Heavy metal legends DIAMOND HEAD opened the show with a typically solid display, going down very well with the Birmingham crowd. Despite being very popular in the early 1980′s, DIAMOND HEAD’s legacy has mostly stemmed from the fact that METALLICA have recorded studio cover versions of no less than four DIAMOND HEAD songs, and continually quote the band as a major influence. These days, veteran original guitarist Brian Tatler has put together a talented group, worthy of carrying on the legacy of the band.

The only thing more certain than DIAMOND HEAD finishing their set with the legendary ‘Am I Evil?’, was that EUROPE would finish with the ‘The Final Countdown’. Of course, both certainties came to fruition, and I would be hard pressed to pick a favourite out of those two, as both are amongst the finest heavy metal songs every recorded.

The healthy size of the crowd was very pleasing to see, and this wasn’t a crowd here to get off on hearing ‘The Final Countdown’ for the umpteenth time – EUROPE are actually a bloody good band, and evidently have quite a following! The set opened with the bombastic ‘Last Look at Eden’, the first cut from the impressive new album of the same name.

The ferocious ‘Scream of Anger’ was a nod to the band’s earlier days, while the likes of ‘Superstisious’ and ‘Cherokee’ highlighted EUROPE at their 1980′s commercial peak, as did a warming acoustic rendition of the classic ballad ‘Carrie’. Since their post millennium reunion, EUROPE have released 3 very good albums, and songs like ‘Start from the Dark’ and ‘Love Is Not The Enemy’ also impressed, and it was surprising to look round and see the number of people singing along to every word.

Frontman Joey Tempest has kept himself in great shape over the years, and his voice sounds as strong and clear today, as it did 25 years ago. Alongside him, John Norum remains one of the best guitarists in European rock, mesmerising with every solo, particularly his self-penned instrumental piece ‘Optimus’.

As the inevitable masterpiece of ‘The Final Countdown’ closed the show, EUROPE left the stage to a wall of deserved applause. They had put on an excellent show, and proved yet again that they are a band who are much more important than the one song for which they will forever be associated.

Review by James Allman

EUROPE Setlist: Last Look at Eden / Love Is Not The Enemy / Superstitious / Gonna Get Ready / Scream of Anger / No Stone Unturned / Let The Good Times Rock / Carrie / Always The Pretenders / Optimus / Seventh Sign / New Love in Town / Start From The Dark / Cherokee / Rock The Night / Ready or Not / The Beast / The Final Countdown