How is this possible?! | Devin Townsend | 'Deadhead' live | Reaction/Review

[@affectingmandela9839]

Bare in mind he was extremely sick for weeks prior to this performance, just wrecked his throat. He said later he had to alter how he sang just so he could perform, and in this concert you see him make expressions he never makes anywhere else. In some of the songs, when he's kind of taking a break, you can see him kinda hunch over as he was still sick. I think the reason why Royal Albert Hall is considered by some his best performance is because he was trying SO hard for the fans that he just reached down and attained a higher form of consciousness just for this concert. So good, but I agree with others, The Death of Music by itself, or Funeral, Bastard, then The Death of Music if you don't mind the greatest half hour of music history.

[@ThomFoolery1]

Thank you for the info! That is amazing. I would never have guessed. What a pro to still perform that well. Like you say, maybe being sick made him try extra hard which makes it so special. Excited to hear more. 😀🤘

[@GeckoDeLimon]

You can hear the difference in his voice on the Ocean Machine: Live from Plovdiv disc. He got it done on this one, but on Plovdiv, he's a force of nature.

[@brandonbates4434]

STFU I didn't know that! Freaking amazing...

[@brandonbates4434]

It makes me so happy to see this kind of reaction and connection to his music! I'm about to buy a plane ticket to Spain in March '23 from Portland Oregon to see him at least a couple of times. Slide thru!

[@singer3188]

an F6 scream at the top on the lyric Will you save me babe babe babe? completely insane. Talk about an absolute desperate plea for help. The amount of emotion that pours and oozes out of Devins work is what makes me a die hard life long fan

[@toiddiot1629]

It's like he's sliding from cleans to that high pitch growl.. incredible.

[@wargamerarmaverse6272]

Loved you reaction video. It made me smile. The venue in the Royal Albert Hall is divided in two parts. The first part is the Ziltoid musical which is amazing to say the least. If you love the music of Devin Townsend as much as I do this is something you have to watch. The song Deadhead was recorded in the second part of the concert where they played songs from Devin's long standing career. Another good watch is the "Retinal Circus". Another great musical. You won't be disappointed. First time I heard Devin singing was in 1993 on Steve Vai's third Album "Sex and Religion" I never lost track of him since I heard that record. I'm listening to his music for 30 years and I'm still getting chills and shivers running down my spine. Never tired of listening to his music. Keep up the great work. My best wishes to you.

[@michaelaben6791]

Your reactions are so genuine. As a huge Devin Townsend fan who has watched a number of reactors who fake react, yours is truly refreshing. Thank you :)

[@ThomFoolery1]

Thank you Michael! Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂🤘

[@arnefl5549]

Devin is most likely the only singer in the World that sings with full afterburners when he really takes off... Man, what a voice!

[@gopagopa8825]

I agree daren...the holy trilogy Funeral bastard the death of music 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@joshh4071]

Totally agree. This trilogy deserves more attention

[@canoestothemoon]

I've been lucky enough to see Devin three times, with DTP and SYL... above all else he is a showman, and no matter how the show is going he finds a way to give a memorable experience to the crowd. 1st time I saw him he opened for Symphony X around '02-'03 to about 300 people at a small club in Cleveland. One of the best experiences of my life.

[@ThomFoolery1]

That's so amazing! Someone else mentioned something similar about him. He seems like a natural born performer.

[@fl00d69]

This has been the best reaction vid. I've watched most of them. I wish I could watch this performance for the first time again - yet it never gets old. You were born in the right timeline! 🤣

[@vikramacharya7445]

Incredible decibel !!!! respect to Devin !!!✌✌✌✌

[@WrenHel]

Another stellar reaction to the genius that is Devin.

[@ThomFoolery1]

Cheers! 🤘

[@goofball1549]

You need way more subscribers my man! Love how genuine the reactions are, keep it up! I just discovered Devy as well, despite living in Vancouver my whole life. He's on another level. Him and Unleash The Archers are my new favorite Canadian bands! Speaking of UtA, when you get a chance react to "test your metal" or "tonight we ride" next, they will blow your socks off! Cheers!

