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John Norum lead guitarist with Europe, Sweden’s biggest selling rock band dropped by the Gibson Guitar Showroom in Central London to promote the release of “Last Look At Eden” their eighth studio album and to announce the bands February 2010 UK tour dates. Europe are best known for their 1986 smash anthem “The Final Countdown,” but the Swedish rockers have returned with a heavier bluesy, hip-shaking metal sound which has put them firmly back on the rock scene.
The new album features John Norum’s signature guitar tones and proves that Joey Tempest still has one of the most powerful and gifted voices in rock music today. From the epic title track to the melodic ballad ‘New Love in Town’this album is on another level, less extreme than previous offering ‘Secret Society’ and with matured sound. ‘Last Look At Eden’ is a mix of all the elements that have made Europe famous the world over. Speaking about the new album lead singer Joey Tempest says “This time we’re taking a new direction with our songs, and we’re exploring different styles,” “There is a definite classic rock vibe on several tracks on this album – a tip of the hat to groovin’, funkin’ 70’s rock songs, with a modern twist.”
After shooting to fame in 1986 with the hugely successful single ‘The Final Countdown’, Europe spent the next 10 years touring the world and released two further albums ‘Out of this World’ and ‘Prisoners in Paradise’. After taking a break from the limelight for most of the 1990’s, a break which many fans thought would be the end of the band, Europe got back together for a one-off new year’s eve performance in Stockholm in 1999 and announced their official reunion in 2003 by welcoming back original guitarist and founding member John Norum. Since then, Europe has released two studio albums - ‘Start From The Dark’ (2004) and ‘Secret Society’ (2006).
Metal Hammer Magazine recently praised Europe for their outstanding Bloodstock performance – “Europe’s note perfect, slickly choreographed show, pulls together all ages and tastes for a feel-good finale that smells like total victory.”
Gibson.com has a secured a signed copy of new album “Last Look At Eden” by all members of Europe as well as a pair of tickets to one of their UK dates next February. To be in with a chance of winning this great prize, just answer this simple question below and send you answer to – Jeremy.singer@gibson.com along with your contact details and which UK date you’d like to attend by 30th November 2009 – One winner will be selected at random and informed via email after the closing date.
Europe guitarist John Norum is photographed with which classic Gibson guitar?
A) Gibson Les Paul Custom
B) Gibson Dark Fire
C) Gibson SG Standard
D) Gibson Explorer
Europe tour the UK in February 2010 with very special guests Diamond Head. Dates include: Leeds 02 Academy (Feb 18), Birmingham O2 Academy (Feb 19), London O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire (Feb 20), Oxford O2 Academy (Feb 22), Bournemouth O2 Academy (Feb 23), Bristol O2 Academy (Feb 24), Manchester Academy 2 (Feb 26), Newcastle O2 Academy (Feb 27), Glasgow O2 ABC (Feb 28). Tickets: 0844 477 2000, www.ticketweb.co.uk. The album ‘Last Look At Eden’ is out now.
For more information on Europe please visit - www.europetheband.com
Photo Credit: John Rahim