Roxette interview - Per Gessle (part 1)

Support Us: / faceculture
Per about his early musical influences, collecting records, New Wave music, becoming a performer, a 60s style of songwriting, sudden international success with Roxette, Look Sharp! and Joyride, staying in Stockholm.
More video's: www.FaceCulture.com
Twitter: / _faceculture
Facebook: / faceculture
Instagram: / faceculture
Video interview with singer and songwriter Per Gessle who is also one half of Swedish pop duo Roxette. FaceCulture spoke with Per about his early musical influences, collecting records, New Wave music, becoming a performer, a 60s style of songwriting, sudden international success with Roxette, Look Sharp! and Joyride, staying in Stockholm, Marie exploring her voice, grunge music, their musical identity, a changing music industry, differences between generations, Marie having to stop touring, his solo album Small Town Talk, personal songs, and a lot more! (26/06/2018)

[@stringer-ik1pc]

One of the most underrated song writers of all time. This guy is a genius.. He was clearly influenced by British artists.

[@piercoucy]

of course! Music was created by British, so the paper to write it on, and pens and pencils and , of course the first record was invented in Britain. Also the DVD, acetate records, and cassettes. People could not listen until British invented ears. Yes! people didn't have ears, therefore could not listen to any sound. Thank you very much!

[@jacuesduplessis319]

Scandinavian guy inspired from British!!!! Are u on high

[@Andrew-el8xi]

One of the few bands that when you buy an album all the songs are good

[@salt27dogg]

Especially Look Sharp

[@karenthomas4575]

So true. I love Roxette and all their songs

[@redshield3296]

So true! Play never made a bad song

[@linzhenchen2270]

one of my favorite album，perfect

[@abdiver12]

It Must've Been Love, Listen to your Heart, The Look, Fading like a Flower, Joyride. Just a few of the iconic songs Per has written over the years that have brought happiness to so many. Without a doubt, one of the most talented songwriters of the 80's and early 90's and one of the nicest and humblest guys in the business as well. Thank you Mr. Gessle.

[@dynjarren7523]

I think this guys a Genius! He’s written some brilliant pop songs! Beatlelike melodies! Which I like. I’m sad that Maries gone now. She was a brilliant partner for him! Excellent Duo! Roxette was a world wide success! Now I guess he’s going solo for the rest of his musical journey. RIP Marie

[@NCSavageDrummer2112]

It's a shame his solo stuff wasn't as popular. He's put out some really amazing music.

[@FamousGirlfriend]

@@NCSavageDrummer2112 Don't worry! His music has impacted a whole nation and, I suspect, will continue to do so. I'm so happy Roxette has meant so much to so many. It's surreal to see. I guess it's because we tend to think of them more as solo artists. Roxette was like, just another band of Gessle's, something they did together for fun, it just happened to become successful abroad. Which is lovely, of course! They were (and Gessle still is) celebrated and talented artists in their own right, not just members of a band. When she died it was Marie Fredriksson who died, not "Marie from Roxette". They're such an integral part of Swedish culture, it's insane, I mean, they've received H. M. The King's medal. At the news of Marie's death, the Royal House issued a statement and the King offered his condolences in national media on behalf of himself and the Royal family, especially the Crown Princess, who was particularly fond of Marie and had Roxette perform at her wedding. No, seriously. It's crazy. We're crazy. It doesn't matter how old you are, they're featured on the soundtrack of the life of every swede, whether we want it or not. Kids perform Sommartider on the last day of school every single term before summer holidays and teenagers get drunk to it on graduation day. The summer equivalent to Jingle Bells or something, everyone knows it by heart before the age of ten. If you don't know the chorus of Marie's Tro and can resist to sing whenever you hear Efter stormen or Äntligen, and God forbid, don't associate Per's När vi två blir en with at least one crush and don't feel the urge to strangle the DJ for playing Här kommer alla känslorna for the six hundred and twenty eleventh time, you will lose your Swedish citizenship. Probably. I've never met anyone who didn't know their Gessle.

