Swedish rock icons Europe have announced a major European tour for autumn 2026 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of their landmark third studio album, The Final Countdown. The trek, scheduled for September and October of that year, will see the band performing the multi-platinum record in its entirety—a feat they have performed only once before in their storied career.
Originally released in 1986, The Final Countdown transformed the group from Swedish hard rockers into global superstars. The title track, “The Final Countdown”, reached No. 1 in 25 countries and recently cemented its enduring legacy by surpassing 1 billion views on YouTube—making Europe the first Swedish band to achieve that milestone. Today, the video sits at nearly 1.4 billion views.
The upcoming tour will visit 12 countries across 19 dates, kicking off in the United Kingdom before moving through the Netherlands, France, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. The setlist promises a “career retrospective” alongside the full album performance.
Frontman Joey Tempest expressed his excitement about revisiting the album that defined a generation.
“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,” Tempest said. “This will be amazing. We’re working on making the production and show match this very special occasion.”
As Tempest noted, the tour will serve a dual purpose. In addition to the anniversary celebrations, September 2026 will mark the release of Europe’s 12th studio album. The as-yet-untitled record was recorded this past October at RMV Studios in Stockholm with acclaimed producer Tom Dalgety, known for his work with Ghost, Opeth, and Royal Blood.
The band, which holds the distinction of retaining its complete classic lineup, has tapped Canadian rockers The Damn Truth as special guests for the entire run. The Damn Truth are currently promoting their fourth album, produced by Bob Rock (Metallica, Mötley Crüe). Additionally, Scottish legends Gun will join the bill as special guests for all U.K. dates.
Tickets go on general sale Friday, November 28 at 10 a.m. local time.
Europe “The Final Countdown 40th Anniversary Tour” 2026 Dates
With special guests The Damn Truth (all dates) and Gun (UK only):
- Sept 30 – Glasgow, UK – SEC Armadillo
- Oct 02 – Wolverhampton, UK – Civic Hall
- Oct 03 – London, UK – Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith
- Oct 05 – Arnhem, Netherlands – Musis
- Oct 06 – Paris, France – Olympia
- Oct 08 – Barcelona, Spain – Poble Espanyol
- Oct 09 – Bilbao, Spain – Arena Miribilla
- Oct 10 – Madrid, Spain – La Cubierta
- Oct 12 – Lausanne, Switzerland – Salle Metropole
- Oct 13 – Zurich, Switzerland – Volkshaus
- Oct 14 – Milan, Italy – Alcatraz
- Oct 16 – Stuttgart, Germany – Liederhalle
- Oct 17 – Vienna, Austria – Gasometer
- Oct 19 – Berlin, Germany – Admiralspalast
- Oct 20 – Warsaw, Poland – Torwar
- Oct 22 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Falconer
- Oct 23 – Gothenburg, Sweden – Film Studios
- Oct 24 – Stockholm, Sweden – BK
- Oct 26 – Oslo, Norway – Sentrum Scene
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