Classical Composer Reacts to Empire of the Clouds (Iron Maiden) | The Daily Doug Episode 63

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  • Опубліковано 18 лют 2021
  • #Reaction #IronMaiden #IronMaidenReaction #EmpireOfTheClouds
    In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, I'm reacting to Empire of the Clouds by Iron Maiden! Enjoy.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,3 тис.

  • @robertkerr9738
    @robertkerr9738 3 роки тому +948

    Bruce really felt this might be the last recording he ever made. As soon as they were finished recording this he told the guys in the band he had throat cancer. He recorded this with a huge tumor on the base of his tongue. Thankfully he recovered and continues to belt it out like a beast!

    • @firestorm755
      @firestorm755 3 роки тому +53

      Absolutely awesome track and yes it's a fantastic story. If this is the last album they make I'll be happy. It's the best they've done.

    • @tangotango256
      @tangotango256 3 роки тому +12

      As in "Tears of the Dragon" ??? another great song

    • @artemiojrnavarro2970
      @artemiojrnavarro2970 3 роки тому +12

      @@tangotango256 yeah, tears of the dragon is another great classic from master bruce

    • @firefox3187
      @firefox3187 3 роки тому +19

      The band delayed release of the album, for 12-18 months until Bruce got the all clear and the press release of the cancer. So that Bruce wouldn’t get hassled.

    • @willowtatus6159
      @willowtatus6159 3 роки тому +9

      @@firefox3187 No, it was so they could tour to support it WITH him.

  • @pyfsecret
    @pyfsecret 3 роки тому +565

    Look at this guy, living the good life with Belgian beer and Iron Maiden. I salute your for your good taste!

    • @andyjamess
      @andyjamess 3 роки тому +10

      Should try The Trooper (beer and song) lol

    • @brianferris8668
      @brianferris8668 3 роки тому +4

      Trooper would be a better beer.

    • @Jonsson474
      @Jonsson474 3 роки тому +10

      @@brianferris8668 it’s not. 😄

    • @mike4680
      @mike4680 3 роки тому +3

      @@Jonsson474 It's alright, I drank enough to get all the different bottle caps 😁

    • @r2dezki
      @r2dezki 2 роки тому

      @@brianferris8668 Better for listening to Iron Maiden to, but it's a pretty standard as far as beers go.

  • @heresjohnny999
    @heresjohnny999 3 роки тому +238

    Metal must be one of the most underappreciated, ignored and criticised genres out there. People to this day make it out as a joke, so it is very cool to see a classical composer sit down and appreciate what a legend band Iron Maiden is and the complexity of their songwriting/sound. Keep on headbanging Doug!

    • @cendregaming3200
      @cendregaming3200 2 роки тому +9

      Thing is metal finds its roots in classical songwriting so there’s a lot of crossover (thus why the two Metallica S&M albums are so good)

    • @osamaqtaitat
      @osamaqtaitat 2 роки тому +5

      Iron maiden are one of the best musicians i’ve ever heard, with great vocals. I just found them recently a few months ago. Lucky me!

    • @m.d.fleener192
      @m.d.fleener192 2 роки тому +3

      That’s because MTV ruined metal by pushing hair bands (with or without makeup) and they became the face of it. They gave “metal” one hour a week on a weekend at like 1 am (head bangers ball) .

    • @Moloch6666
      @Moloch6666 2 роки тому

      who makes it out as a joke? is that a NA thing?

  • @F13thvoorhees
    @F13thvoorhees 3 роки тому +664

    Another brilliant Maiden epic is Paschendale, well worth a listen.

    • @hartkart
      @hartkart 3 роки тому +1

      This!!!

    • @michaelsmith6246
      @michaelsmith6246 3 роки тому +12

      Yep, love to see what Doug thinks of Paschendale. UP THE IRONS 🤘🤘

    • @gabschmi
      @gabschmi 3 роки тому +2

      Exactly!!!

    • @andyreid6826
      @andyreid6826 3 роки тому +2

      Took the words right out of my mouth.

    • @blacksky379
      @blacksky379 3 роки тому +29

      Yeah! The Dance of Death album is so underrated!

  • @diegojustiniano7356
    @diegojustiniano7356 3 роки тому +897

    Bruce Dickinson plays the piano. He wrote the song ;)
    By the way, that "Cool sound" that you talk about around 9:25, is the Morse Code for "S.O.S", wich is: ... --- ...

    • @HGSolberg
      @HGSolberg 3 роки тому +32

      Right, that's what it is. I've never thought of that.

    • @scotkaeff7456
      @scotkaeff7456 3 роки тому +17

      Great catch!

    • @jessebell1289
      @jessebell1289 3 роки тому +30

      I've listened to this song dozens of times, and didn't realize that!

    • @vitormilanez
      @vitormilanez 3 роки тому +12

      woooow

    • @robr9411
      @robr9411 3 роки тому +12

      Didn't know that, and I don't how explain how frigging cool that addition was.

  • @skylarmarshall5733
    @skylarmarshall5733 3 роки тому +319

    I learned more about history through Maiden than in school

    • @n8sdr473
      @n8sdr473 3 роки тому

      Absolutely-

    • @loosegoose9647
      @loosegoose9647 3 роки тому +19

      sabaton - "hold my mead"

    • @garymitchell5899
      @garymitchell5899 3 роки тому +2

      You clearly weren't there for the grammar lessons either 😊

    • @zachk175
      @zachk175 3 роки тому +1

      @@loosegoose9647 I was thinking that! But Iron Maiden has good history and literature telling too!

    • @Madmax-kr1li
      @Madmax-kr1li 3 роки тому

      That the truth but also pop culture case in point The Prisoner (Who is number One u r number six) another man on the edge, one more and for you young guys The Wicker man and another Back in the village

  • @novaseer
    @novaseer 3 роки тому +88

    22:05
    You know a song is good when it's 18 minutes long and at the end you still say "That's it?"

