Finnish singer Tarja has shared the video for “Diva (Live in Bucharest)” from her upcoming greatest hits live album “Circus Life” (May 16, 2025, earMUSIC; pre-order here).
Originally featured on Tarja’s 2016 album “The Shadow Self,” “Diva” quickly became a fan favorite and one of the classics played on tour.
“There is a lovely memory behind ‘Diva,'” Tarja said. “We were in Antigua and walking around the local harbor when we saw this old boat stored outside the water and that quickly inspired me to write a pirate themed song. I playfully described the last walk of the ‘Diva’ on the ship before being pushed out by the rats on board. Any resemblance to reality is pure coincidence.”
Recorded in January 2020, in Bucharest, Romania, the “Circus Life” show was one of a kind when the former Nightwish singer performed in the special “in the round” format. It was two hours of music featuring a set list that spans Tarja’s career, including all of her greatest hits such as “I Walk Alone,” “Until My Last Breath” and “Innocence,” as well as fan favorites like “Victim of Ritual” and “Demons in You.”
The performance featured 16 musicians, including her brother Tarja’s brother Toni and a diverse ensemble from various stages of her career. All songs were provided with new arrangements just for this concert, making the show a unique experience for the longtime Tarja fan, as well as the first-time listener.
“Circus Life” was recorded in one take, 100 percent live with no re-recordings, no overdubs, no special effects.
Originally included as bonus content in the limited and sold-out mediabook and box set of Tarja’s 2022 “Best of: Living the Dream,” the “Circus Life” concert now will be available as standalone Ltd. 2CD+Blu-ray Digipak, featuring the two-hour live show on audio and video, and as Ltd. Black 3LP Gatefold, including a LP-sized booklet and Blu-ray softcase.
“Circus Life” track listing:
“Mystique Voyage”
“500 Letters”
“Naiad”
“Diva”
“You and I
“Love to Hate”
“Demons in You”
“Never Enough”
“Falling Awake”
“I Feel Immortal”
“I Walk Alone”
“Victim of Ritual”
“Innocence”
“Die Alive”
“Tears in Rain”
“Dead Promises”
“Until My Last Breath”
“Shadow Play”
