Embark on an epic journey with the iconic anthem that defined a generation of hard rock.
The Song
"The Final Countdown" is a power ballad and hard rock anthem by Swedish band Europe, released in February 1986 as the lead single and title track from their third studio album of the same name. Penned by lead singer Joey Tempest, the song is instantly recognizable by its dramatic and anthemic synthesizer riff, which Tempest had composed as early as 1981–82 on a borrowed Korg Polysix keyboard.
The lyrics, often interpreted as a metaphor for space travel or new beginnings, were inspired by David Bowie's "Space Oddity" and Tempest's fascination with space exploration. Despite its eventual global success, the band initially conceived it as an opening song for concerts and some members, including guitarist John Norum, were hesitant about its synth-heavy sound. However, their record company, Epic Records, saw its potential and insisted on releasing it as the first single.
The Artist
Europe formed in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1979 under the name Force, before changing to Europe in 1982. The band's classic lineup features Joey Tempest (vocals), John Norum (guitar), John Levén (bass), Mic Michaeli (keyboards), and Ian Haugland (drums).
Before the release of "The Final Countdown", Europe had already achieved success in their native Sweden with their first two albums, Europe (1983) and Wings of Tomorrow (1984). The success of Wings of Tomorrow led to their international deal with CBS Records' affiliate label Epic, which would release their breakthrough album, The Final Countdown.
Chart Performance
"The Final Countdown" was a monumental commercial success, rocketing to number one in 25 countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, France, and West Germany. In the United States, it peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number 18 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. The accompanying album also performed exceptionally well, peaking at number 8 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and achieving triple Platinum status in the United States by 1994, alongside numerous sales awards across Europe. The song was certified gold in the United Kingdom in 1986.
Cultural Impact
Beyond its chart dominance, "The Final Countdown" has cemented its place in popular culture as an enduring anthem. It has become a staple at sports events, often played to energize crowds before major boxing matches, soccer games, and other high-stakes moments. Its recognizable synth riff and dramatic build-up have made it synonymous with anticipation and momentous occasions.
The song's widespread usage in films, television shows, and commercials has introduced it to new generations, ensuring its continued relevance decades after its release. Its power to instantly galvanize an audience has made it a de facto anthem for major events globally, from the Olympics to political campaigns.
Fun Facts
- The iconic keyboard riff for "The Final Countdown" was created by layering sounds from a Yamaha TX-816 rack unit and a Roland JX-8P synthesizer.
- The music video, directed by Nick Morris, incorporates footage from two of the band's concerts at Solnahallen in Solna, Sweden, on May 26 and 27, 1986, along with additional footage filmed during sound checks.
- The initial concept for the music video involved a space shuttle launch, but this idea was abandoned due to cost.
- In 2015, Europe appeared in a memorable commercial for Geico insurance, performing the song in an office break room while a worker waited for his burrito to microwave.
- The song's music video has garnered over 1.3 billion views on YouTube, and in 2022, Europe received an award as the first Swedish band to reach over one billion views on a single song.
- During the recording of the album, lead singer Joey Tempest developed a severe allergic reaction to bread products, requiring him to change his diet mid-recording.