Ayreon - Star of Sirrah REACTION by Songs and Thongs

[@MarcelCoenenOfficial]

Cool to see your comments about this song, it surely was one of the highlights for me to play at this show doing the Paul Gilbert solo in a little bit my own way ;)

[@shoemaker688]

Hey Marcel. Nice to see your reaction here. Like Ayreaon and your guitar work ass well. And I like Paul Gilbert too. Keep rocking. 🤟🎸

[@shellderp]

loved your solo in this Marcel

[@one42chrisp]

Maggy Lutyen, the amazing voice, has another big part in “Intergalactic Space Crusaders”, she also has a huge blast singing it and has trouble trying to not crack up at times 🤣 Joost van den Broek has a fantastic Hammond Organ solo in “Day Sixteen: Loser”. Marcel Coenen is the awesome guitar player and has quite a few solos throughout the show, but I think this is his best. The whole band is introduced by Irene Jansen (yes, sister) in “The Two Gates”, but my favourite song is “And The Druids Turned To Stone” sung by Damian Wilson, it’s a superb performance. Damien sings with Maggy on “Intergalactic Space Crusaders”.

[@FedericoB.]

Ayreon "Everybody Dies" next ;)

[@orcanimal]

You guys HAVE to do Ayreon - Everybody Dies from that same show, then the show's closing song - Eye of Ra - to have your minds fully blown. Thank me later.

[@ronrestorff4548]

....and you will......

[@jeremyderdall7058]

I agree 100% with this statement

[@svenjensen9770]

I agree. You should also react to "the two gates".

[@maxmacpherson1957]

Maggie Luyten has an amazing voice, see her with Damien Wilson performing the Ayreon song Intergalactic Space Crusader!

[@Sagovindar]

I second that request!!!

[@Sagovindar]

Intergalactic Space Crusader the live version from the Universe Tour (same show as the one you just did)

[@jessicakoster2543]

Be prepared to have the chorus stuck in your for days on end. And the only thing that can get it out, is another Ayreon song. Which is than stuck in your head.

[@PaleHorseShabuShabu]

It’s a Star One song, actually. ;-)

[@maxmacpherson1957]

@@PaleHorseShabuShabu sorry, you are right, totally forgot it was a Star One song!

[@mandje2002]

line up: Instrumentalists • Ed Warby - drums • Johan van Stratum (VUUR, ex-Stream of Passion) - bass • Marcel Coenen (Lemur Voice, Sun Caged) - lead guitar • Ferry Duijsens - guitar • Joost van den Broek (ex-After Forever) - keyboards Vocalists • Mike Mills (Toehider) • Maggy Luyten (ex -Nightmare) • Hansi Kürsch (Blind Guardian) • Floor Jansen (Nightwish, ex-After Forever, ex-ReVamp) Backup singers • Marcela Bovio (MaYaN, ex-Stream of Passion, ex-Elfonía) • Irene Jansen • Lisette van den Berg (Scarlet Stories)

[@arnaldotanta3630]

Almost right, maggie luyten is ex-nightmare she was replaced by Madie in 2019.

[@darkiee69]

And Floor is only the second tallest woman on that stage, her sister Irene is taller. 😁 You can see them both singing together in "The eye of Ra".

[@stevecork7574]

I was waiting for someone to break the news to these two.

[@catfdljws]

heh - I think Fish and John De Lancie are the only Ayreon live performers who are taller :) :)

[@darkiee69]

@@catfdljws And Arjen himself

[@erwinamesz7642]

Yes, Marcel on his electric guitar is unbeatable!!

[@VoIcanoman]

@Janne Andersson Yeah, absolutely. I'm also glad he didn't try to copy Paul Gilbert's solo exactly, but kind of started off the same way, and yet made it his own as he went through. Total badass. It's really too bad he hasn't been more widely recognized for the work he's done with Sun Caged (which was his band - they're now officially over though). Some of that band's music is just unbelievable, and it's because of Coenen.

[@roblaw4554]

Hi Harry! And I love you too Char!! I know I'm really late to this conversation, but - If you want a target/role model to shoot for as a guitarist...well, meet Marcel! Just soooo good and technically amazing! Cheers rl 🤘👹🤘

[@PhilH919]

Floor's sister is one of the backing singers. If you look you can see the likeness. Marco also appears in the show.

[@js0988]

And the keyboardist Joost van denBroek is Floors bandmate from After Forever.

[@themadmagi]

Every song in the that Ayreon live performance is amazing.

