American Reacts to Royal Marines Corps of Drums and Top Secret Drum Corps!

[@scokeatia]

Of course I'm bias, but nobody does it like The British Joel. It does fill my heart with joy that you take such an interest in our culture and the things that make us tick. Keep doing what you're doing Joel. Lyd xx

[@JJfromPhilly67]

Rule, Britannia! God Save the Queen! Anglophile from Philadelphia, PA.

[@Military872]

Top Secret are steps above the RM .

[@garryellison9438]

Little stew... Why??? Americans are living in a country that committed genocide fought a war to enforce slavery an today its police beat and kill their own citizens. Again why do you have any interest in a tyrannical nation and its brain washed an brain dead citizens.

[@erichamilton5932]

No one does it like the English. Not to say I'm a Anglophile but sometimes they do get it right.

[@Military872]

@@erichamilton5932 Top Secret, are just so much better though.

[@dee2251]

Top secret performed at the Queen’s platinum jubilee at Windsor alongside the Royal Marines. It was amazing and they must have a great respect for each other as they’ve performed a few times together now. Worth a watch.

[@mymartianhome]

Top Secret Drum Corps is sort of free form until they decide to go traditional military. The marines are traditional military until they decide to go free form. They are superb individually, together they are unbelievable.

[@kerrieharrison4773]

My Dad was a Royal Marine. Always loved to listen to them. I saw the Top Secret Drum Core in Edinburgh. They are brilliant.

[@simongreasley8643]

Corp

[@frm_boro_me_like5205]

My grandad took me there to Edinburgh and it was AMAZING

[@kerrieharrison4773]

@@frm_boro_me_like5205The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is great. There was a pub in the Royal Mile called Tricky Dickies, ha ha. I don't know if it's still there. Top shelf full of all the different Whiskey's. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@martinbootneck]

Marching behind the HRM Band is an exhilarating feeling. We came back to 45 Cmdo at RM Condor in Arbroath, Scotland and we marched through the streets of Arbroath with the crowds cheering and supporting us, I felt 20ft tall.

[@enkisdaughter4795]

Thanks for your service, Martin, from the NW of England.

[@martinbootneck]

@@enkisdaughter4795 Thank you and you're welcome

[@janetgreen4642]

Nothing that uplifts and instils pride and patriotism more than a military band and, in the UK., to hear and watch them at ceremonial and state events, especially when accompanied by the bagpipes, is off the scale! Brings tears to the eyes! Visited the Edinburgh Military Tattoo several years ago and, it was a real spectacle. Also watch it on tv each year. Would love you to do a video!

[@rachaelrogers3909]

Just a bit of a historical note, the difference in the drum sound was to identify which army was which and which battalion was getting orders. The Swiss drummers were fantastic and the Royal Marines are always a slick outfit.

[@swezze2737]

The brits have a level of discipline and focus i ve never seen in my life...what a nation 🙌

[@kinking12]

top secret is from switzerland

[@valeriewalker9438]

Top secret are also active duty and perform with the Queens own marine.drum corps

[@johnhardwick8771]

@@valeriewalker9438Top Secret are not active service they are civilian. They do this in the own time.

[@DGLUK1]

Top Secret are non military and are Swiss

[@trooper24t5]

I can't speak for Top Secret, but the Royal Marines are serving commandos and their drums are decorated with battle honours. Make's one proud to be British without taking anything away from Top Secret.

[@eoincaomhanach1983]

Top Secret Drum Corps are civilians I believe.

[@parkerbrown-nesbit1747]

​@@eoincaomhanach1983yes they are. They all have day jobs, which, imo, makes them ver impressive.

[@gailknight3128]

Brilliant. I love the royal marines band. I think they are the best out of all the forces bands. The Swiss drummers are excellent too. Thought I had seen all of these shows, must have missed this one. Thanks Joel

[@richardjones824]

Not sure if you've seen it already but the Royal Tournament Gun Race and the Royal Navy Manning the Mast is worth a watch. In the times before heath and safety!

