Due to lead singer Marie Fredrriksson’s declining health, pop-rock duo ROXETTE announced today they are retiring permanently from touring and performing live. Marie is a brain cancer survivor who despite being given a 6-month terminal prognosis in 2002, survived a massively invasive craniotomy and months of chemotherapy and radiation. She battled the odds bravely and returned to performing with ROXETTE in 2009.
Marie had the following to say in response to the major news:
“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 am absolutely heartbroken friends. ROXETTE has been such an important part of my life for 25+ years. I have loved every single song they’ve ever recorded. I knew Marie’s health was getting worse by the day. I am unbelievably grateful for the experience I got to have in 2012 seeing them live in concert @ the Beacon Theater in NYC with Ricardo. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. With a new album coming in June, I had hoped they would come back to the USA one final time. But that was not to be. God bless ROXETTE. I hope they keep recording amazing music despite the fact they can no longer tour and that Marie’s health only improves..