Think about the fact that Brooker is singing it with the same nuance and power as 50 years earlier. This is an amazing song. I’m 75 and I remember the emotional impact I felt when I heard it for the first time in ‘67.
@@mightbeanybody Ditto also. I'm 74 and herd it first around '69-'70. At the time, where I lived, this was almost always the closing dance, slow dance of course for quite a long time. This is an eternal song.
@@JeanPaillard-to1hx I'm 72 and I can't believe he is singing this wonderful song with this much passion 50 years later. So sorry to hear he has passed. And you're right it was always the closing dance song.
This is better than great.... it's an absolute masterpiece! It's an anthem from my youth and I've been listening to this for over 50 years. Gary Brooker's voice never diminished as he got older and I was gutted to hear of his passing last year. He was a legend. Thanks for the respectful and enthusiastic reaction to a fantastic song from the 1960's, the decade that laid the foundation for popular music as we know it today.
One of those rare, truly special, and oh so memorable events that you are blessed with experiencing in your life. Gary Brooker's voice, at age 62, is as strong as it was when the group released this song in 1967, but with more fullness and depth. Many people will say they prefer the studio version (because that is what they grew up with and are used to hearing), but this performance - with the orchestra and choir, and in this wonderful setting - has such class and so much emotion that it brings tears to your eyes! R.I.P. Gary Brooker. Thank you for this amazing experience!
Fantastic. Fantastic . I Got Married in 1967, And this was our Masterpiece since then , I cry when I hear it ,As my Husband only died in 2022 😢😢😢. We danced to this through our 55 years of marriage 😢😢😢 Gary only died in 2022 also RIP GARY ,
I love when that Wurlitzer comes in. RIP Gary Booker. He was 60 when they recorded this and his voice aged like fine wine. I was so lucky to have grown up with such good music. Every generation says that they had the best generation of music but my generation has the receipts. This is one of them.
Absolutely magnificent rendition of this rock classic, with the Danish National Orchestra. The original is just as full & classically beautiful. Thanks for your reaction.
Gary Brooker was 62 at this performance. The song came out in 1967, when he was 22. This song tied with Bohemian Rhapsody for Best British Rock Song. In 2004, this song was listed as the most played British song.
I was 15 when I first heard this song.Then i shared it with my friends.I did not know then, because we were being whoed at the Monterey Pop Festival in 67.R.I.P. GOD BLESS GARY.
@@davespears2241 I was at this concert and it was a multi-generational event. Folks from the World War II era were there along with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren all having a grand time. It was inspiring for me as an American where the media thrives on alleged hostility between generations.
I've seen many reviews of many things by many reviewers and I have to say up front that this gentleman is the first I've seen that bothers to do a little homework before listening. Much respect for that. He went on to ask many questions and one he likely discovered is that the prelude was created especially for this performance, but Gary did use orchestration early on (I think he's credited with inventing progressive rock. Others were The Beatles, Moody Blues, Jethro Tull, etc.) - mostly inspired by classical music. He modeled this on a progression he liked by Bach: Air On The G String. I've always loved this, so much that when I haven't heard it in a while, it can bring tears to my eyes, can't help it, then I have to listen to it over and over, especially this rendition. It truly is a masterpiece. They had some other impressive hits too, like Conquistador and A Salty Dog... Gary himself was quite interesting. Many interviews with him popped up the day he passed away. I say this too, I love when true music lovers discover what us baby boomers knew back in the sixties when we were hit with so much of it within about a 15 year period. It was all so good we thought it would never end... that was a special time for sure and we're all so lucky it's still around; so much of it is just timeless... By the way, baroque was a period from 1600-1750 which predated classical. Might want to look it up and start with how to pronounce it. Good reaction though. (and I hope we can lose the term “sick “).
You're so right. I listened to both the original studio version and this version back to back a few nights ago. I actually thought his voice was stronger or he learned better how to use it 50 years later. Love this version!
