Gig News: Europe – The Final Countdown Tour 2026

27 November 2025 rocknews

Europe Final Countdown Tour Confirmed: 40th Anniversary Dates and New Album Details

It is time to head for Venus once again. Swedish rock icons Europe have officially dropped the news that hard rock fans have been waiting for. To celebrate four decades of their career-defining milestone, the band has announced the massive 2026 Europe Final Countdown Tour, a trek that promises to be one of the most nostalgic and high-energy events on the upcoming rock calendar.

Scheduled to kick off in late 2026, this tour is more than just a run of greatest hits; it is a dedicated celebration of the 1986 album that conquered the globe. The band has confirmed that they will perform The Final Countdown in its entirety—a rare treat that has only happened once before in their storied history.

What to Expect from the Europe Final Countdown Tour

For fans across the UK and mainland Europe, the Europe Final Countdown Tour represents a unique opportunity to hear deep cuts alongside the anthems. While the title track is a guaranteed stadium shaker, attendees can look forward to hearing every track from the 1986 masterpiece, including “Rock the Night,” “Carrie,” and “Cherokee,” played in the original tracklisting order.

Frontman Joey Tempest shared his excitement about the upcoming production, stating:

“In a blink of an eye, 40 years have passed, and we’re about to perform TFC in full for only the second time in our career… We’re working on making the production and show match this very special occasion.”

The tour will launch in September 2026, with a significant leg in the United Kingdom. Joining the legends for the full run of dates will be The Damn Truth, providing a gritty, blues-rock opening punch. Furthermore, UK fans are in for a double dose of nostalgia, as Scottish rockers GUN have been announced as the special guests for the concerts in Glasgow, Wolverhampton, and London.

New Music on the Horizon

While the Europe Final Countdown Tour is firmly rooted in celebrating the band’s legacy, Europe is not resting on past laurels. The band has revealed they are heading into RMV Studios in Stockholm in late 2025 to record their 12th studio album.

Produced by the acclaimed Tom Dalgety—whose resume includes work with Ghost, Royal Blood, and Pixies—the new record is slated for release in September 2026 to coincide with the tour. Tempest confirmed that the setlist for the 2026 dates will be a “time travel” experience, blending the entirety of the 40-year-old classic album with fresh tracks from the new record and other hits from their catalog.

A Legacy That Endures

Originally released in May 1986, The Final Countdown album catapulted the band from Swedish hard rockers to global superstars. The album reached Number 1 in 25 countries, and the title track recently surpassed the staggering milestone of one billion views on YouTube.

The 2026 trek will take the band through major cities including Paris, Madrid, Berlin, and Zurich, before concluding in Scandinavia. With a lineup that has remained remarkably consistent and chemically tight, the band is performing at a level that rivals their 80s prime.

Europe Final Countdown Tour Dates and Ticket Information

If you are looking to secure your spot at the Europe Final Countdown Tour, tickets for all dates go on general sale on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM local time.

2026 UK Tour Dates (w/ GUN & The Damn Truth):

• Sept 30: Glasgow, SEC Armadillo

• Oct 02: Wolverhampton, The Civic at The Halls

• Oct 03: London, Eventim Apollo

2026 European Highlights:

• Oct 06: Paris, Olympia

• Oct 10: Madrid, La Cubierta

• Oct 17: Vienna, Gasometer

• Oct 24: Stockholm, B-K

Prepare for a night where the synthesizers soar and the guitars wail. The countdown to 2026 has officially begun.