Europe
Biography
Europe is a Swedish rock band formed in Upplands Väsby in 1979 by vocalist Joey Tempest, guitarist John Norum, bassist Peter Olsson, and drummer Tony Reno. Initially named Force, the band gained significant recognition in Sweden after winning the televised Swedish Rock Championships in 1982. This victory led to a record deal, and they changed their name to Europe.
Breakthrough and International Fame
The band's first two albums, Europe (1983) and Wings of Tomorrow (1984), gained them a following in Sweden and Japan. However, it was their third album, The Final Countdown (1986), that catapulted them to international stardom. The title track, with its iconic keyboard riff, became a global hit, reaching number one in 25 countries. The album also featured the hit singles "Carrie" and "Rock the Night". Following the album's release, guitarist John Norum left the band, citing musical differences, and was replaced by Kee Marcello. The subsequent albums, Out of This World (1988) and Prisoners in Paradise (1991), continued their success, though not to the same extent as The Final Countdown.
Hiatus and Reunion
Europe went on hiatus in 1992, with members pursuing solo projects. The classic lineup, including John Norum, reunited for a one-off performance in Stockholm on New Year's Eve 1999 and officially announced their reunion in 2003. Since then, they have released several albums, including Start from the Dark (2004), Secret Society (2006), Last Look at Eden (2009), Bag of Bones (2012), War of Kings (2015), and Walk the Earth (2017).
Musical Style and Legacy
Europe's music is primarily characterized as hard rock and glam metal, with their sound evolving over the years to incorporate elements of blues rock. The band is known for their melodic and anthemic songs, powerful vocals, and prominent guitar and keyboard work. With over 10 million albums sold worldwide as of 2003, Europe remains one of Sweden's most successful rock acts.
Current Lineup
The current members of Europe are:
- Joey Tempest – lead vocals
- John Norum – guitars
- John Levén – bass
- Mic Michaeli – keyboards
- Ian Haugland – drums