[@ThomFoolery1]

Hey Dillon, thanks a lot for the kind words, much appreciated! Yeah it's so great to such amazing local talent. Definitely going to check out more of their stuff. Surprising that the scene isn't bigger here.

[@Kisamaism]

When Devy and the band all "fall" ( 2:19 ) - gets me every time. One of the few times where I literally mean "disgusting riff" while enjoying every bit of it. I wish I knew the music industry words to describe that series of notes leading into that fall...

[@ThomFoolery1]

Yes I know what you mean. Also not sure what the best word would be to describe it. It's almost like a low pitch dive bomb. It really keeps you off your toes. 🙂

[@sniperbob1992]

I had to buy the DVD of this concert at RAH. The sound is absolute perfection.

[@billbutler9011]

EXACTLY how I felt the first time I saw this

[@bruntzy66]

Oh man you are only hitting the surface of Dev 😁 I discovered him by accident about a year and half ago and was gobsmacked from then and every time after that! He is phenomenal! Please you must watch anything you can from The Retinal Circus concert...a Dutch woman by the name of Anneke Van Gisbergen often toured with him and the Project and will also blow your mind especially the song ‘Grace’ with DTP and herself 👍👍

[@ThomFoolery1]

Awesome, thank you! A few others have mentioned Anneke, I'll look into that. :)

[@aidanumpherson]

Great reaction bud. Check out Why?" from his quarentine show. It's a good one.

[@ThomFoolery1]

Thank you!🙂

[@johnroberts1009]

Who knew? I didn’t. Wow!! what a performance. The musicians where fantastic and Devin, no words just pure amazement. Thanks for sharing this wonderful music video. 😎

[@ThomFoolery1]

Glad you enjoyed it John. 😀

[@PCPAyLOAD]

I have scoured the internet for reactions to this song. Seeing him live in Colorado a few years ago I know first hand the goosebumps.. Fun to watch you pause and walk in a circle lol..

[@ThomFoolery1]

Haha cheers! 🙂👍

[@KL-qy4ye]

Enveloping sound and stunning vocals.

[@badm0t0rf1nger]

Devy is to be protected at all costs. The composition, arrangement, technicality-without-detriment-to-feel, live performance.... all tremendous. .... & most importantly to me is the fact that he's one of the most genuine human beings in music. Like I said, *at all costs* :)

[@ThomFoolery1]

Well said. I can only echo your sentiment. 🙂

[@ralfmeyer9086]

More Devy, please..my fav male singer. (Floor my fav female).😉 and now Death of Music? And dont forget the Universal Flames at the end of this awesome concert..☺️🤗

[@_jm0n3y8oo_]

This song is the perfect combination of sonic beauty and emotional pain

[@an0ana]

"Love's a bitch!" I can't be the only one who nods every time I hear that. Amazing reaction video, thank you!

[@ThomFoolery1]

Thank you! Yes, he says it with such raw passion. You know he's been through some stuff.

[@an0ana]

@@ThomFoolery1 You're welcome! And I agree, he most certainly has. Love your set up, by the way. The lights in the background are a nice touch!

[@fredyprogger3214]

Please pick Death Of Music from the same perfomance its a wery special one ;)

[@rofyle]

He's got an interesting podcast. He talks quietly about the creation and production of his albums while relaxing music plays in the background. He also talks about future projects. He is currently working on something he calls puzzles which he says is going to be the most non commercial thing he's ever done. It's going to blend music and visual arts.

[@ThomFoolery1]

Oh wow, interesting! I'll have to check that out. Cheers. 🙂

[@TurnFullCircle]

Hi love your reactions....not heard this one from Devin....amazing - like you say the production is fantastic...and yes his voice is cough inducing in places and then so smooth in others....Cheers

[@ThomFoolery1]

Thanks Chris! Yeah Devin is something else. 🙂

[@Zabiru-]

7:34 I just love how he casually just messes with the audience ^^ "Love's a bitch for sure. If you feel like it at any point though you kow - Pick a tempo!" referring to their off-beat clapping xD

[@galdanag]

Awesome!! Heavy Devy again. Great reaction. That whole show is great.