  • @ThinTheHerd78
    @ThinTheHerd78 3 роки тому +240

    Bruce not only sings and plays piano, he flies the 747 that get's them to their gigs..... seriously.

    • @florianlindenberger4185
      @florianlindenberger4185 3 роки тому +46

      Also, he is an olympic fencer, has a phd in history and defeated cancer

    • @manofbeans.2176
      @manofbeans.2176 3 роки тому +9

      A 10000% qualified legend!

    • @lyrics1059
      @lyrics1059 3 роки тому +4

      And guitar. He played it live at rock in rio back in the '80s

    • @j_freed
      @j_freed 3 роки тому +2

      More No - he played some arpeggiated chords on verse 2 of Revelations, I think A F C G.
      But the guy can play and write on guitar OK.

    • @vitorhugocastellaovieira8279
      @vitorhugocastellaovieira8279 3 роки тому +15

      @@florianlindenberger4185 of all he accomplished, The defeat of cancer is the one I am proudest, Bruce is my Idol, I felt so happy for him when they announced he was better

  • @al2air
    @al2air 3 роки тому +380

    This "cool sound" was morse code s o s. Important fact: Bruce had a big tumor on his tongue while recording this. He recovered and a year later I've seen him live for 2hours concert. Amazing guy. Great reaction!

    • @Trygvar13
      @Trygvar13 3 роки тому +8

      HIs voice is actually almost back to what it was in the 80's.

    • @michaelsmith6246
      @michaelsmith6246 3 роки тому +4

      It's actually CQ D. First time later in the track they use SOS...

    • @ameerabdulwili4488
      @ameerabdulwili4488 3 роки тому

      Just came to the comments to comment your comment 😁😁

    • @TheHobatron
      @TheHobatron 3 роки тому +2

      Yo I never knew it was morse code!! Not often there's a thing about Maiden I don't know, thank you for that info 😁

    • @thomasmalmin6194
      @thomasmalmin6194 3 роки тому

      A cancerous tumor, no less. He didn't tell the other members because he didn't want to distract from the recording session.

  • @esteban280889
    @esteban280889 3 роки тому +315

    This is Bruce's baby. He is on piano also

    • @gtludwig7791
      @gtludwig7791 3 роки тому +3

      I would not be amazed in the slightest by Bruce playing the piano.

    • @KP-viking88
      @KP-viking88 3 роки тому +20

      @@gtludwig7791 He entered a charity raffle and won the piano. Got it home and tinkered...."Empire" being the end result.

    • @john-dalemccallum1195
      @john-dalemccallum1195 3 роки тому +26

      There is a video online where Nicko talks about the recording of this song, Maiden had to use a metronome (click track) to record this song because Bruce couldn't play the full piano part in time... so he played the parts, they cut/edited the parts that he had in time and built up all the piano parts from the bits he got right!
      Maiden tended to never use a click track in recording but on a few songs they did. This was a necessity on this song as the band didn't have a piano part to play with as it took them so long to get Bruce to play enough of it correctly to make a "Frankenstein" style full length piano part.
      And as simple as the little piano motif is throughout the song it actually makes the song better than having a Jordan Rudess style wizard on the keys. The simplisticness is what makes the song so beautiful and poignant.
      Amazing track.

    • @Madmax-kr1li
      @Madmax-kr1li 3 роки тому +1

      Now he can’t complain about not remember the bloody lyrics anymore like he did for rhyme of the ancient mariner for live after death in 1985

  • @GuataPeluda
    @GuataPeluda 3 роки тому +151

    once you know the story of the R101 you can 'hear' the airship taking off, the storm, the wind, the thunder, the S.O.S and her sad and terrible demise. It's art

    • @culcune
      @culcune 2 роки тому

      I had never heard of the disaster until watching the 'Fascinating Horror' channel who did a short documentary of the ship and the disaster. It wasn't mentioned in the documentary, but was mentioned in the comments--the frame was purchased by the company that built the Hindenberg (theorized that the metal alloy used was ahead of its time).

    • @JLCollins1028
      @JLCollins1028 2 роки тому

      Absolutely! Especially with over the ear phones on, you are transported back in time and can feel yourself in the airship!

    • @matthewcote9905
      @matthewcote9905 2 роки тому

      I always tell my friends who have never heard Maiden just how awesome the music tracks to the actual flight ... It's magical

    • @Clifford_Banes
      @Clifford_Banes Рік тому +1

      I had no idea about this. Thanks!

  • @zachk175
    @zachk175 3 роки тому +68

    “The dreamers may die but the dreams live on!” Is one of my favorite Iron Maiden lines ever, and there are a LOT of amazing ones

    • @costoboy
      @costoboy 2 місяці тому

      bruh that line just hit the soul., but in the end what is the dream?

  • @jounikorhonen9441
    @jounikorhonen9441 3 роки тому +234

    Nico McBrains drumming does not get enough praise.

    • @marinhrabric6162
      @marinhrabric6162 3 роки тому +2

      I agree

    • @AnonymousIcarus
      @AnonymousIcarus 3 роки тому +11

      He is heavily underrared.

    • @AlwaysNickk
      @AlwaysNickk 2 роки тому +15

      Fans of Maiden praise his amazing drums. But all other people don't recognise him :/

    • @mikewalter4950
      @mikewalter4950 2 роки тому +1

      No Nikko if Steve has no bass lines..........

    • @goncalobaia1574
      @goncalobaia1574 2 роки тому +3

      True
      It's super simple, not like it's hard, but God damn, it's so damn tight and just... right.

  • @decemberance
    @decemberance 3 роки тому +233

    Seventh son of the seventh son...the epitome of Maiden's musicianship...change of moods, keys, patterns...an adventure...

