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Live Is Life
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"Live Is Life"
Single by Opus
from the album Live Is Life/
Up and Down (U.S. version)
B-side
  • "Again and Again"
  • "Up and Down"
Released1984[1]
Genre
Length4:14
Label
Songwriters
  • Ewald Pfleger
  • Kurt Rene Plisnier
  • Gunter Grasmuck
  • Niki Gruber
  • Herwig Rüdisser
ProducerPeter Müller
Opus singles chronology
"Flying High"
(1982)
"Live Is Life"
(1984)
"Flyin' High (Live Version)"
(1985)
Music video
"Live Is Life" on YouTube

Gimme Love
(1992)

The Power of Live Is Life
(1994)

Live Is Life 08
(2008)
Alternative covers
Austrian release

"Live Is Life" is a song by Austrian pop rock band Opus, released in 1984 by labels Polydor and OK as the first single from their first live album, Live Is Life (1984). It was written by the band and produced by Peter Müller, and also included on the US version of their fourth studio album, Up and Down (1984). The song was a European number-one hit in the summer of 1985, and also reached number one in Canada and the top 40 in the US in 1986. It has been covered by many artists.

The title is sometimes mistaken as "Life Is Life":[2] Standard German phonology has final-obstruent devoicing, so that the word "live" sounds like "life".

Background and chart performance

[edit]

After having released several singles, "Live Is Life" achieved huge success in 1985, topping the charts of many countries, including Austria (eight weeks), West Germany, France (seven weeks) and Sweden (four weeks).

The song was created during a concert in Oberwart, on 2 September 1984, while the group celebrated its eleventh anniversary. It was recorded in a live version with the audience singing along in the verses. In the lyrics, the song expresses "the enthusiastic attachment of the group to the stage".[3] The song was performed during the 1985 charity campaign, "Austria für Afrika".

It was re-recorded as the theme song of the 2024 European Women's Handball Championship in Austria, Hungary and Switzerland to mark the fortieth anniversary of the original song.

It is the current goal song of Team Canada during the 2025 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships being held in Ottawa, Ontario. The song had been used by Team Canada in the 2023 Gretzky Hlinka Championship and 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship. The Ottawa 67s also used it as their goal song during the 2023-2024 season.

Maradona's warm up

[edit]

On 19 April 1989, during the warming up in Munich before the UEFA Cup semi-final return between FC Bayern Munich and S.S.C. Napoli, Diego Maradona performed an impromptu keepie uppie exhibition synchronized to the rhythm of "Live Is Life", as the song happened to be playing over the stadium's loudspeakers during warm-ups.

Some confusion persists by those who dispute that it took place in Munich. Among others, Jürgen Klinsmann claimed that it happened during the final in Stuttgart:

There were 70,000 people in the stadium and Maradona went on the field. We’re on the other side of the field, warming up like Germans: seriously, focused. There's music playing, the song "Live is Life", and to the rhythm of the song Maradona started juggling the ball. So we stopped our warm-up. What's this guy doing? He's juggling off his shoulders. And we couldn't warm up anymore because we had to watch this guy.[4]

Belgian sports anchor Frank Raes, who edited the video and distributed it via YouTube, has asserted that this warm up took place just before the semifinal in Munich. By 2013, Raes' video clip had garnered almost two million views on YouTube.[4] The 25th anniversary of Maradona's warming up was noted internationally, with newspapers commenting on his skills and on the transformative effect he had on Napoli and southern Italy.[5][6]

Personnel

[edit]
  • Herwig Rüdisser – lead vocals
  • Ewald Pfleger – guitar, vocals
  • Niki Gruber – bass, vocals
  • Kurt-René Plisnier – keyboard, vocals
  • Günter Grasmuck – drums
  • Günter Timischl – percussion, vocals

Track listings

[edit]

Charts and sales

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[36] 2× Platinum 200,000^
France (SNEP)[37] Gold 500,000*
Germany (BVMI)[38] Gold 500,000^
Italy (FIMI)[39] Gold 35,000
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[40] Gold 25,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[41] Silver 250,000^