[@ianknowles8934]

This whole live show was awesome. Eye of Ra next which was actually the final song of the show. Unbelievable musicianship throughout.

[@ChrisPage68]

One stage, TWO Jansen sisters. What more could anyone want??? 🤘🔥💜

[@ronaldakkermans8166]

This song is from the same album as The Day the World breaks down. This performance is from the Ayreon Universe concert. Not all original singers were there, but with 16 vocalists this was no big problem. Btw, the left background singer is Floor's younger sister Irene. I recommand everybody to watch the full concert. Near the end Arjen himself appears on stage for two songs and a very funny speech.

[@HSG4meR]

I was searching through the internet every song and band Simone Simons (from Epica) featured, and discovered The Source by Ayreon. This album is like Mercenaries of power/symphonic metal, but instead of a crossover with bunch of famous action movie actors, is one with famous musicians. Went looking for copper, found GOLD.

[@fnglert]

Marcel Coenen is such an absolute *monster* on the guitar.

[@bengriffin1089]

The guitar solo was written and performed by Paul Gilbert on the record, which might explain a lot; Marcel nailed it brilliantly.

[@VoIcanoman]

He...improved it actually. If you listen to both back to back, you'll see that there are some significant differences...but it starts the same, and ends almost the same too.

[@arnaldotanta3630]

Maggie luyten , ex lead singer of the french band : nightmare . And hansi kursch ( blind guardian) is a powerhouse.

[@marcinszewczyk2083]

It's such a great album. Ideas, riffs , guitar tones, production and vocal.... omg! Great job Arien

[@bigmw]

And there is Electric Castle And Other Tales show yet. Without Floor Jansen but with Fish and Simone Simons and many other great musicians of course.

[@Green-Lyon]

Sooooo good. And the extras like Marcela Bovio singing the Stream of Passion song, "Out In The Real World" is out this world! :D

[@EndimiSerenity]

That show is epic! I WAS THERE!!!

[@Green-Lyon]

@@EndimiSerenity So cool. I wish I could have been

[@Kie75]

"How lucky those people were to have been there" You don't know the half of it. :-) This was the first set of live Ayreon performances since... ever. I honestly recommend you get the DVD /Blue Ray set of it. It's not expensive and is of good quality and has a sweet making-of documentary as well that gives you a lot of insight into Ayreon as a project/band and how the Ayreon Universe show came to be.

[@anthonywv]

Actually the second ☺ after The Theater Equation (4 shows in Rotterdam).

[@Kie75]

​@@anthonywv That wasn't Ayreon really, but a production of his material. It was a project by Arjen's manager at the time who wanted to stage a rock opera. Arjen himself got involved at a later stage to help out when things didn't go so well. While it was a direct inspiration for Arjen to maybe do a live show, tt was never an actual Ayreon project. The 'Ayreon Universe' and 'The Electric Castle and other tales Live' concerts are the two Ayreon concerts to date.

[@anthonywv]

Thanks, true. But from the view of the audience, they were arr three real Ayreon concerts. Same music, same musicians, same singers. I was lucky to have seen them all and I still enjoy the blu-rays ☺

[@biglew1161]

What's also amazing, is how can one person write such epic music for multiple singers and it still sounds like one cohesive piece, Not multiple pieces just jumbled together.

[@AGDinCA]

Maggie Luyten is like Suzie Quattro, Lita Ford, Janis Joplin, and Joan Jett all wrapped into one.

[@metalviking6476]

Agree :) She's amazing in Beautiful Sin and Nightmare .... and Virus IV

[@seannightingale3571]

Arjen loves Floor. In almost all of his songs that Floor is in she is always the last and the featured vocalist. He even mentions it in When The World Breaks Down. I don’t want you to miss who is coming up next.

[@MetalMalc]

You should check out some of Marcelo Bovio's work (Backing Singer nearest camera at 4:08) she has collaborated with Ayreon on several occasions as well as solo projects and work with bands including Epica and MaYan. Any Stream Of Passion track or her more recent work under Dark horse White horse.

[@sirjohnny1974]

Cool reaction👍Saw Marcel playing for the first time doing a clinic in the Netherlands at Rock palace in the Hague. Probably about 14 years ago afterwards we all looked at each other going holy shit that guy is insane Haha. Was pretty quiet in the store for a bit. nobody wanted to try out any guitars.. not after that.

[@abra2865]

The dvd for this whole concert 'Universe' is one of the best purchases you would ever make...blows me away every time I watch it!!

