Riveting Performance: Flutist's Take on Nightwish My Walden Live

[@ClaireHoldich]

You can now send me your reaction suggestions directly here: forms.gle/jd1Fa1SQH7ZJreaPA. Can’t wait to see your suggestions! 😄🙏

[@janihaavisto79]

Troy Donockley is very much British. And Floor Jansen is Dutch, who 1st moved to Finland so she could learn Finnish language and be close to the band. Then she found her now husband and moved to Sweden. Her husband is a Drummer in Swedish band Sabaton

[@dmj4966]

Favorite Troy story....Troy was supposedly asked in an interview if there was anything he didnt play, and he answered "yes, ice hockey"

[@ClaireHoldich]

British humour right there! Thanks for watching! 😄🙏

[@WakefieldTolbert]

Welcome, Claire, from across the ocean in South Carolina in the USA!

[@JariJuslin]

What I especially like here is that while Troy is English he's trying to make sure the remaining parts of the Isles are not completely forgotten. Bringing in instruments, but also, here, singing the first part in Welsh.

[@ClaireHoldich]

That's a great point, thanks for sharing, and for watching! 😄🙏

[@gabriel.bardac]

A real pleasure for me to meet a Nightwish connoisseur, new subscriber here of course. Greetings from Romania!

[@ClaireHoldich]

Cheers Gabriel, and thank you! I hope you enjoy my other content too 😃🙏

[@obud3777]

Troy is from Workington, Cumbria, England, he lives in North Yorkshire now.

[@ClaireHoldich]

Which is not far from me at all! Thanks for watching 😃🙏

[@milipro828]

Since you are from the UK - You would likely enjoy the Wembley Arena video from 2015! Nightwish is Finnish, Troy is British and Floor is Dutch, a melting pot of awesome!

[@ClaireHoldich]

Thanks, I’ll check that out. And thanks for watching! 😃🙏

[@marcbaur677]

And for Troy a dream comes true, to Play at the Wembley Arena. 😃

[@TomGS]

I concur! (Iykyk)

[@horseshoe_nc]

​@@TomGSEric really started something with that.

[@TomGS]

@@horseshoe_nc Yup!

[@gene6690]

What a refreshing and very unique reaction to this beautiful song

[@ClaireHoldich]

Thank you Gene! 😃🙏

[@donepearce]

When Troy is playing with Nightwish he caps the drones on his pipes so they don't sound. He just uses the chanter. If you look closely when he is playing the Low Whistle, you will see he still uses the piper's grip, which is what allows him to make fast trills. His intro is in Welsh. Also my grandma knitted me a blanket just the same as yours.

[@ClaireHoldich]

I love all of that info (especially the blanket!) Seriously, that is really interesting, I'll check that all out next time I watch him. And thanks for watching! 😄🙏

[@andyramos4130]

Troy Donockley (born 30 May 1964) is an English composer and multi-instrumentalist most known for his playing of Uilleann Pipes. Having performed with many artists as a session player, he is most notable as a member of Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish, which he has performed with since 2007 and joined as a full-time member in 2013. He also plays Tin Whistle, Low Whistle, Guitars, Bouzouki, Bodhrán, and does Vocals.

[@ClaireHoldich]

Thanks for the info, and for watching! 😄🙏

[@folkme3042]

I remember seeing him a few times in the late nineties/early noughties backing folk artist Maddy Prior. He really impressed me back then and I thought he'd do well for himself. Having said that, I never expected him to turn up in a metal band lol. I do love Nightwish and their unique sound though.

[@martchristy9981]

@@ClaireHoldich And also, Troy is a Yorkshireman, from just around the corner from you!

[@woodchild48]

What a pleasant reaction! More Nightwish please, this band is something very special.

[@ClaireHoldich]

Cheers Peter, if there's a specific track you'd like me to react to then do check out the pinned comment for how to send it to me. And thanks for watching! 😄🙏

[@Tarkus_]

Troy, as you now know, is English, and Nightwish's secret weapon, because he's so versatile. Floor, the lead singer, is Dutch. The rest of the band is Finnish. Really loved your reaction and analysis. Hope to see you do more Nightwish!

