08 November 2009 (gig)
09 November 2009
Having only ever seen Europe at a festival date more years ago than I care to remember it was with a heightened sense of anticipation that I entered the newly refurbished 'Relentless’ Garage. It had also been several years since I had seen a band in the said venue and as far as I could tell there had been very few changes save the word 'Relentless’ having been slapped across the walls.
When the support band, New Device, came out onto the stage and started to get the crowds fists punching into the stale air the changes became more apparent. Money had clearly been spent on a new stage, lighting and speakers which were always a personal criticism of The Garage’s previous incarnation.
By the time Europe entered stage right the auditorium already looked and felt too small for the Swedish rockers. Looking in good shape frontman Joey Tempest and the band wasted no time in getting down to business. Title track of their latest offering, 'Last Look At Eden’, kicked off proceedings with third track 'Gonna Get Ready’ following and the expectant mass were soon squashed onto the pit barrier arms raised in joyful appreciation.
Songs then came hard and fast from all spanning all stages of their career with 'Superstitious' and 'Rock The Night' personal favourites.
After refurbishing the stage the money clearly ran out as the toilets were still flooded and stinking as of old I found myself reminiscing of other great gigs I’d witnessed here. The Liberteens, The Godfathers, Green Day and tonight Europe’s performance warranted addition to that list.
Always the gentleman and with a smile almost as white as his one time nemesis Jon Bon Jovi, Joey worked the crowd with the familiar ease of a rock professional. Co-founder John Norum proved himself to be every bit the superlative classic rock guitarist as did the rest of the line-up.
Finishing with the 1986 classic 'The Final Countdown’ on this performance Europe will be with us for a good while longer.
Night's setlist:
1). Last Look At Eden
2). Gonna Get Ready
3). Superstitious
4). Love Is Not The Enemy
5). Sign Of The Times
6). Always The Pretender
7). No Stone Unturned
8). New Love In Town
9). Scream Of Anger
10). Optimist (John Norum Instrumental Interlude)
11). Seventh Sign
12). Good Times
13). Start From The Dark
14). Rock The Night
15). Only You Can Rock Me (UFO Cover Version)
16). The Final Countdown