[@ThomFoolery1]

Thanks Gustavo! Yeah, it looks amazing.

[@xDrucciMane]

When I watch this performance, it's just one of those things that reminds me how impressive human beings can be. I wonder what incredible things we could share and experience if we threw aside all of our petty bullshit. Btw: Those were the correct facial expressions, lmao. Great video!

[@ThomFoolery1]

Well said! I totally understand what you mean. It's inspiring and comforting. Cheers 🙂👍

[@gggo2631]

Great great reaction. Let me be one more who requests "Death of Music" from same Royal Albert Hall concert. Amazing performance.

[@cmillivol98]

The first time you mentioned his tone I said “it’s so thick” and two minutes later you say the same thing😂 great reaction!

[@jaredmulconry]

I remember the day I first heard Devin Townsend's music. I had seen him popping up in my recommended feed for a while, and heard his name going around in the music circles I was part of for years and years. I finally decided to stop avoiding listening to music after recently getting onto Jinjer and being really into it. I checked out Kingdom performed on EMGtv. As soon as it was over, I dragged my parter over (who isn't really a fan of heavy music) and showed them the track. We both fell in love with his music since then, me more so than my partner. There's so much to find and enjoy in his music. As of right now, Transcendence is my favourite album, with Higher and Failure being my favourite tracks from it. Check out either of them live and you won't be disappointed. Alternatively, if you want some easier listening, check out Supercrush performed as part of the Addicted Live tour. That's another of my personal favourites.

[@ThomFoolery1]

Thanks for sharing your appreciation and the suggestions. 😀🤘

[@erwinamesz7642]

Thank you Thomas for this splendid reaction to Devy!!!

[@ThomFoolery1]

Cheers Erwin!

[@marieasp4196]

Love the reaction! I can relate to how you react to his songs. Deep peace live in plodvid(?spelling?) and Juular official video is something I bet you would love.

[@ThomFoolery1]

Thank you Marie! I'll check it out. 🙂

[@Zhgarr]

Plovdiv, and yes, awesome choice

[@rolfloucos]

he´s the best

[@jeffbowden8367]

Love it dude 🤣 another jump out your chair moment 🤣 Happy New Year bro 🤘

[@ThomFoolery1]

Haha some moments I just can't stay in the chair. Happy new year!!

[@victorstefanovsky6902]

Listen to his band Strapping young Lad, considered one of the top most violent sounding bands.

[@Doookification]

Awesome vid! One of my favourite reactions to this song

[@wookiespet]

Beautiful indeed. It kida feels like that one note was just ripped from his soul! He wrote the song for his wife. I cannot fathom having someone bare their soul to me like that much less have it sound even a fraction as good as this. Im surprised to hear Mrs tracy Townsend survives to this day. Also, how badly did dev screw up... no way. Devs too good a guy. He probably just felt the strain of tour life on his relationship and being the sensitive guy he is just ripped out his soul and carefully laid it down as this track. Honestly I am i awe of the love this man feels for his lady. And can you imagine the world of hurt he would unleash if anyone ever focked with his family. Itd make john wick loon like a gentle spanking

[@ThomFoolery1]

I love your charismatic words and analysis. Definitely crazy to think about. The passion is out of this world.

[@AnaX1bius]

I seldomly comment on reaction vidoes (which I consume too much to be honest) but now I have to say it brought smile on my face when saw your reaction on last two minutes of Devin's goddess.

[@ThomFoolery1]

Thanks very much, I'm glad you enjoyed it. 😀🤘

[@AnaX1bius]

@@ThomFoolery1 I did, I wish I had that first time in to come, your, welcome. And if any recommendation is needed, I would happily like to see your face (as like many other comrades) looking at "Death of Music" at the very same RAH, and even better if you would have the time to consume whole "Funera/Bastard/Death of Music" smacker from the same gig. I promise, you will absolutely not regret it.

[@barbaraphillips8881]

That was fun - your eyes pop and face grimace as you are enjoying the unworldly voice and mood -- 2 for 2 great.

