Europe

Sweden, 1979–now

Stockholm melodic hard rock band led by Joey Tempest. 'The Final Countdown' (1986), built on a keyboard fanfare, became one of the most played arena rock singles of the decade.

MusicRoots documents 5 artists who influenced Europe and 0 artists Europe influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Europe?

• Led Zeppelin — Led Zeppelin were Joey Tempest's stated biggest influence alongside Thin Lizzy — the monumental hard-rock template beneath Europe's melodic metal.
• Thin Lizzy — Thin Lizzy were Tempest's other biggest influence — Phil Lynott's melodic hard rock and twin-guitar romanticism a direct model for Europe.
• Deep Purple — Deep Purple were a core influence — guitarist John Norum channelled Purple's 'Lazy' in his 'The Final Countdown' solo.
• Scorpions — The young members of Force (proto-Europe) learned the trade watching Scorpions and other hard-rock giants at Stockholm's Ice Stadium.
• Rainbow — One of the bands the members watched at Stockholm's Ice Stadium before forming Europe.