[@ClaireHoldich]

Thank you so much! If you have any specific performances you’d like me to react to then feel free to check out the link in the pinned comment. Thanks for watching! 😃🙏

[@bettymajoor]

​@@ClaireHoldichfrom Wembley: Seven Days To The Wolves ...

[@dazjackson1972]

Welcome aboard Claire (from a Yorkie exiled to Oldham). There's lots of variety in the music of Nightwish, so hopefully you'll find more to enjoy from this wonderful band.🇬🇧🤘🤘

[@ClaireHoldich]

Thanks Daz, I’m sure I will! 😃🤘

[@Thorgrim247]

Troy is from Cumbria. How can any sane person not talk about Floor and her amazing vocal techniques and colors. She is so rare and special. Unmatched. IMHO

[@PaulOutdoors]

Welcome Claire to my new favourite band, a band that I had not heard of until 18 months ago at the age of 56. I thought I'd heard it all but then Nightwish with Floor came along. For me "My Walden" and "Alpenglow" are real Nightwish feel good songs much like E.L.O.'s "Mr Blue Sky"... E.L.O. being my lifelong favourites now joined by Nightwish. Troy sings in Welsh at the beginning and means the following, more or less: "The sound of mist, smell of moss-grown woods, Granite, lichen, the trees and the Moon, Weaving my world into the tapestry of life". Troy is a magician. 🙏😊👍❤️

[@ClaireHoldich]

Hi Paul, great to meet you! I love ELO too. I think you'll enjoy my covers so I hope you are able to check them out. Thanks for watching and I wish you a most flutifull day! 😄🙏

[@zbygniewprlwytzkofsky6614]

Great reaction, you seem know your stuff❤ if you want to hear more Floor and Troy: Nightwish “How’s the heart” acoustically at Planet Rock, a vocal/guitar 💎

[@ClaireHoldich]

Thank you! Will do! 😄🙏

[@len2193]

Troy is such a master musician! I love how Floor weaves her voice in with his pipes and whistle too.

[@ClaireHoldich]

Couldn't agree more Len! Thanks for watching! 😄🙏

[@loutsont2985]

Hi Claire, I do agree - the low flute does integrate wonderfully with Floor. And yes, it would be hard to find an instrument better suited to this number - imagined them in my mind but didn't find a match!

[@wilburjunior9949]

That was Troy doing the introduction, his Wikipedia says he currently lives in North Yorkshire so not too far away from you. Thanks for reacting 🤘

[@ClaireHoldich]

Thanks Wilbur, yes I realised that afterwards - small world or what?! And you’re very welcome 😁🥳

[@richardwest6358]

​@@WILD35 You think that is "very heavy" ???

[@572Btriode]

😀@@richardwest6358

[@spencerbutterbaugh6104]

Young lady it was really wonderful listening to someone who knows what she is talking about. Your reactions were spot on. Thank You! Nightwish is the best all round in the world. They have it all. 1

[@ClaireHoldich]

Thank you Spencer, I hope you enjoy my other reactions too. Wishing you a Flutifull day! 😄🙏

[@45Unit]

When I first saw them I was thinking Rob Zombie meets Ann Wilson (from the group Heart). I was impressed by the sound.

[@ClaireHoldich]

Pleased to be able to introduce them to you! Thanks for watching! 😄🙏

[@FromG2eminor]

Yep, i can listen to her all day and still want more. Nightwish just has everything i love about music.

[@kevingunning7569]

Hiya Claire. Troy hails from Workington over in Cumbria, but now lives closer to you in North Yorkshire. I have recordings of him with Midge Ure, Mostly Autumn and together with Ade Edmundson in The Bad Shepherds (a folk band that travels the country performing cover-versions in their unique style). Thanks for this...kindest regards, Kevin from near Stonehenge.

[@ClaireHoldich]

Hi Kevin, wow, it seems he has worked with a really wide variety of artists then - the sign of a great, open minded musician imho. Thanks for watching and say hi to Stonehenge for me! 😄🙏

[@robertsheeler321]

Nightwish Army USA (Pa) division saying welcome to Symphonic Metal and Nightwish with the Valkyrie Queen Floor Jansen, New subscriber for that.

