Europe

A Swedish heavy rock band, Europe found international success in the late '80s. In 1982, Joey Tempest (19 August 1963, Stockholm, Sweden; vocals), John Norum (guitar) and John Leven (bass) founded Force in the Stockholm suburb of Upplands-Vasby. After winning a national talent contest, the group recorded two Rush-influenced albums for the Swedish market before signing to Epic in 1986. By now Norum had left and the renamed Europe included guitarist Kee Marcello (ex-Easy Action), Michael Michaeli (keyboards) and drummer Ian Haughland. With English-language lyrics, the first Epic album was produced by Kevin Elson and included hits with Carrie, The Final Countdown (a UK number 1), Rock The Night and Cherokee. THE FINAL COUNTDOWN would go on to triple platinum status, but also set the group a standard they have failed to maintain. However, Europe's continued success in Japan and the US was assisted by the group's lengthy world tours. Later hits included Superstitious from the Ron Nevison-produced second album, but PRISONERS OF PARADISE, with Beau Hill as producer, sold poorly.