There are very few artists that can sound better live than the original recording, Gary Brooker was "All" of them put together with this performance, he absolutely smashes this right out of the park.. The music, choir and Gary's vocals are just pure magic. This audience just don't realise how lucky they were to be there on that day. R. I. P G Brooker 🙏🙏🙏
Every generation believes their music is the best...but I swear, ours had music & artists that just can't be matched. If you haven't slow danced to this song, you've missed out.
I have loved this and shared it with Family and Friends for years, it blows them all away when they hear it for the first time, an unbelievable rendition!!!
Gary Brooker wrote and sang many great tunes. If this has to be the moment he is remembered for so be it. A fantastic arrangement and a fantastic performance of a timeless standard. . It does not matter what race or religion you belong to if you are a breathing human being this haunting melody will affect you . RIP Gary - and thank you for this beautiful song .
Gary Brooker passed just last year. His voice got better with age. That’s rare. The choir back up harmony is incredible. The orchestra back up was very special here. That Hammond organ is priceless. We had one in our living room. My Mom and uncle played. The song was released in 1967. Timeless! RIP Gary!
Saw Procol Harum at a small college auditorium in Claremont Cali and they were amazing. Robin Trower was the original guitarist with the band. Peter Frampton said this is the best rock song ever written. This song came out in the 60’s and was way ahead of it’s time.
The sixties and seventies had some of the absolute best music of the last few decades. So many amazing songs and bands/singers. Watching these reaction videos done by younger people who are hearing it for the first time is really entertaining as I watch the appreciation on their faces as they discover it. For me, it's getting reacquainted with some old favorites I haven't heard for decades.
There are HUNDREDS of outstanding songs from just the 1960s and 1970s. What a time to grow up with music. The original studio version has been a go-to at least 3 to 4 times a year since 1967!
This song, stuck in my head since yesterday, then to finding this video... I weep tears as well, this song captivated me at a young age, almost Gospel in it's wonderfully poignant shade. I hope someone plays it at my funeral.
"A Whiter Shade of Pale" is the most requested song in England over the last 50+ years. Procol Harum in my opinion are one of the most overlooked psychedelic/progressive bands of the 60's and well beyond. Too many people know this magnificent song but don't know the band had 15 plus other studio recordings that are all incredible. Lead singer, Gary Brooker recently passed away but was performing as late as 2021. The great Robin Trower and drummer BJ Wilson, were original members of Procol Harum. BJ Wilson was originally considered by Jimmy Page as Led Zeppelin's drummer. You need to listen to the Procol Harum's next 2 albums "Shine on Brightly" and "A Salty Dog" . They are psychedelic/ progressive masterpieces. Being a teenager throughout the 60's, I know these types of rock masterpieces you're gonna find from bands from that era. "A Whiter Shade of Pale", "Stairway to Heaven", Sgt Peppers, "Allman Brothers live at the Fillmore" Derek and the Dominoes "Layla". and I notice people are stumbling on Bobby Hatfield of the "Righteous Brothers doing "Unchained Melody," something every music lover should here. And if you're not familiar with the rise of Motown in the early 60's with the "Supremes," the "Four Tops", the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and so many more. To have the "English Invasion" and "Motown" start at basically the same time was just incredible.
The lead singer Gary Brooker formed Procol Harum in 1967, predominantly a songwriter he formed the group after struggling to find artists to record his material. This song was the first release from their debut album that year and topped numerous charts worldwide including their native UK 🇬🇧 chart for 6 weeks. It is one of the most commercially successful singles in history having sold over 10 million copies worldwide and over 1,000 cover versions have been recorded by other artists! Sadly, we lost Gary in February 2022 😢 Stunning performance this, after nearly 40 years when they performed this they had matured like the finest aged Scotch whisky 🥃😊
Paul McCartney was once asked which song he had wished he’d written. He replied, “A Whiter Shade Of Pale”. It was the song that was playing when Paul went on a date with first wife Linda Eastman! This song is a masterpiece!! Takes me back to growing up in the 60s. Peace, love , & rock n roll ☮️ 💟 🎶
That is the music we grew up with I was also blown away when I saw this rendition of the song I was saddened to hear that he had passed what a great talent he was.