[@markdavidson9100]

Anechka I met a customer at work in the uk, who was from Sweden, Halmstad in fact. They were overwhelmed that I was a big Per fan, and sang Sommartider chorus. No one in the UK knows this song

[@user-ju1qd3ok2g]

@@NCSavageDrummer2112 Gyllene Tider was / is more popular in Scandinavia than Roxette

[@aleeraya2247]

@@user-ju1qd3ok2g that was Per Gessle's first band before he met Marie Fredricksson, right? 🤓

[@blackwebwidow69]

Amazing musician and enjoyable interview. RIP Marie a courageous , strong woman.Each song of Roxette's has a special beautiful memory in my life.

[@GregStallion]

God, Per’s music means so much to me. When Marie died, I went 4 days without discussing it with anyone. (I closed myself off...) I’m so glad that even though this interview is from 2018, that he today, (over a full year after her death), the he still gives amazing interviews.

[@roza.D.]

Her death was devastating to me too she was so awesome.

[@alejandromanniello4969]

Gessle is such a nice guy.

[@neriashleycabajar1985]

You bet!

[@luisosoriothelionelmessian9845]

@@neriashleycabajar1985 Per Gessle is Now Widowed!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@neriashleycabajar1985]

@@luisosoriothelionelmessian9845 how can he have kids? That is not true!

[@luisosoriothelionelmessian9845]

@@neriashleycabajar1985 in The 70's it Was Captain And Tenille Toni Tenille She Lost Her Husband Musician Keyboardist Captain Daryl Dragon However Captain Daryl Dragon He died On January 2,2019 One year ago May Him Rest in Peace Captain Daryl Dragon Toni Tenille She's Also Widower My Condolences for His Families 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@pergesslelover6053]

Thank you

[@tessamohler7155]

Rest In Peace Marie. I Listen to your music a lot. Going walking or working out. I’m Swedish as well. I always felt Roxette was different- Very kind and caring both. Two very kind people. Thank you for your music and being so real. 🌹

[@8ogdan701]

He wrote Joyride and Spending My Time on the same day.... Love this guy. One of my favourite songwriters of all time.

[@imapig2025]

He's still so handsome and a real sweetheart 💓

[@NightOwlUpNorth]

I totally agree!😍 Love you Per Dear!

[@brentold6738]

Lyn K I love him too... more than you!

[@ellenamoyet4908]

#gentleman

[@geraldeh7291]

I've always loved Per's voice and the mix of his singing with Marie's kept their music fresh and each song unique. A lot of great artists fall into a rut where every song sounds almost the same. I've been a Roxette fan for a long time.

[@Pe6ek]

Writing Joyride and Spending my Time on the same day!

[@sh1927]

We are all lucky that he and Marie shared their love, charisma, and talent with us. May she be at peace, and those who love her most find the strength that she showed the world.

[@bmw-e30]

Seems a very down to earth lad. Takes some level of talent to write such great songs in not your first language and be so popular world wide.

[@NightOwlUpNorth]

I absolutely love this interview because it's in English and Per gives us so much insight into his background and growing up! Brilliant man! Love you Per Dear😍

[@LuckyLuke1983]

Such a great man, love his voice

[@cyjeren1627]

wow! per is still good lookin' and still rockin'

[@plathrop7737]

Such a unique voice.

[@dewianggraini1959]

Humble..honest..real..

[@leslymontoya4990]

I loved this interview. Per was very talkative.

[@michaelweening5171]

It's amazing how he looks old(der) and young at the same time. I'm still listen to roxette.. I am miss the music from the 80 s early 90 s today's music is mostly crap

[@biggreenbananas8929]

Michael Weening love his hair and hairstyle!

[@Royalbigness]

I agree. I used to listen to "Look Sharp" on cassette tape in my car in the early 90s actually and wore it out lol !!

[@scottsantana7299]

Per is a titan. So impressed!!!

