Deep Dive into the World of Rock Music Legend: Arjen Lucassen

[@davidhansen2748]

My 2¢... When I was younger, and the only real option for buying music was vinyl albums, we would often share these with our friends. We would gather around the stereo, listen to and discuss the music, the cover art, the liner notes, whatever were experiencing. Music was a _shared_ experience. Then the Walkman was introduced. It allowed us to take our music where it couldn't go before. But music became a _private_ experience. And CDs reduced the size of the accompanying art. There's just not as much there anymore. We stopped sharing. And, I think, we miss it. Even those born after the Walkman: There's an innate desire to share the experience once again. Or for the first time. Reactors provide an outlet for this desire. We like to see someone listen to a favorite musical composition with fresh ears, and hear what they have to say, and (hopefully) experience the joy we ourselves felt the first time we heard it. And through this we create a connection with the reactor, and if we trust them, we will listen to music we ourselves are unfamiliar with, and maybe discover something new and expand our horizons.

[@rosalieelliottofficial]

Beautifully said!! I think you’re spot on.

[@arminhess1512]

totally agree! fun fact: we were on a team meeting in Fulda (Hessen Germany). 15 people, a mobile phone and a BT sound system - we shared so much music via Spotify. it was pure fun like in the old days. Caligula's horse, Haken, BTBAM, Opeth, Karnivool, Ayreon,......I was on a mission, really!

[@Ark-kv7bj]

Well I agree. A bit of a replacement is that I have a lot of friends sending me songs to check out and discuss afterwards….

[@talaniel]

Yeah, I think many people like to share what they like, me too. I'm just afraid that someone will tell me that what I like is bad, so I share less nowadays :-) But it is correct I think, that people used to share records more, or create mix tapes or something.

[@zag7165]

Arjen took the time to comment to me on one of his videos I commented on. It has brought an entirely new perspective on the selflessness that a true artist like him can bring to a fan. No wonder so many fantastic musicians want to work with the guy. He's genuine and unassuming work of art as a person.

[@aliekegeerse]

Such a kind and humble man Arjen is, I love that he makes time for an interview like this and that he’s actually watched your reactions, which I fully believe. I ❤that!

[@MPDSR422]

Arjen is a gentleman and doesn’t take himself too seriously (rock star persona). The Human Equation lends itself to being one hell of a piece of musical theater as well as a “concept”album and deserves more attention. I’ve really enjoyed researching some of the vocalists who he’s invited to record his music. He always brings in the absolute best.

[@michaelpost3562]

Arjen is my favorite composer. Best in the world.

[@swissguy8052]

Hi Rosalie, another great interview ! Arjen is such a fantastic guy, love every album he has made.

[@erickvermeulen9734]

What I like in the Ayreon concept albums is that the characters have their different psyche which makes the back and forth and mutual reactions very interesting. The Human Equation album is a good example.

[@bartonbagnes4605]

Incredible interview. Awesome to see the effects reactions have on artists themselves.

[@progoholic]