    • @bringbattlewargaming8720
      @bringbattlewargaming8720 3 роки тому +2

      Yeah, that would be my next choice for him to listen to

    • @jamesc1879
      @jamesc1879 3 роки тому +2

      decemberance: I thoroughly agree. It is a complex and beautiful song. They were wandering into some serious prog territory, good call. - James

    • @chipsunday5563
      @chipsunday5563 3 роки тому

      Yessss

    • @suspicionofdeceit
      @suspicionofdeceit 3 роки тому +7

      Nah, Somewhere in Time.

    • @decemberance
      @decemberance 3 роки тому +1

      @@suspicionofdeceit i am talking about the whole "progressive structure"

  • @jimjenkins3928
    @jimjenkins3928 3 роки тому +97

    Ive seen Maiden 32 times. My all time favorite band.

    • @andrewjones588
      @andrewjones588 2 роки тому +3

      You have my envy my friend, my one regret is that I never saw them live.

    • @jimjenkins3928
      @jimjenkins3928 2 роки тому +2

      @@andrewjones588 How have you not? My one regret. Not seeing Black Sabbath

    • @andrewjones588
      @andrewjones588 2 роки тому +1

      @@jimjenkins3928 I got close once in Germany but had to deploy on a long field problem when they were there. It was the Seventh Son tour I think.🤔

    • @jimjenkins3928
      @jimjenkins3928 2 роки тому +1

      @@andrewjones588 oh man, i bet you were in the field fantasizing about their set list & headbanging lol. Well that sux bro. As Get Smart would say, "You missed it by that much".

    • @andrewjones588
      @andrewjones588 2 роки тому

      @@jimjenkins3928 LOL

  • @adrianmedeiros8431
    @adrianmedeiros8431 3 роки тому +92

    "I bet he's recording this when he's older"
    Older and having survived tongue cancer

    • @fmoe87
      @fmoe87 3 роки тому +10

      this was actually recorded before he got diagnosed, so i guess the tumour was there, yet he still sounded absolutely perfect

    • @tangotango256
      @tangotango256 3 роки тому +3

      @@fmoe87 I thought i could hear the strain in his voice .... been listening to and playing maiden since the Dortman concert Germany 1983.... Bruce and the boys are a phenom

    • @LdyVder
      @LdyVder 3 роки тому +1

      @@tangotango256 Bruce's voice just seemed off to me on this album.

    • @rodrigocaballerohurtado5367
      @rodrigocaballerohurtado5367 2 роки тому

      @@fmoe87 he knew already and decided to tell guys after it was a wrap

  • @fillerbunny
    @fillerbunny 3 роки тому +181

    One of Bruce's finest moments. Makes me teary every time.

    • @infojester3318
      @infojester3318 3 роки тому +1

      Coming Home also does that for me. another aviation theme. Maybe that's it.

    • @fillerbunny
      @fillerbunny 3 роки тому

      Yeah, I'm even moved by songs like Silver Wings. I can't believe she's still in the sky!

    • @cobrasys
      @cobrasys 3 роки тому +12

      Same here. No matter what, when Bruce sings "the dreamers may die, but the dreams live on", the waterworks ALWAYS come.

    • @grahamehedger4498
      @grahamehedger4498 2 роки тому +1

      me too mate

  • @guillermobagalciague688
    @guillermobagalciague688 3 роки тому +168

    Bruce Dickinson, the singer plays the piano. He wrote the lyrics and composed the music.

    • @CplCheeto
      @CplCheeto 3 роки тому +21

      Fun fact. He taught himself to play the piano just for this song.

    • @guillermobagalciague688
      @guillermobagalciague688 3 роки тому +9

      @@CplCheeto that's right, he learns with a piano that we won in a raffle.

    • @Trygvar13
      @Trygvar13 3 роки тому

      Back in the 80's he used to play guitar in concert. I remember seeing him play during the Powerslave and Somewhere in Time tours in Montreal.

    • @PgsKb
      @PgsKb 3 роки тому +6

      @@Trygvar13 yeah, he played clean guitar behind the harmonies on revelations I think

    • @Trygvar13
      @Trygvar13 3 роки тому +1

      @@PgsKb Exactly. Revelations and another song I can't remember.

  • @darkodimovski75
    @darkodimovski75 3 роки тому +53

    Recently, while accidentally looking through UA-cam, I came across your videos. "Classical Composer reacts" and I thought this must be some old grandfather who would criticize the songs of Maiden, Metallica and everything Heavy Metal. But I decided to watch the video. I realized that this is a serious man with a great approach to music, a man who explains in detail all the elements and parts of the song. Honestly so far I have not seen a better Reaction Videos.

    • @goncalobaia1574
      @goncalobaia1574 2 роки тому +5

      Why the hell would assume that brotha? Classical composers are probably desperate for good original music, and in modern music, metal rock and jazz are where you'll mostly find it

    • @darkodimovski75
      @darkodimovski75 2 роки тому

      @@goncalobaia1574 That was the first impression when I saw the thumbnail on UA-cam. Considering that Doug is few years younger than me I have to apologize to him that I called him "old grandfather" :) :) :).

  • @matfrost5589
    @matfrost5589 3 роки тому +100

    Alexander the Great by Maiden epic progresive song

    • @donaldcampbell3043
      @donaldcampbell3043 3 роки тому +4

      Of the older stuff my favorites are Alexander the Great, Stranger in a Strange Land, and Can I Play With Madness...

  • @mikaeljansson4563
    @mikaeljansson4563 3 роки тому +36

    I´m a 51 y old Swedish fan & I had never heard of the R101 until I listened to this song..so Maiden gave me a history lesson..

    • @mikaeljansson4563
      @mikaeljansson4563 3 роки тому +2

      Do you other fans also get interrupted almost 10 times by commercial ads for 6-30 seconds,while looking at this ?