[@frm_boro_me_like5205]

I seriously like your personality, you always find something lovely and never slag our country off. Thanks and please carry on

[@coot1925]

I used to paint my sticks & my drum rims white. when I did my drum solo they would flood the stage with UV light so my sticks & kit would glow fluorescent green. Simple but effective.

[@onlyrushb6428]

i saw this live in the Albert Hall, genuinely never experienced anything like it and my heart was pounding the whole time.

[@rickewilde]

Amazing. I like when they play each others drum in the row how the drummers on the end have to play a ghost beat on an invisible drum. Brilliant

[@EnorMouseUK]

Just one thing - you might notice that hanging by the side of the Royal Marine Drummers is a bugle. This is not just for decoration, they can play all the required bugle calls as well. This goes back to when the Marine Corps Drummer was the orders signalling system for both the Royal Marines and the Royal Navy. Perhaps the most evocative command by a ship's Captain was "beat 'To Quarters'". This was a drum signal that all the crew recognised as requiring them to clear the ship for action and take up their battle quarters. In more modern times this was done by bugle call over the ship's P.A. system.

[@bigmull]

You need to be aware that the Swiss lot are all civilians,the RM are SERVING members of the Royal Marines.

[@chrisg1234fly]

Exactly, the Royal Marines are totally Ceremonial, whilst the Swiss are totally display, both ends of the spectrum (to a non drummer!). BUT the skill of both combines into a great show of skill and professionalism.

[@phillee2814]

@@chrisg1234fly The Royal Marines are far from totally ceremonial - all UK forces musicians are active members of their corps and deploy as required (mostly, but not exclusively, as battlefield medics) - the musical work is essentially a part-time job on the side. That means that they perform ceremonial duties in addition to their military roles, so go through the same basic training, specialised training (as I said, mostly as medics - but that includes weapons training as they are supposed to be able to defend themselves and their patient(s)), any pre-deployment planning that may be necessary and deploy on the battlefield. That applies to the Royal Marines, The Guards Regiments and the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment. I've performed in a joint concert as a Chorister with the Band of the Coldstream Guards and lodged with a former member of the Band of the RAF Regiment (a flautist, to be precise). The Swiss Top Secret Drum Corps do this as a full-time job and can rehearse as much as they want.

[@chrisg1234fly]

@@phillee2814 I meant in a band context when you analyse both in the video being shown. I understand they must do BFT, but not CFT annually as booty bandmembers, which is different. Is this correct Phil? You seem to know lots, are you ex-booty or pongo?

[@phillee2814]

@@chrisg1234fly I could never serve due to a knee injury in my teens, after years preparing in the Cadets. But I have had a number of friends who are bandsmen - they only perform ceremonial duty when not actively deployed or on exercises, and only take performances (like this one) on a provisional basis, as if TSHTF they will be off doing their main job, which they train for along with everyone else in their corps/regiment.

[@gillianreeves6707]

Thank you Joel I missed this one it was fabulous

[@robertdeakin2428]

Watched Top Secret Drums 2018 at the Edinburgh Tattoo, really impressive as they have pyrotechnics in their routine aswell.

[@alanvt1]

Perfect picture of you! Err they bands l see in the corner?

[@margaretnicol3423]

I'm so glad you found this one. It's one I keep recommending because it's just so cheerful but highly skilled.

[@Paul-hl8yg]

A touch of class! Great reaction 👍🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@peterfoakes7569]

I agree with you, the skills involved, the timing syncing up, must take hours and hours to practise, its very impressive, not something I would have seen but for your channel, thanks mate!

[@purabolea3744]

Your so right. I have seen them on T V here in the UK and they played for the Queen last weekend for her platinum jubilee And she just loved it she could not help but smile. Which is great for us after the last year she had after Prince Philip passing away. You might find jubilee show on line enjoy it xxx

[@michaelhawthorne8696]

Just like Riverdance, the discipline needed to get such great sychronicity is mind boggling..... lovely to watch....

