DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT - Deadhead (Live at Royal Albert Hall). Taken from the DVD "Devin Townsend Presents: Ziltoid Live at the Royal Albert Hall). Inside Out Music 2015.
In case anyone was wondering: dead heading is when a pilot is flying to his next airport, not as THE pilot but as a passenger commuting to work. Devin wrote this on tour. Essentially deadheading from one venue to the next. Trying to conduct a relationship by phone. The argument, then the reassessing of how he feels about her when the heat of the moment has passed. To him, she's the sun goddess. But in the heat of the moment when she's missing him and they're fighting on the phone... you are so vicious. Hurt me. I can take it. The life of a man who is away for work. His life causes tension at home. An all too common story. And we got this beautiful song from it.
Not many people know this of Devin's performances, but the mic is actually there to "suck in" some of the volume and power. If it wasn't there, he'd literally blow the audience out into the streets Thats why you might notice during the video that two things happen: (I) Devin will occasionally turn his head to the _left_ and off the mic for brief periods during longer sustained notes; and (II) The audience's arms are in the air, waving side to side. Except thats not a conscious wave movement. Thats just that slight side breath reverberating around the concert hall, whipping the audiences arms back and forth (you'll find for a lot of these things the fans will actually duct-tape their feet to the ground to avoid losing their spot in the crowd). Its a pretty fascinating study in the force of moving air particles and also the godlike pharynx of Mr Townsend.
Honestly, one of my favorite aspects of Devin performing live is observing his facial expressions and body language. This is a man who feels the music in every single molecule of his body. It's refreshing to see such a passionate performer.
He actually has a condition called synesthesia, which is where a person experiences sensations that would normally be unrelated to a given sensory input. He hears notes and experiences not only their sound but gets an impression of colors and smells too. So yes, his experience is unique and that is a driving factor in the uniqueness of his music.
Son: "Dad, why is my sister called `Rose`"? Dad: "Cause your mom likes Roses." Son: "Oh, I see. Thanks, dad." Dad: "No problem, Deadhead Live at Royal Albert Hall."
I just discovered this artist after watching a Dream Theater video with Devlin Townsend. This song griped me the first time I heard it. I swear I've listened to it 50 times in the past few days. This is just one of those songs that hooks you, and gets caught in your mind and soul. At least id did to me.
This is the kind of progressive song that you can't hear as a background sound. Its impossible to do anything else besides paying full attention to this trip of a song. Damn!
It's also an example of a progressive song being subtle and showing restraint. Most modern prog metal is "look how good I am" or "look how big my brain is" it gets tiring.
Seeing Dev perform this song live was one of the best live musical experiences of my life, for sure. Been over a decade since that show, but it was such a memorable hour; every single person in the room felt like my best friend.
@@luisfernandolopez700 Oh I meant he mixes the concerts before they're released on DVD...not like he's doing front of house during the show lol. (Even so choosing to mix your own recorded concerts must be exhausting...he's a perfectionist like that)
@@oremia he is awesome i found devins music a few months ago and it has been life changing i heard about him like 15 years ago and i never paid much attention
Well he is pretty big, well known in metal community so he's not underrated. There's a LOT of bands who are equally good or better that don't get recognition at all, they are.
I will always have a huge love, appreciation and respect for the extremely talented musicians and singers that choose to play, sing, create and dedicate to Metal music instead of more "respectable genres" such as classical music and jazz knowing that most people in the world won't recognize their talent due to prejudices and ignorance regarding the genre. For me that shows the real passion and authenticity in them and how they are so loyal to what they feel and want to do. They don't care about masses liking them but they know this lovely community called metalheads (which is "small" in numbers but huge in soul) will always connect and support them. Long live Devin Townsend and Metal!
I once had dinner with Devin in a small German village called Markneukirchen in a hotel called the Alpenhof in 2010, he was staying in Germany for few days to discuss becoming a Framus endorser (who I worked for at the time) and to discuss the first plans for what would become his signature Stormbender guitar, after the meal he asked me to pull his finger, he let off the biggest fart, a real stormbender, it's as strange as it is disgusting that I now feel privileged that I personally triggered a Devin Townsend fart.