    • @hartkart
      @hartkart 3 роки тому +1

      No. I use premium so no ad breaks. 😊

    • @richardharding5642
      @richardharding5642 3 роки тому

      @@mikaeljansson4563 There's a trick you can do. As the video starts, skip it forward so the last few seconds play out. Then the video will come to an end. Then select play again. And the adverts will cease to be. Some guy told me this on here also. Mind blown! Just dont tell everyone! 😂
      Our secret. 😂 😂

  • @grahamsmith9638
    @grahamsmith9638 3 роки тому +69

    I was lucky enough to go to the studio in Paris where this was recorded, to listen to the album before it was released. Bruce was there and he played the piano part on the grand piano in the studio

  • @andrewsycamore3661
    @andrewsycamore3661 Рік тому +30

    Bruce spent weeks composing the piano sections. And I think it's their ultimate masterpiece. An amazing song by an amazing band

    • @Vortigan07
      @Vortigan07 11 місяців тому

      Hear Hear!!

    • @MsBenlane
      @MsBenlane 9 місяців тому +1

      he won an electric piano at a raffle and started messing with this. wonderful song.

  • @iancraig5415
    @iancraig5415 3 роки тому +74

    Something to note here: Bruce had fucking CANCER when he was recording this album and I think this was the last song they had to finish on the album before he went to the hospital to see what was up. Hallowed be thy name, Paschendale, and Dance of Death are all fantastic songs with excellent story telling to them as well.

    • @stanislavdaletski5039
      @stanislavdaletski5039 3 роки тому +1

      Listening to "Hallowed be thy name" after reading T. Dreiser's An American Tragedy overfills you with feeling of desperation and impending death fear.

    • @KC-kw7ii
      @KC-kw7ii 3 роки тому +1

      Dance of Death is possibly my favourite. It's both my first IM song and my favourite "story" of theirs. Amazing throughout.

    • @siegfriedm9240
      @siegfriedm9240 2 роки тому

      In his book he says that If Eternity Should Fail was the very last song he sung. Looking back on it, he had the feeling one could hear it in this particular song, but it could be his imagination.

  • @martinbeckdorf4565
    @martinbeckdorf4565 11 місяців тому +7

    It's been so many years since I heard this song and only recently I found out what those chords at 9:24 are supposed to be. That's an SOS telegraph pattern.

  • @oldoak2804
    @oldoak2804 3 роки тому +61

    As a long time Maiden fan, I was so happy when I first heard Empire of the Clouds. Here we are talking about a band that have been active for 40 years and multiple classic albums and then when they are all 60+ they produce something that is so different from what they've done before and God damn if it isn't one of their best. On of the top 10 Maiden tunes IMO. I adore this song

    • @Fastwinstondoom
      @Fastwinstondoom 2 роки тому

      Couldn't agree more but I think only Nicko was over 60 when they made this... everyone else was obviously damn close ;)

    • @nicosimioni7363
      @nicosimioni7363 2 роки тому

      If I could get rid of my nostalgia, this song would undoubtedly be #1 on my list of favorite Iron Maiden songs. But even with all the nostalgia flowing, this is top 10 for me.

    • @shamr0ck75
      @shamr0ck75 2 місяці тому

      This is exactly why Iron Maiden is above everything else. There are other bands still alive from the same era, but how many original members do they have? Do they stll make original music? No. They may have 1-2 original members and they play old hits. Seriously, Maiden has basically the same line-up as in 1983, with the addition of Janick. Who is also an old geezer like the rest of them. Seriously, the same line-up as forty years ago ??? I don't think that any other band has done that, and never will.

  • @bladerunner12
    @bladerunner12 2 роки тому +13

    I hope Maiden at least does a one-time live performance of this. Full orchestra, big themed set, pyrotechnics, everything. They've said before that it's not a song they can perform on a regular tour but it deserves at least one live rendition.

  • @QueenVoodo0
    @QueenVoodo0 3 роки тому +19

    Fun fact
    Bruce taught himself piano for this song, he never knew how to play an instrument really, he played guitar live for revelations a few times but never learned to play it
    So for him to make this was just amazing

  • @theunsoosthuizen9911
    @theunsoosthuizen9911 3 роки тому +33

    This song. This song is one of the best metal songs ever written. It's so beautifully composed. Man it brings tears to my eyes. Iron Maiden: You guys are a blessing to the world!!!

    • @rutessian
      @rutessian Рік тому

      what's good about it?

    • @Nicolas-lm6ic
      @Nicolas-lm6ic Рік тому

      @@rutessian Did you listen to the song?

    • @rutessian
      @rutessian Рік тому

      @@Nicolas-lm6ic Yeah.. most of it. This is my other comment: "Seems to me like a bunch of tired old men waxing on their instruments and Bruce can barely sing anymore."

    • @jacklodge8560
      @jacklodge8560 Рік тому

      @@rutessian that's okay, stick with your alestorm and we'll appreciate the good music 😁

    • @rutessian
      @rutessian Рік тому

      @@jacklodge8560 it might be good for a retirement community or a pretentious art gallery. I want something that still sounds and feels like metal. I don't expect them to sound like they did 40 years ago, but something of that raw metal energy. Nobody would have paid any attention to them if they released this crap in the 80s.

  • @judowrestlerka
    @judowrestlerka 2 роки тому +11

    Maiden has matured so much over the years and decades and members. They are one of the most legendary bands of all time. They belong up with Sabbath, Zeppelin, Beatles and Deep Purple.
    Legends.

  • @beardedwarrior7023
    @beardedwarrior7023 3 роки тому +38

    Back in 2015 I was chatting to a bloke from the British Airship Museum about the R101, and this song. He was saying he knew of Bruce's connection to Cardington, where the R101 (and it's predecessor the R100) were built but he said the song about the R101 was totally unexpected. He was saying that prior to its maiden voyage, the R101 should've had weeks of flight testing. However, she only had 17 hours! He was also telling me how he himself had a family connection to the ship as his great aunt was one of the 'groundlings' who helped hold the ropes on the morning of that fateful flight. 2030 will mark the 100th anniversary of the disaster.
    The bodies of the 48 killed were returned to the UK and buried together in a common grave at St Mary’s Church in Cardington village.