[@ClaireHoldich]

Why thank you and welcome! I hope you enjoy my other content - you might want to check out my cover of Sleeping Sun 😄🤘

[@helli0n824]

Hi there, another Nightwish fan here :) have anyone suggested "Alpenglow" live Wembley 2015 to you ? well, now here it is There you will find another great performance, and Troy plays a low whistle (?) solo combined with the electric guitar. A must react to for flutists, and becoming Nightwish fans ! (?) :) have fun!

[@ClaireHoldich]

Hi and thanks for the suggestion, I'll definitely check it out! 😄🙏

[@helli0n824]

i also filled out your request site ... so , see you ! =) @@ClaireHoldich

[@Mars-is4un]

🤗🍒🤘🏻😘 well done girl and welcome to the Nightwish familie

[@ClaireHoldich]

Thank you, and welcome to my flutifull world too! 😄🙏

[@nightwishlover8913]

That's Troy introducing the track - he's from Workington in Cumbria.

[@ganggreen9012]

Some suggestions, I Want My Tears Back live at Buenos Aires (or Wacken 2013) Buenos Aires has unmatched crowd interaction, Wacken has slightly better sound mix; Elan, I really like the official music video but live is good too; The Islander live at this same Tampere show, Marco with lead vocals and guitar.

[@ClaireHoldich]

Thank you, I’ll check those out! 😃🤘

[@dolla3975]

Hi! Welcome to the wonderful world of Nightwish! this song represent them in a good way, but with that said, Nightwish is extremely versatile and "no song is like an other", you are in for a big musical treat if you continue reacting to them, and then The Nightwish Army will invade your channel as a bonus for you ;)

[@ClaireHoldich]

Hi, yes I'm enjoying it already and I think the army has arrived!! Thanks foar watching! 😄🙏

[@PomLimey]

An excellent reaction! A very good use of your obvious expertise to give a detailed and articulate summary. The great joy of Nightwish is their musical diversity. From the folky feel of what you have just heard to more heavier numbers they will always keep you guessing.

[@phils866]

I concur. 🙂

[@ClaireHoldich]

Thanks, and I totally agree! 😃🙏

[@k.l.7788]

With Nightwish, you have to get use to surprises. ❤

[@nightwisharmyuk]

UK Army popping in for a great first reaction

[@ClaireHoldich]

Thanks for popping by! 😄🤘

[@philpeacock4436]

Hello from 'Ull, yes i'm from Hull, you've opened Pandora's box with NW 👍 My favourite symphonic metal band. I've been a fan since Oceanborn album. I've seen them live four times, twice at Wembley. In February, i saw Tarja, both are awesome live. Can' t wait for more NW Videos.

[@ClaireHoldich]

Hi Phil, welcome and yes, definitely more NW to come and you're welcome to check out my cover of Sleeping Sun too 😄🤘

[@philpeacock4436]

I've just heard your version, very good 👍 You might want to check out Auri (Tuomas, Troy, and Tuomas's wife). You will love it.

[@stpfs9281]

Hi Claire, not gaelic, but Welsh, Troy is from Workington, some people think that he's Irish, because of the Uilleann Pipes, this song confuses non-English speakers, not understanding a word! He is also a prankster, "Tuomas wrote Nemo, on a submarine, in 1872..."!! Jules Verne: "20,000 Leagues under the sea", also a film from Tuomas's childhood, 1954 film, Kirk Douglas, James Mason. Tuomas is a big Disney fan, if you look at his keyboard over the years, there is usually a Disney figurine, this concert it looks a bit like Groot? The cameraderie between them is fantastic!

[@ClaireHoldich]

Hi and thanks for the info - I need to go back and look for Groot!! Thanks for watching! 😄🙏

[@mkgym]

You must listen to Nightwish “last of the wilds” 2013 Wacken, its completely instrumental 🎶🎶🤟🏻🤟🏻

[@ClaireHoldich]

oh that sounds great, thank you! And thanks for watching! 😄🙏

[@TheYannir]

If you like this one, their song "Harvest" is flutes on steroids.