I saw Devin Townsend at a grocery store in Los Angeles yesterday. I told him how cool it was to meet him in person, but I didn’t want to be a douche and bother him and ask him for photos or anything. He said, “Oh, like you’re doing now?” I was taken aback, and all I could say was “Huh?” but he kept cutting me off and going “huh? huh? huh?” and closing his hand shut in front of my face. I walked away and continued with my shopping, and I heard him chuckle as I walked off. When I came to pay for my stuff up front I saw him trying to walk out the doors with like fifteen Milky Ways in his hands without paying. The girl at the counter was very nice about it and professional, and was like “Sir, you need to pay for those first.” At first he kept pretending to be tired and not hear her, but eventually turned back around and brought them to the counter. When she took one of the bars and started scanning it multiple times, he stopped her and told her to scan them each individually “to prevent any electrical infetterence,” and then turned around and winked at me. I don’t even think that’s a word. After she scanned each bar and put them in a bag and started to say the price, he kept interrupting her by yawning really loudly.
@@danielleforet8057 It's a meme, haha. Originally attributed to Flying Lotus years ago and probably made up even then. knowyourmeme.com/memes/i-saw-flying-lotus-in-a-grocery-store-copypasta
Just sitting at my office and listening to THIS. Boss comes over: "Why you aren't working? Me: * Turning the volume up * Boss: "Understood, as you were".
Both versions are great for their specific reasons. This version just sounds great all around in terms of production and various other things, but Devin's emotions in the album version are undeniable. Especially near the end.
devin townsend is the only artist that makes me cry, laugh, dance, headbang, sing, and pretty much feel every emotion. "Hurt me, I can take it" makes me cry like a baby.
@Øli Macabre I'm not sure man. For Retinal, they remixed the vocals and stuff, and re-recorded some elements for the DVD/CD release. So I'm pretty sure they did the same for Albert. Compare the live stream to the DVD release and you can see it. Source: I was at Retinal.
NOT ENOUGH, SEND IT TO YOUR PARENTS, YOUR GRAND PARENTS, YOUR KIDS, YOURSELF, YOUR DOG, YOUR NEIGHBORS, YOUR DOCTOR, AND DONT FORGET TO SEND IT TO ME LATER SO I CAN LISTEN AGAIN AS WELL!
one of the most intense, heavy songs ever written. Holy shit. Like a divine wave washing over you. I can't listen to it without almost falling apart. When screams are sacred. Devin can shred on guitar like few others, but he understands what make metal overwhelmingly powerful. Beauty and crushing weight can be so simple.
😊👍👍👍 Very cool comment. 🇷🇺On Russian -- Я случайно попала на это видео и меня удивило сочетание мощи вокала и звучание музыки -- всё звучит очень круто, хотя у меня другие музыкальные вкусы и я привыкла слушать другие песни, чаще всего это Michael Jackson и "Simply Red" - это основа того что меня впечатляет, хотя другие стили музыки тоже нравятся, главное - классные мелодии и богатые по звучанию аранжировки.
That opening riff, heartbreak, tragic loss, betrayal, acceptance, reluctant forgiveness, depthless anger, yet hope? What is it about that riff that makes me feel all the things?
