my friend who lost his battle against cancer few years ago was on point. he said. "don't go my funeral crying and weeping, celebrate my life and the end of it, play my favorite music, drink and be happy that you are still here after me". we did that.
The Greatest Show On Earth is recognized by many fans as one of the two major Nightwish masterpieces. The other is The Poet And The Pendulum (also from this Wembley 2015 concert), and it is a very personal and deeply emotional song to the band and the fans. It is recommended that you read a little bit about the background before reacting to that one (and with lyrics subtitled on the video), it will make it much more understandable.
we need more music like this. something that teaches and makes you think. this is not only art at its best, its also philosophy, understanding and knowledge. if your creation can do all that, its a masterpiece. not many bands have reached hights like this to spawn artpieces like this song. not many care to. but we need to inspire new generations that are able to think and be bright, educated people. music like this expands your horizon.
The lyrics of this song actually made go to 'Mr Google' quite a number of times with the first couple listens. Astronomy and biology are both things I've always been interested in, so of course I also recognized a lot. This 'song' represents the excitement and awe for knowledge in these fields to me. Also no surprise they are quite popular among scientists and there's a list of scientific discoveries named after Nightwish members and songs.
Aside from the musical brilliance, the subject matter is inspired by Richard Dawkins' book, The Greatest Show on Earth, which explains evolution from simplicity to complexity. This song covers the history of the Earth, from its birth out of the sun's "rubble" and its lucky position in "The Goldilocks zone" of the solar system, which enables liquid water to be able to form on the surface of the planet- and then goes on to the formation of LUCA (the Last Universal Common Ancestor) to the birth of organisms in the Devonian Sea, and then moves on to the evolution of the higher animals such as primitive human beings - and then covers the rise of civilisation, the creation of music, and finally warns of human self-destruction followed by the rise and development of dominant rodents as evolution continues and life goes cycling on, without humans.
The title of the issue is taken from a 2009 book by evolutionary biologist and atheist writer Richard Dawkins, about the evidence for biological evolution. Dawkins also contributes to the album. Holopainen explained to HMV in March 2015: "I wrote him a letter a little over a year ago and explained what ideas we had for this album, mainly about evolution. Since one of the songs goes straight to one of his books, it felt like a perfect match to try and recite him on the album. A few weeks later, he sent me an email accepting the invitation." "Later in 2014, we recorded his parts at Hats Off Studios, Oxford. This is a huge honour for us, as Dawkins is one of our greatest heroes and his writings have been a huge inspiration for the album."
If you like Pink Floid, what about Nightwish covering High Hopes? Marco(bass player) in vocals, OMG.What a nice cover!! I think that mix will satify you. Greetings from Spain
Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor....Beethoven's Fifth Symphony....Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture....Holopainen's (Nightwish's) The Greatest Show on Earth. Surely deserves a place in the annals of all time great music.
Nothing much will drag me out of my remote WV mountain fastness, but I went to NYC last year to see them do this live. They closed with it. My bucket list is complete.
Wow! I discovered them last summer after the U.S tour. Next time they tour anywhere (preferably Hungary because i love that country) i will save to go see them.
@@FromG2eminor December was when I first heard them live at Dusseldorf and my wife who is not a Nightwish fan said "That was fantastic, can we do it again" I replied yes dear they are playing in Gelsenkirchen in June we can go then, and she hummed and put it off, I mentioned it a few times again and she said lets wait there are other things we need to do, then a few days before the show she said "I have tickets to Nightwish for your 67th birthday, we are going to Gelsenkirchen" What a day and night, it was hot and the weather was sunny and the forecast clouds did not come over. We had a blast at the concert and my wife was on her feet punching the air with horns on in time to the music. Only group I have paid to go to twice, the only other group I paid to go to was Iron Maiden, and mind you I have been at a lot of concerts for work and seen some big acts over the years.
The NYC show last year was great. It was the first Nightwish show I was able to get to, and they didn't disappoint. Even in such a small venue the sound was great, and having Beast in Black open for them made it even better.
@@merqury5 "Gates of Delerium", "Close to the Edge", "Awaken" .. all fantastic epic songs from Yes. Of course their from the 70s-80s so maybe people today don't know them anymore. Ww called that "Symphonic Rock" back in the days, so for me they are more or less the ancesters of symphonic metal. Of course we can also bring "Renaissance" into the game here, since they had at least a great female singer even since their music was more folky with classical influence.
This masterpiece is played, when included in the setlist, at the very end! I saw them live about 3 weeks ago and they closed up with this! Better choice for a finale I can't imagine! It leaves your soul suspending in the universe hugged by a warm feeling of belonging and togetherness! Impeccable!
This masterpiece should be concidered among the 10 gifted compositions of all times. It has a story, a purpose....fantastic musicians...the worlds best singer to tell the story...and not to forget...the geniously Toumas Holopainen, who thinks and creates these moments and lets us to think about why we are here...my goosebumps gets goosebumps....😊
love this version of this masterpiece , but , you like your pyro & the pipes from Troy in I want my tears back, then the better version (my opinion) is the Tampere show ( you should do a reaction to that, nobody will mind, believe me)!!!!!... a stadium show, in front of their own Finnish crowd.. mind-blowing show/performance ... Enjoy 🤘🤘🤘
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This is Tuomas greatest masterpiece - makes us think about our luck of existence. I saw them live in Stockholm recently (June 3rd) and they nowadays ALWAYS end the shows with this masterpiece.
It's no coincidence that my two absolute favorite bands are Nightwish and Pink Floyd. ❤🔥❤🔥 These two bands have so much in common, whether it's the fantastic compositions or the profundity of the lyrics. Both are absolute live bands and do not play concerts, but lead perfectly organized productions. OK; Pink Floyd was once and unfortunately will never come back. This is not just any mainstream shit, but THIS is art!
As a patriotic Finn l prefer the Tampere the most epic version. This sold out Wembley arena version is also excellent with a real Richard Dawkins, but still... 😎👍
Agreed, and I hail from the USA and still have yet to see Nightwish live. Even then, I consider myself most fortunate to have discovered them, even if it was by seemingly random chance. Patty Gurdy's cover of, Over the Hills and Far Away, had something to do with it though.
@@lawrencewalston2272 I saw them live 16.6. at Kitee, Finland. Floor was very heavily pregnant, but still they delivered a full two-hour show. Now they have retired for some time. New 10th album is coming next year, but unfortunately no touring with it.
@@pekkakarppinen1608 I read, as posted by Floor, that she had collapsed from exhaustion and was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Fortunately, she and her unborn baby are okay. For now, she's stepping back from touring to focus on the last stage of her pregnancy.
I'm a huge Floyd fan longstanding, but this is another level that transcends music and theatre I absolutely love this track Love your reaction New subscriber to your personal channel.
You were wondering what it would be like to be in the audience during the absolutely beautiful first vocal part by Floor. I was there and I was furious, thanks to two very common looking bints in front of me who started yapping through it. After I asked them to stop, they said "O, sorry" and then went back to yapping again. It took me a considerable amount of selfrestraint to not dump my waterbottle over their heads after the show.
exactly why I stopped going to Iron Maiden shows a decade ago... I paid a hundred bucks to hear Bruce sing, not the closest seventy or so drunken punters
I was lucky enough to see them last year at Birmingham u.k it was a treat for me as I had worked my butt off it was truly an amazing night the only thing that spoilt it for was a woman at the side of me spent the whole show on her phone don't think she looked up once.
Now, this Wembley performance is very good, and many like it better than any other. But there are just as many within the NW Army that will tell you that the performance of this song from the Tampere concert is their favorite. Even though you have now experienced this version, I sincerely recommend that you do the Tampere version too. Irks the same song, but the presentation is different and very special because it is the last song of the last concert of their worldwide tournament; performed in Tampere, Finland - their home. It is a spectacle and you won’t regret it.
