Old metalhead reacts to The tale of Jenny and Screech 

“Hopefully the story has a brighter ending…” Ren: “Hold my beer…”

1 bloke 1 guitar and he can unlock emotions you never knew you had.

This is another one of Ren's works of art that leaves peoples' minds blown. So, your reaction was not unexpected (but, I confess, enjoyable to watch). Do be aware that Ren has many other levels/genres, and your journey has only just begun.

him: "hopefully the story has a brighter ending" me: well now i have to keep watching

If your "friends" didn't tell you about Ren, get new friends 😂

Ren could make a fortune just making and selling "who the hell is violet?" hats and t-shirts LOL everyone who heard these tales and of Ren would know immediately what that "quote" meant. hahaha Thanks for a great reaction, hoping for many more to come from you.

Jenny and Screech being twins separated at birth was crazy! Over the past year Ren has left many many people speechless, laughing, crying and everything in between ❤💔❤️

I am sure others have commented on Jenny, generational domestic violence, etc. I will take a different route. With Violet's tale, most reactors don't realize the part just before Ren starts singing Ren is showcasing Violet's feelings of bewilderment and fear of waking up in the hospital and trying to figure out where she is and what is happening. Later, when Violet talks to the doctor and Ren becomes frenetic in his movements, once again it is showcasing Violet's feeling of worry for her babies and fear and impending death. You can see Ren quiet down the movements at the end when violet dies and Ren sings, "just lost the fight to stay alive". Ren is such a master of making you feel everything and drawing you into the story. Ren never adds superficial touches. Everything means something to the song, even the lighter ones. Thank you for your reaction. You just got another sub.

we all needed a sec. Your life has changed recently. Been on this journey over a year now, and he still surprises me. The community is wonderful. And we all grow.

Check the look in Ren's eyes when he looks into the camera after the line "I'm sure her mother knew.". You can see the anger he's feeling. That's his greatest talent, the honesty in his voice that tells you he believes every word and feels every bit of the character's emotions. It's the honesty that let's him get away with the little trill at the end of the first two tales without diminishing the seriousness of the subject matter. As for the "bard" label, perhaps, in a time of great change and with even greater to come, we need one.

Ren was basically bedridden for 7 years with constant pain, fatigue and an inability to eat, with brain fog, burred vision and nany other symptoms. He says he has about a thousand songs on his hard drive, because that is all he did,was wtite and produce with his equipnent in the bedroom. Much of the damage done is permanent, but still he has been in intensive treatment for more than a year and still making music. Hi Ren, The Tales and Chalk Outlines live with Chinchilla are on his own top 5. One other must see is his collab with Sam Tompkins buskinf to Earned it/ Man's World/ Falling. And Wade in the Water with The Big Push.

2:19 It's not often commented upon, but Ren uses vibrato so well. 4:23 I'd like to recommend two videos that Ren did wherein he's just speaking. The first was a VLog he did when he was at possibly his lowest point and before he was properly diagnosed. He used it to announce the premier of "Hi Ren" it can be found on his list of videos immediately proceeding "Hi Ren". The second was his video after he hit 1 million subs. It's a joy to see how far he's come.

I went through a jealous phase too when I first got into Ren, don't worry, it's a normal response, I was like god damn dude, leave a little talent for the rest of us mere mortals, sheeesh!! But it passed, not to sound too cheesy, but it's like being jealous of a thunderstorm for being too loud, or a sunset for being too beautiful. I'm not a religious man, but I do believe the universe allows certain atoms, chemicals and molecules to come together in some amazing friggin' ways, and Ren just happens to be one of those ways, so eventually I figured I'd just turn off my brain, sit back, and enjoy the show. Great heartfelt reaction!! ✌💚

I have no idea how many reactions to Ren that I've watched and they never get old but I'm thoroughly enjoying your expressiveness and can't wait for you to fall further down the Ren rabbithole!

Ren is a modern day minstrel, with his music and story telling. He wants to get his personal and social observations out there, because they need to told.

Here I go again. I sing every word of all three. Fortunately I live with a geriatric Labrador. He doesn’t seem to mind. 🐕‍🦺

one of Rens songs that most don't seem to mention is patience. its early on when he thought he wasn't going to make it. its beautiful

love metal dudes appreciating non-metal head stuff.... to me its, its like hip-hop heads doing the same.

I found Ren about a year ago and still watch him and Ren reactions everyday. He's my therapist and all the reactions are like going to therapy! Thank you!! You might need to do something like Bongo Bong next.... It's more fun!

