A scorching summer trip to Murcia ended with a VIP night of rock as Europe lit up the bullring with The Final Countdown. A leaky water bag, a forgotten ticket, and a brilliant concert made it a day worth remembering.
When I was younger, the band Europe dominated the airwaves with their massive hit The Final Countdown. So when I saw they were performing at the Murcia Bullring, I didn’t hesitate, I bought a ticket straight away. It was the perfect excuse for another short trip, even if it meant braving the summer heat of Murcia.
Bus to Murcia.
Before leaving, I filled my Spanish pig‑skin water bag with cold water. The last time I visited Murcia in summer, the heat was brutal, so I thought I’d be prepared. Unfortunately, I’d forgotten the bag had a small leak, which I remembered only when cold water dripped onto my trousers at the bus stop.
I left my apartment just after midday and walked to the bus stop for the 12:35 bus. It arrived about ten minutes late, but stepping into the air‑conditioned coach felt wonderful after standing in the sun. The bus stopped in Torre Pacheco to pick up more passengers, then continued to Murcia. By 13:30, I was off the bus and walking toward my hotel.
Hotel Hesperia, Murcia.
The hotel was only a 15‑minute walk away. I took one wrong turn, but it didn’t delay me much. Stepping into the cool, air‑conditioned lobby was bliss. After checking in, I went straight to my room to cool off and lie down. I read my Kindle for a while, and before long, I’d fallen asleep.
I woke around 16:00, read a bit more, and got ready to head out. At 20:00, I left the hotel and began walking toward the bullring. As I passed Murcia Cathedral, I realised I’d forgotten my concert ticket, so back I went. Ticket retrieved, I set off again and arrived at the bullring around 20:40.
Europe at the Bullring.
The ticket said the gates opened at 21:00, but loud rock music was already echoing through the streets. I headed to the VIP entrance, had my ticket scanned, and a wristband attached. Inside, a local heavy metal band called Hitten was already on stage, and they were excellent. I was glad I’d arrived early.
I sat in the VIP area, tapping my feet and nodding along to the music. It was far too hot for beer, so I stuck to water, a first for me at a concert. Hitten played a great set, and I made a mental note to arrive early for my next concerts: Simple Minds and Lionel Richie.
Europe Take the Stage.
Europe came on just after 21:00, and I moved closer to the front of the VIP area. That’s the beauty of VIP, plenty of space, no crushing crowds, and room to dance without worrying about losing my walking stick.
They opened with a few songs I didn’t recognise, which wasn’t surprising since I only ever owned one of their albums. But soon enough, they launched into tracks I did know, including Carrie. The light show was fantastic, and the giant screens behind the band added to the atmosphere.
I wandered around the front area taking photos and videos, enjoying the freedom to move without being jostled. After the main set, the band left the stage. Only a handful of us called for an encore, I’m not sure Spanish audiences fully embrace the encore ritual, but Europe returned anyway.
They finished, of course, with The Final Countdown. Hearing it live in a packed bullring was brilliant. After the final bow, the applause was surprisingly subdued, but the show itself was excellent. I’d recommend seeing Europe to anyone.
Back to the Hotel.
When the lights came up, I stepped outside into the warm night air. It was still in the low 30s, and I was roasting. I sat on a bench for ten minutes to cool down, then walked the short distance back to the hotel. Once in my room, I switched on the air conditioning, read my Kindle until I cooled off, and then drifted off to sleep.
Journey Home.
I woke at 07:30, read for a while, then washed and packed my small bag. After checking out, I walked to the bus station. I ordered a coffee and a tostada at the café and enjoyed a relaxed breakfast before moving outside to wait for my bus.
A bus from the same company arrived, so I asked the driver if it was going to Los Alcázares. She told me it wasn’t and pointed out where mine would arrive. Within minutes, my bus pulled in.
I boarded and was immediately annoyed to see a woman sitting in the front seat reserved for disabled passengers. She wasn’t disabled, just taking advantage. I didn’t say anything, but moments later a disabled man boarded, saw her, and gave her a verbal telling‑off in Spanish. Whatever he said worked, she moved instantly. Well done, Sir.
The journey back was uneventful. I got off at the stop near my apartment and walked the short distance home.
Final Thoughts.
This was a great little trip. Europe put on a fantastic show, Hitten were a brilliant surprise, and the VIP area made the whole experience comfortable and enjoyable. Despite the heat, the travel, and the leaky water bag, it was well worth it. If Europe ever return to Spain, I’d happily see them again.
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