Europe
Europe is a Swedish rock band formed in Upplands Väsby in 1979 under the name Force by vocalist Joey Tempest and guitarist John Norum. Although widely associated with glam metal, the band’s sound incorporates heavy metal and hard rock elements.
Current Members (Edit)
- Joey Tempest – Vocals, Acoustic & Rhythm Guitar
- John Norum – Lead & Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals
- John Levén – Bass Guitar
- Mic Michaeli – Keyboards & Backing Vocals
- Ian Haugland – Drums, Percussion & Backing Vocals
Albums (Edit)
- Europe (1983)
- Wings of Tomorrow (1984)
- The Final Countdown (1986)
- Out of This World (1988)
- Prisoners in Paradise (1991)
- 1982-1992 (1993)
- 1982-2000 (1999)
- Rock The Night: The Very Best of Europe (2004)
- Start From the Dark (2004)
- Secret Society (2006)
Live Albums (Edit)
- The Final Countdown Tour 1986 (2004)
- Extended Versions (2007)
- Almost Unplugged (2008)
Intro (Edit)
Europe is a Swedish rock band formed in Upplands Väsby in 1979 under the name Force by vocalist Joey Tempest and guitarist John Norum. Although widely associated with glam metal, the band’s sound incorporates heavy metal and hard rock elements. Since its formation, Europe has released seven studio albums, three live albums, three compilations and seven videos.
The first incarnation of the band was named Force and came together in 1979, in Upplands Väsby, Stockholm, and was integrated by vocalist and keyboardist Joey Tempest, guitarist John Norum, bassist Peter Olsson and drummer Tony Reno.
The band sent several demos to record companies, but were told that in order to be published they had to cut their hair and sing in Swedish. Two years later, Olsson left the band and was replaced by John Levén.
In 1982, Tempest’s girlfriend entered Force in the Swedish talent contest, Rock-SM. Competing against over 4,000 bands, they won the contest. The reward was a record deal with Hot Records. Tempest won the individual award for Best Lead Singer, and Norum won the award for Best Guitarist. During the contest, Force changed their name to Europe. Their self-titled debut album was released the following year, and sold well both in Sweden and Japan. The album charted at number 8 in the band’s home country and the single “Seven Doors Hotel” became a Top 10 hit in Japan.
The second album Wings of Tomorrow was released one year later and the single “Open Your Heart” got interest from CBS Records who offered them an international contract in 1985. Keyboardist Mic Michaeli was soon recruited to play in live concerts, and became an official member of the band shortly after. At the same time, Tony Reno was fired because of his lack of motivation and alleged slacking off on rehearsals. His replacement was Ian Haugland.
In September 1985, Europe started the recording of its next album with Journey producer Kevin Elson. The result was The Final Countdown which was released on May 26, 1986. The album gave the band its international breakthrough and was certified Triple Platinum in the USA and reached number 8 on the Billboard 200 chart. The title track, which had been based on a keyboard riff composed by Tempest as early as 1981-82, was released as the first single and became a worldwide success, peaking at number 1 in 25 countries. The power ballad “Carrie”, which peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, “Cherokee” and a re-recorded version of “Rock the Night” were the other hits from the album.
Not satisfied with the album’s keyboard-dominated production nor the band’s commercialized image, John Norum decided to leave Europe in November 1986 to pursue a solo career.
History (Edit)
Kee Marcello was asked to replace him, and after some consideration decided to join the band. Marcello joined the band at their commercial peak.
The follow-up to The Final Countdown was entitled Out of This World and was released in 1988. The biggest hit from the album was “Superstitious” which peaked at number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 9 on the Mainstream Rock Chart. “Superstitious” would be the last Europe song to chart in the USA. The album was certified platinum in the States and peaked at number 19 on the Billboard 200 chart.
In 1991, the album Prisoners in Paradise was released. It received limited media attention due to the explosion of the grunge movement. Although the sales were low compared to previous albums, the single “I’ll Cry for You” managed to hit number 28 on the UK charts.
Over the years, there were several reunion rumors, and on October 2, 2003 it was made official. Europe announced plans for a new album and a world tour. The band then switched back to the Final Countdown line-up, with John Norum as the only lead guitarist.
The songwriting for a new album, Start from the Dark, began early in 2003. For the recording of Start from the Dark, the band decided to work with producer Kevin Elson, who had also produced their album, The Final Countdown. The album was released on September 22, 2004, the same day that John Norum became a father.
Europe released its latest album, Secret Society on October 26, 2006. “We think it’s one of the strongest albums that Europe has ever done,” Tempest said, “There is definitely some more melodic stuff on this one. Start from the Dark was very raw and made a statement, which is cool but for us it felt like a debut album in a way, so we wanted to branch out a bit on this one and take it to new levels.”