[@pheart2381]

On a noisy battle field this is how they would instruct the soldiers,charge,retreat,move left etc. Same as in the American civil war.

[@JJfromPhilly67]

All wars before the 20th century. It is was Churchill called "cruel and magnificent."

[@scouseaussie1638]

Joel watch the Navy field gun competition it’s very entertaining.

[@bigmull]

Thats a MUST SEE!

[@evorock]

Such a shame Pompey lost the last one 😟

[@rokker101]

snare drumming of the utmost precision ... no one does it better

[@lvxmagick9560]

Yeah, my teacher from M.I in hollywood CA wrote allot of those Cadances.. Rob Carson.. Was the fastest drummer in the world in the 70's .

[@lauraann4014]

My son is one of the Royal Marines in this video, it must be a couple of years ago.

[@simonjones8111]

There’s teamwork, and then there’s this - simply incredible 👌🥁

[@ehadd4623]

I’ve seen the top secret drummers at the Edinburgh military tattoo twice I just love watching them

[@jasonfitton5422]

Yes JPS you looked at my suggestion and did it. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@vandergrad]

I freaking LOVE drum corps!! The level of skill these guys have is fantastic!!

[@lonnysimmons1889]

Top Secret have done shows where at the end they've used flaming sticks on the drums.

[@TheTwoFingeredBullFrog]

Crazy to think that during battle drums were used as instructions on the battlefield.

[@keithscott4286]

I think the royal marine band in wartime are serving medics fantastic 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@gabrielplattes6253]

Every time I see this, I get goosebumps and a big smile across me noggin'! So damn good!

[@nigelbilsby3826]

Now that's a cool drum battle at the start, then liked how they joined up at the end!

[@daryllmoreton7131]

Absolutely brilliant working together! Awesome!

[@kn3448]

Saw Top Secret perform at the Edinburgh royal military tattoo several years ago. Amazing performance but the highlight had to be when they closed out the last segment with their drum sticks on fire! Excellent stuff.

[@andrewparnell6656]

Nothing beats the mass band of the Royal Marines!

[@johnnyc3298]

Yeah please do The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo but there have been so many epic bands on their and it's been going for years so you've got your work cut out picking the best bits as their are so many! 😍🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@WessexMan]

The thing with the Royals, whether Band or combat, is perfection. From a matelot.

[@johnbuyers8095]

Anything that requires deliberate mistiming is always impressive to watch

[@ychaps]

I love Top Secret...their routines are so different, and the precision is amazing.

[@jackiedavies6956]

JP i love watching things through your youth its amazing and uplifting, I'm a granny now and i've seen you find so many new things Fredie has to be your best he has always been mine keep it up thanks for cheering me up at a bad time.

[@makalabeckerleg1109]

I love the drums,,, it takes me back to carnival day as a child when you could hear the bands making their way round town,,, always gave me goosebumps,,, the drums are tribal,,, stirs something in all of us.... ❤️

[@Jeni10]

Top Secret has done the Edinburgh Military Tattoo several times now, so any of them will be good!

[@rozhunter7645]

I loved this, my grandfather was a drummer so I grew up listening to this kind of thing. I have been wanting to recommend a moving piece of music by Andre Rieu it’s called Highland Cathedral, his orchestra is fantastic and on this piece one of them plays the bagpipes and are then joined by the pipes and drums. It’s outstanding and I defy anyone to have a dry eye after hearing it

[@TeamGB-Diving]

I have seen that. video before Joel and every time I see it I am always impressed by it. It never gets boring, it’s so amazing what they do. I doth my cap to them. Your reaction as always is of appreciation, enjoyment, respect, and amazement. You are a credit to you and your family. Take care. 👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻🖖🏻🖖🏻

[@3SeveredHeads]

Cant beat the sound of drumbeat!!! Wherever it hails from 🥁 Fantastic 🤘🏻❣ Yes Edingburgh Tattoo wud b great

[@ruthbriggs5372]

I loved this! 😲I would love to to been on that front row, it would have sounded and felt amazing! Thanks for finding and showing this, Joel x

[@konradyearwood5845]

I have had the pleasure of marching to the Royal Marines band. You have to listen to the Royal Marines play Sunset. Amazing does not describe it.

