It’s been 10 years since the band Europe has played the US and the fans of WNY got a taste of the band in a big way. Playing the Bears Den inside the Seneca Niagara Casino, which is the most intimate venue on the tour with only 440 seats, Europe delivered one of the most amazing shows of the year up to this point.
On tour in support of the “War of Kings,” the band is garnering a bevy of positive reviews for this work. The 1 hour and 40 minute set consisted of 4 songs off of their latest effort and a retrospective collection of songs from their entire career.
Taking the stage and kicking into the title track from “War of Kings,” the band immediately showed that this would be a night of pure rock and roll the way it was meant to be played; loudly and with energy and passion. Led by the charismatic front man Joey Tempest, Tempest immediately made his connection with the crowd as he decided to go take a stroll through the 3 sections, slapping hands and hugging them as the band played the up-tempo “Rock the Night.” The band also dedicated one of the new tracks “Hole in my Pocket” to the crowd and to radio host Eddie Trunk who apparently loves the song. Guitarist John Norum was locked and loaded and delivered a solid performance. No flash, just quality guitar playing.
Speaking about guitar, Tempest also handled rhythm guitar on a few tracks titled “Ready or Not” and “Days of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” At the end of each of these songs, Tempest held the guitar over the crowd to let them strum some chords and allowing them to feel a part of it. During the power ballad “Carrie,” Tempest nailed each line and still has the voice after all of these years. After the song, I heard a fan cheering and then saying “I waited 25 years to hear that. Awesome!” I would agree with that remark.
The rhythm section was consistent as well, as both bassist John Leven and drummer Ian Haugland really laid the foundation to let Tempest do what he does along with the rest of the band. Levy made a lot of eye contact with the crowd and threw out picks to them throughout the show.
This is my first time witnessing the band perform and again, I was floored by the energy and consistency the band gave in their performance. I’m hoping under new direction (Siren Artist Management), it won’t be another 10 years before they make their way back to the area.
Setlist:
War of Kings
Hole in My Pocket
Rock the Night
Last Look at Eden
Scream of Anger
Superstitious
The Second Day
Carrie
Firebox
Sign of the Times
Praise You
Ready or Not
Girl From Lebanon
Let the Good Times Rock
Cherokee
Days of Rock ‘n’ Roll
Encore:
The Final Countdown
We would like to thank Arielle Rosselli from Adrenaline PR for the credentials to cover the show.