Guten Tag, Rosalie, first of all, congratulations to a very cool interview with one of my all time heroes. I follow Mr Lucassen since his very first Ayreon release back in 1995 and through his music, I discovered such a vast amount of other great artists whether they have been his influence or whether he worked with them and got me to check them out with their own stuff. And his modesty is so adorable, even if I would totally understand a huge Ego. What this man has achieved in the world of progressive rock and metal is simply outstanding... In regard to the psychology behind reaction videos I think the global Covid pandemic is THE driving force behind this success story. I made it a hobby to collect reaction videos for one specific song. This song drew me back in into one of my favorite bands since 1998, but I lost track of them in 2004-05. It's Nightwish's Ghost Love Score. At the moment I have a collection of over 1900 reactions to this song on my computer (I know I am somewhat crazy...). As there were some reactions on YT to this song prior to the pandemic (I personally have a total of 263 reactions dating from June 2017 to the end of 2019), in 2020 the reaction scene exploded just because of all the lockdowns, travel restrictions and so on. The people had the time to make them and had time to watch them. All the vocal coaches couldn't work with their students, all the stage techs couldn't tour with their artists etc... And the audience had more time to watch just because of unemployment, home office, and the lack of other recreational activities like cinema or theaters. Reaction videos became what I would call a "digital camp fire". There were no festivals, no concerts, no nightclubs with your preferred music, so you simply gathered with like-minded people around reactions of your favorite artists for (of course) confirmation bias. If you can't mosh and party with total strangers, but through the same taste of music connected with a live crowd in a concert, well, you connected to this "virtual crowd" watching reactions, and also sometimes got in contact with reactors and viewers alike via the comments section. In 2020 to 2022 I collected a total of more than 1200 reactions to GLS. Since 2023 and therefore since the complete discontinuation of all pandemic-driven restrictions the number of reactions to GLS is slowly decreasing. And I noticed another fact that has to do with the pandemic. New channels are growing much slower than new channels during the pandemic. This is totally subjective, but I saw channels reaching subscriber numbers in the 20000 to 50000 range, whereas today channels with a comparable profile and quite empathic and likable hosts have difficulties even to reach over 5000 subs. But for me, personally, reaction videos will stay relevant, just because it is a great way of discovering new artists... That's it for today's thesis 😉, hope those 2¢ of mine might help you a bit... Liebe Grüsse aus Deutschland Wolfgang aka Prog O'Holic PS: I forgot another important point why reaction videos have become so popular in my eyes: It is somehow advertising, but it is advertising by fans for fans... There is no big anonymous marketing company tailoring a campaign torwards the expected target audience, it is just the good old hearsay amongst friends or in this case, channel followers. I would be quite skeptical if band XY anounces their new release via a big ad campaign in some newspapers or magazines. But a positive reaction from a normal, average person doing reactions on YT is much more believable, because it is apparently not anonymous. I can see the guy or girl talking to me, I can't see the promotion agency which is paid top dollar for selling products. Reaction videos at least seem to be much more authentic...

[@rosalieelliottofficial]

So very well said :) what an insightful and interesting comment. Thank you for sharing your research and info on your collection. :)

[@martinaalderink7773]

I just hope Arjen was everything we promised you.

[@jeffhall2411]

2 of my favorites on one video nice!

[@copperqwaser2468]

For me watching reaction videos, it is someone to share the music with. My friends aren't into the music i am into so it is nice to see someone enjoying the music i am into.

[@maskmedusa]

Excellent! You asked some very interesting and pertinent questions. Arjen, as usual, was so humble yet well spoken. I love him. I've been fortunate to meet him as well. Such a giving person. The world could do with many more of him, and you.

[@fabrizio_prina]

Wow great interview and Rosalie and Arjen ..... what a great combo ♥

[@peterdoe2617]

I'm watching reaction videos just to learn more. About the meaning of lyrics, about the artist....all these things. A nice little story here from just about one week ago: I was at a concert. Supporting act: Toehider. And I got the chance to talk with both Michael and his bassist. I was wearing my Floor Jansen t-shirt. I pointed at the logo and said: "you know this woman in person!" And explained to him: I found Arjen in 2001, after watching Floor with After Forever. Found so many great musicians through that. And him through the music of Arjen. How I had asked him why his cover of Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush was gone on YT. And what he did answer to me. He is the nicest guy! I'm actually just sharing his and Arjen's music with others. (One guy here just commented we don't share music anymore. I do! And it's so important! What do we get to hear down the german radio these days? ONE roch radio is just starting to play The Warning. The rest is still asleep.) I think YT has become a huge thing to make music available for people. And reactors do play a role in that. Liebe Grüße aus Tangstedt!

[@djclaudeus]

I knew nothing of Arjen up until maybe 5 years ago. I've since become a huge fan and listen to his albums very frequently. Absolutely one of my favorites artists!! Great interview!!!

[@csphoenix9]

Arjen is a genius and a brilliant person, he's the World's Favorite Space Hippie

[@emanuelsolsjo7348]

I have always enjoyed sharing music that i love with other people. Seeing their reactions gives me joy. Reaction videos has the same effect. It feels like i am sharing my favourite music with a new friend.

