Europe is a Swedish hard rock band originally assembled as a progressive rock group; they later added keyboards to their sound in order to soften it.

Europe is one of the most successful Swedish bands of all time, having sold more than 15 million albums worldwide.

The first incarnation of the band was named Force and came together in 1979, in Upplands Väsby, Stockholm, and was integrated by vocalist and keyboardist Joey Tempest, guitarist John Norum, bassist Peter Olsson and drummer Tony Reno. The band sent several demos to record companies, but were told that in order to be published they had to cut their hair and sing in Swedish. Two years later, Olsson left the band and was replaced by John Levén. Just a couple of months later, Levén joined Yngwie J. Malmsteen's band Rising Force, and Malmsteen's former bassist, Marcel Jacob joined Force. This only lasted for three months, though; Levén apparently had issues with Malmsteen, so he and Jacob traded places again.

Their biggest album was The Final Countdown. Released in 1986, it became a worldwide hit, selling more than six million copies. The title track was number 1 in 26 countries, and the ballad "Carrie" reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the USA. Not satisfied with the album's keyboard-dominated production or the band's commercialized image, John Norum decided to leave Europe in November 1986 to pursue a solo career. Kee Marcello was asked to replace him, and after some consideration decided to join the band. The following year included successful tours through the European continent and the USA.

After ten years of living, 0recording and touring together, Europe decided to take a long break in 1992. Since then, Tempest, Norum and Marcello have released solo albums, while the other members have participated in several different projects and bands.

Current members

Joey Tempest - lead vocals
John Norum - lead & rhythm guitars
Mic Michaeli - keyboards
John Levén - bass 
Ian Haugland - drums

Former members

Kee Marcello - lead & rhythm guitars
Tony Reno - drums
Peter Olsson - bass (1979-1981)
Marcel Jacob - bass (1981)