In 1986, Swedish rock icons Europe released their landmark third album, The Final Countdown. The record propelled the band onto the world stage, with its title track becoming a global hit and reaching No. 1 in 25 different countries. The album went multi-platinum, delivered four Top 40 singles, and remained on the American Billboard chart for more than 60 weeks.
The song has continued to thrive in the digital era. In 2022, YouTube recognized the band for becoming the first Swedish group to earn one billion views for a single track. That number has only grown, and as of now, the video is approaching 1.4 billion views.
The The Final Countdown 40th Anniversary tour is set to visit 12 countries, including the U.K., Netherlands, France, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. The run will feature 19 shows, each built around a career-spanning setlist that ends with a full live performance of The Final Countdown from start to finish.
Since releasing The Final Countdown, Europe has continued to tour extensively and has added eight more studio albums to their catalog. Along the way, they have earned honors such as a Classic Rock Award and a Swedish Grammis. The band also remains one of the rare groups to still feature their classic lineup. September 2026 will bring the arrival of their twelfth studio album, recorded in October 2025 at RMV Studios in Stockholm with producer Tom Dalgety, known for his work with Ghost, The Pixies, Royal Blood, and Opeth.
Frontman Joey Tempest shares his excitement about the upcoming shows. He says: “In a blink of an eye, 40 years have passed and we’re about to perform The Final Countdown in full for only the second time in our career, together with other hits and our favorite songs from our upcoming album. This will be amazing. We’re working on making the production and show match this very special occasion.”
Serving as special guests for the entire tour will be Canadian rockers The Damn Truth, whose praised self-titled fourth album was produced by Bob Rock, known for his work with Metallica, Bon Jovi, and Mötley Crüe. Scottish legends Gun will also appear as very special guests for all U.K. dates.
Tickets go on sale Friday, November 28, at 10 a.m. local time, with presales in the U.K. beginning Wednesday, November 26, at 10 a.m.
Europe 2026 “The Final Countdown 40th Anniversary Tour” Dates:
September 30 – UK – Glasgow, SEC Armadillo
October 02 – UK – Wolverhampton, Civic Hall
October 03 – UK – London, Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith
October 05 – Netherlands – Arnhem, Musis
October 06 – France – Paris, Olympia
October 08 – Spain – Barcelona, Poble Espanyol
October 09 – Spain – Bilbao, Arena Miribilla
October 10 – Spain – Madrid, La Cubierta
October 12 – Switzerland – Lausanne, Salle Metropole
October 13 – Switzerland – Zurich, Volkshaus
October 14 – Italy – Milan, Alcatraz
October 16 – Germany – Stuttgart, Liederhalle
October 17 – Austria – Vienna, Gasometer
October 19 – Germany – Berlin, Admiralspalast
October 20 – Poland – Warsaw, Torwar
October 22 – Denmark – Copenhagen, Falconer
October 23 – Sweden – Gothenburg, Film Studios
October 24 – Sweden – Stockholm, BK
October 26 – Norway – Oslo, Sentrum Scene