    • @shamr0ck75
      @shamr0ck75 2 місяці тому

      Whwn I heard the song, and learned the story, I was amazed because I had never heard of it. The story itself is just as epic as the story of Titanic, perhaps even more interesting because they tried something completely new. Why isn't there a movie about this.Well, Bruce, you are an actor, a pilot, a writer ... not yet a director, but maybe you should do this :)

  • @Bloodbound89
    @Bloodbound89 2 роки тому +10

    Wiki has an answer:
    "According to Smith, the song was a challenge for the rest of the band as they had to play along to Dickinson's piano track while following his and producer Kevin Shirley's instructions. In addition to the band's parts, additional orchestration was added to the song afterwards, while Nicko McBrain experimented with a variety of percussive instruments, including a bowed gong, to recreate the airship's crash."

  • @pablojara-music
    @pablojara-music 3 роки тому +34

    Also you can check "when the wild wind blows" is a incredible song and with an incredible story behind

  • @budthewiser1344
    @budthewiser1344 3 роки тому +20

    One of Maiden’s most underrated and overlooked songs is “The Talisman” but it’s one of their best

    • @billylawrie7951
      @billylawrie7951 3 роки тому +1

      Definitely! The talisman is one of my favorite maiden songs but sadly its criminally inderrated

  • @demoui7
    @demoui7 Рік тому +10

    12:25 That's why Iron Maiden is such a great band. Almost every song I listen to, I have the same feeling of 'going on a journey' and/or 'being taught a history/mythology lesson'.

  • @wilhelmtheconquerer6214
    @wilhelmtheconquerer6214 3 роки тому +2

    Yes, Bruce Dickinson plays the piano on this song, he also played a third guitar in the song Revelations during live performances back in the day, before the band had three guitarists.
    Further more, Bruce used to be a fencing champion (among the best in Britain at the time), he's been a commercial air plane pilot, radio host, he's written his own autobiography, survied throat cancer, played live in Sarajevo during a full blown war in the 90s and finally... he's never smoked or done any drugs, I don't think he's ever had any problems with alcohol either.
    His singing might not be for everyone, but nobody can deny that he's a remarkable man and a brilliant lyricist

  • @Northern5tar
    @Northern5tar 3 роки тому +52

    12:54 - That "Bluesy" guitar solo, it could have been ripped straight from their first 1979 studio album. Same sound as in Charlotte the Harlot. It's what I like about Maiden. Like 40 years in between and they've experimented, progressed and matured but it's still so recognizable Maiden. Great reaction.

  • @randallsealy5419
    @randallsealy5419 3 роки тому +25

    The drumming by nicko is phenomenal

  • @Kylora2112
    @Kylora2112 3 роки тому +10

    "Oh the dreamers may die but the dreams live on..." is one of the best lines ever and makes me cry every time.
    This is the only credit Bruce has received for playing an instrument on a Maiden album (he was originally the rhythm guitarist in fellow British metal band Samson before he became their vocalist and subsequently joining Maiden), but he would play guitar (clean arpeggios under Dave Murray's and Adrian Smith's harmony lines) on "Revelations" when they played it live between 1983 and 1985 (when they play it now, Janick Gers plays the arpeggios).
    Now you need to check out "The Talisman" from the ¡En Vivo! show. It's another nautical epic like "Rime Of The Ancient Mariner" and "Ghost Of The Navigator" and just as amazing.

  • @Cyclonus12
    @Cyclonus12 3 роки тому +33

    I think something important to consieder as far as being able to understand the lyrics... several of the "reaction videos" I've seen on UA-cam have been by people who were commenting primarily on the vocalist. In that case, it makes sense to use a live recording. However, if you're approaching a reaction video with more of an eye towards the musical composition, then the clarity and precision of the studio version is going to be a much better choice. Granted, there was little option in this case, as Iron Maiden has never performed "Empire Of The Clouds" live, but going forward, at least as far as the metal genre... you're right in that certain elements such as guitars have a tendency to overpower other things, but that's generally even more the case with live recordings... whereas a properly mixed and mastered studio recording will feature better separation, clarity, and precision. So if you do more reaction videos to metal songs in the future, I'd certainly encourage using the studio versions of those songs.

  • @kforcer
    @kforcer 3 роки тому +138

    I really would love to see a reaction to Rainbow's "Stargazer", a sweeping early metal epic about slaves forced to construct a tower for a wizard. I'd say it is one of the songs that paved the way for the epics Maiden later produced.

    • @jimmyggs91
      @jimmyggs91 3 роки тому +14

      I second that, and add not just Maiden, it set the way for a lot of the power metal and symphonic metal on the years to come.

    • @urbanwalrus8993
      @urbanwalrus8993 3 роки тому +3

      Yes this, please!

    • @luizdornel7670
      @luizdornel7670 3 роки тому +3

      Up!

    • @janwerthwein820
      @janwerthwein820 3 роки тому +2

      Great suggestion!

    • @joostwinter
      @joostwinter 3 роки тому +7

      Oh YES YES YES! Stargazer by Rainbow would be perfect. Or Gates of Babylon!

  • @dblyth5098
    @dblyth5098 3 роки тому +42

    Bottled Beer.
    There is one called "The Trooper", and I am fairly sure it is widely available in North America.

    • @JLayneHudson
      @JLayneHudson 3 роки тому +4

      Maiden is my favorite band and Trooper happens to be my favorite beer. Coincidence? I think not.

    • @paulmartin7241
      @paulmartin7241 3 роки тому +5

      You should try this beer Doug ! and react to The Trooper !

    • @folkme3042
      @folkme3042 3 роки тому +4

      @@paulmartin7241 Yes!Really good pint!

