Europe's lead singer Joey Tempest recently opened up about the band's iconic 1986 hit, "The Final Countdown." The song propelled Europe to international stardom, reaching No. 1 in 25 countries, including the UK. Despite taking a hiatus in 1992, the band's fame endures, and "The Final Countdown" remains a rock music staple.
In an interview with Classic Rock, Tempest mused about how the band's trajectory might have differed if "The Final Countdown" had not been such a monumental success. He speculated that Europe might have returned to a more melodic sound rather than continuing as a hard rock band.
Tempest acknowledged that the band was already gaining momentum before "The Final Countdown" launched them into the global spotlight. "As international rock bands, Def Leppard and Iron Maiden had opened a lot of doors. And for a short period, we were the biggest band in the world," he said. "Suddenly we were playing festivals with Duran Duran and it was like, 'OK, we're here for a while, are we?' We became a crossover band. I don't know whether that's good or bad."
When asked about the enduring popularity of "The Final Countdown" and the experience of performing it regularly, Tempest emphasized the song's unifying power. He expressed his admiration for the way the hit brings people together at music festivals, transcending genre boundaries.
During the interview, Tempest also teased the possibility of new music from Europe. He hinted that the band's upcoming album might be a return to their 1980s sound and more closely connected to their early material. Tempest noted that such a project would have been inconceivable a decade ago, but the band has naturally found its way back to its roots, with his songwriting following suit.
As fans eagerly anticipate Europe's new music, Tempest's reflections on the unexpected impact of "The Final Countdown" offer a fascinating glimpse into the band's history and evolution.