Europe are delighted to have been confirmed for this year’s Sonisphere Festival – and believe it only help take their popularity in the UK to another level.

Talking exclusively to Classic Rock, frontman Joey Tempest sounds very enthusiastic:

“It’s what we prayed would happen. Headlining Bloodstcok last year, and then doing our tour earlier in 2010 obviously has helped to build the band back up. But this is another boost”.

Europe will be appearing on the July 30, the first of the three days Sonisphere is due to run at Knebworth Park.

“Right now, all I can tell you is that we’re due on stage at 7pm. I don’t now whether we are on the main stage or not. But what we plan to do is a combination of the heavier stuff from our current album (2009’s Last Look At Eden), plus the usual classics. That balance worked really well for us at Bloodstock.”

For Europe, 2010 is all about playing live. And most shows are being recorded.

“Right now, I can’t tell you whether anything will be released from all of these recordings. Bit it’s very possible. And we will certainly be recording our Sonisphere set.”

The band – also featuring guitarist John Norum, bassist John Leven, keyboard player Mic Michaeli and drummer Ian Haugland – have already set aside most of next year to work on their next studio album.

“We will do the odd gig, but for the most part it’ll be about writing and recording the new album. That might not be released, though, until 2012. We are getting back into thinking a long time ahead, because Europe is getting bigger again, and we have a lot more to think about.”

Find out more at www.europetheband.com