    • @thefuzzysheep3859
      @thefuzzysheep3859 3 роки тому +4

      It is and it’s a great beer my friend cheers 🍻

    • @albertoacuna3015
      @albertoacuna3015 3 роки тому

      Trooper? No more please

  • @firestorm755
    @firestorm755 3 роки тому +21

    I'm my opinion the finest track they've ever done. Another history lesson from the greatest band

  • @jtnelson89
    @jtnelson89 3 роки тому +14

    I loved that at the end you asked, "That's it?" Few metal bands would be able to record an 18-minute song and leave the listener wanting more. Thanks for sharing your interesting musical insights!

  • @carterboggess2372
    @carterboggess2372 3 роки тому +18

    When the wild wind blows is also an amazing Iron Maiden epic song! Really good story as well!

  • @ba55bar
    @ba55bar 3 роки тому +19

    I'm always amazed at how quickly this song goes past

  • @richardsmith2370
    @richardsmith2370 2 роки тому +1

    Bruce Dickinson apparently locked himself away for a couple of weeks until he could play the piano for the song beginning to end in one take. What a legend.

  • @eddyirons
    @eddyirons 3 роки тому +24

    Bruce sang this with cancer in his throat. And at that time he did not even know that he had it

    • @tf1331
      @tf1331 3 роки тому +5

      Not quite right. He know that there was something wrong and diagnosed himself via google and assumed it was cancer but wanted to finish the recording sessions for the album only to get officially diagnosed immediately after.

    • @almudenaponcedeleon4210
      @almudenaponcedeleon4210 2 роки тому

      That is beyond the definition of having BALLS.

  • @blacksky379
    @blacksky379 3 роки тому +41

    Man, I love the story telling vibe in this song. Besides the history lesson itself.
    It's super cool how the song changes as the R101 progresses toward its demise. The song really gets me near the end when the crew acknowledges their doom "we're down lads come the cry" and Bruce describes the scene. Also when he sings "the dreamers may die, but the dream lives on" or something like that.
    Thank you Sir, for sharing your thoughts on it. Cheers from Brazil.

    • @niccolonannini8395
      @niccolonannini8395 3 роки тому

      that is an INSANE moment of the song... goosebumps every time

  • @dinounit67
    @dinounit67 3 роки тому +15

    I’ll keep recommending Iron Maiden’s ”Starblind”, ”The Talisman” and ”The Legacy”. More proggy, great storytelling, great music!

    • @luciocado8493
      @luciocado8493 3 роки тому

      Starblind and The talisman até fantastics

    • @SarajevoKyoto
      @SarajevoKyoto 3 роки тому +2

      Love The Talisman, that intro especially just grabs you and doesn't let go

    • @abm77
      @abm77 3 роки тому

      I'm with you on this one mate! Starblind is such an underestimated jam. One of my favourite Iron Maiden songs.

    • @TheSwierbel
      @TheSwierbel 3 роки тому +1

      The Legacy is a must!

  • @ghanddrum1
    @ghanddrum1 3 роки тому +8

    the thin line between love and hate is a good song

  • @DB-me3jt
    @DB-me3jt 3 роки тому +19

    I never been a big fan of Maidens work after Seventh Son, but The Book of souls is an absolute master piece.

    • @osamaqtaitat
      @osamaqtaitat Рік тому +1

      I don’t understand people who want the same sounds the same old songs of Maiden! The greatness when you bring something new every time with a constant feel and signature in a way or other! Otherwise it’s getting boring; like AC/DC; same sounds, same structure, same pattern, same style

  • @Bedrockbrendan
    @Bedrockbrendan 3 роки тому +24

    Bruce Dickinson playing the piano. He won it in a contest and that was one of the first things he wrote on it (pretty sure he didn't play piano before that)

    • @mayoite160
      @mayoite160 2 роки тому

      yup he decided to teach himself the piano because he now had one lying around at home lol

  • @urbanwalrus8993
    @urbanwalrus8993 3 роки тому +32

    Another great piece by Iron Maiden is Dance Of Death. It also has some amazing story telling and great instrumental parts. IMO it's worth checking out!
    BTW love your content, I like how they are more of an analysis than just a reaction, I feel like I'm learning things from you while watching!

    • @robertkerr9738
      @robertkerr9738 3 роки тому

      Yes! One of my all time favorites, and the inspiration of my favorite Dungeons and Dragons character!

    • @jasperdevries1726
      @jasperdevries1726 3 роки тому +1

      Dance of Death live in Dortmund if Doug is watching the video - the theatricality of Bruce is worth it.

    • @Reaper-3000
      @Reaper-3000 3 роки тому +1

      Yeah man.. And When the Wild Wind Blows another masterpiece

    • @Reaper-3000
      @Reaper-3000 3 роки тому

      @dunkin donuts699 well if i had to choose i would deffo choose DOD!

    • @urbanwalrus8993
      @urbanwalrus8993 3 роки тому

      @dunkin donuts699 Same for me! Dance Of Death might even be my all time favorite from Maiden.

  • @victorstefanovsky6902
    @victorstefanovsky6902 2 роки тому +1

    Bruce was a commercial pilot for 18 years while being in Maiden. He piloted their Boeing Flight 666 and was flying fans with the band when on tour. He took time off from his second job to tour. . That’s why he was with short hair . Now he grew back the long hair. That’s why he is interested in history of aviation. He had a show on BBC about aeronautics. He is also a fencer….many talents.

  • @Iaminsaneone
    @Iaminsaneone 3 роки тому +6

    Metal has no boundaries, not like pop music, and a lot of other genre's, and it is so refreshing to see a classical composer, and teacher, not only reviewing Maiden, but enjoying, listening intently, and also being willing to be taken on a journey. I like how you dissect, and then explain what others cannot, keep the reviews coming, plenty of fantastic songs from the 70's onwards to catch up on. Stargazer by Rainbow, Dio on Vox, is a heavy rock journey, and Blackmore on guitar at his peak, Powell on Drums, magic of my youth.