"I finished filming to find that my mic had gotten turned down and had to go through it bit by bit adjusting levels. Not a fun task " - This is something Ren does , especially for his live performances with the Big Push when busking to get studio quality recordings from his performances even though its just a little mike.. There is a great interview with the Charismatic voice where he talks about the hours spent adjusting levels on tracks

A great introduction to Ren and his character is his 1,000,000 subscriber video. It will make you a true fan of him as a person.

Ren is a modern day bard painting such vivid imagery with his storytelling that it pulls you in and forces you to keep watching - even when it gets physically uncomfortable during Violet’s Tale. And Ren uses this ability to shed light on far too real issues in the world. Ren is special. Anyway great reaction. Hope you have recovered 😅 Now you get to wait in eager anticipation with the rest of us, cause Ren has said that he and his cinematographer Sam have plans to film a pilot to pitch to Netflix when Ren has finished treatments in Canada and moves back to the UK. All we know is that it will be in the same raw style as this trilogy, but that is enough for me to say that if Netflix doesn’t give Ren his own show, they are fools.

Same, my friend, same... When I first saw it, I had completely forgotten about Jenny and Screech by the halfway point of Violet's tale. I was so invested in Violet's horrendous situation. And when that twist was revealed - 🤯💥🤯 Unfuckinbelievable storytelling! I hope you stay on the Ren rollercoaster, down the Ren rabbit hole in the Reniverse! ❣️🦇❣️🦇❣️

Mate, he got you like he gets everyone. The emotion Ren evokes is universal, which is such a rare talent, but to do it with subject matter like this is unheard of. Listen back many times, and once it's not so raw, look at his performance, his technique, his production. Its a masterclass. One guy, one guitar, one take video. So simple, but nowhere to hide either.

I love your reaction. By far, one of the best reactions I've seen, and I've seen them all, well, almost all! Welcome to the RENegades. Ren has no genre, he IS the genre, welcome to the movement that is Ren.

Even if you don't record it as a reaction, I recommend the interview he did for the Zach Sang Show. That'd give you a great insight into where he's come from, where he is now, and what makes him tick

Old metal drummer has subscribed. This young brother gives me hope for the future of real music/art.

This is "bardcore". More than just singing a story, he is the actors, the director, orchestra and narrator.

Ren is such a talent and a humble guy. He deserves every good thing and so much more! ❤ He can literally do it all! Just when you think there's nothing much left he can do he'll surprise you every time! Along with his amazing group of friends that are as talented as him. Rens just got that thing though!

"Hopefully this story has a brighter ending......." Me: 😳

This is my favorite reaction on youtube right now. So honest. So close to exactly how I felt the first time. This dude opened a door I hope we never close.

Hey! It is really a joy to see grownups being slapped in the face that hard. You could be ridiculous, but you're not, we've all been there, and we remember the heat of Ren's first slap. But "One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain." I guess there's no point in telling you to explore the catalogue and enjoy! Greetings ---

Easy to overlook, in Violets tale it goes back to 'two-zero-zero-five' (2005). This song is from 2019…. When the hands of time rewind, they go back 14 years. That's how old Jenny and Screech are.

Uhm. Your probably aware that "hi ren" has been reacted to over 1500 times ans "the tales of jenny and screech" almost 1000 times .... This was my favourite BY FAR! I laughed, cried, was happy, sad and thoroughly enjoyed going on the ride with you

"Well, where can he go from here, both are dead" Well sir, just buckle up.

So glad you’ve jumped deeper into the rabbit hole 😎 This was the one I was hoping you’d find, No other artists stir emotions like Ren does 🔥 Please check ‘What you want’

8:09 "Hopefully the story has a brighter ending"

Where is he going from here? Boy, you didn't know yet. It's a joy to watch you listen to Ren. Liked and subscribed :)

Watching my second reaction by you and I am loving your channel and your thoughts on Ren’s bardcore masterpiece. I appreciate that you catch many of the small elements that make this piece so special. The acting, the skill of the delivery, his excellence on the guitar, and of course the genius of the lyrics. Ren continues to amaze a new group of people every day and you are helping to make that happen. Thank you.

Because Lymes disease is exceptionally rare outside the USA, the doctors in Britain missed it. This meant that as well as suffering with the disease he suffered extra from being given the wrong treatments for years which led to his mental health issues. He is now receiving treatment in Canada and doing much better.

The Ren rabbit hole is quite extensive. What makes Ren special to me is his attitude toward life. The music video for the song It's Alright really shows it.

He is like a modern day bard to me. Such an amazing story teller.

So true that he has many genres., I enjoy them all, but it’s mind blowing how in touch he is with the struggle, pain and suffering people, including himself navigate through. He is able to reach deep inside your soul and pull all the things you’ve never said out loud to the surface.

