Bad Blood

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Bad Blood" by Europe from their 1991 album Prisoners In Paradise, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this hard-rocking track! One piece of trivia about "Bad Blood" comes from its distinct vibe, which some fans and critics have noted as having a raw, edgy feel compared to the band’s more polished hits. In a 2021 interview with Sweden Rock Magazine, vocalist Joey Tempest shared that the song was part of an effort to inject a grittier sound into the album, reflecting the band’s time in Los Angeles during its creation. The lyrics, co-written by Tempest and guitarist Kee Marcello, tell a story of intense animosity and emotional turmoil, with lines like “Bad blood runnin’ through my veins” capturing a sense of personal conflict. Fans on the Europe Rock Band Fan Club Facebook group have speculated that the song’s energy might have been influenced by the band’s frustration with their label, which rejected an earlier version of the album titled Seventh Sign in 1990, forcing them to rework tracks like “Bad Blood.”

Another tidbit about "Bad Blood" surfaced in Kee Marcello’s 2011 biography, where he mentioned that the band aimed to channel a heavier, less keyboard-driven sound for some tracks to distance themselves from the bubblegum pop rock of their earlier work. According to a review on Limelight Magazine, “Bad Blood” stands out for its “edgier rocking vibe,” hinting at the heavier direction Europe would later embrace after their 2003 reformation. While not a chart-topping single like “The Final Countdown,” the song has a cult following among Zoo Freaks, with some fans on Europe’s X account praising its guitar riffs and Tempest’s soulful delivery during live performances in the early ’90s. The track’s production, handled by Beau Hill, also gives it a punchy, radio-friendly sheen that still resonates with hard rock enthusiasts tuning into THE ZOO.

Europe began their journey in Upplands Väsby, Sweden, in 1979, originally under the name Force. Founded by vocalist Joey Tempest and guitarist John Norum, along with bassist Peter Olsson and drummer Tony Reno, the band was heavily influenced by classic rock and early heavy metal acts like Deep Purple and Thin Lizzy. According to their official bio on europetheband.com, they honed their craft playing local gigs and competing in talent contests, eventually winning a national rock competition in 1982 that landed them a record deal. This breakthrough led to their self-titled debut album in 1983, which showcased their raw, melodic sound. Renaming themselves Europe, they gained traction in Sweden and Japan before their 1986 album The Final Countdown catapulted them to global fame, selling over six million copies. Despite lineup changes, including Norum’s departure in 1986 and the addition of Kee Marcello, the band continued to evolve, blending hard rock with AOR elements in albums like Prisoners In Paradise.

You can stay connected with Europe through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, throwback photos, and fan interactions. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, the Wings of Tomorrow: The EUROPE Fan Forum is a great place to discuss the band’s music and history. The Europe Rock Band Fan Club on Facebook is another active community where fans swap stories, post rare concert footage, and celebrate tracks like “Bad Blood.” Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, these platforms offer plenty of ways to keep the Europe spirit alive!