To a non-Australian fan, it may seem that the Aussies are simply excited about another chance to see Marie and Per live in concert. No. It’s far more momentous than that.

Imagine being an American fan and hearing that Roxette are staging a concert in the center of New York’s Times Square. Imagine being a Londoner and seeing Roxette live on the steps of the Big Ben. Imagine being in LA and seeing Roxette perform at the iconic Hollywood sign in California. This is the equivalent.

So what does all this really mean? Much like Sweden, it’s difficult for Australian bands to go abroad and have international success. Few Aussie bands have managed to crack the Billboard or UK charts, but one band that did so resoundingly throughout the ’80s and ’90s was Crowded House. The band had done the nation proud by churning out hit after hit that had resonated beyond our local shores and made an impact on international radio. But by the end of 1996, this iconic Australian band agreed that it was time to say goodbye, close a particular chapter and farewell their fans. So where would the most fitting location be for such an important Australian band to farewell the nation? The steps of the Sydney Opera House of course! And on the 24th of November 1996, the nation turned its eyes to the picturesque Harbour Forecourt and said goodbye as the band performed with the Opera House behind them and the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge on the other side. The band needed to make a statement! And by choosing the Sydney Opera House, they did just that!

Plenty of concerts are held inside the Opera House, big acts and small. Not a big deal. But outside? On the steps? Very few. It doesn’t happen often and when it does, it is a big deal. Simply Red were given the honor a few years ago and of all the shows they could have released on DVD to celebrate their tour, guess which show they recorded and released? Farewell from the Sydney Opera House of course!

And let’s try and put this all in perspective. Roxette are already booked to perform eight shows around the country. This now makes it show number nine! That’s the third show in the Sydney region. First up, the Opera House show will now kick things off in unprecedented style on the 25th of February, then followed by a classic 10,000 seat arena show at the Qantas Credit Union Arena on the 27th of February (formerly the Sydney Entertainment Centre) where Live-Ism was shot. Then, on the 28th of February, they travel an hour north towards the beautiful wine country known as the Hunter Valley to perform outdoors in the winery as part of the Day on the Green series.

In my previous “Talking Points” article, I addressed the significance of Roxette performing in New Zealand for the first time ever – and now, the records keep breaking and history keeps being written as Roxette have saved their best 2014 surprise for last!  This will be one hot summer! Bring the sun cream!

See you at the Opera House!