MONTEVIDEO – In an arena built for bicycle racing, Roxette played the Velodromo here in Montevideo last night in front of a full house. Two large video screens set up at the sides of the stage helped people to be able to enjoy what was happening on stage.

Having arrived here several days earlier to relax, do some sightseeing and rehearse a little bit, Roxette’s perfomance was well received. The concert had a late start (shortly after 10pm) and the set list remained basically the same with “Silver Blue” again left out.

Marie looked a little more active than in videos this reporter has seen of previous shows, but she had a little trouble with lyrics during “Things Will Never Be the Same” and “Spending My Time” but it was hardly noticable to “non-fans.”

During the presentation of the band members, Magnus Borjeson started clapping his hands in the rythym of candombe, which is a typical musical style of Uruguay.  Some fans had taught him this rythym prior to the concert,  and the entire audience joined in.  Christoffer Lundquist played “La Cumparsita,” which is a famous tango tune.

Roxette perfomed here once before in 1992 during the Join the Joyride tour.

The tour now moves on to Buenos Aires for two concerts at Luna Park on Monday and Tuesday. After the sold-out concert on Monday night, The Daily Roxette, along with Run to Roxette, will host an “After School Party” at Dorsia Disco with a gift for each attendee and numerous door prizes lined up.  Publicity for this event has attracted media attention, with even a local television station planning to cover the party.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsvuZhxBZVw

Nicolás Maggio contributed to this article.