Update (Edit)
Europe is currently in the studio working on their new album. The band plans on releasing it in May 2009. In December 2008 the band launched a blog with pictures and videos from the studio and tentative song titles. The current working title for the album is More is More. The band has described it as a modern retro rock album.
April 8th, 2009 at 11:28 am
This band really rocks my world & they have a lot of very cool songs!!!!. They are a great band of all-time!!!!.
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:10 pm
que banda muy buena que son
April 9th, 2010 at 5:30 am
Europe the music of my youth.They have really great songs and I listen to a lot of bands over the years but these guys are the greatest band of all time there music stand the test of time ! Last look at Eden is awesome!I wonder why it has not been released in Canada or USA Single on last look at Eden New love in town should be a number 1 hit all over the world if Nickle Back or Bonjovi put that song out would go number 1 I don’t get it!! These guys deserve a lot more credit !!!
April 21st, 2010 at 2:56 am
Europe is the best hard rock band off all time!!!!! I love them since I was little girl, and I love them today. Simply forever
))))
July 31st, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Last look at eden – 8. album – 09.2009
September 12th, 2010 at 8:12 am
Europe rules, I love Europe, and the band show?s perfect!!! <3
September 18th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Europe has the best songs and video?s
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September 25th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Europe has the best songs and video?s
Marketing Strategy Sydney
October 2nd, 2010 at 8:53 pm
I’d love to hear Europe’s songs on the radio today
October 9th, 2010 at 8:10 am
Europe is the best hard rock band off all time!!!!! I love them since I was little kid, and I love them today. Simply forever
))))
October 18th, 2010 at 7:07 am
Can anyone remember who produced their debut album? I used to know but can’t think of who it was right now
October 24th, 2010 at 7:00 am
Just because I love glam doesn’t mean that I love ALL the bands. Europe are an example of a band that I can’t stand and I know at least that techwreckie doesn’t like them either
November 1st, 2010 at 2:27 am
Europe made 3 chord songs sound like fucking magic
November 8th, 2010 at 11:06 am
Love Europe <3
November 13th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
Europe rockin’ America xxx
November 21st, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Whoever wrote the bio sure knew what they were talking about
November 27th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
Europe played Vancouver in May of 1988. I remember. It was on my birthday and what a unforgetable concert….
December 4th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Can’t remember the day but it must have been in 1989. Europe played an open air festival and it rained hard all day long. It was one of the best days of my life
December 12th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Europe simply KICK ASS!!!
December 19th, 2010 at 5:17 am
I’d love to hear Europe’s songs on the radio today
December 27th, 2010 at 12:08 am
best band in the world.
January 3rd, 2011 at 9:45 am
The first album of Europe is the best, but his music is fucking good!!!!!!!!!!
January 9th, 2011 at 4:58 am
The last time I saw Europe, I was so drunk, passed out and don’t remember a fucking thing! Those were the days. Couldn’t do that now. It was an 80s thing
January 14th, 2011 at 2:02 am
Probably My all time favorite band, i love Europe so much, i think i am the only person who walks round Leeds in a Europe Top Proudly
January 17th, 2011 at 6:39 am
Whoever wrote Europe’s songs, was a real party animal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 23rd, 2011 at 2:53 am
My all time heroes … Europe you ROCK!!!
January 30th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
Heyy i love Europe soo much? where can i find a cardboard cutout of them?????? ??
February 6th, 2011 at 11:22 am
I’ve got some original 80s concert tees that I don’t wear anymore and struggling to find the space to store them. Anyone want to buy some? I’m selling them for $5 each. Size XL mens
February 13th, 2011 at 10:26 pm
Has anyone seen a pic of what Europe look like now. Amazing how much people change in 25 years
February 20th, 2011 at 12:09 am
Compared to shitty metal bands of today, Europe totally wipe them under the carpet
February 28th, 2011 at 8:02 pm
Please come to Athens, Greece!!!
March 7th, 2011 at 11:50 pm
One of the Best Live Bands EVER! Come back to Raleigh!
April 3rd, 2011 at 11:58 am
they kick ass! Love them!
Marketing Strategy Sydney
April 8th, 2011 at 11:12 pm
Best band ever! FUcking love them!
April 16th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
Europe was the best!!!!!
April 23rd, 2011 at 2:31 pm
have thier first album,havent listened for years but after reading this think Ill pull it out and give a listen.Always loved the Europe!
May 1st, 2011 at 5:55 am
i love Europe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 7th, 2011 at 10:49 am
AWESOME band?one of the BEST EVER!!!!!
May 14th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
have thier first album,havent listened for years but after reading this think Ill pull it out and give a listen.Always loved the Europe!
June 26th, 2011 at 2:12 am
one of my favourite bands, watched them live last year playing here for the first time!
January 30th, 2012 at 9:21 am
Joey Tempest and group Europe are DIVO and grate, legendary, beautiful, miracle in the world mucitian creation. Joey Tempest very, very very charming and nice not only vocal talant but grate person. I love him very sincerely.