[@Tarkus_]

Great interview, Rosalie! Arjen is such a unique and fascinating person, as well as a musical genius (I'm with you on that one). The fact that he takes the time to connect with everyone who wants to connect with him, through comments and email, must make him a unicorn, at least for someone with his success. Many artists start out that way, but at some point they give up trying to keep up. I also love that he talked about how reaction channels are such a great promotional tool. It boggles the mind why so many studios and artists have this war against reaction channels, as if they're taking something away from them, when in reality it's quite the opposite. The vast majority of reactions are positive (whether real or not), so why on earth wouldn't they want that? It costs them nothing, and they in fact make money from them.

[@jasonmarshall7572]

Such a great interview loved it. Yes there's a thrill observing other people reacting to your favorite bands and movies etc. I remember the movie the Labyrinth i'd watched that movie 14 times was it the story?, Bowie?, The fantasy world?, Or my crush on Jennifer Connelly?. I don't know but the amount of people i would shout to go to that film with me just to see there reaction and hear there thoughts seemed worth it. Now i too can get sick of some songs i love but different reactions keep it fresh and it also promotes my favorite artists. If i like the reaction enough i'd comment, the odd time it's like a thank you just to keep encouraging them but usually it's to speak on the bands talent and mention about other songs the do or sometimes similar bands to checkout. So great Arjen checks out reactions and comments but here's the thing it can be a bit tasking or daunting to keep going as a commenter and reaction follower and to know many reactors are chasing revenue so it's pay Peter to pay Paul thing.

[@frankerben7666]

Imagine a sec that Arjen and Tuomas are making an album together. This would blow up the universe and create new galaxies!🌠🪐🌝

[@benbermusics]

That's two-way genuine for me and totally worth my time. I thank you both for doing your work and passion for me to enjoy! Arjen, looking forward to September '25! And watching the real mailbox for a special package next week. Rosalie, you can't do any wrong being you, keep it up! ❤

[@garysexton8840]

Also their music is amazing and keeping the progressive music so prevalent in the 70’s still going is very important and enjoyable. I would only see them live once I listen to most of their songs so that I can appreciate them in full. One of the bands of this time that needs to be heard worldwide

[@clerikofsweden7385]

Very interresting! A great talk! Loved the psychological perspective!

[@tonycardone990]

Great video, as always. Arjen is such an awesome and authentic guy to listen to. 🤘🤘

[@janvanleeuwen2535]

Proud to be Dutch 🇳🇱 Arjen is sincere, honest, open and modest. Nowadays, it's so sad to see the other side of the music industry. With those self-acclaimed stars. I'll stick to the real musicians and geniuses. 🤘🤘🤘

[@franshinlopen2166]

I love this video, and I also love the comments. What a lovely talk between two incredibly articulate people! I especially connected with the comments suggesting that listening to a reaction video is a way of hearing a song for the first time again, but through another psyche. I do want to elaborate on Arjen describing himself as a total recluse. I think this is meant figuratively, not literally. I was standing in line for a Symphony X concert in Tilburg some years back, and there was a minor holdup at the ticket scanning station. I looked more closely and there was this familiar looking tall slender guy whose ticket was not scanning. I especially noticed his height since he was taller than I which is rare. "OMG, that's Arjen", I realized. I was just about to jump the line to offer him my ticket but his ticket finally scanned and I lost my chance to meet him. And there is video evidence of his presence at his own concerts, so not a literal recluse!

[@damianvc31]

Arjen is a one of a kind for sure, I've watched countless interviews from reaction channels some bigger than others and he treats everyone with the same respect, besides the fact that he watches and replies in their videos too, and even replies to other comments as well I wonder where he gets the time to do all this on top of composing and producing so much music I guess not have to tour helps

[@damianvc31]

I guess all of this was discussed in this video lol I usually jump the gun and comment before watching the thing Anyways great chat which further confirms he's an amazing guy, looking forward for the next reaction to Ayreon :)

[@jennienoppers210]

lief weer Arjen!!❤❤❤

[@jemimus]

My prog-rock Journey also started with Jesus Christ Superstar, listening to the movie soundtrack between 5-10 yo in the 1980's I was so lucky to see Ted Neeley live in 2019 in the Netherlands, in the JCS tour. I was also obsessed with War of the Worlds in the 80's, as was Arjen. Again, was so lucky to see it live, later, directed live by Jeff Wayne. Knowing these albums so well, I can instantly recognize Arjen's homage to those albums in Ayreon parts. The culmination of all this was seeing 01011001 Live Beneath the Waves, live in Tilburg, 3 times....