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Hermes House Band version

[edit]
"Live Is Life (Here We Go)"
Single by Hermes House Band featuring DJ Ötzi
from the album Today Is the Day
B-side"Remix"
Released2002
GenreEuropop
Length3:30
Label
Songwriters
  • Ewald Pfleger
  • Kurt Rene Plisnier
  • Gunter Grasmuck
  • Niki Gruber
  • Herwig Rüdisser
Producers
  • Klaus Biedermann
  • Jim Binapfl
  • Jake Buck
  • Mark Duran
  • John Lehmkuhl
  • Claus Marcus
  • Christian Seitz
Hermes House Band singles chronology
"Que sera sera"
(2001)
"Live Is Life (Here We Go)"
(2002)
"Those Were the Days"
(2003)

The Hermes House Band and DJ Ötzi released a version of "Live Is Life" in 2002. The single had its highest peak position in France, where it reached number two for five weeks.[42] The song was used as a soundtrack for the German youth film Das Jahr der ersten Küsse.[43] As of August 2014, the song was the 23rd best-selling single of the 21st century in France, with 537,000 units sold.[44]

Track listings

[edit]
  • CD single
  1. "Live Is Life (Here We Go)" (Here We Go/video mix) – 3:30
  2. "Live Is Life (Here We Go)" (jump mix) – 3:33
  • CD maxi
  1. "Live Is Life (Here We Go)" (Here We Go/video mix) – 3:30
  2. "Live Is Life (Here We Go)" (jump mix) – 3:33
  3. "Football's Coming Home" (three lions) (radio) by Hermes House Band – 3:48
  4. "Everytime You Touch Me" (fireplace mix) by Hermes House Band – 3:21
  5. "Hey Mama" by Hermes House Band – 3:10
  6. Enhanced Multimediatrack : "Live Is Life" – 3:30

Charts and sales

[edit]

Other cover versions

[edit]

The Slovenian art collective Laibach recorded two retitled versions of the song for their 1987 album Opus Dei, one in English which was used as the album's title track, and the other in German under the name "Leben heisst Leben", with guitar solo included. Both were arranged in a distinctly darker and militaristic style typical of the group's music. The song, along with their cover of Queen's "One Vision" on the same LP, gained the band mainstream airplay on outlets including MTV and The Chart Show.[61]

The song was covered by Stargo, whose version reached number 10 in France in 1985.[62] Sofia Carson's "Love Is the Name" features an interpolation of "Live Is Life".[63]

The song was also adapted by Liverpool F.C. fans as a football chant about their then manager Jürgen Klopp early in his tenure at the club.[64] The song was reused by Liverpool fans (and Klopp himself) for a chant about Klopp's successor Arne Slot.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"Live Is Life" is a by the Austrian band Opus, originally recorded live during a concert in , , on September 2, 1984, and released later that year as the from their debut live of the same name by labels Polydor and OK Musica. The track, created as an impromptu encore to engage fans during the band's 11th anniversary celebration, features an upbeat, anthemic with emphasizing unity and the joy of living in the moment, such as "Live is life / Na na na na na / Live is life / La ba de da." The song achieved widespread commercial success, selling approximately 15 million singles and 2 million albums worldwide, and securing around 20 number-one or top-ten positions across European charts in the summer of 1985. In the UK, it peaked at number 6 on the Official Singles Chart, spending 16 weeks in the top 100, while in the it reached number 32 on the in 1986; it also topped the charts in . Its infectious energy and live atmosphere propelled it to enduring popularity, leading to over 30 covers, remixes, and inclusions in numerous compilations. Culturally, "Live Is Life" gained iconic status through a 1989 UEFA Cup semi-final warm-up routine by Argentine footballer , who juggled a ball to the song's rhythm in front of Napoli fans at Munich's Olympiastadion, creating one of the most memorable viral sports moments predating . The track's rights have been managed by Opus Music Publishing since 1998, and it continues to resonate globally, from to , symbolizing communal celebration and live performance vitality.