Ren is the Genre 😬 He is a one take, retake, own take Master and is the Pied Piper of Music. If he sings it, they will come! (RENagades) 😂 Thank you again for your genuine reaction to Ren, look forward to many more reactions from you. You're a star ✨ Please watch money game 1,2 and 3 and I shot the sheriff with the big push. Dont be jealous of him, be inspired by him ❤

57 Yr old rock and metal from Glasgow here bro. I like all types of music to be fair but have never seen or heard anyone like Ren. He hits every time my friend and in so many different ways it's a privilege to be around to witness. Hate rap music on the whole but something about Ren and his history touches in a way nobody else does. Subbed and look forward to your journey big man. You could be a while lol. Will check out your band too. Respect from Scotland 👍😎

Watched all 3 of your reactions to Ren, all in a row. Great time! Thanks

Don´t forget the man behind the camera: Ren is notorious about one takes.

Honest reaction bro, this Welsh lad will make you cry man…

You have become my favorite reactor.

Now your a Renegade, REN’s Rabbit Hole runs deep my friend, he was also lead in a couple of bands mainly The Big Push

Reaction is appropriate, I have looked back into Ren since I heard him. Curiosity got the best of me. It is such a deep and tragic rabbit hole and it just makes you appreciate all he does so much more. I am not a religious person but if there are chosen people on this earth from God graced with talent and kindness and empathy he is one of them !! And I have been a rocker since the 60s seen and heard 1000s of artists. And never heard so much emotion and feelings in the delivery of lyrics, notes, phrases. Hits the heart and mind !! I love the videos so much because I believe repetition of the story would loose some of the feelings he puts into these.

This video, like Hi Ren , is shot many times until they capture a single take they can use start to finish. He does this often. Money Game 1 and 3 are amazing at this.

"I hope it ends better." OH my poor dude.

Welcome to the world of Ren 🎉

Fantastic reaction to this amazing piece of art! It is a difficult one to get through but Ren's performance and storytelling is phenomenal. Looking forward to more Ren reactions. Also, if you want to learn more about who Ren is, his million subscribers video Defining Success, is worth watching 💜💜

Also he learnt everything playing the guitar from RU-vid videos while spending 22 hours in bed while sick

Ren does retakes ( Loosing It Fischer Retake, Bittersweet Symphony Verve Retake , Back on 74 / Message In a Bottle Retake and Halftime Nas Retake) where he puts his lyrics and flourishes over the original music. He also reinvents his own work with live acoustic versions of his own originals ( Murderer, Animal Flow….. ).

Not everything REN does is so disheartening. He has a a bunch of bangers too - Power, Losing It, Down on the Beat (featuring Viktus, the guy who plays the pug in his videos), and a bunch of others.

I am so sorry that it hitted you so hard, but unfortunately it's the sad reality. So it's so important that it is heard and spoken about, otherwise the circle of violence is never gonna be broken! Cheers from Berlin 👍🍀😎

I love that he stops and waits at the end of the corridor, while the cameraman walks forward, taking that time, because he needs to be upstairs to knock on the door at the right part of the song etc, so clever

I absolutely have enjoyed watching your Ren reactions. It’s one thing to watch someone enjoy and react to Ren’s art. But seeing someone completely immerse themselves in the art and music… yeah that’s a beautiful thing to watch. It is clear that you have a deep appreciation and understanding of musicianship, storytelling and art. Your description of Ren’s melody at the beginning of ‘Violet’s Tale’ as “both forlorn and hopeful”, was just brilliantly perfect!!! Fantastic job and I can’t wait to see you react to more (Ren and other artists, as well). But yeah, Ren IS music… so he possesses all styles and genres in his bag and up his sleeve. Don’t blink though - because he’ll effortlessly go from reggae, to rock, to soul, to rap, to bard/storytelling, to bringing social awareness, to heart wrenching and gut punching, to cheeky and fun, to “what the heck” and everywhere in between. And then there’s the band…. Cheers!!

Love your reactions. Just one wee request. Can you always wind back a few seconds when you pause. You missed a couple of things I think you would have got if you had approached them with a longer run in. Not sure you got that J and S were brother and sister ….?