A little bit off topic but keep in mind for sometimes later: "A Lifetime Of Adventure" from Tuomas' soloproject together with his wife Johanna without NW. Something new and special...
You want to know how it is to experience this live? It is f***ing wonderful. I had the honor to see them live a few weeks ago here in Germany. It was a blast! Great location, perfect weather, met wonderful people and Nightwish was realy awesome. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to see them live before there break. Floor, the beautiful pregnant Valkyrie Godess, was amazing (she must be a truly wonderwoman to rock the stage with that baby belly, just incomprehensible!) and her guys where all outstanding too. Greatest show is their last song on the setlist.
NightWish Army Wisconsin Chapter here. Leave it to Tuomas to explain 4.5 Billion years of evolution for Earth, life and music up to current days. This song belongs in a Museum! ❤❤❤🤘🤘
Tuomas was about to make this 45 min long but shortened it to fit into an album...and in this concert version they do partial section excluding the long instrumental ending part. But isn't it a great way to teach evolution to big audience .... just like Tuomas wants to tell his ideas via music performances?! Check also the Tampere live....I think it is even better even though there is no professor on the stage. I read somewhere that they have some 600 tracks in this song....and the computer was about to die for that load. Toolmaker = human. (moment when they came in the time line). 4.6 is the first part (4,6 billion years = age of the solar system).
I now no you “get” Nightwish. You appreciate what goes into a Nightwish song. Not for them verse, chorus, bridge etc. Thuomas is a true musical genius. When I saw them last November in Wembley this song touched me deeply. I was with my wife and I had to turn away so she didn’t see me wiping away tears. Nightwish are a band that can make you feel every emotion.
As you said, everyone of the band was at more than 110% and as that's being said, we have to honour the composer and keyboardist, Tuomas Holopainen. He must be mentioned beside the greatest composers of the world.
I was about to comment about how rare this kind of band is these days - where their songs are designed like musical rollercoasters, sometimes lasting 20 minutes. And - yes - Pink Floyd was one of these "progressive rock" bands. Getting Richard Dawkins on stage was chef's kiss .. he wrote the book that this song is based on. I am a very proud owner of a hardback copy of "The Greatest Show on Earth" I'm also certain that this would have been the final song - as they all take a bow at the end, knowing that they delivered yet another terrific show!
As a band, Nightwish has a huge wow factor that very few bands have. Tuomas is a phenomenal composer and has a great band around him - talent, charisma, singing prowess and insane work ethic.
@@davidellinsworth3299 I agree, both versions are about the same and have their pros and cons. I like the Wembley one as it is better sound wise and has Richard Dawkins. But I also like the Tampere one as it is better visually as you can see everything better with it being outside in the daytime and the fireworks.
Overall Tampere version is more impressive, more on point. The audience is really important in this one, and personally I love every aspect of it more. The sound quality is minor thing in the overall performance in this one. Though I guess it's also because I'm Finnish and I get the importance of the show for Nightwish and the audience. We are usually so restrictive and calm that when you see the audience getting really hyped you just feel it so so much.
Troy Donockley is their British member who is a multi instrumentalist playing various sized whistles, The Irish bagpipes, modern and old style guitars and backing vocals. This song Troy is using a device called an E-Bow it has these magnets that vibrate sound over the pickups creating a Chello sound very cool.
When I first heard this, I too was blown away. I picked up a dictionary to learn and refamiliarize myself with many of the terms and ideas used in the beginning. I'm glad I did, it not only deepened my understanding of the song it deepened my respect for Tuomas Holopainen as a writer, producer and all of what is Nightwish. We are all fortunate to have found this great band. I'm 72 and have seen countless concerts of some of the greatest bands of the 60s, 70s and 80s but I've never seen anything like Nightwish - WHOA Try "Shudder Before the Beautiful" also from Wembley 2015
I have seen them live about 6 times. It always blows your mind! It´s a realistic journey of our time and we all get to be a part of it by this song. "We were here! " is all that will be left ....
Just leaping to the longest song. New drummer called Kai and Troy is playing the E-bow, also plays abit of everything. If you want more Troy try Last of the wilds, no Floor unfortunately.
Nightwish Army Rome, Italy, reporting... wonderful reaction and thank you, I was really wanting for your reaction on this song...😊 Every Nightwish song is a deep emotion, it's a journey... there's still a lot to discover 🎶🙏
Actually Dawkins is quoting the last paragraph of the the "Origin of Species" by Darwin. Nightwish also has two songs, "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" And "Shudder Before the Beautiful" that are both quotes taken from Darwin. Think for a moment. When you and Spencer were sitting down to listen to the "Phantom of the Opera" as performed by Nightwish, and you sat there thinking what is this shit we're going to have to listen to, did it in your wildest dreams ever think that it would lead here? BTW, Troy is playing the guitar + EBow then switching to the pipes in the intro. During the harmonies all three singers are involved, including the animal grunts. The video editor tends to avoid Floor when she is making unladylike noises. The storyline tracks the creation of the Earth to the emergence of life, to the emergence of humans, to our eventual extinction. In the middle of that is the history of music from tribal drums to Gregorian chants, to Bach, to banjos, to EDM, to Metallica. Everything including the kitchen sink, is in this song.
"Oh, here is my dude": Troy was also playing the e-bow in the intro..... as he is an amazing multi instrumentalist. Question: "Troy, what instruments do you play?" Troy: "yes" This song is the core of the trilogy consisting of the albums "Endless Forms Most Beautiful", "Human :||: Nature" and the next album that will be released in 2024. The theme: The story of our planet, evolution, us and awe. And some NW songs need background information, this one is understandable when you have the subtitles turned on (as you did), but "The Poet And The Pendulum" (same venue) really needs half an hour or so reading to know what it is about, an investment that will pay off! BTW: Do the same song from Tampere 2015, open air, evening, real fireworks and Floor again in top condition. For some nice insights in the phenomenon called Floor Jansen, watch "Floor Jansen - Interview and Reportage from Tampere" (Dutch with subtitles in English and Finnish)🙂
This song always drains me, in a very good way. I always end up in even more awe of this band. To me, this is their masterpiece. A master composer in Tuomas, and a group of dedicated artists who give their all for a performance that defies description. Evolution, explained in symphonic metal terms. What a unique and wonderful creation. I often think that, if at some time in the far, far distant future, archeologists from this planet and whatever species succeeds us, or explorers from another planet, find a copy of this work, and are able to decipher it, what a wonderful tool it will be in helping them to understand, and appreciate the heights which mankind reached.