[@joeparker9516]

I have always been a HUGE fan of SCIFI. Can you picture this entire project as a Rock Opera? Or a made for TV series? Using the characters as explained in "The Source: The Day that the World Breaks Down"; ie. Floor Jansen as the Biologist... etc. I don't know if Arjen has thought that far ahead, but it would certainly appear so.

[@Theodupreez]

Marcel Coenen on guitar killed it!

[@wilcohoutman2352]

This show was one of 3 sold out shows and i was at ALL the sold out shows and you can just tell that Arjen or in other words Ayreon NEVER disappoints

[@showstopperrob1097]

Nice to see you two getting goosebumps and getting overwelmd by his music. So make sure you have some free dates in September 2023 for a new adventure and live show in the Netherlans. By the way, all mucisians are Dutch. Drums, Guitars, Bass and Key's

[@wannabedane4046]

Arjen & Joost (the keyboard player, producer of the Universe and Electric Castle shows) wanted to have a couple of shows in October 2021, but with Covid-19 they decided to postpone to next year. So, if you really want to see Ayreon (or StarOne, Arjen's other project for which he's working on a new album) then keep an eye on his facebook page. Meanwhile, please keep reacting to the other live performances suggested below (and others from the Electric Castle show too)

[@renevw5812]

Please do more Ayreon songs. If i may suggest "Twisted Coil, live", "waking dreams" , " valley of the Queens" , " isis and osiris" all live .....

[@parrotheadlasvegas]

For some serious Floyd vibes, check out Computer Eyes from this show! Thanks for another great reaction!!! If I had one Ayreon request from you, I'd ask for Day 11 Love from this show. It's a true romance song ;-) Have a great night!

[@Eloso3135]

That entire concert is available on DVD. Totally worth it. Epic performance!

[@markschattefor6997]

It hasn't allways been that easy for Arjen to get his dreams fullfilled, certainly in the beginning it was difficult to get through the management barrier of several artists.

[@johndreessen7335]

Good reaction. Great song. For me the first time to. This music and artists are the top. Love it. Thank you for this reaction.

[@mad6457]

Alone the logistic challenge to bring together all those singers and musicians, which also have their own bands, makes touring virtually impossible. And so, the Universe show from which the video is you just reacted to (cool reaction btw), was performed three times, at the 013 venue at Tilburg/NL, close to where Arjen lives. Fans from around the world travelled to this place to see the show. And so did I. I was in the audience at the show where the br/dvd stuff was recorded. A once in a lifetime experience. And actually two years later he did it again by bringing 'Into the Electric Castle' onto stage. This time 4 shows, same venue and so I travelled again 700km forth and back and it was again worth every second. And again fans from all continents travelled to TIlburg to be part of the experience.

[@erwinamesz7642]

Yes!!!

[@johnroberts1009]

Everyone has already said it all. Glad you are sharing this wonderful music with us all. 😎

[@hannuhanttamakela2673]

And now you've met both Jansen sisters :)

[@RonniePeterson]

The whole show is an absolute blast. Everyone shines.

[@palantir135]

This was the first ever live concert after all the studio albums. It had to be more than excellent. The whole live concert is epic. Keep ‘em coming. The second live concert also is; the electric castle live and other tales. The first Guy is Mike Mills; TH1 in The day that the world brakes down video. Hansi Kürsch was also in that video. Floor’s sister Irene is in the background singers on the left.

[@anthonywv]

First concert was the Theater Equation.

[@palantir135]

@@anthonywv Arjen named the Ayreon Universe live concert his first ever concert. The theatrical equation wasn’t a concert but a theater performance.

[@anthonywv]

True ☺ but it was live with many of the same musicians and singers and Arjan was there even though he did not play (and Floor was there in the audience to see her sister perform).

[@palantir135]

@@anthonywv I stick to what Arjen says; he’s the owner of Ayreon.

[@jorgebrito8807]

Great reaction I've never heard that song live and my mind just explode with such amazing singers and musicians on stage🤯❤

[@Frankamaria]

the whole concert (Ayreon Universe) was/ is awesome. I just bought the full DVD/Blueray/CD special package experiene

[@danielosheigh4793]

Damnit! I go away for one week and you two drop 4 bangers I wanted to see !!! LOL. It seems that the folks below have summed up what else to watch! Well done all. You two lovelies have a great week of material for me to get to! Thank you for giving me so much content to love!

