Europe Kick Off 40th Anniversary Tour of 'The Final Countdown' in Glasgow

Swedish heavy rock staples EUROPE have officially ignited their 'The Final Countdown - 40th Anniversary Tour' with a high-octane performance at the SEC Armadillo in Glasgow. The tour marks four decades since the release of their landmark third studio album, featuring the global anthem that has solidified their legacy in the rock canon.

During the tour, the band has demonstrated a willingness to revisit gems from their catalogue. While 'The Final Countdown' remains their most enduring and commercially successful track—hitting number one in 25 countries including the UK—vocalist Joey Tempest notes that the band actually enjoys the live interaction the song generates. Despite its massive popularity, Tempest admitted they rarely listen to the track in private. "It has its own life and lives out there," Tempest explained, noting that the relationship with the song is primarily forged with the crowd in a live setting.

I would just say to all younger selves to relax a bit. Don't take things so seriously.

Reflecting on the journey since 1986, Tempest suggested he would advise his younger self to "relax a bit" during the production of the original album. The pressure of their sudden success led to a period of intense focus, but with the perspective of 40 years, he notes that things shouldn't be taken so seriously. The tour follows the 2022 milestone where the official music video for the title track surpassed one billion views on YouTube, cementing its status as a cornerstone of rock history.