I typically avoid reaction videos of any kind, but I love watching people’s faces slowly change like they’ve seen the light when they hear a Ren song for the first time. Edit - typonese

If you want a revealing, yet engrossing interview, I highly recommended his interview with Zach Sang. Ren's as personable, open, raw, honest, intelligent, insightful and funny as ever but there's something special about this one. Ren's always great in interviews but this interview is just a little bit more of everything and Zach's a really good interviewer. Plus it's always fun listening to Ren's eloquent mouth, trying to keep up with his hyperactive, genius level, brain! :) It's just over an hour but it won't seem like it. I'd also recommend another, much shorter video, called 'Defing Success - 1 Million Subscribers'. He wasn't in a great place when he made it, mentally or physically and was feeling very homesick but he thought he should put something out to mark the occasion. It was recorded in Calgary, in Canada, where he's been for the last 14 months, undergoing intensive experimental treatments, in an attempt to repair some of the damage to his body and brain. The drugs were fogging his brain, making him a little tongue-tied at times but he still managed to be extremely eloquent. He's iin constant pain but it was hitting harder at this time, yet he still pushed through. It's relatively short but once again, very revealing of the kind of human being he is and the message... I'll eave that for to hear as new. :) After those two videos, you'll begin to understand why we all end up falling in love, not just with his music but with him as a human being. P.S. I had to add, if you want something lighthearted, that's a fine example of his wicked sense of humour, search for 'Ren- Instagram Q&A'. It should be the first 2 that opo up. Both are really short and both had me laughing out loud, unexpectedly, as I hadn't experienced Ren's funny side until then. They're not comedy videos. He's just funny! :)

Hi Oh WoW i have not yet started the reaction ha was just **Excited** to see the title & "That's All I Have To Say About That" (in my best Forrest Gump voice) heh whew k goin in now...

This is the beginning of your trip down the Ren rabbit hole. Great reaction. Thanks

Justin Hawkins Rides Again has a really good interview with him

Masterpiece. Your reactions matched ours on first hearing.

They don’t call it Bardcore for nothing!

Is songwriting genius exemplified in one line : “please let my babies stay alive” but people hear “baby stay alive” foreshadowing the twist without the listener noticing.

Love the reactions. I’m a kiwi living in Montreal, QC… Ren reaches far and wide. Thanks for your reactions. Keep them coming.

Your reaction to this is completely normal. Everyone (if human) is really impacted by this one. Ren is an amazing all around talent. Thanks for another good reaction! Keep 'em coming!

His Million Subscribers Thank You video is a great one to watch to get to know more about Ren as a person not just an artist. Glad I found your channel. Welcome to the RENaissance. 😊

Forewarned and hopeful…YES!! Each Tale has an overture that sets the tone for the story just as the setting sets the scene. Ren uses everything he has to tell a story. The literary tools of metaphor, simile, alliteration, and personification ( the blade with the teeth that could bite …) , his tone and cadence, and yes, his guitar as more than just that of “ a guitar “ when Ren is the narrator. We never actually hear Jenny, only what we are told THROUGH Ren but he gives us a very clear picture of what she looks like and feels. We hear a lot FROM Screech , not just in his Tale but also in Jenny’s. But in Screech’s Tale we get to see Screech for what he is ( despite it all): a scared 14 y.o. literally begging for help. And Violet’s Tale ( which was written ~3 years after Jenny’s), that overture is exactly what you said, foreboding, haunting and ( still) hopeful. This is the one where Ren REALLY breaks the fourth wall. When he looks up that stairwell and sings “ She never had a chance “- you can see it floating up and out into the dark night sky.

I have lost count how often I have watched this video (or any other video of him for that matter), yet he still blows my mind 😅

Yeh, he's a pretty amazing performer - like, he's not done anything we haven't heard/seen done before in any of his videos, but his final presentation is so much more than the sum of its parts. The only thing I haven't seen him do with his guitar is cook his breakfast on it - but he's still young & so I'll hold my breath. And his signature one-take videos..... Being born in the middle ages would only have had him burnt at the stake for wizardry. Bardcore wouldn't have cut it !!

I've been a musician pretty much all my life and I couldn't agree more with what you said about being split between jealousy and the feeling of being so happy he chose to share this with the world. I think he is the one person that we will be talking about years after he's gone. A true artist.

So glad you have been introduced to REN 😊 it looks like he is having the same effect on you as the rest of us. I have no doubt your life will be richer because of it 🥰

After watching hundreds of Ren reactors you get a feel for what they should watch next. For you, I am going to say Big Push - I Shot the Sheriff / Road to Zion / Hip Hop. A close second was their version of Paint it Black

The same way I felt when I found REN. Thank you for validation.

Thanks for your comments about the god-level talent of this guy. He rightly gets praised for the shear power and emotion of his work, but not nearly enough attention is paid to his SKILL level. Everything he does is just off the charts. I can only think of a handful of artists EVER as good as this dude.

"Hopefully the end has a happy ending " 😂 Enjoyed the reaction.

