Shillong, Dec 1: Legendary Swedish rock band Europe made an electrifying return to India after 36 years, delivering a powerhouse performance at the Me’Gong Festival 2024 in Garo Hills on Saturday night. This marked their first-ever concert in Northeast India, and the close to 1 lakh fans that had travelled from across the region to Garo Hills were even more thrilled to not only see the band live but also relive the iconic band’s timeless hits like The Final Countdown, Rock the Night, and Carrie.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, an ardent fan of rock music, couldn’t hide his excitement during the band’s press interaction. “We’re looking forward to a really exciting and wonderful evening. And really, I can’t wait for it,” he remarked.

A huge fan of the band himself, he further expressed “It is nothing short of a dream come true for many of us,” he said adding “Not just our state of Meghalaya, but the entire northeast region has a very strong influence of rock music, especially from the 80s and 90s. Fans from across the country have come here to Jengjal in Garo Hills for this extraordinary event.”

Sangma credited the state’s Tourism Minister, Paul Lyngdoh, and the organizing committee for making the concert a reality. “Europe, which has had huge fan following right from where they started off with the first album, which is ‘The Final Countdown’, and subsequently they have been having fan following which includes honourable chief minister and myself, we are happy to have them with us and we look forward to more such bands.”

He also assured that he State government will ensure that rock music continues to thrive and be a part of Meghalaya’s culture.

For the members of Europe, the return to India was a nostalgic moment. Reflecting on their 1988 concert in Mumbai, lead vocalist Joey Tempest said, “We have a great memory from 1988 event at Mumbai show, we met great people and had great time. We remember how friendly people were, we remember having a good time.”

Drummer Ian Haugland echoed the sentiment, noting that performing in the scenic Garo Hills was a unique experience. “I think it’s amazing that we made it this far out in the world. I remember the fans in 1988, they were really frantic and really on the show. So, you know, we can just hope for more of the same,” he said.

When asked about the band’s enduring legacy, Tempest spoke of their passion for music, stressing, “Music will never die. Rock music lives underneath, everything… We’re excited to play both our classic hits and newer songs that mean so much to us.”

The band’s performance was a rapturous celebration of rock music, featuring their iconic songs like The Final Countdown, Rock the Night, and Carrie. Fans also requested other beloved tracks, including Dreamer. Though the band admitted they couldn’t accommodate every request, they ensured the setlist resonated with long-time admirers and new listeners alike.

Europe’s performance was the biggest and final gig of the Me’Gong Festival 2024, which celebrates the cultural and musical heritage of Meghalaya. As the band played under the starlit sky, the crowd roared in unison, bonding and singing along – be it the old or the young.

This concert was Europe’s last international performance of 2024, but the band assured fans that more was to come. They are working on a documentary about their journey and have plans for a new album in 2025. “This visit to Northeast India will certainly leave its mark on us,” Tempest said, hinting that the scenic landscapes and vibrant culture of Garo Hills might inspire its future music. “This visit to north east India will have some impact in some lyrics in the future; It’s a beautiful place,” he noted.

As the evening ended with thunderous cheers, fans left the venue with cherished memories and the hope that it won’t take another 36 years for Europe to return. For now, the echoes of ‘The Final Countdown’ will linger in the hills, a testament to the power of rock and roll.

Read: Six dead, several injured in Sikkim bus accident at Atal Setu

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