Opus Original Version

Background and Creation

Opus, an Austrian pop-rock band, was formed in 1973 in the region near by keyboardist Kurt Rene Plisnier, guitarist Ewald Pfleger, and bassist Walter Bachkönig, with Günter Grasmuck joining soon after for early concerts in and . Initially focused on rock covers of bands like alongside original compositions, the group organized the Austria Rock Festival in 1978, marking a key milestone in their development. By the early , Opus transitioned to a more accessible pop-rock style, evident in their debut album Daydreams (1980), which incorporated classical influences, and the follow-up Eleven (1981), featuring hits like "Eleven" and "Flyin' High" that established their commercial presence in . The song "Live Is Life" originated in the context of Opus's 11th celebrations, with guitarist Ewald Pfleger composing it while vacationing on specifically for the occasion, aiming to embody the exhilaration of live performances. It premiered during the band's on September 2, 1984, at the in , , where thousands of fans gathered; the upbeat track emerged from the electric atmosphere, capturing the spontaneous joy and vibrancy of the moment without any prior studio preparation. An initial attempt to record the performance failed when the tape ran out, prompting an impromptu encore replay that successfully preserved the raw energy and formed the foundation of the released version. Songwriting credits for "Live Is Life" are attributed to the core band members—Ewald Pfleger as primary on guitar, alongside Rene Plisnier on keyboards, Günter Grasmuck on , Niki Gruber on bass, and Herwig Rüdisser on vocals—reflecting their collaborative spirit during this pivotal live creation. The feel-good theme, centered on embracing life's lively essence through communal singing and rhythm, directly drew from the infectious crowd interaction at the event, transforming a celebratory jam into an enduring anthem.

Recording and Release

The song "Live Is Life" was captured live during Opus's eleventh anniversary concert at the Inform Stadium in , , on September 2, 1984. The from this was selected for the single, with mixing handled to retain the spontaneous, energetic feel of the live event and minimal applied to preserve its raw quality. The production was overseen by Peter Müller, who also served as recording and mixing . The single was released in in 1984 by OK Music on a 7-inch vinyl format, featuring "Up and Down" as the B-side. This was followed by an international rollout through , with the track included on Opus's debut live album Live Is Life, issued in 1984. The album captured additional material from the show, emphasizing the band's live dynamism. In 2024, Opus rerecorded an updated version of the titled "Live Is Life – Catch the Spirit" in collaboration with the Schick Sisters, serving as the official for the Women's EHF EURO 2024 championship hosted in , and . This rerecording incorporated modern production elements, such as refreshed arrangements and vocal contributions from the guests, while maintaining the original's core melody and structure to evoke its timeless appeal. The track premiered in August 2024, ahead of the tournament.

Composition and Lyrics

"Live Is Life" is an upbeat pop-rock song characterized by its energetic blend of synthesizers, a prominent , and a driving that contributes to its anthemic quality. The track is composed in the key of at a of approximately 96 beats per minute (BPM), creating a lively pace suitable for its celebratory mood. Its structure follows a conventional verse-chorus format with extended breaks, allowing for dynamic builds and crowd engagement typical of live performances. The incorporates signature guitar riffs and percussive elements that enhance the song's infectious, danceable groove, clocking in at 4:15 for the original single version. The , penned by E. Pfleger and the band Opus, emphasize themes of living in the moment and the joy of communal energy, encapsulated in the repetitive "Live is life when we all give the power." This simple, mantra-like phrasing avoids complex narratives, instead fostering an anthemic, universal appeal that invites audience participation. The verses build on this by evoking shared efforts and the power of , reinforcing unity and positivity without delving into deeper . Influenced by the 1980s Euro-pop scene, the song merges polished pop sensibilities with a raw, live jam session vibe, highlighted by its recording during a concert in Oberwart, Austria, which infuses improvisation and spontaneity into the performance. This hybrid style captures the era's enthusiasm for high-energy, accessible anthems that blend electronic and rock elements for broad appeal.

