Halfway to Heaven

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! Your favorite hippie DJs, The Zoo Crew, are spinning another classic on THE ZOO radio station, and this time it’s the electrifying “Halfway to Heaven” by Europe from their 1991 album Prisoners in Paradise. Let’s dive into some juicy trivia about this track. Did you know it was co-written by Europe’s lead vocalist Joey Tempest and Canadian songwriter Jim Vallance in just four days? Vallance shared in an interview that the collaboration kicked off in April 1991 in Vancouver after a call from Frankie LaRocka, a former drummer for Bryan Adams. Joey flew in, and they churned out this anthem in Vallance’s studio, capturing that raw, romantic energy. The song’s music video, shot at the iconic Marquee Club in London, gives it that gritty, live-performance vibe that fans still rave about on Europe’s Facebook page. Fun fact: the single hit number 42 in the UK charts, but for many Zoo Freaks, it’s a number-one heart-pumper!

Now, let’s talk about how Europe got their start. Hailing from Upplands Väsby, Sweden, these rockers formed in 1979 under the name Force, with a teenage Joey Tempest (then Joakim Larsson) on vocals and John Norum on guitar. They were just kids jamming in a basement, inspired by the likes of Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin. By 1982, they won a national rock competition, which landed them a record deal and a name change to Europe. Their self-titled debut dropped in 1983, but it was 1986’s The Final Countdown that skyrocketed them to global fame, thanks to that unforgettable synth riff. Tempest once said in a band Instagram post that their early days were all about “sweat, dreams, and a whole lotta noise.” Despite lineup changes, like guitarist Kee Marcello joining for Prisoners in Paradise, Europe’s stayed true to their hard rock roots.

Want to keep up with Europe? Check out their official website for tour dates and merch. They’re active on Facebook, where they share throwback photos and fan shoutouts, and on Instagram, posting killer live shots. You can also catch their updates on X, where they recently teased new music. For the ultimate Zoo Freak experience, join the fan community at Wings of Tomorrow: The EUROPE Fan Forum, where diehards swap stories and rare vinyl finds. There’s also a buzzing Europe Fans Facebook group for trading concert memories and debating the best riffs. So, crank up “Halfway to Heaven,” Zoo Freaks, and let’s keep rockin’!