[@dawnhowcroft6051]

The Edinburgh tattoo always gives me goosebumps its amazing!!!

[@GaryLorenz-t7c]

@ItsJps, About the Top Secret Drum Corps that Edinburgh Military Tattoo was NOT the ONLY Military Tattoo Event that they been to alone at all but other Military Tattoo Events like the (1 One) Moscow Military Tattoo in Russia in both of (2011 Twenty Eleven) & (2017 Twenty Seventeen), (2 Two) The Berlin Military Tattoo in Germany in (2011 Twenty Eleven), (3 Three) The (2019 Twenty Nineteen) Musikfest der Bundeswehr in Dusseldorf in Germany, (4 Four) The Royal Nova Scotia in Canada in (2023 Twenty Twenty Three), (5 Five) The Virginia International Tattoo in Norfolk in United States America in (2016 Twenty Sixteen), of course.

[@mattewwoodward4131]

I'd love go back a few 100 year back and seeing these bands match into battle with nothing but there instruments it would of taken some balls

[@queene1008]

The Swiss people can confirm 100% that we do not come from the “military”. ="Top Secret" is just doing this as a hobby!!!! That's what we love ❤️

[@Andy-Capp]

There’s a video on KZbin of a group of Royal Marine drummers playing at the wake of a fallen Royal Marine. We’ll worth a watch if you can find it.

[@clappingpenguin4256]

You're getting more cultured every day, Jps. 😁 Even more than I as a British citizen. 😅 I unfortunately can't think of anything to recommend however I will wish you all my very best. 😊

[@zollykod2541]

This is one of my all-time favourite musical performances. Every time I see it, tears spring to my eyes when they start playing together. It's an over-used word these days, but AWESOME (in its original meaning) is the only word I can use. I ADORE the Royal Marines drum corps (you know they all have to be buglers too??) and would walk over hot coals to see them. I was lucky enough a few years ago to watch what they called their 'babies' - the 18 and 19 year olds - rehearsing and they were out of this world even then. They and the Swiss guys are very different but equally amazing. I love the differences as well as the similarities - in technique, style - as well as the very different sound of the Marines' snare drums. I was feeling a bit low but this - and your lovely reaction - has perked me up. Go Joel! :)

[@norahdenovan8658]

Plain& simply, just brilliant ❤

[@grahamross6397]

As awesome as this vid was (the one being commented on), one couldn't properly appreciate it til one understood the history of both drum corps. Go back in time a bit (easy on YTube) and get a sense of what came before. HMRM are obviously structured and traditional and seeing them match the TSDC on that side-drumming thing blew a lot of minds back in the day. As much as seeing TSDC doing the return to nose style that I cannot remember the proper name for.

[@daveg9474]

Amazing and mesmerising! Incredible timing from both corps - perfect rhythm. Thanks for sharing that one, Joel! D

[@shaanddarc12]

I could listen to the drums all day so soothing and relaxing 😌

[@paulinechadfield3360]

Love this,love watching your videos and seeing your reaction to them.Keep them coming.Love from The North of England xxx

[@jimdevlin2138]

Great reaction buddy,. Speaking as a Scot , its impossible to choose which set of drummers is the best, the TSDCorp practice full time , whereas the RMcod are full time serving soldiers , many of whom have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. It would be great to see your reaction to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, but to react to it properly you really have to be there in person,

[@micklobb4957]

Yes, the RM drummers are serving soldiers but their primary role is as musicians serving as 'soldiers' only in times of need in support roles. They are not Royal Marine Commandos either although some volunteer to undertake a a shortened version of the commando course.

