Swedish Pop Duo Roxette Cancels 40th Anniversary North American Tour

The Swedish pop duo Roxette has canceled its planned 40th anniversary tour across North America. Per Gessle, the group’s founder and current co-frontman, confirmed the decision via a social media update this morning. The tour, which was set to feature classic hits from the late 1980s and early 1990s, will not proceed as scheduled.

Live Nation USA initiated the cancellation, citing rising logistical expenses and the high costs of touring in the current market. Per Gessle expressed his disappointment regarding this development, noting that the United States remains a top market for the group's streaming audience. He stated that the decision was based on internal calculations made by the promoter.

The tour was intended to celebrate four decades of music, with appearances from fellow artists Taylor Dayne and Nick Lowe. Fourteen dates across major cities, including Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, and Toronto, are affected by this change. While the North American leg is scrapped, the group will continue with its scheduled performances in Germany and Switzerland.

This marks a significant change for the band, which reformed in 2024 with Gessle and singer Lena Philipsson. The original lineup, which featured the late Marie Fredriksson, last performed together in 2016. Despite the band’s ongoing streaming success, this cancellation highlights the financial pressures currently impacting live concert touring across the industry.