In 1988, Cherry was credited as “Teenager” in the film Arthur 2: On the Rocks . In 1989, he was credited as “Vet #1” in Born on the Fourth of July . In 1993, he starred on the short-lived NBC action/adventure television show South Beach .
The duo had been working together in some capacity since 1987
Not satisfied with the album’s keyboard-dominated production nor the band’s commercialized image, John Norum decided to leave Europe in October 1986 to pursue a solo career. “I didn’t really like the direction the band was going in,” Norum said, “We became this teeny-bopper, bubblegum band and I hated that whole…
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In September 1985, Europe was approached by an executive from Epic Records. They helped Europe start the recording of its next album with Journey producer Kevin Elson. The result was The Final Countdown . Released on 26 May 1986, the album gave the band its international breakthrough, was certified Triple…
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The second album Wings of Tomorrow was released one year later. The album got interest from CBS Records who offered them an international contract in 1985. “I think one of the most important albums for the band was Wings of Tomorrow ,” Tempest said, “We were learning how to write…
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In 1985 Europe recorded the soundtrack for the film On the Loose , which gave them the hit ” Rock the Night “. Several months later, Joey Tempest was asked to write a song for the charity project Swedish Metal Aid . He wrote “Give a Helping Hand”, which would…
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In 1983, Varney brought Malmsteen to the United States to play on the recording of Shrapnel recording artist Steeler , also featuring singer Ron Keel and bassist Rik Fox for its self-titled album. He then appeared with Graham Bonnet in the band Alcatrazz , playing on its 1983 debut No…
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In 1984, Malmsteen released his first solo album Rising Force , which featured Barrie Barlow of Jethro Tull on drums and keyboard player Jens Johansson . His album was meant to be an instrumental side-project of Alcatrazz, but it ended up featuring vocals by Jeff Scott Soto before the release…
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In early 1982, Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records first heard Yngwie Malmsteen’s music through record store owner Bill Burkard, who played for him a demo tape of Malmsteen’s early work (likely the 1978 “Powerhouse” demo) recorded when Yngwie was 15. Later in 1982, Malmsteen sent to Varney an untitled demo…
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Their first album 220 Volt was released in 1983 and sold around 10,000 copies in Sweden alone. In addition to Sweden, the band gained popularity in Japan, Germany and the United States. In 1984, the band performed with Nazareth (12 concerts) and in 1986 with AC/DC (7 concerts).