[@heedoei]

New sub from the Netherlands here, love your reactions to Ayreon and Nightwish (big fan)

[@jpsother1183]

His latest album has some unknown but talented folks like Dee Snider and Joe Satriani, oh and Tom Baker narrates (yes, the 4th Doctor)

[@juanchi_brossa]

Every single song in this show is amazing! But, I would like to recommend: "Everybody Dies" and "Dawn of a Million Souls" :) PS: the live version, of course

[@robynturnham2706]

Arjen is a perfectionist - he picks the best for his work and they give their best and you can see how much they all love being there.

[@yinxed]

Just a reminder that Star-One new album is soon to be released Already there are singles ft. Roy Khan and Britney Slayes ;) in guitars Steve Vai and Michael Romeo... more tba.

[@smileystevens3060]

Wow I really got into this one guy's and the band sounds awesome and when the lead player did his solo I was really getting into it what a awesome player and Floor as always nails it with her high notes....the whole vid. was great....I can't believe I missed this reaction in July....keep up the awesome work guy's...."Never Stop the Music"

[@phillipgross1887]

it's never rambling when you talk about a performance like this..........absolutely fantastic, great reaction, keepem coming

[@henkhummel6782]

Ayreon Star one "lost children of the universe" is out now . Check it out Love your comments

[@Paul_C]

You should look at another of the performances under the title 'Electric Castle Live' and other tales. Particularly look at the Narrator of the show, in another production (for tv) he was 'Q'. John De Lancie

[@randy13boston]

Whole concert is fantastic! Great reaction!

[@patricschoenaker]

Saw that show, live, twice! ;-)

[@alejandrariquelme9574]

Well, in a few words: this entire show is mind blowing! Did you notice that Arjen wasn't on stage...jejejejejejeje. He likes to make others shine. Yeh, Ayreon is out of this world.

[@ARetiredPirate]

Irene, Lisette and Marcela really made that concert extra superb, what a voices! Shame they are mostly portrayed as just "backing vocalists".

[@ultrazineSWE]

Second that. I mean, lizettes band scarlet stories is so underrated. She does so much for this concert.

[@ARetiredPirate]

@@ultrazineSWE Couldn't agree more.. Scarlet Stories is awesome and to take the part of "age of Shadows" as example, where she sings alone "with" Hansi at some points: Amazing power and even Hansi is sort of pushed away by it.

[@ultrazineSWE]

@@ARetiredPirate agree i was thinking about that moment. Hansi is really good but them together there is what does that moment great :)

[@ARetiredPirate]

@@ultrazineSWE I would have liked to hear Hansi a bit louder though at that point, as much as I like/adore Lizette... For the purpose of a nicer sound of them together, now I only hear and see her.

[@leeblack3335]

The musicians in this song are all Dutch; on the other hand the singers are from all over the world. Just so you understand. Greetings from a dutch guy!!!

[@Paul_C]

The funny thing, Marcel Coenen is not really connected to a 'band'. He simply plays when he needs and invited for a project, not surprisingly he makes a living from music.

[@mnewm21]

and again someone without an ego to get in the way of the music. He too has a great down to earth personality and sense of humour or certainly that is what he puts across.

[@Paul_C]

@@mnewm21 yep, doe maar gewoon, dan doe je gek genoeg.

[@VoIcanoman]

Well...he HAD a band. *Sun Caged.* They put out 3 albums, and were active for over a decade, until the mid 2010s. If you haven't heard them, I strongly recommend you check out their third (and last) album in particular - The Lotus Effect (2011). It just...slays. I'm sad that Sun Caged has disbanded, but always look forward to Coenen's contributions to whatever bands he is asked to play for. The man is a legit guitar GOD.

[@sean_b_drummer]

The entire album is of that level of quality. It's simply astounding! 🔥🤘🏽🔥🤘🏽🔥🤘🏽🔥🤘🏽🔥🤘🏽

[@RolandDeschain1]

This is one of the greatest riffs ever.

[@thecaptainmarko]

Been a while you reacted to this but I really hope you are going to do Amazing Flight live from the electric castle.

[@gerrygrouwe70]

Arjen does it for normal people who love good music and who respect that

[@ChanWeinmeister]

I totally dig your guy's reaction to this. Fantastic.

[@TomTomson81]

Every time Floor is the secret weapon.

[@waynekelly2121]

This song is straight FIRE 🔥 .

