Europe Members, Gear & Sound
Swedish band
Members
Select a Europe band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Europe is a Swedish rock band that rose to fame in the mid-1980s with their blend of melodic rock and glam metal, characterized by catchy hooks and powerful anthems. Formed in Upplands Väsby in 1979, the band originally consisted of Joey Tempest (vocals), John Norum (guitar), John Leven (bass), and Tony Reno (drums), with Mic Michaeli (keyboards) joining soon after. Known for their epic hit "The Final Countdown," Europe has evolved through various musical phases, incorporating elements of hard rock, album rock, and AOR into their sound over the decades. The band has seen lineup changes, with notable contributions from guitarists like Kee Marcello, but remains anchored by Tempest's distinctive vocals and Norum's guitar work.
How to Sound Like Europe
Europe's sound is defined by its anthemic, guitar-driven rock, blending soaring melodies with a hard-hitting edge. The guitar tones, often characterized by the use of a Gibson Les Paul Custom and Marshall JCM800 2205, provide a rich, overdriven crunch that complements the band's energetic compositions. John Norum's use of effects like the Boss DS-1 Distortion adds a biting aggression to their sound, while the keyboard layers, crafted on instruments such as the Yamaha SY99, contribute to the band's melodic and sometimes epic feel. This combination of instruments and effects results in a sound that is both polished and powerful, capable of delivering the heavy riffs and memorable choruses that define Europe's musical legacy.
Discography
Get the Europe Sound
Want to sound like Europe? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
