John Norum, the prodigious guitarist renowned for his foundational work with Swedish rock titans Europe, has recently offered a candid reassessment of his playing style during the band’s explosive 1980s heyday. Known for crafting some of the era’s most indelible riffs and solos on tracks like "The Final Countdown" and "Rock the Night," Norum now looks back at his younger self with a mixture of nostalgia and critical evaluation, admitting to a "shredding addiction" that he believes often prioritized speed over musicality. This reflection places Norum in a growing lineage of influential guitarists who, having achieved legendary status through technical prowess, later advocate for a more nuanced and song-centric approach to their craft.
The Genesis of a Guitar Hero: John Norum and Europe’s Rise
Born in Vardø, Norway, and raised in Upplands Väsby, Stockholm, Sweden, John Norum’s journey into the pantheon of rock guitarists began at an early age. His formative years were steeped in the burgeoning hard rock and heavy metal scenes of the late 1970s and early 1980s, an era characterized by an increasing demand for instrumental virtuosity. In 1979, Norum co-founded Europe alongside vocalist Joey Tempest, initially under the name Force. The band quickly garnered attention for their melodic yet powerful brand of hard rock, fusing anthemic choruses with Norum’s distinctive, often lightning-fast guitar work.
Their self-titled debut album in 1983 and the follow-up Wings of Tomorrow in 1984 established them as a significant force in the European rock landscape. However, it was the 1986 album The Final Countdown that propelled Europe into global superstardom. The album, featuring the iconic title track and hits like "Rock the Night" and "Carrie," became a multi-platinum phenomenon, cementing Norum’s reputation as a guitar hero whose solos were as memorable as the vocal melodies. At just 22 years old when The Final Countdown was released, Norum embodied the youthful exuberance and technical ambition that defined many guitarists of his generation. His playing was characterized by a potent blend of neoclassical influences, blues-rock sensibilities, and an undeniable flair for high-speed, intricate passages that thrilled audiences worldwide.
A Retrospective Gaze: Norum’s Self-Critique
In a recent interview with Guitar World, Norum openly discussed his past playing habits, expressing a sentiment that many mature musicians come to share. "Mindless noodling and showing off is a bit pointless for me," he confessed, adding, "I don’t need to show off – I did plenty of that in the Eighties, especially live. I watch the footage now and think, ‘Take it easy and slow down, dude, for Christ’s sake!’" This candid admission reveals a profound shift in artistic philosophy, moving away from the unbridled display of technical skill towards a more measured and purposeful musical expression.
Norum’s comments are particularly striking given the context of Europe’s 80s success. His solos were not merely fast; they were integral to the songs’ structure and appeal. The solo in "The Final Countdown," for example, is instantly recognizable and contributes significantly to the track’s epic feel. Yet, from his current vantage point, Norum views some of his past performances as excessive, indicative of a youthful eagerness to demonstrate prowess rather than serve the song’s ultimate narrative. He acknowledges this "shredding phase" as a natural part of a young guitarist’s development, a rite of passage for many who are first discovering the limits of their instrument and their own dexterity.
The "Shred Era": A Cultural Phenomenon of the 1980s
The 1980s marked an unprecedented boom in guitar virtuosity, often dubbed the "shred era." Fuelled by the innovations of players like Eddie Van Halen in the late 70s, and subsequently propelled by neoclassical maestros such as Yngwie Malmsteen and instrumental titans like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, guitar playing reached new heights of technical complexity. Magazines like Guitar Player and Guitar World dedicated extensive coverage to fast picking techniques, sweep arpeggios, two-hand tapping, and exotic scales. Instructional videos became a thriving industry, promising aspiring guitarists the secrets to unlocking blistering speeds and dazzling fretboard acrobatics.
This period saw a significant cultural shift in how guitar heroes were perceived. While earlier generations revered players for their feel, tone, and soulful improvisation (e.g., Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page), the 80s introduced a new paradigm where sheer speed and technical flash often took precedence. Bands across the hard rock and heavy metal spectrum, from the Sunset Strip’s hair bands to European power metal acts, featured guitarists whose solos were expected to be a spectacle of dexterity. For young players like Norum, who were immersed in this environment, pushing the boundaries of speed and technicality was not just a personal challenge but also a professional expectation and a means to stand out in a crowded field. The prevailing sentiment was often "faster is better," a philosophy that, while exciting and groundbreaking at the time, eventually led to introspection among its most celebrated practitioners.
A Shared Evolution: Other Guitar Legends Reflect
John Norum is far from alone in his retrospective critique of the shredding phenomenon. Numerous guitar luminaries have expressed similar sentiments over the years, signaling a collective maturation in artistic priorities within the guitar community.