He played a bum note in the last chorus - bet you didn't notice - but he acknowledged it by raising his hand - he is just amazing. RIP Gary. Such a 'tuneful' piece.
His voice has not changed a bit. WOW! With the orchestra and the chorus, it just amped it up. Beautiful. Yes, you do have a lot of music to discover. The orchestra and the chorus were added for this performance.
If you listen to the original studio version of this classic, then listen to this live version done almost 50 years later, it is nearly remarkable that the man actually sings this much better. Wow! What a performance. Gary Brooker was a very, very talented man.
Thank you SalvoG! I grew up listening and loving Gary Brooker and Procol Harum. Seeing your look of wonderment at the great talents of these musicians brought tears to my eyes. It took me back to the 60's when I first heard this wonderful band and the amazing voice of Gary Brooker. Seeing a member of a younger generation appreciating this genius makes my heart full of joy. It gives me faith that we are going to be just fine! Thank you! ❤
You should listen to the original studio version a whiter shade of pale in the 60s I fell I love with this song and now 56 years later I’m still in love with it and the Denmark concert was incredible. Thank you for sharing your thoughts❤
Love this song. I actually prefer the studio version from the 60's as it is the one I grew up on. This live version is very good though as it shows how powerful Gary Brooker's voice was even as he got older. "Conquistador" is another great song by Procol Harum. Sad to hear of his passing recently.
The orchestra was just for this performance. The single starts with the organ playing. Gary Brooker was an under rated but well respected voice of that generation. The type of music they are associated with is Baroque (ba-role). There was a reason this song was number 1 in all those countries and one of the top 50 selling singles of all time!!! Conquistador was their other big hit that should be next on your list
@@jeffreybooth5129 it actually wasn’t. It only charted at number 34 and was only on the charts for 5 weeks on billboard, conquistador made it to number 16 and was it n the chart for 13 weeks, one week longer than whiter shade even!
This song was inspired by Air on a G String composed by Bach in 1723. RIP Gary Brooker, singer and songwriter for Procol Harum who just passed recently.
I’ve loved this song since I was a kid. I have to say when I became aware of this live performance it was so emotional. The orchestral arrangement is sublime. It surpassed my expectations for how good a live performance could be. Rest In Peace, Gary Brooker. 🕯
The bass player with Procol Harem at this time is Matt Pegg - who is the son of the bass player, Dave Pegg, in one of the Jethro Tull videos you reacted to.
This is the national anthem of rock music. Gary said in an interview he thought the song maybe had 10 years and would be forgotten. He further stated that young people continued asking for it. 49 years later (2006) after he and Procal Harum released it, someone came up with the idea to add the orchestra and choir, which took this masterpiece to a different dimension. Thank you Gary.
Thank you "SalvoG" for this wonderful song from Procol Harum with singer Gary Brooker! The original is from 1967 (Love and peace era and Beat time). Gary- RIP all time and the song: a whiter shade of pale. Gary died 19.Ferbruary 2022😪👈
Gary Brooker (lead singer and founding member) was 22 when he recorded this song. He was 61 at this performance. He passed away last year from cancer. The Moody Blues group also used orchestra in their music. They did it in 1964.
Now you can see why the original was number one worldwide. The original version started with the organ; this one is elevated by the orchestra and the choir both are masterpiece either way. Annie Lennox also covered this and does it justice. I'm afraid that there are many more fantastic songs still to discover. The 60s and 70s were a time of an explosion of great musicians and songwriters, week and week we had new, wonderful and innovative songs to fall in love with.
The original studio version the lyrics are a little clearer. There is also a 4 verse version recorded in a pub that fills in the story. I also like the Annie Lennox version
As someone who was a teenager at the time this came out,I take vicarious pleasure in watching reactions to my old time favourites. i have to say your appreciation of this lifts my heart thank you. This may seem a bit over the top but ,ofcourse, I am well stoned.
