Fans of the TV sitcom “Arrested Development” know the connection between one of the show’s characters and hard-rockin’ band Europe. Portrayed by Will Arnett, wannabe pro magician Gob Bluth was known for bumbling through his magic act to the band’s 1986 hit “The Final Countdown.” Sure, it was a gag, but it also showed there are more ways to keep a song alive than getting it played a couple of times per week on classic rock radio stations.

Europe’s “Balls ‘N’ Banners” tour hits the U.K. next month, playing Glasgow’s ABC1 Feb. 17; Birmingham’s O2 Academy Feb. 18; London’s O2 Shepherds Bush Empire Feb. 19; the O2 Academy Oxford Feb. 22; Bournemouth’s O2 Academy Feb. 22; O2 Academy Bristol Feb. 23; Manchester Academy Feb. 25; O2 Academy Leeds Feb. 26 and O2 Academy Newcastle Feb. 27.

Who’s in Europe these days? Original members Joey Tempest (vocals) and John Norum (guitar) still keep the band rockin’ as do their longtime mates John Leven (bass), Mic Michaeli (keyboards) and Ian Haugland (drums).

“We’re gonna bring something very special when we return to the U.K. in February 2011,” Tempest said. “We’re having the times of our lives right now and the audience will experience a Europe-camp that’s on fire!”


(Europe’s No. 1 fan?)

Tickets are on sale now. For more info, click here for the Europe website.