by Arta Gailuma
— Photojournalist —
September 19, 2018 at O2 Institute in Birmingham, U.K. —
The question is, can an 80’s Rock band after a long break can still be successful? It’s not something many bands are able to do, but Swedish rock veterans Europe have proved, they definitely can. They were filling tonight O2 Academy’s main room with people of different generations, starting from loyal fans who have been following Europe since their beginnings to younger supporters, whose musical taste has been shaped by their parent’s album collection.
Support this evening was coming from British blues rockers King King. Fronted by the kilt-wearing Glaswegian Alan Nimmo, the band, even though they delivered a very strong set, the band failed to impress the crowd with their bluesy ballads.
It was a totally different story with the main act. As soon as Europe took the stage, the crowd livened up in excitement. Joey Tempest is a strong frontman, who tirelessly entertains the fans. Playing around with his mic stand, he was interacting with the crowd and even with us, photographers.
Kicking off with two pieces from the latest 2017 album Walk The Earth, in the hour and half long set we were able to hear plenty of classics.
The first part of the set finished with a version of “Superstitious” referencing Whitesnake’s piece “Here I Go Again”. After thanking the crowd for coming out to see them band disappeared leaving the room dark with only a blue glow over the backdrop with the front cover of Europe’s latest album on it. Fans knew this is not it. They were clapping, screaming and I was feeling the floor shaking in the rhythm of their stamping feet. And, of course, that wasn’t it.
The evening was closed with Europe’s most well-known piece- “The Final Countdown”. That was quite something to watch from the back of the room. All hands up in the air, everyone singing along while the colorful light beams were aiming for the high ceiling of this beautiful venue.
LIVE! | Europe Concert Photo Gallery
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Setlist:
Walk The Earth
The Siege
Rock The Night
Hole In My Pocket
Last Look At Eden
New Love In Town
Firebox
Ready Or Not
Vasastan
Sign Of The Times
Turn To Dust
GTO
Carrie
Nothin’ to Ya
Drum Solo
Scream Of Anger
War Of Kings
Superstitious
Encore:
Cherokee
The Final Countdown
Band:
Joey Tempest – Vocals
Mic Michaeli – Keys
John Levén – Bass
John Norum – Guitars
Ian Haugland – Drums
www.europetheband.com
www.facebook.com/europetheband/
www.kingking.co.uk
www.facebook.com/kingkingalannimmo/
