Europe - Valenica

It’s a sweltering July night in Valencia’s Jardines de Viveros, but Joey Tempest doesn’t break a sweat. Strutting onstage like a man born for stadiums, the Europe frontman grabs the mic stand, tips it toward 5,000 screaming fans, and ignites an hour and a half of pure, unapologetic rock ’n’ roll theatre.

The Swedish legends might be forever tied to that synth riff, but tonight they prove they’re far more than “The Final Countdown.” Opener “Walk the Earth” hits with the urgency of a band that never stopped moving. Tempest’s vocals still soar, sharp and defiant, while John Norum’s guitar roars with arena-sized bite. By the time they drop into “Rock the Night,” the crowd is already a sweaty, euphoric mess.

Yet it’s not all muscle and bombast. A stripped-back “Carrie” shows their softer side, with Tempest leading a chorus of thousands under the Mediterranean stars. The band’s later material holds its own, with “Last Look at Eden” unfurling like a dark epic and reminding everyone why Europe never faded into nostalgia-act territory.

Of course, the inevitable comes. As that iconic keyboard line hits, beer flies, arms shoot skyward, and the Jardines become a full-blown time machine to 1986. “The Final Countdown” is no mere encore – it’s a cultural detonation, and Valencia sings every word like their lives depend on it.

As the last notes fade, Tempest grins: “Valencia – you brought the fire tonight.” Truth is, Europe brought plenty of their own - Leather, hooks, and pure Scandinavian bravado – Europe are still writing their rock legacy.

This concert was part of the Conciertos De Viveros series of events.

For more information and tickets for the remaining 2025 events: Conciertos De Viveros

Words and photos: Rhyan Paul