I can't even begin to tell you how much respect and admiration I have for Devin Townsend as a musician . I'm 55 . My son turned me on to Strapping Young Lad when the album came out many years ago . Oh by the way we're both drummers . I have 3 boys and taught them all to play . Anyway , through that I discovered Gene Hoglan and then the rest of Devins catalog. My son came to smoke me on the drums he's extremely talented , but all that is for naught because of Schizophrenia and drug addiction . Mainly adderall. Garbage ruined his life . I don't want sympathy , I just like to get that out there so others may avoid the pain and tragedy that it's brought in to our lives . So whenever I hear any of Devins music it brings me back to happier times with my boy and takes me to places I would sometimes rather be than here . His body of music is so important and incredible and I just can't say enough about one of the greatest musicians of our time. Gimmie some coffee , gimmie some coffee
That love you have is only uncommon for your own experience. Such is the way of music. I have similar affection... dependence even, for bands and songs in moments and seasons of my life, good and bad. And here is Devin... an act I knew of but despite loving metal never really got into as there's so much class there even if it doesn't connect to us deeply. That is something that I can rectify even as other songs and singers help with those things I couldn't have done alone. Here's to that power and how it helps us through, and here's to you and your son... may you both have happier seasons ahead. All the best man.
Tomsawyer Not that you will ever see this, but I'm 65 and have a similar story with one of my offspring. DOC was different, but outcome exactly the same. Wish you all the sun and happiness you all deserve
couldnt agree more..... doesnt matter what else i listen to, i always...always always come back to this on a daily basis. Epic is not sufficient a superlative
Depends. Fast metal makes me feel energized, and channels deep-seated anger. Makes me feel all Hulk-ish. Slow driving metal makes me feel despondent and emotional. Each has its place.
@@twelveeighteenofficial7487 Yeah that too. It's just intense feelings in my opinion, and depending what emotions it was meant to share, it is effective. I was mostly thinking about Funeral (the Norse band, maybe Funeral's doom father) and Frowning or even " Gris - à l'äme enflamée, l'äme constellé " album's intro - which is beautiful by the way - when posting :P
I remember when I saw Devin Townsend live when he was one of the opining acts for avatar. He was by himself on stage and had an acoustic guitar. He thanked me for crying durring one of his songs which is interesting. That was the first time someones singing voice was so beautiful it made me cry so easily in a concert. He made me cry of laughter too. Such a good concert. Thanks Devin.
Dude same! I saw him in Tucson and I already was a fan, but the minute he started singing, I fucking cried. I was overwhelmed with so much emotions. I’ll never forget it.
@@TheQuestionableGarage Yes maybe, but Evergrey do it in a different way. Devin has a more positive message. Evergrey is an extremely dark band. Not by music, but by ambiance. And thats awesome. I worship both bands anyways. I adored the Atlantic as well. Incredible record!!!
Maynard, Mikael Åkerfeldt and Devin's vocals... I can't even think of the words to describe the level they're on.. I'm glad there's still some people left on this planet who respect the art of music.
@@zero71234 One of the great disappointments of my life. He's one of the big reasons I started playing and growling. Opeth got me through things that nothing else did and was an anchor. I hate that I don't like the current 70s prog rock thing but I admire the shit out of them that they can do that so well.
@@tictac1020 Nice. I wish I had that talent. About opeth, what made it different for me was the metal and progressive together, but now it's just a common progressive band so I don't know what's the point. Maybe he can't handle the growls anymore
"You are so vicious, hurt me, I can take it" Jesus Christ, I still get chills every time I hear that line. It just pertains to me so much, that I can't get enough of it.
Well, Devin makes progressive metal, and Pink Floyd makes progressive rock, so it makes sense to compare them. And this song gave me a lot of vibes from Pink Floyd too.
Last night, I was awake way too late in my bed listening to some music. Windows opened, dark cold winter outside. Icy forest air filling up the room. I received a friend's notification on WhatsApp with a Spotify link to this song. Never heard the band before. I played it on a loop and fell asleep with it in my ears the whole night. This morning I woke up feeling like a demi-god, wrath of heaven still echoing in my ears. I closed the windows and admired the snow falling outside.
@@gilbertgilberto2832 you would, and they do but the sound reaches people in the back slightly later, and the echoing from the room further confuses people. That and people are just rhythmically deaf.
Just clicked a random RU-vid recommendation... Pretty sure I've never heard a Devin Townsend song before in my life... God damn how many souls did he sell to Satan to be able to sing like that?