NASA (Nightwish Army Scottish Allegiance) Great reaction Daniel to a Musical, Philosophical, Chemistry Masterclass from the Metal Mozart Tuomas and the enlightening text from Prof. Dawkins. One of the best, if not the best compositions you will ever here! Untouchable Musicianship and Vocals ❤️
This song is massive (One of the biggest songs in Nightwish) , Song about Evolution of the Universe , Earth and Life . The song title is taken from a 2009 book by evolutionary biologist and atheist writer Richard Dawkins, concerning the evidence for biological evolution. Dawkins also contributes towards the album. Holopainen explained to HMV in March 2015: "I wrote him a letter a bit more than a year ago and explained the ideas we had for this album, mainly to do with evolution. Since one of the tracks would be named directly after one of his books, it felt like a perfect match to try to get him do some reciting on the album. He sent me an email a few weeks later accepting the invitation." "Later in 2014 we then recorded his parts at Hats Off Studios, Oxford. This is a huge honor for us, since Dawkins is one of our biggest heroes and his writings have been huge inspiration for the album." [Part 1: Four point Six] The big Bang. [Part 2: Life] "We are one, We are a universe," This is the natural conclusion to draw from the fact that life shares common origin, that all life is built with the same blocks, and that all life on Earth is interdependent (gaia hypothesis). The multiplicity of beings on Earth are one, just as the cells in a body are one. [Part 3: The Toolmaker] "After a billion years, The show is still here. Not a single one of your fathers died young." Every single one of a given person's ancestors, male and female, lived past puberty at least. But "fathers" evokes "forefathers," which has a nicer storytelling ring to it than "parents." "The handy travelers Out of Africa Little Lucy of the Afar" Handymen are good with tools; travelers posessing hands rather than forefeet walk upright. Hominids originated in Africa and spread to the rest of the world from there. Lucy is a particular specimen of the Australopithecus, one of many "missing links" between modern humans and nonhuman ancestors. [Part 4: The Understanding] and [Part 5: Sea-Worn Driftwood] are best explained by Mr. Dawkins !!! WE WERE HERE !!!! That Ending gets me every time 🥲. I have witnessed this song live (my first Nightwish concert was with my son at his 11 birthday, it was overwhelming...) NWSU/FloorFan 🤘😎🤘
Reacts to Joelma when he was a member of the band Calypso live in the Amazônia (Brazil) in 2004. And then he reacts to Joelma in his solo career live in the Amazônia in 2022 (Block 1 and Block 2). She is considered the greatest performer in Brazil, and one of the few who don't use playback, her face is swollen because she contracted Covid 4 times and her blood was clotting, but even so she managed to record this DVD, like almost 50 years. From Rio de Janeiro
You have a good Nightwish journey going and this is probably a good time to give you a fun little story about Pip Williams, how the band found him. They started to work with him when they made the Once album (2004). Ghost Love Score can be found on the album. Here's a clip from their book and timeline is year 2003-04: ---------------------- From the very start, Tuomas had a strong feeling that Once had to have an orchestra, come what ever may. After finishing the recording of backing tracks, the process continued in London with the legendary producer Pip Williams at the helm. Known for his work for the likes Status Quo and Uriah Heep, Williams was responsible for the orchestrations on the album. When the Nightwish guys heard what orchestra they would be working with, their jaws hit the floor. "As Ewo and I traveled to London at the end of November to meet Pip Williams, we had no clue about the orchestra he'd gotten for us", Tuomas says. "The only thing we knew was that Williams himself would do the arrangements and that through his connections, he would hook us up with an orchestra and a choir. The first time we visited Phoenix Sound Studio, Rick Wakeman (the keyboard player of the legendary progressive rock band Yes) opened the door for us. That's when we realized we're onto something big. As we were having coffee in the studio, Pip dropped the bomb: the orchestra in question had played on The Lord of the Rings, as well as on many other Hollywood soundtracks - all recorded in this studio!" It seems that Pip Williams wanted only the best for a band he held in great respect. "I have followed the band for some time, and it's been interesting to see how they have developed. Of course Rock bands like Deep Purple have previously used orchestras, but I really feel that Nightwish have combined the best of both worlds most successfully. They are a classic Metal band with strong classical and movie-score influences in their music." "It was important for me that it would not be just about over-dubbing a few orchestral parts on top of a Rock band", Williams continues. "Tuomas' compositions were brilliant also in the sense that choir and orchestra could be added naturally, so that they don't sound pretentious or contrived. This is of utmost importance. The songs must be structured so as to allow the orchestra enough space. In the end, the results were quite emotive. Also, let us not forget just how good all the musicians in Nightwish are. They are perfectly sympathetic to Tuomas' vision. And Tarja's (1st lead singer) wonderful voice has done the songs great justice." Williams knew his orchestra well. "I have worked with most of the players on different sessions for many years. Gavin Wright is a sensitive and authoritative orchestra leader, and together with Isobel Griffiths, the orchestral contractor, we were able to secure just the right musicians for each song. Anthony Pleeth, who has the lead cellist and played solo cello on 'Kuolema tekee taiteilijan', is one such example. These guys have done many, many big movie scores, as have the wonderful Metro Voices choir, and I thought this project required the kind of grandiose performance one would find on movie soundtracks by, say, Howard Shore." Tuomas could not have been more excited about the situation. "Using the orchestra was an earthshaking experience. I only had to lie on the studio couch for two days, listening to these amazingly talented people. During the first takes, someone said into the mic, 'Are these guys really serious?'. When we began 'Ghost Love Score', a positive kind of bewilderment took over the orchestra. That, as well as 'Dark Chest of Wonders', were the first ones we recorded." Williams was equally happy with his orchestra. "These musicians are such brilliant sight readers that it wasn't necessary to do more than a couple of rehearsals. Then we'd have a take or two of each song. It all went very smoothly. After the takes, I would check that Tuomas was happy, and then we would move on. If there was anything he wanted changed, it would be dealt with in a very short time. I must say, however, that we had prepared very well - I had been constantly on the phone with Tuomas when I was writing the arrangements. Yes, I ended up making a huge phone bill! But the groundwork paid off, as only a few small alterations were necessary." Tuomas and Pip Williams immediately hit it off on a personal level. "Tuomas is sensitive, caring, very observant - he's what the English call a musical sponge", Williams commends. "It means he is always willing to try new ideas and absorbs the musical influences around him like a sponge. Tuomas always wants to learn more about music, its origins and sound. He has very firm ideas of what he is trying to achieve, but he also leaves space for those working with him to express themselves. He is humble, appreciative and approachable, one of the most talented musicians or composers I have ever worked with. I really think he would make an original and effective movie score composer, and I definetely want to collaborate with Tuomas again in the future - in fact, we're already talking about the next venture. I would also love to collaborate with him on a movie score at some point." "Many times the players would come into the control room afterwards to listen to the takes, and according to Pip, that's something that doesn't happen very often," Tuomas says. "They're usually not that interested - they just do their job and leave, but now they actually listened to the songs. At the end of the last day, as I went down to thank the orchestra, they started applauding, standing up from their seats. It was one of those great moments in life." According to Williams, a Pop or Rock artist rarely receives a standing ovation. "The musicians respected the quality of the songs and the challenge of playing such intricate and well structured music. You must remember that these guys also do simple pop sessions, songs that are very easy to play. With Nightwish, they were able to play stuff that was often as demanding as many of the classical pieces they had trained on. This was so much more than just simple 3-chord songs in 4/4 time. And let's not forget that they also had great respect for people that were prepared to take such a huge musical and financial risk, all for the sake of art! Remember, these were very expensive sessions. I'm very satisfied with my own reward for the arrangements, too." "There is alwas a degree of compromise when mixing a Metal band with a large orchestra, as it's such a huge sound, but all in all, I'm really pleased with the end result", Pip reflects. "The main thing is that we have established a great identity with Nightwish and the orchestra, and our cooperation could be even better in the future. Seriously, Once is one of the most enjoyable projects in my career, and I've done this for 35 years!"
Fantastic reaction as always. Not only is the music stunning and the group at their peak, the background visuals and light show are beautiful and meaningful. This is a decent version, however the one at Tampere, Finland at an outdoor gig, which has a fantastic firework display, choreographed with the music, makes the Tampere gig just a litle better
First of all let me say welcome to this fantastic Journey with Nightwish!! When I first got introduced to Nightwish I was told find out about the band and meaning of the lyrics in the backstory behind each one of the songs and you will appreciate the music so much more that is being written and composed and executed beautifully by every gifted musicians in Nightwish
Whilst I do not subscribe to the "Theory of Evolution" I wholeheartedly subscribe to this musical masterpiece that is the Greatest Show on Earth performed live by the Greatest Band on Earth. 🙏😊👍❤️
I know someone who was actually at this particular concert, we went to see Nightwish at Wembley last year, this would be the end of the concert as it was in November, I walked out of that concert utterly dumb struck at what I'd experienced, from Floor's voice to the band's musicianship it was a night I won't soon forget.
Troy Donockley was playing guitar during the intro with what is called a T-Bow. It attaches to his finger and can cause the vibration to get unique sounds like a whale or a cello, and so on. Troy is an English composer and multi-instrumentalist most known for his playing of Uilleann pipes and Whistles in Nightwish. He also sings backup.