Personnel

The original recording of "Live Is Life" featured the core lineup of the Austrian band Opus, which had been stable since the band's formation in 1973 and remained consistent through the 1984–1985 period. Herwig Rüdisser provided lead vocals, delivering the energetic and anthemic performance that defined the track's live feel. Ewald Pfleger handled guitar and backing vocals, notably composing and playing the iconic opening guitar riff that drives the song's intro and sets its upbeat tone. Kurt René Plisnier contributed on keyboards, adding the synth elements that enhance the pop-rock energy. Niki Gruber (full name Peter Niklas Gruber) played bass and provided backing vocals, laying the rhythmic foundation. Günter Grasmuck rounded out the rhythm section on drums and percussion, supporting the track's driving beat recorded live at Oberwart Stadium on September 2, 1984. No external session musicians were involved in the recording. The song was produced by Peter Müller, who oversaw the live capture and mixing at Sound Mill Vienna. This lineup saw no major changes during the era surrounding the song's release, with the band maintaining its original configuration until they disbanded in 2021 following a farewell tour.

Commercial Performance

International Chart Positions

"Live Is Life" by Opus became a major international hit in 1985, topping charts in multiple European countries and reaching number one in . The song's upbeat, live-recorded energy contributed to its widespread appeal, leading to prolonged stays on various national singles charts. The following table summarizes the song's peak positions and durations on key international charts: In , the track's performance highlighted its transatlantic crossover potential, peaking at number one on the Canadian RPM Singles Chart for seven consecutive weeks starting December 23, 1985. On the US , it entered in January 1986 and climbed to number 32 by April, marking Opus's only significant entry on the American charts. The song's European dominance was particularly notable in , where it held the top spot for seven weeks and accumulated 23 weeks overall, reflecting strong radio and sales support. Similarly, its four-week reign at number one in underscored its home-country impact.

Certifications and Sales

"Live Is Life" has achieved numerous certifications across various countries, underscoring its widespread commercial appeal as a single. In , the track was certified 2× Platinum by for 200,000 units. In , it received a certification from for 500,000 units sold, with total physical sales estimated at over 857,000 copies according to historical chart data. The song earned status in from BVMI for 250,000 units, in for 50,000 units, and in following a post-2009 for 25,000 units. In the , it was awarded Silver by the BPI for 250,000 units. These certifications, along with awards in countries including and , contribute to the track's total of over 25 and Platinum honors worldwide, as reported by . Sales estimates highlight the single's enduring popularity, with over 1 million units sold in alone when accounting for subsequent digital and streaming equivalents. Globally, "Live Is Life" has sold approximately 15 million singles worldwide. Reissues in the , such as remixes tied to sports events, boosted additional and led to updated certifications in select markets. The 2024 re-recording, created as the official theme for the , generated further streams and downloads, contributing to renewed revenue streams for the original version through licensing and placements. The single's success also propelled the accompanying live album Live Is Life, which benefited from the track's momentum and achieved strong sales in , though the focus remains on the standalone single's metrics.

Music Video and Promotion

Original Music Video

The original music video for "Live Is Life" was directed by Anders Stenmo and produced by Opus, with filming taking place in January 1985 at the Arena in , . It captures the band delivering a high-energy live performance on stage, interspersed with shots of the enthusiastic engaging through chants, claps, and cheers to convey the song's vibrant atmosphere. The video begins with a humorous opening sequence depicting a inept "" band performing poorly and being jeered off stage by the audience, before Opus takes over, while a group of observes from the sidelines. Running approximately and 40 seconds, the production highlights the communal spirit of the track without additional scripted elements beyond the concert footage. Accompanying the single's release in 1985, the video aired prominently on , enhancing the song's exposure across the continent and aiding its chart momentum. Subsequent remasters have preserved and enhanced the footage, including a digital audio renewal uploaded in 2012 and a 4K video refresh released in 2024 to commemorate the song's 40th anniversary. Additionally, a 40 Years Anniversary Mix was released as a live single on , 2025.

