Music has a way of marking time, of tracing lives in melodies and verses. It becomes the soundtrack to our memories, echoing through heartbreaks, celebrations, youth, and change. For the members of Roxette tribute band Dangerous, this journey began long before the tribute itself. And long before the stages and spotlights, rooted in the passionate adolescence of sixteen-year-old Nando Duré, Dangerous founding member, who simply loved to play.
Back then, music was not merely a hobby, but a lifeline. A means of connection, expression, and dreaming. Now, decades later, that same spirit endures in Dangerous, named after the 1988 hit song by Roxette. Not just as a tribute band, but as a heartfelt celebration of the Swedish pop band’s unforgettable music and the lives it continues to touch.
With a deep emotional connection to the music, Nando shares, “I absolutely relate to the song Listen to Your Heart. I am a huge fan of ballads and romance. It truly moves me.” This sincerity fuels the performance, making Dangerous more than just a tribute. It is a living celebration of Roxette’s legacy, powered by friendship, passion, and decades of musical journey.
A lifelong commitment to music
“It all began in 1992, when I joined a band called Eos at the age of sixteen,” recalls Nando. From the outset, the group wrote original songs and secured a performance slot at Evolución 2000, a major festival organised by the iconic Primero de Marzo radio station.
By 1996, the band had evolved, performing at other notable festivals, including one held at the José Asunción Flores Amphitheatre. It was a time of artistic development, and the raw energy of Paraguay’s live music scene.
In 2000, a new chapter began with the formation of Odisea. “It was not until 2004 that we began performing professionally. We even played at Asunción Rock,” Nando recalls. That same year, the cultural boom of Paseo Carmelitas brought new opportunities. While playing at Índigo, a local pizzeria, the band was invited to become the resident act at Kilkenny, an Irish pub opening in the area, a defining moment that launched them into Asunción’s nightlife.
Odisea performed for nearly twelve years, becoming a defining sound for a generation. Though the band formally concluded in 2018 playing at Paseo Carmelitas, the music never truly stopped. Several members still perform at venues such as Rock 66, Rockero, and other iconic spots in Asunción, keeping the spirit of rock alive.
“For the Roxette tribute, we formed a new band made up of half the members from Odisea and half from Spirit. The band is called Dangerous,” says Nando. “We chose the name as a direct nod to Roxette’s hit song Dangerous, one of the band’s most iconic tracks from the late 1980s. It captured the energy we wanted to bring, bold, fun, and full of life.”
The group pays homage to Roxette by reviving the anthems that defined the 1980s and 1990s with authenticity and heart. Their performances blend precision with emotion, bringing songs like The Look, Spending My Time, and Listen to Your Heart to life for a new generation of fans.
The band: Passion behind every note
The current line-up of Dangerous brings together a group of talented musicians, each contributing their unique skills and deep connection to the music. Together, they form the heart of the Roxette tribute band, delivering performances that are both technically precise and emotionally resonant.
Simone Tavarez – Lead Vocals (Marie Fredriksson’s role): With powerful vocals and emotional depth, Simone channels the essence of Marie Fredriksson. Her expressive voice honours the original sound while adding her own heartfelt interpretation.
Nando Duré – Male Vocals & Rhythm Guitar (Per Gessle’s role): Nando embodies the role of Per Gessle, balancing vocals and rhythm guitar with infectious energy and melodic charm. His dynamic presence complements Simone perfectly.
Enrique Villamayor – Keyboards & Synthesisers: From It Must Have Been Love to The Look, Enrique handles Roxette’s signature synth and piano lines with precision, preserving the iconic 1980s/1990s sound.
Carlos Oviedo – Bass: Carlos anchors the music with steady, melodic basslines that support both Roxette’s heartfelt ballads and upbeat pop-rock anthems.
Rolando Insfrán – Lead Guitar: Rolando brings Roxette’s guitar work to life—from soaring solos to tender riffs—with skill, emotion, and flair.
Micky Correa – Drums: With impeccable timing, Micky provides the heartbeat of the show. His drumming adapts seamlessly across Roxette’s diverse emotional and rhythmic range.
The sountrack of a generation
Through every performance, Dangerous invites audiences to remember, to feel, and to celebrate the soundtrack of a generation. In doing so, the band ensures that the look, the sound, and the heart of Roxette truly live on.
This growing movement of tribute performances in Paraguay reflects a deeper cultural appetite for high-quality reinterpretations of legendary artists. Another striking example is the rising local talent Nicole Arz, whose tribute to Amy Winehouse has drawn wide acclaim for its vocal authenticity and captivating stage presence.
Together, acts like Dangerous and Nicole Arz are not merely looking back, they are building bridges between generations. And are ensuring that iconic voices like Roxette’s and Winehouse’s continue to resonate in new and powerful ways.
For more information check Dangerous on instagram.