One of the best reactions to this I've enjoyed. You hit the nail on the head with the story and meaning....I am going to enjoy Nightwish all over again with you for the umpteenth time! Thanks Daniel.
Extraordinary piece of music! Tuomas is An GREAT composer 🎼 🎹 This gave me goosebumps!! The biggest source of inspiration: Miracle of LIFE 🤍🌿🌏 Such an amazing way to close a show and tour!! The song ✨ brilliant. We Were Here. 🎆🔥🎇 Thank you very much 🌻🇳🇱
And just like that--mind blown and another lifelong fan is born ! Welcome to the army of people who get it -the magic of Nightwish ! They are The Best !!!
Total with u on the PF comparative. Genre aside, like Floyd and now Ren, they are always different, always clearly them, and always good with just varying degrees of brilliance
This masterpiece should be shown in each shool and university at the beginning of the lessons in biology, ethnic and politics. Guess how students would get interested in the stuff of evolution, pollution and human selfdestruction. My deep thanks go out to Richard Dawkins and Tuomas, who was able to translate this thoughts of a great scientist into beautiful lyrics and music ,as well as to all of the band members giving all their heart to realize it on stage. Not to forget the crew who designed it.
I heard this masterpiece so many times on RUclips but was lucky to see their concert in Gelsenkirchen a few weeks ago. Being there and experience this live is even so much more impressive❤
I’ve been listening to them since Tarja was their front woman , don’t take anything away from that era but, Floor vocals just put them on another level , I want to see them live so bad!!!
A fuck, I got so emotional towards the end. I never saw this performance before, usually the other one. I can't believe how it again just makes me feel this feeling like the first time I heard the song. Damn OH SHIT AND THIS WAS EVEN BEFORE I SAW DAWKINS. OMG THAT WAS AMAZING holy dicks, this was so good.
What a great reaction. You clearly "Got It" so to speak. I've seen and heard this a hundred times. Saw it live in Stockholm in the three or four weeks ago. I did get the overall meaning on the first listen (off course I had read about it in different comment sections) and I loved it. But there was some words unfamiliar to me so I search for them and what they meant in this context and man was I blown away. Tuomas genius is floating over the whole experince like a warm blanket. How is it possible to master both the musical composition and the poetic language at this level? It fills me with a sence of being complete. And I'm only the listener. I see that You're proposed to listen to the Tampere verion. Go ahead and do it if you find the time. To me the both versions are equally good but slightly diferrent intros. Devil and the deep dark ocean from Buenos Aires is another favourite of mine. Check it out ruclips.net/video/t26r_vAYQ0Q/видео.html
This is not just good music.....it is a religion. A positive admiring thankfull kind of religion. Play this to every highschool student at the start of the semester biology lessons. It will change mankind and prevent ratkind. This really is the most beautifull peace of music and education ever written and performed.
Pretty good reaction.....and thanks for leaving the RED bar across the bottom of the video to distract us. Just kidding, a little. When you go back to listen to this again, pay special attention to the TOOLMAKER beginning, where you were liking the grunts. There IS a growl, deep and fierce. Yes, it was Floor. This was the last composition performed at the concert. It was a 2 hour concert. I am still amazed how Floor's voice was as strong as the first song. One of, if not the best LIVE bands ever. I got to see them in NYC 2022, and it was amazing. Because of Covid cancellations, I had sat on the tickets for 2 years. Well worth the wait!!
The greatest show on earth, as depicted in Nightwish's song, is a mesmerizing masterpiece that captures the true essence of the band. Now is the moment when you truly grasp the magnitude and fascination of Nightwish's artistry. It's an incredible feat that you were able to comprehend the lyrics so quickly, considering the vast array of events that unfold throughout this piece. Each time I listen to this song, I discover something new, unveiling a fresh twist that adds to its allure. The message of "we were here" sends shivers down my spine. Combined with the profound lyrics, this message is almost incomprehensible in its reality. It's incredibly captivating. Experiencing this spectacle live is truly a grand affair, akin to witnessing a larger-than-life cinematic production. It's an opportunity that leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of our privileged place among the chosen few. Many never get to experience such a privilege, so it's essential to make the most of it. In conclusion, this message from Nightwish leaves an indelible mark. Once you become aware that you are, in a way, part of the chosen few, it becomes a privilege that not many have received. Therefore, it's crucial to seize and embrace it. 🏆‼️👍
Nightwish Army south Brittany France reporting. Enter Luca Enter Life Enter the god of gaps Enter Ionia Enter History Enter Ratkind Enter Sandman Troy was playing the opening guitar with an E-bow. The tool maker, man making fire and weapons, communication and team work, becoming the hunter. When my father died i was expected to speak at his funeral, i guess people expected a prayer, as an atheist i wasn't going to do that, I read the "we are going to die" part from Richard Dawkins.
It's a lovely passage to read. I want it at my funeral. I've already decided that my funeral song will be the last 7 or so minutes of this song. I've always wanted the theme of my funeral to be "don't mourn the fact that I'm gone, celebrate the fact that I was here", and this song does it perfectly.
My dude, if this song doesn’t make you feel GREAT about the simple fact of your existence, nothing will! Loved the reaction! My face was about the same for the first 10 or so listen-throughs.
![Twenty One Pilots - “The Line” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E2Rj2gQAyPA/mqdefault.jpg)
It's not a gig or a concert. It's an experience, a theatrical musical production. Talk about musicianship and arrangement. Wow. Thanks daniel
The Wembly version is much more dynamic IMO
im 60 its my favourite song all time!
Nightwish..shoemaker song..also.legend..
✌️🤟
I concur
I concur
Yes! Do the live version of shoemaker at Hellfest, it is beautiful!!
I concur
my friend who lost his battle against cancer few years ago was on point. he said. "don't go my funeral crying and weeping, celebrate my life and the end of it, play my favorite music, drink and be happy that you are still here after me". we did that.
I love how they say "sing with us" and then floor belts an impossible note.
"Well, come on then! The Queen says sing!" lol
😂😂😂
Did a same thing, " raskasta joulua oi juhlayö floor jansen", finnish word " kaikki", means everybody. 😂
Well, she did say "with" ...not "like" :)
The Greatest Show On Earth is recognized by many fans as one of the two major Nightwish masterpieces. The other is The Poet And The Pendulum (also from this Wembley 2015 concert), and it is a very personal and deeply emotional song to the band and the fans. It is recommended that you read a little bit about the background before reacting to that one (and with lyrics subtitled on the video), it will make it much more understandable.
Both get me emotional at the end, but for totally different reasons.
we need more music like this. something that teaches and makes you think. this is not only art at its best, its also philosophy, understanding and knowledge. if your creation can do all that, its a masterpiece. not many bands have reached hights like this to spawn artpieces like this song. not many care to. but we need to inspire new generations that are able to think and be bright, educated people. music like this expands your horizon.
This is a beautiful comment! ❤
The lyrics of this song actually made go to 'Mr Google' quite a number of times with the first couple listens. Astronomy and biology are both things I've always been interested in, so of course I also recognized a lot. This 'song' represents the excitement and awe for knowledge in these fields to me. Also no surprise they are quite popular among scientists and there's a list of scientific discoveries named after Nightwish members and songs.
Aside from the musical brilliance, the subject matter is inspired by Richard Dawkins' book, The Greatest Show on Earth, which explains evolution from simplicity to complexity. This song covers the history of the Earth, from its birth out of the sun's "rubble" and its lucky position in "The Goldilocks zone" of the solar system, which enables liquid water to be able to form on the surface of the planet- and then goes on to the formation of LUCA (the Last Universal Common Ancestor) to the birth of organisms in the Devonian Sea, and then moves on to the evolution of the higher animals such as primitive human beings - and then covers the rise of civilisation, the creation of music, and finally warns of human self-destruction followed by the rise and development of dominant rodents as evolution continues and life goes cycling on, without humans.