6:28 and on gives me massive goosebumps!!! What a resonance chamber and razor sharp attack in that voice! “A SUN GODESS, OH YEEEEEEEEEEAH!!!! WILL YOU SAVE ME!!!? PAAAAAIN PAAAAAIN PAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIN!!!!” True MASTER.
It's crazy. Devin is super talented, and has a pretty big following, yet he's never really blown up yet. It's like he's right on the edge of being a superstar, but staying more in the sort of underground.
it think that he started in a weird threshold of metal music and he keep doing things the old way business and publicity like so he really started doing things the way it most be done now and thats why he surfaced more in to the world some time ago rather than 15 or 20 years ago but he will be among the superstars in a few years he is really fucking talented and original.
@@luisfernandolopez700 Honestly, back in 09, except for a few initiated people, no one fucking even heard of him. Ever since Deconstruction dropped, hes been huge ever since. Now everybody in the Metal scene and sometimes beyond knows who is is. Metal fans, Sound nerds, scientists, composers... You name it. Devin has ascended. Cant wait for Empath!
@necroplastful Imagine what it was like being a Devin fan in ‘97 :) I was taking taped recordings of Detox to metal music stores in Sydney, Australia and people were telling me it was Dream Theatre 😂 No one had any idea.
@@luisfernandolopez700 He's also got many years of his career left seeing the age of some of the current "legends" so I'm excited to see what's still to come. Empath is truly a masterwork
This has to be the most audibly pleasing thing I have ever heard in my life! Beautiful melodies, the deep harmonies, perfect tuning! And no-one else could sing that song. It had to be Devin Freaking Townsend.
My most audibly pleasing? I mean i thought of this song. Then I thought about Wrong Side, then I started thinking about audible experiences... and tbh I think that time my ex said "wait, im not finished sucking your dick yet" ends up beating all of them. 😕
I'm not even jelaous, I'm just so happy for you and everyone who was able to experience this magic live! 🙏🏻 The feelings when I listen to this song, each and every time, and especially this very version, are absolutely indescribable. It's like a journey every time. Like I said - magic. Thank you, Devin, THANK YOU!!
When the live version is better than the album... Absolutely brilliant The performance, the crew , the crowd , the humor, the pain... Absolutely Brilliant
MDC100000 Friedrich Nietzsche would like to have a word with you. Also, Devin exceeds Wagner in the way of not getting caught up in his own fame. Devin lives for his music, making him a better music than Wagner, as he is not making music for the masses
Wagner was required to produce music for the masses. Otherwise he would not have been allowed to stay part of the composer registry under the Church. So his music, though made for masses, was great and circulated.
I like his way of smiling during his performance. He seems not so serious like other metal artists. They try to look evil and grumpy. His voice ...outstanding.
His performances are shocking, in a good mean. With utter honesty, he jumps in and out between the actual reality and the zone as he sings. The real thing that most others pretend but will never reach.
He ended Strapping Young Lad (his other metal band) because he didn't like pretending to be angry all the time. He likes not to take himself too seriously and have fun.
He has done angry and grumpy (still stellar), he just wants to have fun and share that with everyone. Even in the live Detox video, he is playing one of the heaviest songs in Metal's whole history (yes, in every single genre) and yet, he's still having fun and loving life. He's a fucking treasure.
While I agree that Devin definitely seems like he just wants to have fun, hell no metal artists aren't all just trying to look evil. Hell, the whole subgenre of prog metal has a fairly low amount of edgelords.
Please send help. I literally can’t stop listening to this masterpiece. The way his voice slightly flutters at the very end while he sings “it’s all in the heat of the moment / give into the pain” adds so much to the performance, I just can’t get over it. hearing him slightly struggle to deliver those lines then just follow it up with a devastating “paiiiiiiiin!” Then the last scream! My god…Just a work of fucking art people! What a lifetime achievement this is for Devon. I would be smiling ear to ear in my coffin knowing I left this behind. Bravo!
