Also in 2012, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Blue Öyster Cult, the then-current incarnation of the band reunited for the first time in 25 years with other original members Joe and Albert Bouchard and Allen Lanier as guests for a special event in New York.
six shows in the United Kingdom in December with Steel Panther and Mötley Crüe
two shows in Japan in November
another seven shows in Australia in October with The Choirboys and Heart
On 6 August 2011, Europe headlined the closing ceremonies of the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in Rinkaby , Sweden before an audience of 40,061 Scouts and Guides which included King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and Queen Silvia of Sweden .
Michael Sweet left the band in August 2011, to focus on Stryper. In 2012, guitarist and vocalist David Victor joined the band, beginning in the studio, where he contributed vocals to several tracks on the album in progress.
On 12 July 2011, Europe confirmed that Kevin Shirley would produce their ninth studio album. The recording sessions started on 3 October 2011. On 24 January 2012 the band announced the album title, Bag of Bones . The album was released on 18 April 2012 in Japan by Victor Entertainment…
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it was announced at the same time that Def Leppard would perform at the Download Festival on 10 June 2011.
and on 7 June in the US
the rest of Europe on 6 June