Inspired by the beautiful baroque music of composers like Bach, Handel and others of this 17th century artistic style. The music we grew up on in the 60s and 70s was so good, we took it for granted and miss it a lot now. 👍🏴
In a way, I envy you for being able to hear this wonderful song for the very first time. This particular performance may be the best that Gary Brooker and Procol Harum ever gave. This really is one for the ages.
Gary Brooker was channeling Ray Charles doing Bach. Notice just like Ray he did not rush the beat. He kept it real slow and steady and his vocal delivery was pure r&b
The orchestral section was for this performance. The original version began with the organ, which was more dominant in the original version. It was almost churchy . But in this version, Brooker's voice is A LOT better than it was when he was young. His pitch is dead on; he sings with greater passion and emotion. The original version was fabulous for the time, first of all because it was so different. Nothing at all like it. Mysterious and soulful--from some other zone of reality.
As a high schooler when this song dropped, I was immediately obsessed, I went out and purchased the album, which is very different from this song. Now in my golden years I am eternally grateful that Procol Harum did this incredible arrangement for us in 2006. This song, like Puccini's Nessun Dorma, always gives me goosebumps no matter how many times I hear it. Goosebumps, the universal sign of truly exceptional music. It is sad that all these amazing musicians, unfettered by the globalists, who now own the music industry are slipping aways from us. I love that the younger generations are finding these gems. Your reaction to this beloved song has been my favorite, if you have kids, I hope you share it with them. Peace☮
Love listen to your comments and thoughts about song that I grew up with...gret to see that the "younger" generations discover "my" music and seems to like it. Well done reaction...I like that u read about the artists before u listen, I sure subscribe here
This song started me onto on a life long love of the Hammond organ. The original member on the Hammond was Matthew Fisher. He was so incredible. When I saw him with his organ and a big Leslie Cabinet speaker I was hooked. Spent the next 50 years learning to play. Great reaction. I'm binging on your reactions today to get caught up.
So glad you were able to get to this video. Such an impressive performance by the original lead singer of Procol Harum, Gary Brooker (R.I.P.). It is one of my favorite videos.
I saw Procol Harum back in 1969 (Toronto). Gary Brooker's voice was amazing then and aged like a fine wine. Conquistador is brilliant as well as "Whiskey Train" where you dive into cowbell & Robin Trower heaven.
You just witnessed what the definition of music is. It was the meeting of 2 genre's at the site of a castle in Denmark. Is it any wonder why it was # 1 in so many Countries around the world? I've seen it many, many times and one small part of the video really touches me more than any other. When that woman from the chorus belts out that one part of the melody it was so dramatic and I believe they could have heard her in nearby Sweden. Of course you will get comments about his passing but he was fortunate to do his thing for decades and this song, particularly this performance in Denmark, will never be forgotten. I believe it will reach over 100M views this year.
One of the best songs ever, and a great performance...but the original recording was just as wonderful. Always gives me goosebumps, no matter how many hundreds of times I have heard it. ❤️
In 1967 when this came out I was working at Ocean City and you heard this song everywhere. It was such a huge hit. I loved it then and I love it now. Gary Booker’s voice is every bit as good. RIP Gary.
Growing up my guitar teacher turned me on to this band a couple years after it came out. I want to say 1969 or 70 I'm so grateful I was part of this great generation of the best music ever. Thanks for finding and posting this.
Glad you like the performance... from my era...a kinder gentler time... when love was real...as far as the lyrics go...it borders on surrealism... it can mean whatever you want it to mean... just enjoy the journey...
I was 15 years old when this fab song came out- yep I’m a love child-“Always wear flowers in your hair was the saying- I love how you research- and remember- just spread thru radio and tv- and concerts- I like you picked this full out version- I love my generation!!!!💛✌️🌼🌻🍄
Mr. Salvo, I wish you could have sat where I sat and listened to so much of this music through the sixties and into the early seventies and beyond. I was fortunate to have been able to go backstage and met some of the famous groups of the time as my boyfriend worked backstage etc in lighting and electrical set-ups. We were hippies in those days…..lol…now 71….still listen every night to old jams. I have such fond memories of Chicago in those days. I could write a book…..thanks for the memories.