Best short summary I`ve heard so far👍🤘
Kai's drumming is the key, he holds all of this together.
The title of the issue is taken from a 2009 book by evolutionary biologist and atheist writer Richard Dawkins, about the evidence for biological evolution. Dawkins also contributes to the album. Holopainen explained to HMV in March 2015: "I wrote him a letter a little over a year ago and explained what ideas we had for this album, mainly about evolution. Since one of the songs goes straight to one of his books, it felt like a perfect match to try and recite him on the album. A few weeks later, he sent me an email accepting the invitation."
"Later in 2014, we recorded his parts at Hats Off Studios, Oxford. This is a huge honour for us, as Dawkins is one of our greatest heroes and his writings have been a huge inspiration for the album."
If you like Pink Floid, what about Nightwish covering High Hopes? Marco(bass player) in vocals, OMG.What a nice cover!! I think that mix will satify you. Greetings from Spain
He did High Hopes a few days ago 😃👍🏼check it out, it is a good one 😃
Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor....Beethoven's Fifth Symphony....Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture....Holopainen's (Nightwish's) The Greatest Show on Earth. Surely deserves a place in the annals of all time great music.
Nothing much will drag me out of my remote WV mountain fastness, but I went to NYC last year to see them do this live. They closed with it. My bucket list is complete.
Wow! I discovered them last summer after the U.S tour. Next time they tour anywhere (preferably Hungary because i love that country) i will save to go see them.
@@FromG2eminor December was when I first heard them live at Dusseldorf and my wife who is not a Nightwish fan said "That was fantastic, can we do it again" I replied yes dear they are playing in Gelsenkirchen in June we can go then, and she hummed and put it off, I mentioned it a few times again and she said lets wait there are other things we need to do, then a few days before the show she said "I have tickets to Nightwish for your 67th birthday, we are going to Gelsenkirchen" What a day and night, it was hot and the weather was sunny and the forecast clouds did not come over. We had a blast at the concert and my wife was on her feet punching the air with horns on in time to the music.
Only group I have paid to go to twice, the only other group I paid to go to was Iron Maiden, and mind you I have been at a lot of concerts for work and seen some big acts over the years.
@@Alicatt1you're wife is a keeper, good on her for doing that .
The NYC show last year was great. It was the first Nightwish show I was able to get to, and they didn't disappoint. Even in such a small venue the sound was great, and having Beast in Black open for them made it even better.
@@tonycardone990 i was there to bro ....amazing show .
No band before or after could do this masterpiece its mind boggling their talent
Dream Theater is the other one. Six degrees of inner turbulence.
@@merqury5 "Gates of Delerium", "Close to the Edge", "Awaken" .. all fantastic epic songs from Yes. Of course their from the 70s-80s so maybe people today don't know them anymore.
Ww called that "Symphonic Rock" back in the days, so for me they are more or less the ancesters of symphonic metal. Of course we can also bring "Renaissance" into the game here, since they had at least a great female singer even since their music was more folky with classical influence.
@@merqury5 Btw.: Dream Theater even covered some Yes songs now and then :
ruclips.net/video/fGYOZAQSLL4/видео.html
Never ceases to boggle my mind.
This masterpiece is played, when included in the setlist, at the very end! I saw them live about 3 weeks ago and they closed up with this! Better choice for a finale I can't imagine! It leaves your soul suspending in the universe hugged by a warm feeling of belonging and togetherness! Impeccable!
This masterpiece should be concidered among the 10 gifted compositions of all times. It has a story, a purpose....fantastic musicians...the worlds best singer to tell the story...and not to forget...the geniously Toumas Holopainen, who thinks and creates these moments and lets us to think about why we are here...my goosebumps gets goosebumps....😊
love this version of this masterpiece , but , you like your pyro & the pipes from Troy in I want my tears back, then the better version (my opinion) is the Tampere show ( you should do a reaction to that, nobody will mind, believe me)!!!!!... a stadium show, in front of their own Finnish crowd.. mind-blowing show/performance ... Enjoy 🤘🤘🤘
This is Tuomas greatest masterpiece - makes us think about our luck of existence. I saw them live in Stockholm recently (June 3rd) and they nowadays ALWAYS end the shows with this masterpiece.
It's no coincidence that my two absolute favorite bands are Nightwish and Pink Floyd. ❤🔥❤🔥
These two bands have so much in common, whether it's the fantastic compositions or the profundity of the lyrics. Both are absolute live bands and do not play concerts, but lead perfectly organized productions. OK; Pink Floyd was once and unfortunately will never come back.
This is not just any mainstream shit, but THIS is art!
As a patriotic Finn l prefer the Tampere the most epic version. This sold out Wembley arena version is also excellent with a real Richard Dawkins, but still... 😎👍
Agreed, and I hail from the USA and still have yet to see Nightwish live. Even then, I consider myself most fortunate to have discovered them, even if it was by seemingly random chance. Patty Gurdy's cover of, Over the Hills and Far Away, had something to do with it though.
@@lawrencewalston2272 I saw them live 16.6. at Kitee, Finland. Floor was very heavily pregnant, but still they delivered a full two-hour show. Now they have retired for some time. New 10th album is coming next year, but unfortunately no touring with it.
@@pekkakarppinen1608 I read, as posted by Floor, that she had collapsed from exhaustion and was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Fortunately, she and her unborn baby are okay. For now, she's stepping back from touring to focus on the last stage of her pregnancy.
@@lawrencewalston2272 Yes, this happened after the Vaasa show (17.6.). My friend who was there, reported that she didn't look too well in the end.
Agreed on all points 👍
the girl in the audience is a LEGEND
I'm a huge Floyd fan longstanding, but this is another level that transcends music and theatre
I absolutely love this track
Love your reaction
New subscriber to your personal channel.
You were wondering what it would be like to be in the audience during the absolutely beautiful first vocal part by Floor. I was there and I was furious, thanks to two very common looking bints in front of me who started yapping through it. After I asked them to stop, they said "O, sorry" and then went back to yapping again. It took me a considerable amount of selfrestraint to not dump my waterbottle over their heads after the show.
exactly why I stopped going to Iron Maiden shows a decade ago... I paid a hundred bucks to hear Bruce sing, not the closest seventy or so drunken punters
I was lucky enough to see them last year at Birmingham u.k it was a treat for me as I had worked my butt off it was truly an amazing night the only thing that spoilt it for was a woman at the side of me spent the whole show on her phone don't think she looked up once.
Now, this Wembley performance is very good, and many like it better than any other. But there are just as many within the NW Army that will tell you that the performance of this song from the Tampere concert is their favorite. Even though you have now experienced this version, I sincerely recommend that you do the Tampere version too. Irks the same song, but the presentation is different and very special because it is the last song of the last concert of their worldwide tournament; performed in Tampere, Finland - their home. It is a spectacle and you won’t regret it.
A little bit off topic but keep in mind for sometimes later: "A Lifetime Of Adventure" from Tuomas' soloproject together with his wife Johanna without NW. Something new and special...
i concur
You want to know how it is to experience this live? It is f***ing wonderful. I had the honor to see them live a few weeks ago here in Germany. It was a blast! Great location, perfect weather, met wonderful people and Nightwish was realy awesome. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to see them live before there break. Floor, the beautiful pregnant Valkyrie Godess, was amazing (she must be a truly wonderwoman to rock the stage with that baby belly, just incomprehensible!) and her guys where all outstanding too. Greatest show is their last song on the setlist.