[@alanwildergore]

I wish he knew how much I admire him and how much he changed my life as a musician.

[@StephanieJ777]

They were so underrated, all their songs are so great, not just It Must Have Been Love! Their songs always had a fresh new sound with layers and complexities in the music and lyrics and always written and performed thrillingly with passion from the heart! Today’s music is over-simplified and lazy. I miss the days when people cared. ❤️🎶❤️🎶🔥🎶🔥🎶

[@travelvisuals3732]

totally right

[@geancarlomoura]

Such a nice person, with a so humble atitude, big fan of him!!

[@amandaripley1851]

I love everything about him!

[@NightOwlUpNorth]

Me too! 😍 Love you Per Dear!

[@Royalbigness]

It's amazing how Marie and Per's lives crossed paths at the perfect time and the amazing music they created that followed. Wow ! R.I.P Marie and thank you for the memories..

[@m18tankdestroyer43]

What a wonderful interview.

[@CrueHead18]

This man. One of my favorite songwriters.

[@kashifahmed155]

Brilliant interview. Many excellent questions. I gained lots of new insight into Per and his inspirations.

[@dedespedida4515]

One of my great influences, great musician songwriter and yet better person!

[@ashe984]

Omg I love Per he seems so very down earth and such an incredible talented man he is. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💗💋

[@wintersongs1]

What a musical talent. When I was 10 or 12, lyrics and melodies certainly weren't popping into my head.

[@jeagia4462]

Great interview. Per seems to be a very warm human being and a very intelligent guy. I love his music and Roxette was a part of my life when I was a teenager and as a young adult aswell in Latin America. Thank you so much Per and Marie. Love you both forever.

[@waynewiblin3689]

Roxette was my first live show I saw when I was 12 Crash Boom Bang tour 1995.....Per was a huge influence as I started as a musician. Although I went heavier and heaver in rock and metal Roxette still hold that special place in my heart thats how I ended up with this interview

[@svitana1]

Thank you Per to make such a wonderful duo with Marie! ❤️

[@Leenasims]

One of the best interviews you have given, Per G! Love it! So sincere and lovable. 💓

[@AMIGOSDEJAPAN]

Latin America was always aware of the wonderful music of this great duet, we will remember them forever!!!

[@jeagia4462]

True!

[@ma.melindasaurin6873]

I love Per and Marie "Roxette" forever!

[@bmc868]

Per is a mix of talent and kindness.

[@summerclark216]

I love per

[@NataliaGonzalezFigueroa]

Thank you so much for this

[@travelvisuals3732]

it`s probably the best interview I`ve seen with Per and i`ve seen a few)

[@caesarsmith4711]

What a great humble man, he produced so much great music and along with Marie they made a brilliant duo.

[@Vanessanavarrovet]

I love this!

[@theopoiesis]

Genio, gran compositor y guitarrista

[@Roxingboy]

Great interview!

[@claudiaojeda1666]

Hermoso como amo tu música...

[@upmperthay]

Great guy! :-)

[@saadhasan6612]

Gessle you and Marie both were awesome a piece of Pearls

[@richardstewart7324]

Keep their music alive.fantastic band per.

[@heaven14497]

Forever in my heart!

[@marox79]

One of the best interviews with Per. Very insightful questions.

[@michellebach6277]

Per doesn't need to talk about the great Mary like Queen's or Yoko Ono. Com'on Per, you are very talented! Life goes on! You will make more great songs to fill your brilliant career

[@AleeRaya12]

I love Per's accent whenever he talks 🤓❤️

[@dicbomtoo7192]

..hi Per....!! let me tell you that Roxette s muisc really made us glad ever....!! it may be hard for you, but you gotta know that here in Brazil ,your band is like part of our youths 80/90 s.....see ya.......