Sheer PERFECTION!!! This song was born in 1967 when I was 15. I've definitely gained appreciation for the song over the years!! Thank you!!! Excellent reaction!! R.I.P. Gary Brooker....singing to the Angels now.💜💜🎶🎼🎵🎸🥁🎧🎤🎙🎹
I saw Procol Harum perform their first concert in the US in 1967. Been my favorite band ever since. Check out: A Salty Dog, Repent Walpurgis, Conquistador, Whaling Stories, Wreck of the Hesperus, Grand Hotel, and many more great songs from this amazing band.
I was born a decade after this song hit, and it's still my all time favorite song. I've loved it since I was a little kid and heard it on one of my dad's LPs. It's a perfect tune.
This is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written. I have never actually figured out the lyrics but not important. Singer Gary Booker died a little over 2 years ago. This has always been a favorite song of mine since it was first released in the U.S.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
This version has far more classical music then in the original but it’s beautiful. His voice has changed very little. This is 60’s and 70’s, baby!
Sure is a shame for the younger generation that missed this era. Whiter shade of pale is a masterpiece.
Grew up with this. We didn't know back then that we were living in a golden age of music and creativity.
so true we took it all for granted, now we appreciate it.
So true!
Amen, so happy I grew up when there was "TRUE" talent.
Amen
Amen. Truly appreciate all the artists and songs now.
Think about the fact that Brooker is singing it with the same nuance and power as 50 years earlier. This is an amazing song. I’m 75 and I remember the emotional impact I felt when I heard it for the first time in ‘67.
Ditto, I'm 76 and think this is an all-time classic.
I remember it in 60s😊❤😊
The late great Gary Brooker.
@@mightbeanybody
Ditto also. I'm 74 and herd it first around '69-'70. At the time, where I lived, this was almost always the closing dance, slow dance of course for quite a long time. This is an eternal song.
@@JeanPaillard-to1hx I'm 72 and I can't believe he is singing this wonderful song with this much passion 50 years later. So sorry to hear he has passed. And you're right it was always the closing dance song.
Bro your face when the drummer and organ kicks in ……… love it! 😊
This is better than great.... it's an absolute masterpiece! It's an anthem from my youth and I've been listening to this for over 50 years. Gary Brooker's voice never diminished as he got older and I was gutted to hear of his passing last year. He was a legend. Thanks for the respectful and enthusiastic reaction to a fantastic song from the 1960's, the decade that laid the foundation for popular music as we know it today.
I really enjoyed it, thanks for watching.
Beautifully said!! I, too, grew up with music greats in the 60's and on...and grateful to have seen it all!!🎶🎼🎵🎸🥁🎧🎹🎤🎙🤘🤘
One of those rare, truly special, and oh so memorable events that you are blessed with experiencing in your life. Gary Brooker's voice, at age 62, is as strong as it was when the group released this song in 1967, but with more fullness and depth. Many people will say they prefer the studio version (because that is what they grew up with and are used to hearing), but this performance - with the orchestra and choir, and in this wonderful setting - has such class and so much emotion that it brings tears to your eyes! R.I.P. Gary Brooker. Thank you for this amazing experience!
This song was enough to make me cry more than once - big tough guy crying.
@@TrianglesAndCircles it's a big club!!!😥😥
RIP Gary. Beautiful Voice.Loved this since 1967.❤
Fantastic. Fantastic .
I Got Married in 1967,
And this was our Masterpiece since then ,
I cry when I hear it ,As my
Husband only died in
2022 😢😢😢.
We danced to this through our 55 years of marriage 😢😢😢
Gary only died in 2022 also RIP GARY ,
I love when that Wurlitzer comes in. RIP Gary Booker. He was 60 when they recorded this and his voice aged like fine wine. I was so lucky to have grown up with such good music. Every generation says that they had the best generation of music but my generation has the receipts. This is one of them.
He Still Had Such A POWERFUL Voice.. Fine Wine Indeed 👍🏾‼️
It was a Hammond organ, if I’m not mistaken. 😊
Absolutely magnificent rendition of this rock classic, with the Danish National Orchestra. The original is just as full & classically beautiful. Thanks for your reaction.