  • @selinschoenbeck
    @selinschoenbeck 3 роки тому +9

    As soon as Bruce’s voice starts I get goosebumps...

  • @danw4490
    @danw4490 Рік тому +5

    This is such a great song! Iron Maiden is untouchable in metal.

  • @rch7284
    @rch7284 2 роки тому +2

    Just listened to an 18 minute song and at the end asks “That’s it?”
    That’s why I’ve been a fan for 40 years - they always leave you wanting more…

  • @William3000x
    @William3000x 2 роки тому +2

    7:00 Bruce himself was playing the Piano. He learned it specifically for this song.
    8:07 Yes, there is a double vocal in "The engines drum" line. Bruce sings the low octave while Steve (I believe it's Steve, but not sure) sings the high octave. Then Bruce pitches up the high octave for the following "The telegraph sounds; Release the cords that bind us to the ground".
    9:20 That is actually Morse Code for S.O.S. And you notice it gradually pitches down, as if the airship was passing by the observer/listener while telegraphing the SOS code into the air (like the doppler effect of when an ambulance passes you by with the siren on)

  • @luthesouza
    @luthesouza 3 роки тому +5

    Bruce and Steve are some of the best storytellers imo... this song and Rime are my favourite Iron Maiden songs!

  • @darrellwood3913
    @darrellwood3913 3 роки тому +18

    Thank you so much Doug! I have been waiting patiently for this masterpiece.Up the Irons!

  • @MrDantres
    @MrDantres 3 роки тому +1

    I really love your reactions, keep 'em coming!

  • @yessikaramirez6066
    @yessikaramirez6066 3 роки тому +1

    It wouldn’t surprise me if Bruce was playing the piano. The man is brilliant in so many ways. SUPER talented. Front man for Maiden, licensed pilot, has their own beer, fencer, soccer player. What else did I miss? Lol

  • @keytaristnikko
    @keytaristnikko 3 роки тому +12

    I am so excited for this. Didn't think you'd get to it but this made my Friday! UP THE IRONS!

  • @Leprikawn7
    @Leprikawn7 3 роки тому +5

    The best part is Bruce can’t play piano lol he worked this out on a small keyboard and then played it in the studio. Brilliant

  • @phpmvk1
    @phpmvk1 3 роки тому

    haven't clicked on one of your videos so quickly. Thanks for this, and great job!!

  • @johnablamsky5242
    @johnablamsky5242 3 роки тому

    great videos, love watching with someone who listens to the technical aspects of songs

  • @rmtoledo2
    @rmtoledo2 3 роки тому +4

    Fantastic, Doug. Nothing like listening to a masterpiece with someone who knows music. Thank you! Up The Irons!

  • @satortenet
    @satortenet 3 роки тому +5

    I'm having a blasting watching Doug reacting to all these metal songs.
    It's so good to hear insightful comments on my favorite metal music.

  • @benjaminbreeg6367
    @benjaminbreeg6367 3 роки тому +1

    So much fun watching someone hear my favorite band for the past 35 years for the first time. Keep them coming please!

  • @jasminm984
    @jasminm984 3 роки тому +1

    This song is such a journey. Thank you for this reaction

  • @user-qt9vn1yj8x
    @user-qt9vn1yj8x 3 роки тому +9

    Finally!
    Some qualified reactions!
    It was a pleasure to seen you, sir!

  • @neighborhoodprepped7862
    @neighborhoodprepped7862 3 роки тому +6

    when i listen to MAIDEN it takes me on a journey deep into the nowhere ness in my head.. a place i absolutely love to be

  • @googelite231
    @googelite231 3 роки тому

    This is fantastic!!!
    Great analysis.

  • @CGJUGO80
    @CGJUGO80 2 роки тому

    Superb video and review, Mr. Helvering. Love your inputs and analysis. Keep up the great work!

  • @Gazzom666
    @Gazzom666 3 роки тому +13

    The knowledge you bring to your song reactions is a fantastic breath of fresh air compared to many other peoples reaction videos. The way you brake down the parts and explain the workings of the music has helped me hear the songs differently and unterstand how they are composed. Thank you.

  • @jonmaz8080
    @jonmaz8080 3 роки тому +14

    It's a masterpiece of music. Bruce Dickinson on the piano, his composition.

  • @clonedstate7172
    @clonedstate7172 Рік тому

    Actual sick video, great stuff! Keep it up!

  • @royvdboorn
    @royvdboorn 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you. Great reaction again. At this point in time this is from their latest record. If a band can write a tune like this 41 years into their career I salute them. Subscribed

  • @jaycenthomas5232
    @jaycenthomas5232 3 роки тому +3

    Awesome reaction to an epic of a song....IRON MAIDEN we salute you 👏👏👏

  • @neildavies473
    @neildavies473 3 роки тому +3

    Bruce is the pianist in this piece
    He's also a qualified commercial pilot (commercial and flies the band plane) and a keen fan of aircraft, also very well read and loves his history. Hence the fascination with stories like this.
    It's also his first album since his throat cancer and a major resting of his vocal chords. So you'll hear his voice has shifted even since the last album.
    If you want to hear how his voice has changed over the years, give the early stuff a listen. Brave new world and Powerslave for example are some epic early albums where he really can wail

  • @gersonrodrigues3886
    @gersonrodrigues3886 3 роки тому

    Hey man, this song is one of my favorites ever. And watching your reaction is something that makes music even more awesome. Their expressions really describe how a fan listens and appreciates the music. Congratulations on your reaction.
    Greetings from Brazil.

