Roxette und Kunst!Rasen Bonn/Gronau

Roxette are the second-most successful pop act ever to emerge from Sweden; when the number one slot on that list is inhabited by ABBA, though, you quickly realise there’s no shame in being number two. After all, Roxette’s sales figures would likely sit them at the top of the pile in most other countries; over the course of a career that’s no stretched over almost thirty years, they’ve sold in excess of sixty million records across the globe, as well as seeing their records Joyride and Look Sharp! go platinum on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as in Germany. The duo - comprised of Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson - have had plenty to contend with over the years, too, both professionally - having to adapt to the demands of a constantly shape-shifting pop industry - and personally, with Fredriksson’s diagnosis with a brain tumour in 2002 forcing the pair to stay away from the live stage for seven years. They’re well and truly back on it now, though, finally making it to the Night of the Proms in Belgium in 2009 seven years after having to shelve an appearance. They went on to play a huge European tour to rave reviews, with classic cuts accompanied by new material on the setlist and a stunning live show bringing the work of one of pop’s best-loved duos to life.