[@Bellemorte999]

Edinburgh Tattoo is defo worth a look, especially with the Massed Pipes!! 🤘

[@delskioffskinov]

That was a really good video bud! really enjoyed it!

[@TheKira699]

Yes Top Secret Drum Corps are from Switzerland. And bear no relationship to the RM Band.

[@Whippy99]

I live a stones throw away from a Royal Naval base (several actually) and we get to see and hear their bands often. It always fills me with British pride 😊🇬🇧

[@davidbuchanan3374]

Check out the 12th of July parades that's held in Northern Ireland every year. Some incredible band's playing 👍😁

[@tanyatonner5158]

OMG how Fantastic are they? Bravo blooming Brilliant skills 👏👏👏👏🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@libradragon934]

I recommend the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment musical ride, as you enjoyed this.

[@neilcorbett5353]

I agree, my son was a member of the Blues and Royals musical ride!

[@libradragon934]

@@neilcorbett5353 My grandfather was a musician in the Blues and Royals too, but long before there was a musical ride.

[@woooster17]

That was incredible.. never seen that before, wow! Wow 😮

[@weareleeds1985]

You should check out some of the drummers from northern Irish bands. I recommend the mourne young defenders. Their drum solos are incredible

[@deniseperryman2814]

Just brilliant really enjoyed this and your right Joel the amount off practice that goes into this is immense I would be scared 😱 if I messed it up nobody does things like this only the British but I would say that 😂great reaction Joel as always Love from Denise in Yorkshire England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🥁🥁🥁🥁💂‍♂️💂‍♂️👏👏👏👏💞💞💞

[@Fairygrl_TW]

Oh yeah, love me a drum line, Brilliant, just amazing...Thanx for another awesome reaction, Peace

[@quietlifeinswhertsuk2256]

Have been going to the Mountbatten Festival of Music concerts at the Royal Albert Hall for nearly 20 years and that was one of the best performances I've seen.

[@kevinbanks2795]

Wow that was awesome the best ive ever heard or seen before 👏

[@lisah1506]

Love the range of things you react too. Keep it up 🙂

[@prm1701]

Hey Joel, love your videos. Keep it going. Just watched your reaction to top 10 places to visit in England. It would be great if you checked out the Touropia video on Top 10 places to visit in Scotland. If you like the scenery in the Lake District, I think you'd love Scotland - and you'd always be welcome!

[@andrewcoates6641]

I don’t know if you are aware of this but in addition to drumming out orders to the troops in battle, every drummer was also a bugler and they are ,or were trained as battlefield medic’s and they were expected to become stretcher bearers to evacuate the injured when needed. Of course with the introduction of modern technology their roles have changed such as the use of radios to communicate with individual soldiers to give them their orders so the musicians are expected to fill other duties including basic soldiering, but to give them the opportunity to persue their music they aren’t expected to know as much about other duties undertaken by the non bandsmen e.g. logistics or vehicle maintenance or any of the multiple roles that have to be done so that they can still perform as a fighting force.

[@DIDCOTTWIST]

When the royal marines are going it's almost robotic movements amazing

[@alicecobb7763]

Yes!!! Edinburgh Military tattoo is where I saw this. Just amazing 👍

[@dazza9326]

It's impressive. The RM are fighting troops, not just bands men, that's what makes it more impressive.

[@murph8411]

Not usually fighting troops but medical or support troops.

[@dazza9326]

@@murph8411 You're wrong, they're a heavy weapons Company.

[@ivanmurray6240]

Considering that Top Secret corps of drums are part timers that have regular full time jobs. They are brilliant have a watch of some of their other videos, with lighting up drums and drum sticks too.

[@josefschiltz2192]

6:38: That sounds very similar to the tap beat of the Riverdancers just before the finale.

[@gooseware4937]

Thank you for sharing, just fantastic.