  • @poggerwhite
    @poggerwhite Рік тому +1

    Bruce Dickinson is the one on piano! He's trained in it and is very proficient at it as he wrote the part by ear all by himself. He also flies their tour plane since he had a career as a commercial Airline Pilot The drum part at 9:35 is Morse code for "S.O.S." by the way

  • @wind-upboy939
    @wind-upboy939 3 роки тому +9

    A band that learned a lot from Iron Maiden, is Helloween. The 2 guitar players often join forces.
    Check out Twilight of the Gods or the fantastic Keeper of the 7 Keys.
    (This year, an album with 3 guitar players will be released.)

  • @jkag9792
    @jkag9792 3 роки тому +11

    Great reaction vid! FYI, not only is Bruce the lead singer, pilot of Ed Force One, World class fencer, but also a master brewer. Check their beers! One more thing, that was Bruce on the piano.

  • @buddhabillybob
    @buddhabillybob 3 роки тому

    Great analysis! Loved this.

  • @joelmacdonald6994
    @joelmacdonald6994 2 роки тому +1

    Bruce didn’t even play piano before this song. He basically decided to learn piano so he could write this song. What a champion. World-class fencer, airline pilot, and fantastic musical artist.
    And yes, that is 3 guitars. Dave, Adrian, and Janick.

  • @mxmoondoggie895
    @mxmoondoggie895 3 роки тому +15

    Kevin Shirley did a fantastic job of mixing this song and the whole album, it makes a big difference when you have somebody with the understanding of how each instrument fits and how to get the right sound for the music. He's done a few albums with Dream Theater as I recall, quite adept at working on these long story pieces.

    • @bobanderson7571
      @bobanderson7571 3 роки тому +2

      Shirley didn't understand Dream Theater - he almost caused Portnoy to quit DT back then - that's why DT hasn't had an outside producer since.

    • @MichaelFougere
      @MichaelFougere 3 роки тому

      @@bobanderson7571 but Dream Theater continued to have him mix their albums for a few more releases.

    • @tominatorxx
      @tominatorxx 3 роки тому

      The only knock I can give the production on this album is that Nicko's china cymbal and his hi-hat are too similar in sound (I think Nicko even mentioned it himself in an interview as well). Other then that, I think this is a really good production.

    • @chilly6470
      @chilly6470 3 роки тому +3

      Kevin Shirley is the worst thing about Iron Maiden. The albums sound like they were recorded in a shed. There hasn't been a good sounding album since Martin Birch.

    • @yanikem6655
      @yanikem6655 3 роки тому +2

      @@chilly6470 agreed, Shirley is a woeful producer and his albums with Maiden are muddy as hell. Birch wipes the floor with him.

  • @revylokesh1783
    @revylokesh1783 3 роки тому +32

    If you want Iron Maiden going through _lots_ of key changes, try _"Caught somewhere in time"_ which has an extended instrumental section with lots of key changes. _"Sevent son of a seventh son"_ is also a good contender.

    • @jol9178
      @jol9178 3 роки тому

      Definitely

    • @lukebradford
      @lukebradford 2 роки тому

      Seventh Son is boring until the solos come in.

  • @ivansharpe7986
    @ivansharpe7986 3 роки тому

    I love this song. I love watching you hearing it for the first time with your musical expertise. You saying 'this is really neat' absolutely makes an old maiden fan smile. Up the Irons!!!!!

  • @whyamievenmakingthis
    @whyamievenmakingthis 3 роки тому

    Another double daily, you spoil us!
    Awesome, awesome song, you can see how much emotion Bruce poured into it. Good stuff.

  • @msdee33
    @msdee33 2 роки тому +3

    Their epics always make me want to weep. They have a new album that just came out, Senjutsu. It's filled with amazing songs like this one. Oh, btw, they also have some pretty amazing beers out there too. Amazing music and amazing beer! Hopefully you're able to see newer comments 😊

  • @107guitarguy
    @107guitarguy 3 роки тому +3

    Iron Maiden are Rock and Metal royalty.

  • @davidhorn6950
    @davidhorn6950 3 роки тому +1

    Lots of fun! Thanks for the music Doug.

  • @k2vaja00
    @k2vaja00 2 роки тому +1

    I recently found your channel and have been looking through mainly the Maiden stuff. This was the song I looked forward to the most. It's such a musical masterpiece and brilliant story telling! The ending of the song always has me in tears. Up the Irons! And up the Doug!

  • @Wikingking
    @Wikingking 2 роки тому +3

    This song is Maiden's finest hour. Definitely the whole BoS album is amazing and my favorite album of them (by a hair) and it sort of feels like "if this is going to be the last, then make it memorable!". EotC at the end is the culmination of everything that is Maiden: history, dynamics, riffs, solos, pitch, vocals high and low and includes elements rarely seen in metal music or in IM, like the piano or the orchestra. It is the pinnacle of Iron Maiden's vast and brilliant work and in my opinion it is easily one of the greatest pieces of music ever written. Definitely my favorite of the band. Not necessarily a song I can listen all day every day. But even after 6 years it kicks the same punch, 18 minutes fly by and I'm time travelling to that fateful morning, cheer with the crowd as the vessel lifts, watch the storm on the horizon, stare at my fellow crew member as 3000 horses go silent and mourn at the churchyard in the end. Brilliant piece of art, just brilliant!

  • @joaopaulohenriques1404
    @joaopaulohenriques1404 3 роки тому +7

    Iron Maiden is always a blast of sound and history. I have a ticket for their show here in Lisbon. It has been postponed due to the pandemic. Try also Ayreon or Arjen Lucassen, a progmetal composer, with The Day That the World Breaks Down. It will come on your way somehow. Enjoy your beer! Cheers!

  • @monotonebooster3229
    @monotonebooster3229 3 роки тому

    Fastest 18 minutes in music! Love this song! Thanks for reacting to it! \m/

  • @Cybotica
    @Cybotica 3 роки тому +1

    You are so right when you say you can "see" it..... during the large instrumental in the middle bit i can picture the Airship struggling through the storm so very clearly in my mind.
    Loved your reaction