[@ClaireHoldich]

ooo I like the sound of that! Thanks I'll check it out! 😄🙏

[@mangalover0149]

​@@ClaireHoldichIt's also mainly Troy singing too

[@Bonovin]

Brilliant song , one of 100+ . Thank you ! Greetings from nwAse Sweden

[@ClaireHoldich]

You're welcome, thanks, and I hope you enjoy my other content 😄🙏

[@anssiroiha2267]

Try ”The Islander” from the same Tampere show 👍👍 Greetings from 🇫🇮

[@ClaireHoldich]

Thanks, I will, and thanks for watching! 😄🙏

[@ilkkak3065]

You should hear her singing phonebook...

[@ClaireHoldich]

🤣 I would actually enjoy that 😁

[@ilkkak3065]

@@ClaireHoldich Here Floor sings phonebook kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZ7NenuuZpWaZ7csi=_lbIBU3Qe-LJ__Yl

[@kimmikke_]

@@ClaireHoldich Here is a reel of that. Floor Jansen is live performing in Dutch Radio Station and they said, that some one posted to them saying, that Floor could sing the Phonebook and it would sound like the best song ever - so they asked Floor would she want to try to sing the Phonebook Yellow pages (The ads) and she did - check yourself how lovely a Phonebook can sound sang by her 😂 kzbin.infogmjIHx10g1U?si=G9igGvEBtq_l6nvV

[@Tarkus_]

@@ClaireHoldich Luckily there's a video: kzbin.infogmjIHx10g1U?si=tXgChe-2vjnfAhdU

[@ClaireHoldich]

Yep I enjoyed that!! 🤣

[@amygoodson-catlady]

Inspired by the Henry David Thoreau poem by the same name, to find one's own Walden, is to discover that place, whether a physical location or a state of mind, where you feel at one with nature; at peace within.

[@ClaireHoldich]

Wow, I didn't realise that. How wonderful, thank you! 😄🙏

[@richardwest6358]

Troy is English - Floor is Dutch - all others are from Finland. At the start Troy sings in Welsh

[@ClaireHoldich]

Thanks for the info, and yes, my mistake with the language there!

[@NickBR57]

Nice to see a British reactor. For some more pipes: try Slow, Love, Slow from Montreux Jazz Festival 2012, Swanheart which is a short intro solo pipes from Buenos Aires 2018. He also has leading roles in many others, like Elan live from Buenos Aires and Last of the Wilds from Wacken 2013. Welcome to the endlessly fascinating world of Nightwish, where you will find pretty much any style but rap and country Troy is from Workington. By the way, he plays the Irish Low Whistle in many songs, which may interest you to see more of- he also plays tin whistles.

[@ClaireHoldich]

Thanks, and thanks for the info 😄🙏

[@NickBR57]

@@ClaireHoldich More about Troy : Troy plays: Uilleann pipes, tin whistle, vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass guitar, pump organ, bouzouki, cittern, bodhrán, mandola, harmonium, aerophone On the pipes (from the documentary "please learn the setlist in 48 hours"): "You have to be slightly insane to play them. They're not easy." "Tuomas told me he'd been working on "The Eyes of Sharbat Gula" for a while without really hitting the mark. As I was listening to an early demo I thought it sounded so intriguingly hypnotic that it really didn't need explanatory lyrics. When I mentioned this to Tuomas he said it had never occurred to him to think it like that. The song became an instrumental although there are some ethereal human voices in the background." TONI: Troy, the other new member, didn't have to jump in as dramatically [as Floor], but he has become an irreplaceable part of this group, too. If there's tension in the air for some reason, Troy casts a spell and magically dispels the bad vibes. EWO: Troy radiates the kind of cheerfulness that we sulky northerners can only dream of, but I guess some of his positive attitude has rubbed off on us, too. TUOMAS on touring with Troy: We start preparing about 30 minutes before the show [New York Hammerstein 2015], each of us in his or her own way. Floor changes on her stage clothes and warms up her voice in her dressing room, while we`re warming our fingers in ours. Back in the day, I used to get scared stiff before the show - it was just nauseating, pure horror. It all changed when Troy did some kind of a hypnotic trick to me in Los Angeles in 2012. I really don't know what happened during those twenty minutes, but afterwards, I haven't really panicked before going on slage,

