Europe (band)
Swedish rock band that broke through internationally with The Final Countdown.
Europe is a Swedish rock band that got its start in Upplands Väsby in 1981. The original members were singer Joey Tempest, guitarist John Norum, and drummer Tony Reno. (Bassist Peter Olsson was only in the band's precursor, Force, and left before Europe formed.) The band took its name from the continent. Their big break in Sweden came in 1982 when they won the first-ever televised competition Rock-SM (Swedish Rock Championships). Over their career, Europe has put out eleven studio albums, three live albums, three compilations, and twenty-four music videos. The current lineup includes Tempest, Norum, bassist John Levén, keyboardist Mic Michaeli, and drummer Ian Haugland.
Europe’s first two albums, released in the early 1980s, did okay but only in Sweden. The band found international success with their third album, *The Final Countdown*, from 1986. By 2003, Europe had sold 10 million albums worldwide. Two of their albums—*The Final Countdown* and *Out of This World*—made the top 20 on the US Billboard 200 chart. On the US Billboard Hot 100, they had two top 10 hits: “The Final Countdown” at number 8 and “Carrie” at number 3. Another song, “Rock the Night,” reached number 30.
Europe broke up in 1992, calling it an indefinite hiatus. They got back together for a New Year’s Eve show in Stockholm in 1999, and in 2003 they officially announced a reunion. Since then, they’ve released six albums: *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).
**History**
**Europe and Wings of Tomorrow (1981–1984)** The band first called themselves Force and formed in 1979 in Upplands Väsby, Stockholm, with Tempest, Norum, Olsson, and Reno. Tempest recalled that they started by playing covers to learn their instruments, then he brought in his own song ideas and they began writing original material. They sent demos to record companies but were told they’d need to cut their hair and sing in Swedish to get a deal. Two years in, Olsson left and John Levén replaced him. Levén then joined Yngwie Malmsteen’s band Rising Force, while Malmsteen’s former bassist Marcel Jacob joined Force. That swap lasted only three months; Levén had issues with Malmsteen, so he and Jacob traded places again.
In 1982, Tempest’s girlfriend entered Force in the Swedish talent contest Rock-SM. Up aga
- formed
- 1981
Quick Facts
- Landscape
- yes
- Background
- group_or_band
- Alias
- Force (1979–1982)
- Origin
- Upplands Väsby, Sweden
- Genre
- Arena rock / hard rock / glam metal / blues rock / heavy metal
- Years Active
- 1979–1992 / 1999 / 2003–present
- Label
- Epic / Edel / Sanctuary / earMusic / UDR Records / Silver Lining Music / Hell & Back Recordings / Swedmetal Records
- Website
- europetheband.com
- Current Members
- Joey Tempest / John Norum / John Levén / Mic Michaeli / Ian Haugland
- Past Members
- Peter Olsson / Tony Reno / Marcel Jacob / Kee Marcello
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The band originally formed as Force in 1979 in Upplands Väsby, Stockholm, playing covers before writing original material. After sending demos to record companies, they were told to cut their hair and sing in Swedish. Bassist Peter Olsson left and was replaced by John Levén, who briefly joined Yngwie Malmsteen's band Rising Force, leading to a temporary swap with Marcel Jacob. In 1982, Tempest's girlfriend entered Force in the Swedish rock talent contest Rock-SM; competing against 4000 bands, they won with two songs, earning a record deal with Hot Records. Just before the contest, Force changed their name to Europe, a name Tempest took from the Deep Purple album Made in Europe. (Note: Europe as a band formed in 1981; the name change to Europe occurred in 1982.)
Europe's self-titled debut album sold well in Sweden and Japan, charting at number 8 in Sweden, with the single 'Seven Doors Hotel' becoming a T
Reader's Guide
Europe's significance lies in their role as one of the most successful Swedish rock bands of the 1980s, achieving international fame with The Final Countdown. The album's title track became an enduring anthem, reaching number 1 in 25 countries and cementing the band's place in popular culture. Their breakthrough came after winning the first Rock-SM competition in 1982, which launched their career from a local cover band to international headliners. The band's legacy includes two top 20 albums on the US Billboard 200 and two top 10 hits on the US Hot 100, with 'Carrie' peaking at number 3. Despite a hiatus from 1992 to 1999, Europe reunited and continued releasing albums, demonstrating lasting appeal. Their story reflects the challenges of navigating commercial success and artistic direction, as seen in John Norum's departure over the band's keyboard-dominated sound. As of 2003, Europe had sold 10 million albums worldwide, underscoring their impact on rock music.
Did You Know?
- Europe was originally named Force and changed their name just before winning the Rock-SM competition in 1982.
- The band's name was taken from the Deep Purple album Made in Europe.
- Europe's debut album charted at number 8 in Sweden, and the single 'Seven Doors Hotel' became a Top 10 hit in Japan.
- The Final Countdown title track was based on a keyboard riff composed by Joey Tempest as early as 1981–82.
More in Swedish heavy metal musical groups 1-24
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