I have heard every song Ren has done, whether he wrote it or just reimagined it. I love it ALL ❣️❣️ How many artists can you say that about ? Once every 50 yrs or so, you find someone with this much talent. Tho his heart is just as huge as his gift. ❤😊

The gun... he doesn't just use the acoustic guitar as a weapon, I'm pretty sure he also drops the pick inside - to get that rattle of the casings. In the hospital scene, he seems to take the pick in his mouth when he leans back... from an assistant out of shot. The attention to detail in his one-shots are incredible.

Your lighting ratios are looking much better. Enjoyed!

Also I really love and appreciate the fact that you admitted that you were jealous of his talent you are the first musician I’ve heard and reactions to rent to say that bravo

Wow thank you for such a beautiful reaction. Iv watched this hundreds of times literally with the amount of reactions I watch and this genuinely was one of the most raw, honest reactions I have seen. Sometimes no words are needed. We could see your thoughts on your face. You are a true empath like me. Ren seriously is the best story teller out there. This started off being based off a story Ren read in the newspaper about a young man that slashed and killed a young prostitute. The reporter ended the report with “it’s such a shame” hence Ren using that line a lot. Jenny’s tale came out in feb 2019, screech’s in sept 2019 and violets tale in July 2022. Patrick was with Screech’s girlfriend hence she was “busy”. Notice how Jenny was a quiet girl like her Mom Violet and Screech was violent like his dad stevie. Generational abuse. Such a well written and presented story but definitely very hard to watch especially when you have been through abuse yourself. I think you need a fun one next. Why don’t you try one of these … Ren: Back on 74/ message in a bottle retake Halftime (Nas retake) Losing It Or his band The Big Push I shot the sheriff/ road to Zion/ hiphop Wade in the water/ Nina Simone/ trouble so hard Sending you lots of love 🖤🫶

Go on with "Money Game" trilogy. You can do them separately. Each one is a masterpiece of its own. Then you can do "Love Music" series to cheer yourself up. ))) Although, you know, you can watch just anything by Ren, I'm sure you'll enjoy everything he has. Some of the songs are quite sad and hard, but there are also quite many cheeky songs of his. He raps a lot, but I assure you want be bored or smth even if you're a rocker. I am more of a rock person myself, I'm not into rap, but Ren has opened my heart to rap also and made me appreciate it. Well, he's the only rapper I listen to, but anyway. 😅

Ren really has a way of getting to you man Many of his songs the way his voice resonates , move me to tears a lot of times

To average society, and especially the mainstream media, Ren is like the biggest open secret, even after getting a UK No1 album. Hopefully this year he really does blow up

Thank you for your reaction - this was obviously a deeply affecting one for you. I appreciate you! ❤

A great reaction to a modern masterpiece. I've watched many, many reactions to this extraordinary piece of art, this was one of the best. Subscribed.

So cool to see you start what it looks like may be a deep dive into Ren’s musical library. 😉 Your commentary is really interesting and it is clear you are inspired. Ren is an absolute vessel for music and you will find that he surrounds himself with many other incredible music musicians. The first song he ever did that went viral is called “Blind Eyed,”which he wrote with his buddy, Sam Tompkins. There are several versions, but the LIVE ones are always a favorite (see Angry Car Park Attendant and/or Royal Crown session). I’ll be sure to check out some of your music as well. Cheers from California! 💔❤️‍🩹❤️

He is the most intelligent artist I have heard in decades...

Always go back 5-10 seconds after a pause. Great to see the emotion. Feel to heal man

I enjoyed watching your reaction. The story is intense and most people find themselves forgetting to breathe or forgetting it’s not a movie. Even though the story is tragic, it is also Rens pure talent…or the PURITY of his talent that also makes us emotional. If you decide to watch his interviews I’d recommend the one he did with Chris Liepe or Black Pegasus. Both very different interviews and both super entertaining. Next up, maybe the beloved busking video with the Big Push, I shot the sheriff, Road to Zion, and Hip hop - he’s wearing red suspenders in the thumbnail. It’s an iconic video in the Ren repertoire. Otherwise anything from the Sick Boi album would be great.

I don't know S about F when it comes to the intricate details of writing music...but I love rock and metal, because majority of them write their own songs. I heard Ren and was blown away! Thks dude is a genius. I just found your channel because of him...keep up the good work!

Your reaction brought tears to my eyes. Ren is a genius and this was a masterpiece. We RENegades are here for your journey. Keep going!

Just absolutely loved your reaction! Thank you!

This is what Ren calls Bardcore.. Welcome to the rabbit hole. You may never leave ❤ subbed