EUROPE: JOEY TEMPEST
Questions asked by Jon Wilde, added to Rock Realms 6th October 2009.
Europe is one of the highest selling bands ever to come out of Sweden, and has claim on one of the biggest rock anthems of all time. It may be 20-something years since they reached their commercial peak, but they are still pumping out top quality music and critically acclaimed live shows.
Vocalist Joey Tempest answers questions.
Photo Credit: Fredrik Etoall
Hi Joey, thanks for answering these questions. It’s 30 years since you started playing with John Norum and co.. Looking back, did you think, or hope, you’d still be going strong in 2009?
Joey: Can't really explain it but there is something unique and special when the five of us get together. Even when we met as teenagers there was a strong chemistry between us. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that we have never really thought of this "not" working.
What was the Swedish rock scene like back in the late 70’s / early 80’s? Who were the main influences back then?
Joey: We didn't listen to Swedish acts back then. We were totally into British and American rock. The record companies were scared of signing us because we had long hair, played loud and sang in English. We were turned down a few times so we had to find our own way.
Would you classify your voice as a ‘gift’, was it a lot of hard work and training, or a combination of both?
Joey: My voice started getting better after our first tours. You get the confidence and start to push yourself. I always liked singing and writing lyrics though. Even in my earliest bands I was the front man.
When did you realize you wanted to be a rock singer?
Joey: As soon as i started joining local bands. The first band I was in was a three piece band called "Made In Hong Kong" i think I was eleven years old.
When did it finally click that you’d actually made it?
Joey: Hearing our song "In The Future To Come" from our first record on the radio the first time was very special. It's a great feeling when these things happen. You get proud and want to work even harder.
What was it like in the heyday of (what gets lovingly referred to as) the hair metal scene in the late 80’s? Were you living in a dream?
Joey: Final countdown was our third album so we had already tasted the rock 'n' roll life......but when this record came out...all hell broke loose. We became one of the biggest rock-bands around and it was a magnificent, crazy circus...
What’s your best/strongest memory from back then?
Joey: There are so many. Being number one on "Top Of The Pops" was great. Touring the states with Def Leppard was another high point.
During Europe’s time on the back burner during the 90’s, did you feel a sense of relief at being able to pursue your own projects?
Joey: We had toured heavily and recorded 5 albums in the space of ten years. We wanted to take a little break. It was a great opportunity for me to explore music and lyrics in another way. I started to check out artists like Neil Young, Jackson Brown, Bob Dylan and Van Morrison among others. I needed to learn more.
Did you miss playing the stadiums and arenas?
Joey: Not in the beginning. But by the time I was working on my third solo album I was missing the guys quite a lot.
When Europe officially reformed in 2003, did it feel right immediately – as if you’d never been away?
Joey: It felt just like returning from a coffee break......
Onto the new album... How would you compare it to the other two albums you’ve released since you reformed – Start From The Dark and Secret Society – and how does it compare to the older work?
Joey: This is a more "honest" record. We are completely open with where we come from, our influences etc. Its a true rock 'n' roll record in the sense that a lot of ideas came up while touring and the best rock albums are created while the artists are in that frame of mind. It also happens there are some great tracks on there. It’s one of our best records without a doubt.
We love the symphonic sound on the title track and 'No Stone Unturned'. Is that a road you fancy exploring more on future albums?
Joey: It just came out that way......our producer suggested us going to Prague to record a symphony orchestra for the leading track "Last Look At Eden" so we decided to put strings on some other tracks as well. Four tracks to be exact. It worked particularly well on "No Stone Unturned" a very majestic song. One of my favourites. Mic, our keyboard player did a fantastic job coming up with arrangements for the strings.
How about the superb final track 'In My Time' with its serene bluesy style...is that something we may see more of again? Personally I’d like to hear an album of tracks from throughout your career recorded this way – all given completely new bluesy compositions. Let’s be honest, John Norum isn’t the worst guitarist in the world! :)
Joey: Yes it’s a cool approach to recording a ballad. A bit similar to our "Almost Unplugged" session. A very emotional song. The lyrics and of course the guitar playing is connected to the tragic event of John losing his wife.
Was it good finally getting another Swedish no.1?
Joey: It was a great relief for the band and everyone working for us.
Are you happy with reviews so far? Presumably you always get a few people wanting another 'Final Countdown' and nothing else?
Joey: For the first time the reviews are very focused on the new record. To have high marks in magazines like Classic Rock Magazine and Metal Hammer in the UK means a lot to us. Most people are finally realizing that this band is making great "new" music. We can’t ask for more. We are very happy with the reception of this record.
How did the deal with EARmusic come about?
Joey: Max (who runs it) is a Europe supporter. Our manager met him at Midem if I'm not mistaken. We've worked with him before and we know he is passionate. He also has a strong organization behind him, Edel. I think EARmusic is an interesting new label with some good acts.
You’ve probably answered this a million times already, but what is the thing on the front of the new album? Is it a spiky apple or, well, what is It?
Joey: It's in the eye of the beholder. We like it a lot....
Is there some deep meaning behind the album title, or did you just pick it because it sounded good?
Joey: The idea for the lyric came up one week before the last election in America. At that point i thought the world was in a bad state. Were we having our last look at civilization?....but in my view the election went the right way and now the song feels more like a hopeful rock song....
Your concert at Bloodstock went down a storm. What should fans expect from a Europe show?
Joey: On a good night we're up there with the very best.......we know how to play and push ourselves. We also get a great kick out of giving the audience top entertainment. Come and check it out.
What do you get up to when you aren’t being a rock god? Any interesting hobbies?
Joey: Not really.....just hanging out with my 2 year old son does the trick.
What question do you hate being asked? Have I avoided it?
Joey: I'm pretty cool with whatever.
Any question you love being asked that I’ve missed? If so, what’s the answer?
Joey: The answer is...firebox.
What are you up to once you’ve finished answering these questions?
Joey: Down the pub
All the best joey
See Europe on tour in the UK during February 2010. Very special guest is Diamond Head.
Leeds 02 Academy (Feb 18)
Birmingham O2 Academy (Feb 19)
02 London Shepherd’s Bush Empire (Feb 20)
Oxford O2 Academy (Feb 22)
Bournemouth O2 Academy (Feb 23)
Bristol O2 Academy (Feb 24)
Manchester Academy 2 (Feb 26)
Newcastle O2 Academy (Feb 27)
Glasgow O2 ABC (Feb 28)
Ticket Hotline: 0844 477 2000, http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/
The new Europe album, Last Look At Eden, is out now. Check out the Rock Realms review here.
Photo Credit: Christie Goodwin
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