I was there also and agree with you 100%❤
I was in Gelsenkirchen also and it was amazing. And a very beautiful location. People rocking on the ships passing by in the background 🥰
NightWish Army Wisconsin Chapter here. Leave it to Tuomas to explain 4.5 Billion years of evolution for Earth, life and music up to current days. This song belongs in a Museum! ❤❤❤🤘🤘
Tuomas was about to make this 45 min long but shortened it to fit into an album...and in this concert version they do partial section excluding the long instrumental ending part. But isn't it a great way to teach evolution to big audience .... just like Tuomas wants to tell his ideas via music performances?! Check also the Tampere live....I think it is even better even though there is no professor on the stage. I read somewhere that they have some 600 tracks in this song....and the computer was about to die for that load. Toolmaker = human. (moment when they came in the time line). 4.6 is the first part (4,6 billion years = age of the solar system).
I now no you “get” Nightwish. You appreciate what goes into a Nightwish song. Not for them verse, chorus, bridge etc. Thuomas is a true musical genius.
When I saw them last November in Wembley this song touched me deeply. I was with my wife and I had to turn away so she didn’t see me wiping away tears.
Nightwish are a band that can make you feel every emotion.
I was lucky enough to be at this show, absolutely amazing😁
fyi about 90-95% of all Nightwish music/lyrics is written by Tuomas (keyboards)
As you said, everyone of the band was at more than 110% and as that's being said, we have to honour the composer and keyboardist, Tuomas Holopainen. He must be mentioned beside the greatest composers of the world.
I was about to comment about how rare this kind of band is these days - where their songs are designed like musical rollercoasters, sometimes lasting 20 minutes.
And - yes - Pink Floyd was one of these "progressive rock" bands.
Getting Richard Dawkins on stage was chef's kiss .. he wrote the book that this song is based on. I am a very proud owner of a hardback copy of "The Greatest Show on Earth"
I'm also certain that this would have been the final song - as they all take a bow at the end, knowing that they delivered yet another terrific show!
THE GREATEST BAND ON EARTH
As a band, Nightwish has a huge wow factor that very few bands have. Tuomas is a phenomenal composer and has a great band around him - talent, charisma, singing prowess and insane work ethic.
Dawkins is worth a read/listen, he's consistently insightful and thought provoking.
Now you need to listen to the Tampere version from 2015, it's even better and you're definitely love all the pyro. 🔥🔥🔥
It's only better visually imo. Sound wise, Wembley is massively superior
I agree the sound at the Wembley concert is far superior to Tampere
@@davidellinsworth3299 I agree, both versions are about the same and have their pros and cons. I like the Wembley one as it is better sound wise and has Richard Dawkins. But I also like the Tampere one as it is better visually as you can see everything better with it being outside in the daytime and the fireworks.
i concur
Overall Tampere version is more impressive, more on point. The audience is really important in this one, and personally I love every aspect of it more. The sound quality is minor thing in the overall performance in this one. Though I guess it's also because I'm Finnish and I get the importance of the show for Nightwish and the audience. We are usually so restrictive and calm that when you see the audience getting really hyped you just feel it so so much.
Troy Donockley is their British member who is a multi instrumentalist playing various sized whistles, The Irish bagpipes, modern and old style guitars and backing vocals. This song Troy is using a device called an E-Bow it has these magnets that vibrate sound over the pickups creating a Chello sound very cool.
P.s. like Pink Floyd then check out end of an ara concert Marko leads the singing as Nightwish tributes the song High Hopes
Ive been lucky enough to see them perform this live , what a song and an absolutely awesome way to end a show .gives me tears every time amazing x
When I first heard this, I too was blown away. I picked up a dictionary to learn and refamiliarize myself with many of the terms and ideas used in the beginning. I'm glad I did, it not only deepened my understanding of the song it deepened my respect for Tuomas Holopainen as a writer, producer and all of what is Nightwish. We are all fortunate to have found this great band. I'm 72 and have seen countless concerts of some of the greatest bands of the 60s, 70s and 80s but I've never seen anything like Nightwish - WHOA
Try "Shudder Before the Beautiful" also from Wembley 2015
ditto !
I concur
I have seen them live about 6 times. It always blows your mind! It´s a realistic journey of our time and we all get to be a part of it by this song. "We were here! " is all that will be left ....
Just leaping to the longest song. New drummer called Kai and Troy is playing the E-bow, also plays abit of everything. If you want more Troy try Last of the wilds, no Floor unfortunately.
Nightwish Army Rome, Italy, reporting... wonderful reaction and thank you, I was really wanting for your reaction on this song...😊 Every Nightwish song is a deep emotion, it's a journey... there's still a lot to discover 🎶🙏
Absolute masterpiece. I've seen/heard this thousands of times and every single time I'm speechless when it comes to an end
Actually Dawkins is quoting the last paragraph of the the "Origin of Species" by Darwin. Nightwish also has two songs, "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" And "Shudder Before the Beautiful" that are both quotes taken from Darwin.
Think for a moment. When you and Spencer were sitting down to listen to the "Phantom of the Opera" as performed by Nightwish, and you sat there thinking what is this shit we're going to have to listen to, did it in your wildest dreams ever think that it would lead here?
BTW, Troy is playing the guitar + EBow then switching to the pipes in the intro. During the harmonies all three singers are involved, including the animal grunts. The video editor tends to avoid Floor when she is making unladylike noises.
The storyline tracks the creation of the Earth to the emergence of life, to the emergence of humans, to our eventual extinction. In the middle of that is the history of music from tribal drums to Gregorian chants, to Bach, to banjos, to EDM, to Metallica. Everything including the kitchen sink, is in this song.
"Oh, here is my dude": Troy was also playing the e-bow in the intro..... as he is an amazing multi instrumentalist.
Question: "Troy, what instruments do you play?"
Troy: "yes"
This song is the core of the trilogy consisting of the albums "Endless Forms Most Beautiful", "Human :||: Nature" and the next album that will be released in 2024. The theme: The story of our planet, evolution, us and awe.
And some NW songs need background information, this one is understandable when you have the subtitles turned on (as you did), but "The Poet And The Pendulum" (same venue) really needs half an hour or so reading to know what it is about, an investment that will pay off!
BTW: Do the same song from Tampere 2015, open air, evening, real fireworks and Floor again in top condition. For some nice insights in the phenomenon called Floor Jansen, watch "Floor Jansen - Interview and Reportage from Tampere" (Dutch with subtitles in English and Finnish)🙂
This song always drains me, in a very good way. I always end up in even more awe of this band. To me, this is their masterpiece. A master composer in Tuomas, and a group of dedicated artists who give their all for a performance that defies description. Evolution, explained in symphonic metal terms. What a unique and wonderful creation. I often think that, if at some time in the far, far distant future, archeologists from this planet and whatever species succeeds us, or explorers from another planet, find a copy of this work, and are able to decipher it, what a wonderful tool it will be in helping them to understand, and appreciate the heights which mankind reached.
An almost poetic comment. Nice!!!!
I concur
This masterpiece must be the anthem of earth and mankind!
NASA (Nightwish Army Scottish Allegiance) Great reaction Daniel to a Musical, Philosophical, Chemistry Masterclass from the Metal Mozart Tuomas and the enlightening text from Prof. Dawkins. One of the best, if not the best compositions you will ever here! Untouchable Musicianship and Vocals ❤️
This song is massive (One of the biggest songs in Nightwish) , Song about Evolution of the Universe , Earth and Life .
The song title is taken from a 2009 book by evolutionary biologist and atheist writer Richard Dawkins, concerning the evidence for biological evolution. Dawkins also contributes towards the album. Holopainen explained to HMV in March 2015: "I wrote him a letter a bit more than a year ago and explained the ideas we had for this album, mainly to do with evolution. Since one of the tracks would be named directly after one of his books, it felt like a perfect match to try to get him do some reciting on the album. He sent me an email a few weeks later accepting the invitation."
"Later in 2014 we then recorded his parts at Hats Off Studios, Oxford. This is a huge honor for us, since Dawkins is one of our biggest heroes and his writings have been huge inspiration for the album."
