Feb
16

Rock The Night : Europe Birmingham Academy 15th February

AndyMusic, ReviewsNo Comments

EuropeLast night I saw one of the most enjoyable concerts I’ve been to in recent years, with a band I never thought I’d go to see.

If you only know the swedish rock group Europe for their massive hit “The Final Countdown”, you’ve not heard Europe at all. I’ve had The Final Countdown for a number of years, on both casette and CD, and while the title track is the epitome of 80’s Hair Metal, the rest of the album is a much rockier sound, which is more of what Europe’s music is like.

Since their reformation in 2000, the band have released two new albums, and toured both of them. I missed out on the “Start From The Dark” tour, due to it clashing with another concert, so I was determined to see them this time.

EuropeNo support act meant that Europe had their hands full as they had to warm the crowd up, blasting straight in to “Love is not the enemy” from their newest album, the initial response was somewhat subdued, but quickly warmed up.

Interestingly, many of the parts that I thought were guitar on the album are actually keyboards, but that’s not to take anything away from John Norum’s playing. A fantastic bluesy player, and great performer (Like Richie Sambora, every note causes pain to etch across his face).

Each band member had a solo, which was just the right length - sometimes guitar solos (and particularly Bass solos!) go on for far too long. The shortest “solo” was drummer Ian Haugland - 4 bars that lead straight into “Cherokee”, but the best solo was Norum’s; a fusion of styles leading into the opening lick of “Girl From Lebanon”.

With a wide catalogue of great music to choose from, there are always favourites that will be missed off. For me, “Hero” and “Prisoners In Paradise” were notable omissions.

Joey Tempest of EuropeThe sign of a good concert is one where you don’t notice the time fly, and “The Final Countdown” came all too quickly.

If when you think of Europe you think of hairspray and lipstick, consider listening to “Start From The Dark” - and you’ll discover a different side to the band.

Set List: (as far as I can remember - and not in this order!)

  • Love is not the enemy 
  • Always The Pretenders
  • Superstitious
  • Seven Doors Hotel
  • Rock The Night
  • Carrie (Acoustic)
  • Cherokee
  • Yesterday’s News
  • Girl From Lebanon
  • Got to have Faith
  • Flames
  • The Getaway Plan
  • Let The Children Play
  • Forever Travelling
  • The Final Countdown