Happy 30th Birthday Europe – It’s the Final Countdown

Believe it or not, Europe’s ‘The Final Countdown’ celebrates its 30^th birthday this week as it entered the Swedish singles chart at No.3 back in May 1986. Within a week, it had knocked Stye’s ‘Dover-Calais’ off the top spot, spending three weeks in pole position. The track is nothing short of epic, becoming a true classic.

Europe – The Final Countdown

The song is written solely by singer Joey Tempest and ‘The Final Countdown’ was also the name of the group’s debut album. The single became a No.1 hit in no less than 25 countries, including the all-important UK singles chart. It eventually peaked at No.8 on the Billboard Hot 100, faring better than the Album Rock Tracks chart (No.18).

Europe – The Final Countdown (Remix)

In 1999, a dance remix of ‘The Final Countdown’ was released. It made the top ten in Sweden, but didn’t have the blessing of the band members. Drummer Ian Haugland reportedly said that ‘I wodn’t pass water on it if it was on fire.’ The new version was remixed by Brian Rawling, one of the producers behind Cher’s ‘Believe.’

The track was featured in the Eurovision Song Contest final in Stockholm earlier this May.