[@alexcrouwel6942]

What i like about reaction channels is if i saw and heard something mindblowing like the music from Arjen then it's really fun to see how the reactors mind is blowing too if you know what i mean, and there are a lot of channels only react on tracks that are really populair just for gaining subscribers and i really are done with them really fast, great interview btw thnx for this great work

[@24toofast]

Justin Hawkins Rides Again!!! Rick Beato is amazing too. The Charismatic Voice is also a great channel. ❤

[@luismariomesmo]

awesome!!!

[@sonjaschweinsberger1637]

soooo nice guy

[@beldin2987]

5:00 " .. 90% of the time its not about anything .. " .. haha, love that, especially since english is not my native language i just don't even try to understand most lyrics and just take vocals as another instrument if its not quite clear what the lyrics are about.

[@garysexton8840]

My first listen and viewing Atreon tonight and it is amazing and similar to Dream Theater. I want to know if Arjen has checked out any of Jethro Tull’s music as well as the many live performances shown on KZbin.

[@Dervanism]

You should try Bruce Guthro he was an amazing singer songwriter from Cape Breton Nova Scotia. I think you would really enjoy him. The song is called “Falling” Bruce was at a railway station in Halifax Nova Scotia when he saw an old guy on a pay phone and came up with this song which is a beautiful song gives me chills everytime. He also fronted one of the biggest bands from Europe called runrig check them out as well. Sadly Bruce passed away from cancer In sept of 23 RIP🇨🇦👍🏻🇨🇦

[@LeifErdfelt]

🤩❤️👌

[@xxwookey]

Arjen says he would be too critical to be a reactor, but I'm not convinced that's actually true, because one of the notable things about him is that he is remorselessly positive about everyone he meets and works with. Watch his 'making of/BTS' videos and see what a genuinely nice guy he is. OK, maybe it's a bit different having a great artist over (that you are already familiar with) to record something, and doing semi-random reaction videos, but still in practice people try to react to things they like, or at least find interesting. I suspect Arjen would be quite good at it, and his musical knowledge would make for interesting analysis. Anyway, thanks for an interesting interview, with a bit more depth than is typical.

@ArjenLucassen I just received the "01011001 - LIVE BENEATH THE WAVES" Bluray - Signed by You (THANKS!). I will dedicate an evening to fully enjoy the entire concert this weekend. Thank You for all the wonderful music throughout the years. @rosalieelliottofficial - Thank You for having Arjen and letting more people learn about his genius.

[@sandgroper1970]

He may offer money or not , but I am sure if his various projects and the music he creates didn’t resonate on some level with the artists he requests to perform on his projects albums they wouldn’t agree to appear and perform . I actually found Ayreon , Nightwish, Epica , and more recently The Warning through reaction videos, which I then go on to video without the reaction, and also more recently cause I have a music streaming subscription, I can get a listen to the songs and especially the whole album from which it comes from.

[@xxwookey]

Arjen: I noted your list of musical analysis channels you find worthwhile and it's a lot like mine. Try 'Phil Zero'. He has good musical knowledge and I think has an interesting take.

[@osamaqtaitat]

Music is the most important thing, then everything is a bonus! You can have the best lyrics and shitty or even average or normal music, it sucks, boring, hackneyed! You can have the best music and average/mediocre/normal lyrics, it’s great; lyrics in terms of art, aesthetics and beauty, metaphors, themes, emotions i mean

[@JawaidRasheed]

Kindly react on the new song released by coke Studio Pakistan AYYI AYYI Two weeks ago you gonna love it for sure it's all about the culture people living in the deserted areas of Pakistan