[@txastube]

Wonderful 💕

[@crisantacastillo7370]

You are Genius song writer and a great partner of Roxette.. Great Duo❤️

[@debraodonnell2077]

Always been sexy always and still do have a crush on per rest in eternal peace beautiful Marie heaven is lucky to have U💙💙💙💙

[@danielaanchora1161]

🖤and Mary too

[@zahraelhbichi2162]

from morroco thanks per

[@ellenamoyet4908]

Love your music, love the colour she brought you.

[@killerone807]

class love it

[@Fidi987]

11:01 I think this is very important for all creative people: Staying true to yourself and not chasing after commercial success that is not true to yourself. I believe this is especially difficult today with instant feedback online that might drive some creatives into certain tracks but further away from their true talent/ vision. It must be very hard to decide if you work for your audience or yourself and if both can happen at the same time (and if not, which road to take then).

[@freemancarl]

*PURE ARTISTRY*

[@blackbeardsdaughter2613]

I have pride in my USA citizenship but never bought into the American music scene of the 80s and 90s. I am so SO glad Roxette stayed based in Stockholm. The sound was unique and intelligent. The USA music scene was great (for me) from the 1920s to part of the 1960s (think Connie Francis, Elvis, and Country Music) but for the most part, years later were vulgar and uninteresting for me (other than Blondie and Fleetwood Mac). I think Per is a true artist and love his partnership with Marie. I wish him, his team and his family the best. Such a lovely and intelligent artist and businessman.

[@nakatakafka]

Really interesting.

[@johnnyv.5142]

Prolific songwriter first and foremost! Roxette has a amazing body of work and hit songs! That they are not in the R&R HOF is a major injustice!

[@ameliacowles4415]

I like all your song I enjoy lessen music vocal is marvelous

[@ukrajina2022]

Per☀️

[@lauraseitz2522]

Es una lastima no entiendo ingles ,x favor ponganlo en español ....amo roxette ,amo a per y marie ..saludos desde argentina 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷😍😍😍😍😘😘😘

[@michellebach6277]

Estudia english. Te pierdes de mucho. Casi todos elogian a Roxette, aman a Per y a Mary y aman sus canciones. Hay mucho cariño por ellos. Dicen q Per es guapo y así

[@keysersose9328]

nobody mentioned that but this interview is before marie died

[@jamesburress2284]

He's one of the best pop artist song writers and Roxette was one of the best pop vocalists of our time.

[@luisosoriothelionelmessian9845]

Per Gessle Te Dejaron Viudo Perdiste A Tu Esposa Que Descanse En Paz Marie Fredriksson 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@anastasialucky1977]

Взгляд тот же, что и в молодости - открытый и ребяческий 😍😀

[@mg864]

ROXETTE - rock et cetera , et cetera THE BEST

[@szatanowska]

💕💓🇵🇱💕💓

[@andrespeten3844]

And be a rider in a love game Following the stars

[@nlv9848]

Where is Marie?

[@aleeraya2247]

She passed away last December 2019

[@katmah78]

He got international success because of Marie.

[@janeeaton5042]

He got international success because of his songs. If he hadn't written them there would have been none for Marie to sing !

[@krishar4014]

Very different attitude compare to recent pop stars (not even artist)

[@vanngoc5515]

Per is cute

[@dianapineda2503]

Excelent reporter spech

[@Mujcanal]

Per is a very talented guitarist, just saying,

[@neriashleycabajar1985]

Per is now 60 years old!

[@IrisMG]

And?

[@biggreenbananas8929]

Neri Ashley Cabajar But his hair is 16 years old! 💖

[@neriashleycabajar1985]

@@biggreenbananas8929 yeah that's right!

[@skudlugs]

"anyone can play" he is right, get your kids into music people!

[@MusicByAllonaMayost]

It’s my belief that music will never let you down.

[@stayrospaparunas3062]

I thought that they were couple in the real life

[@janeeaton5042]

Per adored Marie...but if you listen to his song lyrics ..Marie broke his heart

[@teresabustos7461]

No entiendo nada no sé hablar inglés 😔