[@Monique-bx6ro]

And you thought you knew what would come 😂😂 There are so much more songs in this concert to explore. Next...Everybody dies... is a good song. Most of the fantastic musicians are Dutch like Arjen himself. Funfact.. The tall lady in the backing vocals is Floors sister Irene Jansen. In... the eye of Ra ... they sing a part of that song together. 😉

[@randymarple9830]

Floor has been singing with Arjen since she was 18, I think. They have been friends for decades.

[@samuelengle3773]

The world didn't melt...it broke down. Lol I will see my way out.

[@clivematthews5296]

To see Arjen performing on stage with Floor and her sister Irene as the only female singers plus some amazing male singers including Damian Wilson try Star One live 2003.

[@furyzxzx]

everybody headbanging lol, even the backing vocals.

[@JaakkoTK]

Ayreon Universe! Amazing stuff everytime!

[@mnewm21]

He has got the live bug though now and has been busy since these "Universe" concerts were done although he himself only plays bit parts at least he and the Aryeon project is on the stage :D

[@christinaalgate4899]

Floor's sister Irene is next to the drums.

[@marcoz.2521]

Great guys! Now waitin' for Intergalactic Space Crusaders... ;-)

[@maxmacpherson1957]

Would also like them to have a listen to Marcella Bovio another awesome singer, also associated with Arjen.

[@Klojum]

Even the backing singers are headbanging... :-P

[@jensenmekk]

You can also react to the eye of ra with the Ayreon orchestra,this will blows your mind totally

[@Thorgrim247]

How do you like Marcel Coenen's guitar playing? Ayreon's live shows are amazing. Arjen does love Floyd and many other old school classic bands. Arjen also is a bit of a recluse and doesn't participate in his live shows. He just does some of the directing. he used to perform live with his older bands. If you want to see the big show, check out some of the songs from "Electric castle Live and other Tales". An amazing live show.

[@fabiorobertonascimento8370]

just one word: Amazing!!

[@maggaw9869]

Thank you :) Laurenne / Louhimo ( Netta Laurenne & Noora Louhimo ) - " Bitch Fire " official music video from Finland 2021.

[@northof4912]

The backup singer on the left is none other than Floor’s sister - Irene…..

[@saelfaer]

now you guys finaly have a reason to watch the entire Ayreon Universe show :)

[@mauricelemmens3244]

You should also check Star One. It's the same guy's project, but heavier.

[@wpgreeley]

Arjen is a genius.... his music is like Mortal Kombat.... you'll get left knocked out and then Floor comes in when you here the ref going Finish Them

[@lougordon5206]

Check out Isis and Osiris from the live Into the Electric Castle performance. Stunning!

[@markhall5251]

"Holy shit balls" !!!....🤣🤣 Great reaction as always.....love hearing new music with you guys.....take care x

[@merqury5]

Brutally good!

[@Tamm1965]

Next stop Ayreon Every body dies live?😛😉

[@droiduser9633]

"Save the best for last" ... How many times does Arjen have Floor come out to finish off an already great song?!

[@haileyphillips2927]

You guys gotta do Intergalactic Space Crusaders next for more Maggy!!!

[@slaydinza4em73]

please react more JINJER. "On the top" and Pit of Consciousness (Live in Kiev)

[@stevekoelliker6764]

Here’s the link to the whole show. It’s a sci-fi rock opera. Amazing. Watching it in order would make more sense. kzbin.info/aero/PLJGn3wi7b7b606GfoKAdOgm6rtX9OliRc

[@tapio7133]

Ayreon. It is thumb up.

[@TheMateriaalkunde]

Arjen has left many of his stage roles to others, but there is one he still does himself: In the Electric Castle he will do the Hippie.The Electric Castle is a post apocalyptic creation of the Forever. In order to tap emotions they need and can not create themselves they have revived eight random characters from the earth's past and set them in a deadly competition. Maybe you recognize the Forever narrator. Also, pick up the demise of the Egyptian lady (one of the eight) "Vally of the queens", such a beautiful composition. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGasmqele72Wbac

[@oldman3319]

It's a shame that this kind of music is not being aired from Dutch radio stations. If you listen to 10 Dutch radio stations, you only hear commercial music and they all play the same songs. So i have stopped listening to radio. It's all about the money nowadays and not about music. Sad but true, if you know what i mean. Anyway, proud to be a Dutchie.

[@PPNStudio]

Always end with a Floorgasmn!

[@geraldborne94]

Phenomenal

[@gerrygrouwe70]

Wenn can we expect more ayreon of the both of you every body dies pls. Ore are you till buzy working through your new lingerie 😁😁😁🤘🤘🤘