Promotional Performances

To promote the 1985 release of "Live Is Life," Opus undertook an extensive European tour, performing the track on prominent television programs across the continent. In the , the band appeared on the BBC's on July 11, 1985, delivering an energetic rendition that highlighted the song's upbeat, participatory chorus. They also performed on the ' TopPop on March 18, 1985, where the live audience's engagement underscored the track's immediate appeal as a crowd-pleaser. Further boosting visibility in , Opus took the stage at the in on September 7, 1985, adapting the performance to the outdoor festival atmosphere. The single became a centerpiece of Opus's subsequent 1985–1986 tour, which spanned multiple European countries and emphasized the song's live energy through extended sets and fan interactions. Notable stops included a 1986 concert in , where "Live Is Life" served as a highlight amid the band's growing international draw. These tour dates reinforced the track's anthemic quality, with audiences frequently joining in sing-alongs during the verses and "na-na-na" refrains, transforming performances into communal celebrations. Following the 1994 re-release of "Live Is Life" in via a titled The Power of Live Is Life, Opus revived promotional efforts with a television appearance on the long-running variety show Wetten, dass..?, featuring a remixed version incorporating elements like "Olé Olé" chants to appeal to contemporary audiences. This performance helped rekindle interest in the single within its core market. In a later revival, Opus staged "Live Is Life" during their Tonight at the Opera charity concerts at the on December 20 and 21, 2021, enlisting longtime collaborator Günter Timischl for vocals and cowbell to add a playful, nostalgic twist. The event drew packed houses, with spectators actively participating in the iconic chorus, affirming the song's lasting role as a live anthem decades after its debut.

Cultural Impact

Maradona Warm-Up Incident

On April 19, 1989, during the warm-up for the second leg of the Cup semi-final between and Bayern Munich at 's Olympiastadion, captivated the crowd with an impromptu display of skill set to the intro of "Live Is Life" by the Austrian band Opus. The Argentine forward, then at the peak of his career, juggled a football for over 30 consecutive touches using his feet, head, and shoulders, incorporating dance-like movements and flair that drew cheers from the 70,000 spectators and paused his teammates' preparations. The routine was captured on video by Belgian television producer Frank Raes, who provided the footage to Germany's ZDF broadcaster for live transmission during the match coverage, exposing it to millions of European viewers at the time. Though initially a stadium highlight displayed on the venue's JumboTron, the clip later gained viral status through television airings and online sharing, resurfacing in 2014 media tributes for the event's 25th anniversary. Maradona's energetic performance aligned seamlessly with the song's upbeat, rhythmic style, elevating "Live Is Life"—originally a hit—to renewed prominence as a football and reportedly increasing its sales in the years following the incident. The moment occurred without any involvement from Opus, turning the track into an organic cultural phenomenon tied to Maradona's legendary charisma.

Sports and Event Associations

Following its original release, "Live Is Life" by Opus gained significant traction in sports contexts through official endorsements and event integrations. In , the song was selected as the official anthem for the Women's EHF EURO 2024, held across , and from November 28 to December 15, 2024. Opus re-recorded an adapted version titled "Live Is Life – Catch the Spirit 2024" in collaboration with the Schick Sisters, which premiered at the tournament draw event in on April 18, 2024, and was fully released with a on August 20, 2024. This rerecording aimed to capture the energetic spirit of the championship, blending the original's upbeat rhythm with handball-themed lyrics to inspire players and fans. In , "Live Is Life" served as the official goal song for at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championships, hosted in , , from December 26, 2024, to January 5, 2025. The track was first played publicly after 's opening goal in their 4-0 victory over on December 26, 2024, and continued throughout the tournament to energize the crowd during scoring celebrations. Its selection reflected the song's high-energy appeal, drawing from its established use in sports atmospheres to boost team morale and spectator excitement. The song has also been adapted by football fans, notably supporters who incorporated its melody into chants honoring manager starting in 2016. This adaptation, with lyrics such as "He's taking over power with the boys," became a staple at matches, highlighting the track's enduring rhythmic suitability for supporter anthems. While occasional informal uses appear in warm-ups for sports like tennis and athletics, these remain sporadic and lack widespread official adoption. Beyond specific team affiliations, "Live Is Life" featured prominently in event integrations tied to major gatherings. It was performed as part of the 1985 "Austria für Afrika" charity campaign, an Austrian initiative inspired by the global concerts earlier that year, where Opus contributed to fundraising efforts for African relief through live renditions that emphasized themes of unity and celebration. Marking the song's 40th anniversary in 2024, Opus organized commemorative activities across Europe, including the handball rerecording premiere and promotional events in and other cities to revisit its cultural milestones. A special 40th anniversary mix was released in September 2025. These efforts underscored the track's role in fostering communal energy at sports and charitable spectacles.

