Rockin' Europe: A Musical Biography

Whether you're a lover of hair metal or simply enjoy a catchy tune, you can't deny that Europe is one of the most iconic bands of the 1980s. With hits like The Final Countdown and Carrie, the Swedish rockers have left an indelible mark on music history. But how did they get their start, and what inspired their unique sound? In this musical biography, we'll delve into the life and career of Europe - from their humble beginnings to their rise to fame and beyond.

Early Years

Europe was formed in 1979 in Upplands Väsby, Sweden, by vocalist Joey Tempest, guitarist John Norum, bassist Peter Olsson, and drummer Tony Reno. Originally, the band went by the name of Force, but they quickly changed to Europe after Olsson left the group and was replaced by John Leven. The band was heavily influenced by classic rock acts like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, as well as the burgeoning hard rock and heavy metal scenes in the United States and the United Kingdom.

The Rise to Fame

Europe's breakthrough came in 1986 with the release of their third album, The Final Countdown. The title track became an instant hit and reached number one in 25 countries, propelling the album to multi-platinum status. The band's success continued with the release of Out of This World in 1988, which spawned hits like Superstitious and Carrie. Europe's style was characterized by soaring vocals, guitar hooks, and lush keyboards, drawing comparisons to bands like Queen and Bon Jovi.

The '90s and Beyond

As the '90s rolled around, Europe's popularity waned in the face of grunge and alternative rock. Norum left the band in 1986 and was replaced by Kee Marcello, who would stay with the group until 1992. Europe soldiered on through several lineup changes, releasing albums that contained less bombast and more acoustic and bluesy elements. In 2003, the original lineup of Tempest, Norum, Leven, keyboardist Mic Michaeli, and drummer Ian Haugland reunited for a one-off performance in Stockholm. The show was a huge success, and the band decided to start working together again. Since then, they've released several albums, including Start from the Dark (2004), Secret Society (2006), and Walk the Earth (2017).

Influences and Legacy

Europe's music is characterized by a blend of classic rock, heavy metal, and pop sensibilities. They were heavily influenced by Queen, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and other 70s rock icons, as well as contemporary acts like Van Halen and Journey. Their legacy is perhaps best exemplified by The Final Countdown, which has become one of the defining songs of the 80s. The track has been covered and sampled countless times, and its catchy, anthemic chorus is a staple of sports arenas and rock clubs around the world.

Conclusion: Europe may have started out as just another hard rock band, but they quickly became a cultural phenomenon thanks to their catchy melodies, soaring vocals, and epic guitar solos. While they may be best known for The Final Countdown, their catalog is full of other classic rock tunes that have stood the test of time. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering their music for the first time, there's no denying that Europe's legacy will live on for generations to come.