[@ThomFoolery1]

Thanks Barbara! 🙂

[@frankman90210]

You'll enjoy Grace (live @ the retinal circus) a whole bunch too i bet. Or like an older banger like Vampira

[@GahMehGrrrr]

I first discovered him on Steve Vai's Sex and Religion Album when he was 19. Give that a listen.

[@tomhoyle3660]

You express the same superlatives as I still feel after having listened to this song at least 100 times...

[@tomhoyle3660]

Super great reaction 😊🙏

[@glassmasterflash]

check out the funeral from the same show.

[@shirazzza]

Ah heavy Devy at half 3 in the morning cos why not

[@ThomFoolery1]

Always a good time for Devy. :)

[@shirazzza]

@@ThomFoolery1 absolutely! Half the fun of living out here in the sticks is my neighbours are a fair distance away. I would just rather be watching reactions & music than endlessly scrolling fb or something. With the whole quarantine & lockdowns we've had here I've not seen a band in possibly the longest time I've not seen bands for since I started almost 30 years ago. I'm missing it. And my friends. And the experience of music with my mates, discovering new stuff & reminiscing with the old stuff. So this is as close as it gets. I watch some songs I know really well & that's fun but it's also fun to discover new music with reactions. Hope you're staying safe n well & live music really comes back sooner than later

[@Timmayytoo]

I have to believe he picked up some guitar tips from singing for Steve Vai's band VAI back in 1993. I believe that was the first gig to bring him to the attention of a more mainstream audience. Steve has some interesting thoughts about that period of his life, one he considers filled with a lot of mistakes, but he has this to say about Devin: "There was the opportunity to work with some brilliant people too. Devin Townsend (singer on S&R) is one of the most amazing and uniquely talented tormented souls making music today. Very little of his true brilliance comes through on S&R. His solo music holds brutal treasures. Check out Strapping Young Lad or the ominous album Ocean Machine. He is intense in the total meaning of the word. I believe he’s a genius in areas that have not been discovered yet. He’s quite grotesquely entertaining too (if your an instigator like me)…. " That is from www.vai.com/album-sex-religion/#more under "Steve talks about the album" His vocals on Sex & Religion were both terrifying and compelling to 23 yr old me.

[@ThomFoolery1]

Thank you for sharing this. I saw in my research that he worked with Vai. Will have to check that out.

[@tanjajko7220]

Yay HevyDevy!

[@rolfantonsson8297]

Awesome reaction! Devin said in one of his podcasts (while doing Strapping young lad) that he was never satisfied with his attempts of death metal growls so he went for high pitch growls instead, so over the years he has mastered this insane control over his voice. On later albums he lets guest singers do the very deep death metal growls, like on the albums "Deconstruction" or "Empath". If you want to hear some heavier stuff by Devin tryout "By your command" from the album "Ziltoid the omniscient" (An album Devin recorded/wrote/mixed in 4 months(!) by himself after leaving Strapping) Cheers! kzbin.info/www/bejne/inWzZ5qEh56Zd6M&ab_channel=InsideOutMusicTV Devin Townsend Project -"By your command" live in Plovdiv 2017

[@tanjajko7220]

You made a Devy face on that first high pitch scream. It’s like stink face but 30% cooler 😁 Like Devy!

[@ThomFoolery1]

Haha! Devin has the ultimate stank face. It almost detached from his body in this one. 😂

[@Jay_Jones71602]

This version of the song is my favorite, maybe being sick somehow made him reach down and blow the lid off that song.

[@ThomFoolery1]

Yeah dude. So crazy watching this back knowing that. 🤯

[@wookiespet]

If you want to see more charisma look to the order of magnitude tour recording of his song "why" If you want to check out more of his vocal prowess check the same song. For more heavy vocal prowess tho look at his earlier work with strapping young lad (abreviated SYL) try the song Love. But whatever choice you make whether its one I suggested or just a random selection ALWAYS choose a live recording. You wont be sorry

[@ThomFoolery1]

Awesome, thanks for the tip! 😀