Swedish rock group Europe have signed with German-based UDR Records for the release of their as-yet-untitled forthcoming album in early 2015. The recording commences this month in Stockholm.
Europe’s front man Joey Tempest “We’re really excited to be working with the people at UDR. A very credible label and I am impressed with their work building a future and a solid foundation for their Artists”
UDR President/owner Ulrike Rudolph expressed her delight in capturing the band for the label. “We are always looking to expand the label’s stable of bands with quality, not quantity, and Europe represent the finest in supremely written hard rock music,” said Rudolph. “They are a group who refuse to rest on their past and continue to grow as artists and musicians, so we are absolutely delighted they have come to us.”
Production on the new material will be handled by Dave Cobb (Rival Sons). “He is one of few producers out there who is saving rock ‘n’ roll,” said Joey Tempest, “when we first heard Pressure and Time by Rival Sons, we just went ‘who the hell produced this stuff? It’s got tons of heart and soul, it’s cocky, it’s got that swagger, it’s alive and real.’ That’s the journey we’re on with Europe, trying to dig deeper to find more soulful expressions and play straight from the core! So we’re extremely excited to bring this guy into our team.”
The multi-platinum, 20-million-plus selling quintet, recorded 1986’s smash-hit The Final Countdown and toured the World playing sold-out concerts while cementing their place as one of the biggest rock bands of the ’80s. After re-grouping in 2004 with the ‘classic’ line-up, the band continued their success into the 21st century with Classic Rock Magazine stating upon the release of their last album in 2012, ‘Europe are one of the greatest rock bands on the planet right now.’
In 2015, Europe will once again take to the road as they begin a UK/Ireland tour in Dublin on March 2nd(their first visit to Ireland in 25 years). More dates to coincide with the albums cycle will be announced shortly including territories the band has not visited in some time.
Europe are:
Joey Tempest – Vocals
John Norum – Guitars
John Leven – Bass
Mic Michaeli – Keyboards
Ian Haugland – Drums
2015 Co Headline Tour with Black Star Riders
March 2: Olympia Theatre, Dublin
March 3: Ulster Hall, Belfast
March 5: o2 ABC, Glasgow
March 6: o2 ABC, Glasgow
March 7: o2 Academy, Newcastle
March 8: o2 Academy, Leeds
March 10: Rock City, Nottingham
March 11: Corn Exchange, Cambridge
March 13: Academy, Manchester
March 14: Civic Hall, Wolverhampton
March 15: University, Exeter
March 16: o2 Academy, Bristol
March 18: o2 Academy, Bournemouth
March 19: UEA, Norwich
March 20: o2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London
March 21: o2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London
Label @ Facebook: www.facebook.com/UDR.Music
Label @ Web: www.udr-music.com
Europe @ Facebook: www.facebook.com/europetheband
Europe @ Web: www.europetheband.com/