Simon Rushworth
Eighties rock god Joey Tempest has hammered home the value of long-time friend and band mate John Norum after admitting there would be no Europe without the accomplished axeman.
In an exclusive chat with rushonrock, the poster boy for a generation of Smash Hits readers is revelling in his band’s status as serious hard rockers with fans worldwide finally moving on from The Final Countdown.
But Tempest confessed Europe would be no more without founding member John Norum controlling the power chords. “It wouldn’t be Europe without John,” he said. “When he left the band it was really difficult for me. Although we were very lucky to find Kee Marcello – a very talented and a very funny guy – I found it tough without John. We’re a partnership and in many ways he made me what I am today.”
Tempest picked up the phone ahead of his band’s headline slot at this year’s Bloodstock Festival and the release of what promises to be the band’s most eagerly anticipated record since the fabled Final Countdown 23 years ago – the sensational Last Look At Eden.
Fusing the band’s bluesier moments from comeback records Start From The Dark and Secret Society with nods to their hair metal pomp, it’s the album which should see the Scandinavians finally reclaim their place at classic rock’s top table.
Checl out the full tracklisting of Last Look At Eden and look out for a full interview with Tempest on rushonrock next week:
1. PRELUDE
2. LAST LOOK AT EDEN
3. GONNA GET READY
4. CATCH THE PLANE
5. NEW LOVE IN TOWN
6. THE BEAST
7. MOJITO GIRL
8. NO STONE UNTURNED
9. ONLY YOUNG TWICE
10. U DEVIL U
11. RUN WITH ANGEL
12. IN MY TIME