[Part 1: Four point Six] The big Bang.
[Part 2: Life] "We are one, We are a universe,"
This is the natural conclusion to draw from the fact that life shares common origin, that all life is built with the same blocks, and that all life on Earth is interdependent (gaia hypothesis). The multiplicity of beings on Earth are one, just as the cells in a body are one.
[Part 3: The Toolmaker] "After a billion years, The show is still here. Not a single one of your fathers died young."
Every single one of a given person's ancestors, male and female, lived past puberty at least. But "fathers" evokes "forefathers," which has a nicer storytelling ring to it than "parents."
"The handy travelers Out of Africa Little Lucy of the Afar"
Handymen are good with tools; travelers posessing hands rather than forefeet walk upright. Hominids originated in Africa and spread to the rest of the world from there. Lucy is a particular specimen of the Australopithecus, one of many "missing links" between modern humans and nonhuman ancestors.
[Part 4: The Understanding] and [Part 5: Sea-Worn Driftwood] are best explained by Mr. Dawkins !!!
WE WERE HERE !!!! That Ending gets me every time 🥲.
I have witnessed this song live (my first Nightwish concert was with my son at his 11 birthday, it was overwhelming...)
NWSU/FloorFan 🤘😎🤘
Reacts to Joelma when he was a member of the band Calypso live in the Amazônia (Brazil) in 2004. And then he reacts to Joelma in his solo career live in the Amazônia in 2022 (Block 1 and Block 2). She is considered the greatest performer in Brazil, and one of the few who don't use playback, her face is swollen because she contracted Covid 4 times and her blood was clotting, but even so she managed to record this DVD, like almost 50 years.
From Rio de Janeiro
You have a good Nightwish journey going and this is probably a good time to give you a fun little story about Pip Williams, how the band found him. They started to work with him when they made the Once album (2004). Ghost Love Score can be found on the album. Here's a clip from their book and timeline is year 2003-04:
----------------------
From the very start, Tuomas had a strong feeling that Once had to have an orchestra, come what ever may. After finishing the recording of backing tracks, the process continued in London with the legendary producer Pip Williams at the helm. Known for his work for the likes Status Quo and Uriah Heep, Williams was responsible for the orchestrations on the album.
When the Nightwish guys heard what orchestra they would be working with, their jaws hit the floor. "As Ewo and I traveled to London at the end of November to meet Pip Williams, we had no clue about the orchestra he'd gotten for us", Tuomas says. "The only thing we knew was that Williams himself would do the arrangements and that through his connections, he would hook us up with an orchestra and a choir. The first time we visited Phoenix Sound Studio, Rick Wakeman (the keyboard player of the legendary progressive rock band Yes) opened the door for us. That's when we realized we're onto something big. As we were having coffee in the studio, Pip dropped the bomb: the orchestra in question had played on The Lord of the Rings, as well as on many other Hollywood soundtracks - all recorded in this studio!"
It seems that Pip Williams wanted only the best for a band he held in great respect. "I have followed the band for some time, and it's been interesting to see how they have developed. Of course Rock bands like Deep Purple have previously used orchestras, but I really feel that Nightwish have combined the best of both worlds most successfully. They are a classic Metal band with strong classical and movie-score influences in their music."
"It was important for me that it would not be just about over-dubbing a few orchestral parts on top of a Rock band", Williams continues. "Tuomas' compositions were brilliant also in the sense that choir and orchestra could be added naturally, so that they don't sound pretentious or contrived. This is of utmost importance. The songs must be structured so as to allow the orchestra enough space. In the end, the results were quite emotive. Also, let us not forget just how good all the musicians in Nightwish are. They are perfectly sympathetic to Tuomas' vision. And Tarja's (1st lead singer) wonderful voice has done the songs great justice."
Williams knew his orchestra well. "I have worked with most of the players on different sessions for many years. Gavin Wright is a sensitive and authoritative orchestra leader, and together with Isobel Griffiths, the orchestral contractor, we were able to secure just the right musicians for each song. Anthony Pleeth, who has the lead cellist and played solo cello on 'Kuolema tekee taiteilijan', is one such example. These guys have done many, many big movie scores, as have the wonderful Metro Voices choir, and I thought this project required the kind of grandiose performance one would find on movie soundtracks by, say, Howard Shore."
Tuomas could not have been more excited about the situation. "Using the orchestra was an earthshaking experience. I only had to lie on the studio couch for two days, listening to these amazingly talented people. During the first takes, someone said into the mic, 'Are these guys really serious?'. When we began 'Ghost Love Score', a positive kind of bewilderment took over the orchestra. That, as well as 'Dark Chest of Wonders', were the first ones we recorded."
Williams was equally happy with his orchestra. "These musicians are such brilliant sight readers that it wasn't necessary to do more than a couple of rehearsals. Then we'd have a take or two of each song. It all went very smoothly. After the takes, I would check that Tuomas was happy, and then we would move on. If there was anything he wanted changed, it would be dealt with in a very short time. I must say, however, that we had prepared very well - I had been constantly on the phone with Tuomas when I was writing the arrangements. Yes, I ended up making a huge phone bill! But the groundwork paid off, as only a few small alterations were necessary."
Tuomas and Pip Williams immediately hit it off on a personal level. "Tuomas is sensitive, caring, very observant - he's what the English call a musical sponge", Williams commends. "It means he is always willing to try new ideas and absorbs the musical influences around him like a sponge. Tuomas always wants to learn more about music, its origins and sound. He has very firm ideas of what he is trying to achieve, but he also leaves space for those working with him to express themselves. He is humble, appreciative and approachable, one of the most talented musicians or composers I have ever worked with. I really think he would make an original and effective movie score composer, and I definetely want to collaborate with Tuomas again in the future - in fact, we're already talking about the next venture. I would also love to collaborate with him on a movie score at some point."
"Many times the players would come into the control room afterwards to listen to the takes, and according to Pip, that's something that doesn't happen very often," Tuomas says. "They're usually not that interested - they just do their job and leave, but now they actually listened to the songs. At the end of the last day, as I went down to thank the orchestra, they started applauding, standing up from their seats. It was one of those great moments in life."
According to Williams, a Pop or Rock artist rarely receives a standing ovation. "The musicians respected the quality of the songs and the challenge of playing such intricate and well structured music. You must remember that these guys also do simple pop sessions, songs that are very easy to play. With Nightwish, they were able to play stuff that was often as demanding as many of the classical pieces they had trained on. This was so much more than just simple 3-chord songs in 4/4 time. And let's not forget that they also had great respect for people that were prepared to take such a huge musical and financial risk, all for the sake of art! Remember, these were very expensive sessions. I'm very satisfied with my own reward for the arrangements, too."
"There is alwas a degree of compromise when mixing a Metal band with a large orchestra, as it's such a huge sound, but all in all, I'm really pleased with the end result", Pip reflects. "The main thing is that we have established a great identity with Nightwish and the orchestra, and our cooperation could be even better in the future. Seriously, Once is one of the most enjoyable projects in my career, and I've done this for 35 years!"
Fantastic reaction as always. Not only is the music stunning and the group at their peak, the background visuals and light show are beautiful and meaningful. This is a decent version, however the one at Tampere, Finland at an outdoor gig, which has a fantastic firework display, choreographed with the music, makes the Tampere gig just a litle better
Loving your Journey with Nightwish. It's one hell of a Rabbit Hole 🤘 New Jersey Chapter
Beautiful reaction
First of all let me say welcome to this fantastic Journey with Nightwish!! When I first got introduced to Nightwish I was told find out about the band and meaning of the lyrics in the backstory behind each one of the songs and you will appreciate the music so much more that is being written and composed and executed beautifully by every gifted musicians in Nightwish
Whilst I do not subscribe to the "Theory of Evolution" I wholeheartedly subscribe to this musical masterpiece that is the Greatest Show on Earth performed live by the Greatest Band on Earth. 🙏😊👍❤️
High Hopes...Nightwish, you will not be disappointed. Enjoy.