[@richardwest6358]

Troy seems to be able to play anything but regrets - not ice hockey

[@davidwalker6539]

Nice reaction 👌Yeah you were grooving on the whistle 🤗

[@ClaireHoldich]

😂 at this point I think people are watching my reactions just to see how I move! Which is of course fine by me! 😂

[@davidwalker6539]

@@ClaireHoldich Well not JUST of course but that's also a part of it -- seeing how you react. 👍

[@pekkakarppinen1608]

Haha, you are not the first flutist to tackle Nightwish's material. The first is a Finnish professional flutist Heline Fay, who have done also some Jethro Tull (my other favorite flute band). Anyway, welcome to Nightwish and greetings from Finland! 😎👍

[@ClaireHoldich]

hehe, yes I know Heline well, in fact she inspired my to start livestreaming! I have a few Tull covers and a reaction which I hope you will enjoy - I am a big Tull fan too! Wishing you a most flutifull day! 😄👍

[@pekkakarppinen1608]

@@ClaireHoldich Winter is coming. Very strongly recommend "The Jethro Tull Christmas Album" (2003). A little cheesy subject, but excellent music with lot's of Ian's flute (and not too much Jesse).

[@Mischnikvideos]

Nightwish is a Finnish band. Mastermind Tuomas Holopainen decided to increase the folk component in 2006 and hired the Englishman Troy Donockley for the tour in 2007. His role grew over the years and in 2013 he became a permanent member. Whistles are not an integral part of Nightwish's music. The atmosphere was only so good with Floor. Tuomas says about Floor that she has come home. Floor says about the others that she found five new brothers. In folk metal there are bands where flutes are constantly used: Rose Of Epona - ELUVEITIE Live Anniversary Festival

[@ClaireHoldich]

Great info, thanks, and I'll definitely check them out

[@bujin1977]

The lyrics in this song are in Welsh (at least, the first verse is, anyway), rather than Gaelic. And to be fair, Troy handles the pronunciation pretty well.

[@ClaireHoldich]

Ah, thanks for the correction! 😄🙏

[@johngriffin3887]

The lost language of Cumbria, where Troy comes from, is Cumbric which was a Welsh dialect. Cumbria was known as Rheged.

[@ClaireHoldich]

Ah, I didn't know that John, thanks for sharing! 😄🙏

[@Duskwind_]

Awesome reaction! I use to play the flute in high school (I changed my mind and play bass guitar and harmonica now), so I really love your take on folk instruments. Troy is from Cumbria, and also, you have a new subscriber 😊 Much love from the Nightwish army New York 🤗

[@ClaireHoldich]

Hi and welcome to my flutifull world! I hope you enjoy the rest of my content! 😄🙏

[@German_1]

Also last of the wilds at Wacken 2013

[@jaskau2462]

🤩👍💥💯🎶 🤘😎 🇫🇮 💙

[@DarrellW_UK]

Great reaction from a fellow English person 🇬🇧! Nightwish is one of my many favourite bands, I have recommendations for other Nightwish songs, also one for another of my favourites who came to the UK this year with Muse and followed them to Europe for their European tour. I was lucky to see them live! The band is called The Warning and they’re 3 sisters from Mexico (who mostly sing English). I shall fill one of your forms in and we can see what you think! 🌹

[@ClaireHoldich]

Hi Darrell, that sounds awesome, I look forward to checking them out. Wishing you a flutifull day! 😄🙏

[@DarrellW_UK]

@@ClaireHoldich thank you - the deed is done, liked and subscribed 🌹

[@richardgoddard37]

Troy is from Workington

[@darklibury]

You’d enjoy elven jig from there decades tour, it’s just a musical track, but awesome

[@ClaireHoldich]

Thanks, I'll check it out. And thanks for watching! 😄🙏

[@humphreyterveer1338]

Great review!

[@ClaireHoldich]

Thank you so much and thanks for watching! 😄🙏

[@noname-xw4uk]

🎉🎉🎉

[@FreulOnline]

Great reaction! Thank you!

