy, love, and resilience through decades of musical excellence.