Gary Brooker was 62 at this performance. The song came out in 1967, when he was 22. This song tied with Bohemian Rhapsody for Best British Rock Song.
In 2004, this song was listed as the most played British song.
Because it's a masterpiece X
Both great but this is my choice
I was 15 when I first heard this song.Then i shared it with my friends.I did not know then, because we were being whoed at the Monterey Pop Festival in 67.R.I.P. GOD BLESS GARY.
RiP Gary the Lords took you back
Love to see younger people appreciating older music.
@@davespears2241 I was at this concert and it was a multi-generational event. Folks from the World War II era were there along with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren all having a grand time. It was inspiring for me as an American where the media thrives on alleged hostility between generations.
There's a vast ocean of music out there, sit back, cast your line, and you'll never go without. But most importantly always enjoy it.
I've seen many reviews of many things by many reviewers and I have to say up front that this gentleman is the first I've seen that bothers to do a little homework before listening. Much respect for that. He went on to ask many questions and one he likely discovered is that the prelude was created especially for this performance, but Gary did use orchestration early on (I think he's credited with inventing progressive rock. Others were The Beatles, Moody Blues, Jethro Tull, etc.) - mostly inspired by classical music. He modeled this on a progression he liked by Bach: Air On The G String. I've always loved this, so much that when I haven't heard it in a while, it can bring tears to my eyes, can't help it, then I have to listen to it over and over, especially this rendition. It truly is a masterpiece. They had some other impressive hits too, like Conquistador and A Salty Dog... Gary himself was quite interesting. Many interviews with him popped up the day he passed away. I say this too, I love when true music lovers discover what us baby boomers knew back in the sixties when we were hit with so much of it within about a 15 year period. It was all so good we thought it would never end... that was a special time for sure and we're all so lucky it's still around; so much of it is just timeless... By the way, baroque was a period from 1600-1750 which predated classical. Might want to look it up and start with how to pronounce it. Good reaction though. (and I hope we can lose the term “sick “).
We are in total agreement.
“Lol”… Absolutely Great Review‼️
One of the most beautiful songs ever written. ❤️
Gary Brooker is one of the few artists to not lose his voice as he aged.
You're so right. I listened to both the original studio version and this version back to back a few nights ago. I actually thought his voice was stronger or he learned better how to use it 50 years later. Love this version!
In my opinion, simply one of the greatest songs of all-time, for sure, and Gary Brooker had a fantastic voice. RIP Mr. Brooker.
One of the greatest songs ever written
Of course! It's Bach! Taken from his Air On A G String.
"She said there is no reason..."
That line just slides from Garry's throat like molten gold - breaks my heart every time I hear it. 💜💜
There are very few artists that can sound better live than the original recording,
Gary Brooker was "All" of them put together with this performance, he absolutely smashes this right out of the park..
The music, choir and Gary's vocals are just pure magic.
This audience just don't realise how lucky they were to be there on that day.
R. I. P
G Brooker
🙏🙏🙏
I do!
Every generation believes their music is the best...but I swear, ours had music & artists that just can't be matched. If you haven't slow danced to this song, you've missed out.
One of the best songs ever ❤️
I have loved this and shared it with Family and Friends for years, it blows them all away when they hear it for the first time, an unbelievable rendition!!!
@@thomasmcdonald2284 Check out the reaction of hip hop artist Black Pegasus on the React series.
I am 50 years old and I have loved this song all my life
Probably one of the greatest live performances of all time ❤
Agreed
I play this song EVERY DAY !!!! RIP G.B.
One of the best pop songs ever written.
Bach turned into jazz and rock surrounded by classical orchestral brilliance. It is one of the greatest live concerts ever produced.
I am so glad I grew up when I did. I am 61 and I see these young people who have no idea of how great these bands were.