[@ClaireHoldich]

You're very welcome, thank you for watching! 😄🙏

[@Drinckx2]

Good reaction Claire - enjoyed your learned perspective on both the pipe/whistle and vocals.

[@ClaireHoldich]

Thanks so much! Wishing you a most flutifull day! 😊🙏

[@juhavantanen2644]

you must also look at sonata arctica and full moon

[@reactionsaccount3955]

To see how Troy's live rig is setup, see the video below. GEAR GODS RIGGED - Nightwish kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJXLhJ6cl62LgMU

[@ClaireHoldich]

ooo that's just up my street, thank you! 😄🙏

[@marcbaur677]

Hello Claire, greetings from Germany. If you are not afraid of harsh vocals, you should react to Eluveitie - Rebirth. They are a swiss Celtic/Folk Metall Band and in this Song they have a really nice Flute Solo. And they use a Violin and a Hurdy Gurdy too. I really want to see your reaction and hear what you think about it. 😃

[@ClaireHoldich]

That sounds great, thanks for the suggestion and I'll add it to the list! 😄🙏

[@robertthurman9866]

You need to watch I Want My Tears Back from Wacken 2013. We have a guitar and uilleann pipes jam session and it works.

[@ClaireHoldich]

ooo thanks I"ll check that out! And thanks for watching! 😄🙏

[@MatsGarage]

If you want to see Floor and Troy in a duet check out the acoustic version of How's the heart. (no flute in that one tho)

[@ClaireHoldich]

I think I may have seen that - thanks for suggesting, and watching! 😄🙏

[@eiwity13]

👍👍🇳🇱🤟🤟💕🎤

[@sonet1978]

UR a absolutely English ❤🎉..I don't understand any word U say..perhaps U from Westmidlands correct if im wrong..but I love this accent..welcome to Nightwish world!;)

[@ClaireHoldich]

haha! Thanks, I'm from Lincolnshire originally and now I live in Yorkshire which are both in the North East of England

[@sonet1978]

@@ClaireHoldich..I'm spend 2 years in Birmingham.. that was crazy..I didn't understand what I learn in English lessons at school..:)))

[@German_1]

Watch the islander for flutes.

[@ClaireHoldich]

I will, thanks for the suggestion! 😄🙏

[@alexanderhall1917]

Troy a Workington boy....

[@Kelsea-2002]

Hi; I came across your channel at the right time. You love this music?Then you will immediately get a subscription from me. I'm very curious to see what other musical treats are among your videos. cu soon - Kelsea NWA Germany

[@ClaireHoldich]

Hi Kelsea and welcome! You'll find lots of flutifull things here on my channel which I hope you enjoy! Wishing you a flutifull day! 😄🙏

[@HIGHGAIN9]

More presenters spoil a reaction with the stop button to talk , than the best presenters that don't , mainly because they talk before , and after the performance . Rather than using a hatchet to chop it up .🔪

[@lauralee98]

Gaelic lyrics. Lol its Welsh. I know that is a Gaelic language but still

[@artisancans3954]

Hi Claire. Greetings from Aldbrough just up the road from you. John.

[@ClaireHoldich]

Ooo that’s very close, although I have to admit I don’t know it well I’m afraid. Thanks for watching! 😃🙏

[@duncanwyer2460]

🇬🇧 Norfolk reports for duty ,Troy is a multi instrumentalist in one interview he was asked what he couldn’t play and he said ice hockey 😂

[@ClaireHoldich]

🤣 that's British humour for you right there!

[@Doppeldropper]

Dang, I'm sure our national Finnish icehockey team could have used Troy's skills too 😁...

[@fizzyridertoo]

You've heard plenty about Nightwish and Troy's contribution so I'd like to suggest that you also check out Auri. This is a side project for Tuomas and Troy from Nightwish and Tuomas's beautiful wife Johanna. She's also Finnish but sounds very British when she talks. Lots of their tracks include flutes and anything else that Troy has hanging about at the time!

[@ClaireHoldich]

ooo thank you, I'll check that out. If you have a specific track you'd like me to look at then you can send it via the form in my pinned comment. And thanks for watching! 😄🙏