Roxette announce they will no longer tour

FANS are in mourning after Swedish pop legends Roxette announced their retirement, among reports that singer Marie Fredriksson is fighting severe illness.

News Bcm 14.2.12 - Roxette in concert at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre - pic Adam Smith

THEY’VE made some of the most infectious tunes ever.

Now after 30 years, Swedish pop rock duo Roxette have announced the joyride is over, citing the health of singer Marie Fredriksson.

In a post on their Facebook page, their management announced that they will be cancelling the last leg of their RoXXXette 30th Anniversary Tour, which was due to start on June 3.

The post says that “singer Marie Fredriksson has been advised by her doctors to refrain from touring and as a consequence all the summer shows are cancelled”.

Roxette’s last performance was at the Grand Arena in Cape Town, South Africa on February 8 earlier this year.

Fredriksson underwent surgery to remove a malignant brain tumour in 2002.

FAKTA24.PL reports that the cancer has returned and the songstress is fighting for her life.

“Even in February, Marie Fredriksson of Roxette sang during concerts in South Africa. But it was only a shadow of herself. She did not go wild on stage as the other team members, but all the time sitting in a chair. And her voice lacked the power known from the late 80s and 90s,” the website reports.

The post includes a message from both Fredriksson and fellow member Per Gessle.

Fredriksson says: “It’s been an amazing 30 years! I feel nothing but joy and happiness when I look back on the Roxette world tours. All our shows and memories over the years will forever be a big part of my life. I’m particularly proud and grateful for coming back in 2009 after my severe illness and to have been able to take Roxette around the globe a couple of more times. Sadly, now my touring days are over and I want to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful fans that has followed us on our long and winding journey. I look forward to the release of our album Good Karma in June — for me it’s our best album ever!”

Gessle says: “Who would have thought this small town band from the Swedish west coast were to be still on the loose after 30 years! We’ve done mind-blowing gigs all over the world that has taken us far beyond our wildest and craziest dreams.”

He also paid tribute to Fredriksson: “Most of all I want to thank the mighty Marie, the Amazon of the holy voice, the Goddess of superb rock performance, the liberated and magnificent interpreter of my humble words and music, for this magic carpet ride which took us to the top of all the mountains. My God, what a great view we’ve had! The joyride on the road is over now — but we sure had fun, didn’t we?”

The duo formed Roxette in 1986 and became an international act when they released their breakthrough album, Look Sharp! Since then they have toured the world.

The band took to Twitter and asked fans to share their memories.

Have you experienced Roxette live? Share your memories on social media using #ThankYouForTheJoyride. pic.twitter.com/QZAghTYacG

— Roxette (@TheRealRoxette) April 19, 2016

#ThankYouForTheJoyride Great Memories from Spain 2015. I feel so good karma watching pix like this. Fan time now. pic.twitter.com/Swso8226bP

— Roberto Valle (@rovalhol) April 19, 2016

@TheRealRoxette #ThankYouForTheJoyride Warsaw 19.06.2011 & Paris 26.05.2015 I love you guys! pic.twitter.com/63iOStUjQu

— Michal Kwiatkowski (@Michal_Officiel) April 19, 2016

Happiness is just state of mind. My neverending joyride though this life will last forever #ThankYouForTheJoyride pic.twitter.com/AtS0Z2C5mN

— Lionel★Zeta (@Lionel_Zeta) April 19, 2016

Amsterdam 2012, one of the best days of my life. #ThankYouForTheJoyride pic.twitter.com/BmK2oQjA7w

— Kim Otten (@kimii2208) April 19, 2016

Originally published as Roxette announce they will no longer tour