I've watched a few reactions to this version but this is my favourite. Thanks Daniel for a great reaction to this wonderful performance.
i watched this live in november it was an awsome concert everything they did was great .
I know someone who was actually at this particular concert, we went to see Nightwish at Wembley last year, this would be the end of the concert as it was in November, I walked out of that concert utterly dumb struck at what I'd experienced, from Floor's voice to the band's musicianship it was a night I won't soon forget.
I was there too 🌷🌷🌷
Troy Donockley was playing guitar during the intro with what is called a T-Bow. It attaches to his finger and can cause the vibration to get unique sounds like a whale or a cello, and so on. Troy is an English composer and multi-instrumentalist most known for his playing of Uilleann pipes and Whistles in Nightwish. He also sings backup.
E-Bow
this is how we treated our planet and how its seen through the eyes of richard dawkins tuomas made this production with a lot of symbolisme
One of the best reactions to this I've enjoyed. You hit the nail on the head with the story and meaning....I am going to enjoy Nightwish all over again with you for the umpteenth time! Thanks Daniel.
this band deserves a god damn nobel peace price for this song
THIS IS THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH love this
I was at this concert and having been to so many concerts and seen many different bands this concert remains as on of my favourites
This version - good choice🤘👍
Extraordinary piece of music!
Tuomas is An GREAT
composer 🎼 🎹
This gave me goosebumps!!
The biggest source of inspiration: Miracle of LIFE 🤍🌿🌏
Such an amazing way to close a show and tour!!
The song ✨ brilliant.
We Were Here. 🎆🔥🎇
Thank you very much 🌻🇳🇱
And just like that--mind blown and another lifelong fan is born ! Welcome to the army of people who get it -the magic of Nightwish ! They are The Best !!!
Literally greatest show on earth.
The Masterpiece 💕🎶🔥
It simply doesn't get any better than that, with the possible exception of the Tampere version of this unbelievable masterpiece 🤘
Masterpiece. Gets better every time I hear it
Total with u on the PF comparative. Genre aside, like Floyd and now Ren, they are always different, always clearly them, and always good with just varying degrees of brilliance
It is impressive enough just for someone to have even conceived of this. To then actually realize it at that level is something else...
even after 100s of times hearing this , it still feels fresh ! glad you shares this reaction!
wonderful reaction, thanks from Colorado. one of the best songs ever written
Nightwish allways make greatest shows! They are realy hot everytime! By the way, I watched this video a while ago, but I agree that it's a great show!
This masterpiece should be shown in each shool and university at the beginning of the lessons in biology, ethnic and politics. Guess how students would get interested in the stuff of evolution, pollution and human selfdestruction. My deep thanks go out to Richard Dawkins and Tuomas, who was able to translate this thoughts of a great scientist into beautiful lyrics and music ,as well as to all of the band members giving all their heart to realize it on stage. Not to forget the crew who designed it.
UK Army popping in to say WE WERE HERE
That little riff u liked is Metallica - Enter Sandman ;)
Oh yes i definitely caught that
I heard this masterpiece so many times on RUclips but was lucky to see their concert in Gelsenkirchen a few weeks ago. Being there and experience this live is even so much more impressive❤
I was 57 and was there so lucky with my partner unbelievable 😎
I’ve been listening to them since Tarja was their front woman , don’t take anything away from that era but, Floor vocals just put them on another level , I want to see them live so bad!!!
. The Greatest reaction on earth. Amen.😉👍
A fuck, I got so emotional towards the end. I never saw this performance before, usually the other one. I can't believe how it again just makes me feel this feeling like the first time I heard the song. Damn
OH SHIT AND THIS WAS EVEN BEFORE I SAW DAWKINS. OMG THAT WAS AMAZING holy dicks, this was so good.
This was the closer to an astonishing concert which also included the seldom played live ‘Poet and the Pendulum’ in the middle
What a great reaction. You clearly "Got It" so to speak. I've seen and heard this a hundred times. Saw it live in Stockholm in the three or four weeks ago. I did get the overall meaning on the first listen (off course I had read about it in different comment sections) and I loved it. But there was some words unfamiliar to me so I search for them and what they meant in this context and man was I blown away. Tuomas genius is floating over the whole experince like a warm blanket. How is it possible to master both the musical composition and the poetic language at this level? It fills me with a sence of being complete. And I'm only the listener. I see that You're proposed to listen to the Tampere verion. Go ahead and do it if you find the time. To me the both versions are equally good but slightly diferrent intros. Devil and the deep dark ocean from Buenos Aires is another favourite of mine. Check it out ruclips.net/video/t26r_vAYQ0Q/видео.html
This is not just good music.....it is a religion. A positive admiring thankfull kind of religion. Play this to every highschool student at the start of the semester biology lessons. It will change mankind and prevent ratkind. This really is the most beautifull peace of music and education ever written and performed.
Already TGSOE, didn’t expect that😊 Don’t forget Dead boys Poem please (2018)
Great reaction!!! I hope you continue with Nightwish. Its an endless pool of amazing!
This was the first rock concert he had been to..😎
Pretty good reaction.....and thanks for leaving the RED bar across the bottom of the video to distract us. Just kidding, a little. When you go back to listen to this again, pay special attention to the TOOLMAKER beginning, where you were liking the grunts. There IS a growl, deep and fierce. Yes, it was Floor. This was the last composition performed at the concert. It was a 2 hour concert. I am still amazed how Floor's voice was as strong as the first song. One of, if not the best LIVE bands ever. I got to see them in NYC 2022, and it was amazing. Because of Covid cancellations, I had sat on the tickets for 2 years. Well worth the wait!!
Yeah, I told to you earlier. It is amazing, it is Nightwish 🖤🤘🖤 Glad you joined us 🖤
a hundred years or more from now, people will look back on this song the way we now look back on Mozart, Beethoven, et al
The greatest show on earth, as depicted in Nightwish's song, is a mesmerizing masterpiece that captures the true essence of the band. Now is the moment when you truly grasp the magnitude and fascination of Nightwish's artistry.
It's an incredible feat that you were able to comprehend the lyrics so quickly, considering the vast array of events that unfold throughout this piece. Each time I listen to this song, I discover something new, unveiling a fresh twist that adds to its allure.
The message of "we were here" sends shivers down my spine. Combined with the profound lyrics, this message is almost incomprehensible in its reality. It's incredibly captivating.
Experiencing this spectacle live is truly a grand affair, akin to witnessing a larger-than-life cinematic production. It's an opportunity that leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of our privileged place among the chosen few. Many never get to experience such a privilege, so it's essential to make the most of it.
In conclusion, this message from Nightwish leaves an indelible mark. Once you become aware that you are, in a way, part of the chosen few, it becomes a privilege that not many have received. Therefore, it's crucial to seize and embrace it. 🏆‼️👍
Nightwish Army south Brittany France reporting.
Enter Luca
Enter Life
Enter the god of gaps
Enter Ionia
Enter History
Enter Ratkind
Enter Sandman
Troy was playing the opening guitar with an E-bow.
The tool maker, man making fire and weapons, communication and team work, becoming the hunter.
When my father died i was expected to speak at his funeral, i guess people expected a prayer, as an atheist i wasn't going to do that, I read the "we are going to die" part from Richard Dawkins.
It's a lovely passage to read. I want it at my funeral. I've already decided that my funeral song will be the last 7 or so minutes of this song. I've always wanted the theme of my funeral to be "don't mourn the fact that I'm gone, celebrate the fact that I was here", and this song does it perfectly.
My dude, if this song doesn’t make you feel GREAT about the simple fact of your existence, nothing will!
Loved the reaction! My face was about the same for the first 10 or so listen-throughs.
You should watch The Greatest Show On Earth Live at Tampere