In an exclusive interview, the renowned rock band Europe’s frontman, Joey Tempest, and guitarist, John Norum, share the remarkable journey behind the creation and evolution of their iconic anthem, “The Final Countdown.”
Reflecting on the genesis of the hit single, Tempest recalls his childhood fascination with space and aviation, nurtured by his pilot father. This passion for exploration laid the foundation for “The Final Countdown” lyrics, which he conceived in 1984 or 85. The song’s essence, he reveals, revolves around the idea of humanity departing Earth as a last resort due to its impending demise—a poignant message that remains relevant today.
The distinctive keyboard riff that became the song’s signature was conceived years earlier during Tempest’s college days. It languished on a cassette tape in his parents’ basement for six years until fate intervened. Inspired by a club’s midnight laser show in Stockholm, the band decided to explore the potential of this riff, ultimately transforming it into a groundbreaking song.
Contrary to popular belief, “The Final Countdown” wasn’t Europe’s initial release; the band had already weathered numerous rejections from record labels. Their long hair and thunderous guitars had raised eyebrows in the industry. Tempest muses on the song’s emotional ambiguity, finding a balance between positivity and melancholy, drawing from the Scandinavian musical tradition of minor chords.
The song’s galloping rhythm, reminiscent of British heavy metal bands like Iron Maiden and UFO, stemmed from creative disagreements with the producer. Tempest’s insistence on maintaining the distinctive rhythm paid off, creating an infectious energy that resonates with listeners.
“The Final Countdown” was released in 1986, and its initial reception was lukewarm. But a surprise fax announcing its chart-topping status in the Netherlands changed everything. Tempest recalls that moment as both exciting and daunting, as the band had to sustain the momentum while continuing to create new music.
Today, as global concerns about the environment intensify, the song’s lyrics have taken on a newfound relevance. Tempest humorously awaits a call from SpaceX or NASA, half-jokingly suggesting that his song could be the soundtrack to humanity’s next great journey.
Guitarist John Norum, however, initially held reservations about the song. He was deeply entrenched in heavy rock and found the synthesizer melody irritating. But upon revisiting the song with the addition of real instruments and amplifiers, he had a change of heart, appreciating the song’s potential.
Norum reminisces about the guitar scene of the early ’80s, characterized by blazing speed and virtuosic playing, and how his solo for “The Final Countdown” blended various influences, from Ritchie Blackmore’s technique to his own signature bluesy style.
Despite the song’s soaring success, Norum remained grounded and uninterested in fame. He preferred solitude and retreated to practice guitar even when the song conquered charts across 25 countries. The ’80s glam rock image that accompanied their fame, with spandex pants and extravagant hair, was never to his liking.
In conclusion, both Tempest and Norum agree that “The Final Countdown” has grown on them over the years, evolving into a heavier and more groove-driven anthem in their current performances. While the band has since produced numerous hits, “The Final Countdown” retains a special place among their top tracks, a testament to its enduring appeal.