Perhaps most famously, Eddie Van Halen, often credited with revolutionizing rock guitar with his groundbreaking techniques, spoke about this shift as early as 1991. In an interview with Guitar Player journalist Jas Obrecht, Van Halen stated that shredding was a "young man’s game." He elaborated, "A lot of people just do all kinds of crazy shit, and fine and dandy when you’re young… [Nowadays] playing as fast as you can doesn’t really hold much water for me." Van Halen’s later philosophy emphasized that "a solo is to highlight a song. It’s not to show off." Coming from a guitarist whose early career was synonymous with unparalleled technical innovation and speed, these words carried significant weight, highlighting a pivot towards musicality and serving the compositional whole. Van Halen’s evolution saw him increasingly focusing on tone, feel, and melodic construction in his later works, demonstrating that true mastery transcended mere velocity.
More recently, Marty Friedman, a guitarist revered for his work with Megadeth and his distinctive, often unconventional shredding style, offered his own perspective. Speaking to Ultimate Guitar in 2023, Friedman declared himself "not a fan of shredding," describing it as something that "looks cool on the fingers, but it doesn’t sound cool." Friedman, who moved to Japan and carved out a highly successful solo career exploring diverse musical styles, has consistently advocated for emotional expression and unique voice over generic technical displays. His comments underscore a critical distinction between visual spectacle and auditory impact, suggesting that what appears impressive to the eye does not always translate into compelling musicality for the ear.
These parallel narratives from Norum, Van Halen, and Friedman illustrate a common trajectory for many guitarists who achieve high levels of technical proficiency. Initially driven by the pursuit of speed and complexity, they often arrive at a point of artistic maturity where the focus shifts from how they play to what they play, and more importantly, why they play it. This evolution often involves a deeper appreciation for melody, dynamics, phrasing, and the overall contribution of the guitar to the song’s emotional landscape.
Implications for Guitar Playing and Musical Artistry
Norum’s reflections, combined with those of his peers, carry significant implications for both aspiring and established guitarists. They underscore the timeless debate between technical prowess and musicality, a dialogue that has shaped the history of instrumental music.
- The Pursuit of Musicality: The collective sentiment suggests that while technical proficiency is a valuable tool, it should ultimately serve a broader artistic purpose. A guitarist’s role is to enhance the song, convey emotion, and contribute to the overall musical narrative, rather than simply showcase dexterity. This encourages players to focus on developing a strong melodic sense, dynamic control, and a unique voice on their instrument.
- Artistic Evolution and Maturity: The journey from "shredding addiction" to a more nuanced approach reflects a natural process of artistic growth. As musicians mature, their priorities often shift from external validation (e.g., impressing with speed) to internal satisfaction (e.g., creating meaningful music). This can lead to a richer, more expressive playing style that resonates more deeply with listeners.
- The Enduring Legacy of the 80s: While the "shred era" might be viewed critically by some of its own proponents in retrospect, its impact on guitar playing is undeniable. It pushed the technical boundaries of the instrument, inspiring countless musicians and expanding the vocabulary of rock and metal guitar. The challenge now, as Norum and others suggest, is to integrate those technical advancements with a profound sense of musicality.
- Audience Perception: These statements also subtly influence audience perception. While audiences initially revel in technical fireworks, sustained artistic appreciation often gravitates towards emotional depth and memorable melodies. A balance between skill and soul is often what defines lasting appeal.
Europe’s Continued Journey: Come This Madness
Against the backdrop of Norum’s insightful reflections, Europe continues its enduring musical journey. The band is poised to release their 12th studio album, Come This Madness, later this month on September 25. This highly anticipated record marks nearly nine years since their previous album, 2017’s Walk The Earth, demonstrating the band’s deliberate and thoughtful approach to their creative output.
The latest taste of the new album, "Scandinavian Eyes," has already been released, offering fans a glimpse into Europe’s current musical direction. Early indications suggest a powerful track imbued with a "fabulous Deep Purple flavour," hinting at a continued embrace of classic hard rock sensibilities while undoubtedly incorporating the mature perspectives of its veteran members. Norum’s current philosophy of prioritizing musicality over gratuitous speed will likely be evident in the album’s guitar work, promising solos that are impactful, melodically rich, and deeply integrated into the song structures.
The forthcoming album represents not just a continuation of Europe’s legacy but also an evolution, reflecting the artistic growth and refined sensibilities of its members. John Norum’s candid self-assessment serves as a testament to this ongoing journey, reminding us that for true artists, the pursuit of musical excellence is a lifelong endeavor, continually refined by experience, reflection, and an unwavering commitment to the art of the song. Come This Madness is available for pre-order now, inviting listeners to experience the latest chapter in Europe’s storied career, informed by decades of experience and a profound understanding of what makes guitar music truly resonate.