Gary Brooker wrote and sang many great tunes. If this has to be the moment he is remembered for so be it. A fantastic arrangement and a fantastic performance of a timeless standard. . It does not matter what race or religion you belong to if you are a breathing human being this haunting melody will affect you . RIP Gary - and thank you for this beautiful song .
Gary Brooker passed just last year. His voice got better with age. That’s rare. The choir back up harmony is incredible. The orchestra back up was very special here. That Hammond organ is priceless. We had one in our living room. My Mom and uncle played. The song was released in 1967. Timeless! RIP Gary!
My son who is now 42 used to listen to this in my truck. He loved it especially the Hammond B
Saw Procol Harum at a small college auditorium in Claremont Cali and they were amazing. Robin Trower was the original guitarist with the band. Peter Frampton said this is the best rock song ever written. This song came out in the 60’s and was way ahead of it’s time.
Poco Harum. This song came out in 1967 I'm so privileged to be this generation. Please watch the original video
The sixties and seventies had some of the absolute best music of the last few decades. So many amazing songs and bands/singers. Watching these reaction videos done by younger people who are hearing it for the first time is really entertaining as I watch the appreciation on their faces as they discover it. For me, it's getting reacquainted with some old favorites I haven't heard for decades.
There are HUNDREDS of outstanding songs from just the 1960s and 1970s. What a time to grow up with music. The original studio version has been a go-to at least 3 to 4 times a year since 1967!
YESSSS ..born in 1958 🙋♀️
Me too @@debramoore7513 , these masterpieces were playing 24/7. We knew, even back then, that our music was the pinnacle.
These masterpieces were played 24/7 when I was growing up. We knew, even back then, that our music was the pinnacle.
@@StephanMarcDubois Best of times!
I was 10 years old when this came out, I'm now 66. Never get tired of listening to this version.
Same here ❤
Miss him...this was an epic performance...makes me cry its so beautiful. .
This song, stuck in my head since yesterday, then to finding this video... I weep tears as well, this song captivated me at a young age, almost Gospel in it's wonderfully poignant shade. I hope someone plays it at my funeral.
The sheer beauty of this just brings you to tears....love it just love it❤
You're not the only one how cry . Beleive me
"A Whiter Shade of Pale" is the most requested song in England over the last 50+ years. Procol Harum in my opinion are one of the most overlooked psychedelic/progressive bands of the 60's and well beyond. Too many people know this magnificent song but don't know the band had 15 plus other studio recordings that are all incredible. Lead singer, Gary Brooker recently passed away but was performing as late as 2021. The great Robin Trower and drummer BJ Wilson, were original members of Procol Harum. BJ Wilson was originally considered by Jimmy Page as Led Zeppelin's drummer. You need to listen to the Procol Harum's next 2 albums "Shine on Brightly" and "A Salty Dog" . They are psychedelic/ progressive masterpieces. Being a teenager throughout the 60's, I know these types of rock masterpieces you're gonna find from bands from that era. "A Whiter Shade of Pale", "Stairway to Heaven", Sgt Peppers, "Allman Brothers live at the Fillmore" Derek and the Dominoes "Layla". and I notice people are stumbling on Bobby Hatfield of the "Righteous Brothers doing "Unchained Melody," something every music lover should here. And if you're not familiar with the rise of Motown in the early 60's with the "Supremes," the "Four Tops", the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and so many more. To have the "English Invasion" and "Motown" start at basically the same time was just incredible.
THANKS FOR LAYING THAT OUT!!!!
This is the best reaction I 've seen to this performance. True understanding and appreciation of the brilliance of it all.
The lead singer Gary Brooker formed Procol Harum in 1967, predominantly a songwriter he formed the group after struggling to find artists to record his material. This song was the first release from their debut album that year and topped numerous charts worldwide including their native UK 🇬🇧 chart for 6 weeks. It is one of the most commercially successful singles in history having sold over 10 million copies worldwide and over 1,000 cover versions have been recorded by other artists! Sadly, we lost Gary in February 2022 😢 Stunning performance this, after nearly 40 years when they performed this they had matured like the finest aged Scotch whisky 🥃😊
RIP, Gary 🙏🏼
For those of us who were around back in the day.... He had definitely improved with time.
