Ever since the dawn of MTV and Friday Night Videos, the music video has significantly impacted musical tastes and pop culture. It might not be as extreme as when the Buggles declared that "Video Killed the Radio Star", but there is no arguing that the music video certainly could make or break a song's popularity. So this regular Flashback Video feature will serve to remember some of the music videos from the great '80s decade that made an impact on me in one way or another.
This issue we will cover "The Final Countdown" by Europe. This was the title track of the band's third studio album released in February of 1986 and it became their breakthrough hit outside of their home country of Sweden. "The Final Countdown" went on to peak at #8 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, but would hit #1 in 25 other countries making it an international smash. There aren't too many that grew up in the '80s (or really even since) that do not recognize this song partially because of it's use in a Geico commercial, on the Just Dance video game as well as at many sports venues.
The music video for "The Final Countdown" was directed by Nick Morris. Previous to this video, Morris had directed music videos for Paul Young "Everytime You Go Away" and Mr. Mister "Kyrie". In addition to "The Final Countdown", he also directed Europe's video for "Carrie" which was from the same album. Then Morris proceeded to direct music videos for Eddie Money "Take Me Home Tonight", Toto "I'll Be Over You", Eddie Money "I Wanna Go Back", Cinderella "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)" and Warrant "Heaven" among others in the '80s while continuing to direct music videos and television specials for decades after.
The video for "The Final Countdown" is a compilation of live footage of the band performing the song in concert in the Swedish cities of Solnahallen and Solna (from May 26-27, 1986) as well as extra footage of the sound checks and footage from Stockholm. Here is the music video for "The Final Countdown" by Europe...
In June of 2022, the music video for "The Final Countdown" hit 1 BILLION views on YouTube! That's an incredible accomplishment for any song.
Hope you enjoyed another trip back to the '80s thanks to Flashback Video!
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