Europe

For many, at this point in time, Europe’s ‘The Final Countdown’ will inspire images of GOB from Arrested Development and his flamboyant introduction to his magic show; the truth is, though, that that song has a far wider significance in rock history, having topped the charts in twenty five countries back in 1986. The band themselves, though, would surely take offence at accusations of being one-hit wonders; they’ve had three platinum records, and continue to be a major commercial force in their native Sweden. After an eleven year lay-off between 1992 and 2003 - the split was amicable - they continue to record and tour today. Time hasn’t slowed them down, either, with their live shows continuing to be high-octane, relentlessly energetic affairs; frontman Joey Tempest is irrepressible, acting as a conduit for the crowd’s energy whilst the rest of the band perform in front of a veritable mountain of Marshall amps. They’ve toured the UK regularly since the reunion, with their most recent jaunt just this last April, a co-headlining affair with Foreigner that had them running through the classics as well as a slew of material from 2012’s Bag of Bones LP. With a significant fanbase the world over, don’t expect Europe to vanish any time soon; not unless they step inside GOB’s Aztec Tomb, anyway.

What a fantastic night. Having last seen Gun (properly, not sure the CD playback little acoustic do really counts) at Birmingham NEC it was so nice to be in a small vnue. Dante looked like he was having the time of his life, not sure I have seen a front man smile so much at a gig ever. The mix of old and new songs went down really well, especially a the album had only been out 24 hours. Can't wait to see them at Camden Rocks!

Amazing show. Great performance. Songs are even better live. Review must be 30 words long? Why is that? Still not 30... jeez ok, here's a few more. Enough? Ok that was apparently 28. Should be plenty now.