John Norum

John Norum, born as John Terry Norum on February 23rd, 1964 in Vardø, Norway. He is the guitarist in the Swedish hard rock band Europe. He formed the band together with vocalist and keyboardist Joey Tempest in 1979. They both grew up in Stockholm suburb Upplands Väsby. Norum played on the first three Europe albums before leaving in November 1986. He was not satisfied with the keyboard-dominated production of hit album The Final Countdown nor the band's new, commercial hair metal image. He was replaced by Kee Marcello.

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February 23rd - 1964 - Vardø - Norway - Guitarist - Swedish - Hard rock - Europe - Vocalist - Keyboardist - Joey Tempest - 1979 - Stockholm - Suburb - Upplands Väsby - 1986 - The Final Countdown - Hair metal - Kee Marcello

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Norum released his first solo album, Total Control in 1987, and would release several studio and live albums throughout the years. He has also worked with bands like Dokken and UFO, both on albums and tours. Don Dokken's solo release, Up from the Ashes featured both Norum and Watchtower guitarist Billy White on lead guitars.

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1987 - Dokken - UFO - Don Dokken's - Watchtower - Billy White

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In 2003 Norum was back in Europe, recording their new album Start from the Dark the following year. Currently, he is living in Sweden with his wife Michelle Meldrum-Norum and their son Jake Thomas.

Related Topics:
2003 - Start from the Dark

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On his 41st birthday - February 23rd, 2005 - Norum released his latest studio album Optimus, where he handles both guitars and vocals. Optimus had a heavier and darker sound than previous recordings, and was well received by metal fans and the musical press.

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A close friend and rival of Norum's is fellow Swedish guitarist Yngwie J. Malmsteen.

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