Other Media and Legacy Uses

The song "Live Is Life" has appeared in several films and television productions, contributing to its nostalgic appeal in popular culture. In the 2011 American comedy film Take Me Home Tonight, it features during a lively house party sequence, underscoring the era's upbeat energy. On television, it played in the 2007 episode "Everyone" from the first season of the British drama series Skins, enhancing a scene of youthful exuberance. The track also gained renewed attention in the 2021 Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso, where it accompanied the end credits of the season 2 premiere, evoking fond memories among viewers familiar with its sports-related history. Beyond entertainment, "Live Is Life" has been prominently featured in advertising campaigns across and beyond, often to convey themes of joy and togetherness. A 2013 television spot for Beer humorously reimagined the song's origin as a fantastical tale of its creation during a lively gathering. In 2022, incorporated it into their promotional video "Family Reunion," starring and reuniting soccer legends to celebrate global unity. Similarly, British retailer Argos commissioned a re-recorded version for their 2021 summer , blending the original's infectious rhythm with contemporary visuals of family outings. The track's enduring legacy is evident in its digital footprint and musical influence. As of late 2024, the digitally remastered single version has surpassed 311 million streams on , reflecting sustained listener interest decades after its release. It served as a key sample in American singer Sofia Carson's 2016 debut single "," where elements of the chorus were interpolated to create a modern pop fusion. "Live Is Life" continues to be recognized as a hallmark of pop, frequently included in curated lists of defining European hits from the era, such as rankings of influential tracks that captured the decade's optimistic spirit. In 2024, marking the song's 40th anniversary, Opus highlighted its global impact through official channels, with the special anniversary mix released in September 2025 affirming its position as Austria's most successful international pop export.

Cover Versions

Hermes House Band Version

The Hermes House Band, a Dutch party band established in 1982 by students from the Rotterdamsch Studenten Corps in , gained prominence for their energetic covers and medleys of 1970s and 1980s disco and pop hits, often blending group choruses with rap verses to create lively party anthems. In 2002, the band collaborated with Austrian entertainer on a of "Live Is Life," reimagining the original as a high-octane party track that fused the familiar chorus with new rap sections performed by . The production, led by Mark Snijders as alongside contributions from Gerd Lehmkuhl on recording and Jonathan Belolo on editing, emphasized a faster and hip-hop influences, resulting in a runtime of 3:32 for the radio edit. This version appeared on 's album . The single debuted with club play in the before its international rollout in mid-2002 via labels such as Polydor and , strategically timed to align with the Euro 2002 football tournament hype; remixes on the release incorporated elements of the football anthem "Three Lions (Football's Coming Home)," enhancing its appeal for sports events and parties.

Other Notable Covers

One notable cover is the 1987 industrial reinterpretation by the Slovenian group , retitled " (Life Is Life)" and featured on their album Opus Dei. This version transforms the original's upbeat pop- into a darker, satirical track characterized by marching beats and militaristic undertones, reflecting Laibach's provocative style. In 1985, French synth-pop group Stargo released a dance-oriented adaptation of "Live Is Life," which achieved commercial success in France, peaking at number 1 on the charts and aligning closely with the original's energetic synth elements. Opus themselves revisited the track with a 2011 remix by Julian B., infusing modern EDM production while preserving the song's anthemic chorus, released as a single to mark the track's enduring popularity. More recently, American singer incorporated an interpolation of the chorus into her 2016 debut single "," blending it with contemporary pop production for a fresh take that highlights the melody's versatility. In 2024-2025, to celebrate the 40th anniversary, Opus released a "Live Is Life (40 Years Anniversary Mix)" as a single, updating the track with contemporary production elements. Beyond official recordings, "Live Is Life" has inspired over 100 unofficial covers and adaptations, including football chants by fan groups such as Liverpool F.C. supporters, who adapted the chorus into stadium anthems; no major full re-recordings by other artists have emerged as of late 2024.

References

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