[@christinegitsham5809]

Hi Jps, if you love drums you might like to search out The Gael by Albannach, beautiful Scottish castles too. This band takes the cake.xx

[@JJfromPhilly67]

Hours of practice. This is awesome.

[@paulwhittaker5195]

Royal Marines are the best at what ever they do that's why they are called Royal Marines. Its a mind set.

[@raylightbown4968]

Impressive, skillful and spectacular.

[@scousemouse9715]

Great reaction from a young chap.

[@harrybarrow6222]

I am a Brit, but I really think the Top Secret Drum Corps are excellent.

[@geekexmachina]

A good way to start the Day. Thankyou

[@rafaelgutierrez4702]

Joel, Please react to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2017. Great Music! This year the Tattoo is back after 2 years of Pandemic. I have performed twice in the show and will do it again this year. Honoured to be part of the Massed Pipes & Drums!

[@BomberFletch31]

What makes Top Secret Drum Corps more impressive, in my view, is that they're not military (although all of them would probably have served because Switzerland has compulsory military service). They're volunteers, from all walks of life, yet they are able to execute so many different movements to perfection, like a military drill team - and sometimes, even better.

[@jillosler9353]

Wow! The Top Secret Drummers are amazing! I've never seen anything like their skill and coordination before. Thank you. I guess the biggest difference between our Royal Marines and the amazing Swiss Corps is that the Marines are also active soldiers who have served in all the latest war zones in the Middle East whereas the Swiss, whilst still having to do National Service, have not actually fought since 1847 (a short civil war) although they have been mobilised against possible invasions from Prussia in 1856/57 and 1870/71. Switzerland has the oldest policy of military neutrality in the world!

[@sknox1394]

Also interesting to note that the Top Secret Drum Corp aren’t actually military at all.

[@katerinakemp5701]

Swiss Guards do serve as the Vatican Papal Guard.

[@lindamaes6454]

@@sknox1394 And their secret is that there are 2 bands, one that performs and one that practices next year's program.

[@lindamaes6454]

@@katerinakemp5701 In 2003 Top Secret became one of the first non-military, non-British Commonwealth acts to perform on the Edinburgh Tattoo. They don't have any connection to the Swiss papal guards or any unit of the Swiss army.

[@alanpattinson6211]

It's been very profitable too. Strange with all the neutrality to have such a huge weapons industry.

[@jeanmarienadal7268]

Thank you a lot.I agree with all of your reactions.

[@malcolmwilkinson4449]

Top secret are performing at Edinburgh this year and we have tickets👍👍👍

[@sprason1963]

Reading the comments below and your mention of the Edinburgh Tattoo, please do include something from the event! The Bands of the Royal Marines are on a whole other level, of course, as professional musicians rather than enthusiastic amateurs! If you are searching for inspiration, try watching any RM Band's Last Post, Beat Retreat & Sunset; any RM Massed Bands performance, Trooping The Colour....or their drum section's tribute to a fallen marine [emotional]. Similarly, mention was made of André Rieu. Another stirring piece and performance is by Melissa Venema playing [trumpet solo] Il Silenzio, alongside André Rieu and his orchestra! I loved my time as a volunteer side drummer [snare] in the Royal Navy. We were fortunate that we had an ex-Royal Marine [retired] as bandmaster [bandy]...Mr Brian Oates. The base was closing down once our intake class passed out and sent to other bases. One of the last acts for "Bandy" was to invigilate my next drums exam, which I thought I would never pass...only to be called to attention during parade and presented with my drum major's service badge and accreditation. Of course, when passing-out, we could hardly do such a parade ceremony justice with just 3 side drummers, 1 bass drummer and a Band Major! Bandy had pulled strings, The Band of the Royal Marines, Plymouth [based just across the road at HMS Raliegh, played us out! Chuffed didn't come close!!

[@Simon-hb9rf]

this is a great special performance, but the full routines of the secret drum core are another thing altogether.