This was a performance for the Ages !!
His voice has improved to a husky baritone growl. Just amazing man.
Paul McCartney was once asked which song he had wished he’d written. He replied, “A Whiter Shade Of Pale”. It was the song that was playing when Paul went on a date with first wife Linda Eastman! This song is a masterpiece!! Takes me back to growing up in the 60s. Peace, love , & rock n roll ☮️ 💟 🎶
I think Clapton might have also claimed it as the best song ever.
Paul would have ruined it.
@@jodij6280 Agreed ..
That is the music we grew up with I was also blown away when I saw this rendition of the song I was saddened to hear that he had passed what a great talent he was.
He played a bum note in the last chorus - bet you didn't notice - but he acknowledged it by raising his hand - he is just amazing. RIP Gary. Such a 'tuneful' piece.
And pointing that out was important...why?
His voice has not changed a bit. WOW! With the orchestra and the chorus, it just amped it up. Beautiful. Yes, you do have a lot of music to discover. The orchestra and the chorus were added for this performance.
One of the greatest rock songs of ALL TIME! Beautifully done with the Danish National Concert Orchestra and choir! RIP Gary Brooker.
If you listen to the original studio version of this classic, then listen to this live version done almost 50 years later, it is nearly remarkable that the man actually sings this much better. Wow! What a performance. Gary Brooker was a very, very talented man.
His voice got better over the years which is amazing.
Thank you SalvoG! I grew up listening and loving Gary Brooker and Procol Harum. Seeing your look of wonderment at the great talents of these musicians brought tears to my eyes. It took me back to the 60's when I first heard this wonderful band and the amazing voice of Gary Brooker. Seeing a member of a younger generation appreciating this genius makes my heart full of joy. It gives me faith that we are going to be just fine! Thank you! ❤
You should listen to the original studio version a whiter shade of pale in the 60s I fell I love with this song and now 56 years later I’m still in love with it and the Denmark concert was incredible. Thank you for sharing your thoughts❤
It still may be the best rock song of all time!
Love this song. I actually prefer the studio version from the 60's as it is the one I grew up on. This live version is very good though as it shows how powerful Gary Brooker's voice was even as he got older. "Conquistador" is another great song by Procol Harum. Sad to hear of his passing recently.
So do I buy this was great too
Yes, I love the studio version too. It's from my childhood. But this one always brings me to tears...
The orchestra was just for this performance. The single starts with the organ playing. Gary Brooker was an under rated but well respected voice of that generation. The type of music they are associated with is Baroque (ba-role). There was a reason this song was number 1 in all those countries and one of the top 50 selling singles of all time!!! Conquistador was their other big hit that should be next on your list
@@truckrboat Actually Homburg was their next biggest hit but I'm pleased you appreciate this band as they are my all time favourites.
@@jeffreybooth5129 it actually wasn’t. It only charted at number 34 and was only on the charts for 5 weeks on billboard, conquistador made it to number 16 and was it n the chart for 13 weeks, one week longer than whiter shade even!
A Whiter Shade of Pale isn't even in my top 5 Procol Harum songs but this performance is one of the greatest live performances of all time.
Every generation has the soundtrack of their youth. I'm lucky enough to have had mine in the '60s and '70's. So many great songs and artists.
This song was inspired by Air on a G String composed by Bach in 1723. RIP Gary Brooker, singer and songwriter for Procol Harum who just passed recently.
He’s the original singing one of the most covered songs ever written. It’s a beautiful enigma of a song and he’s great. Rest in peace.
His voice is even better 50 years later... Nice reaction
I’ve loved this song since I was a kid. I have to say when I became aware of this live performance it was so emotional. The orchestral arrangement is sublime. It surpassed my expectations for how good a live performance could be. Rest In Peace, Gary Brooker. 🕯
He also did "Conquistador" at this same concert, amazing performances
Being a drummer myself, I love how the drummer recreated the feel of the original drum part and did not do too much. Plus of course the Hammond organ.
The bass player with Procol Harem at this time is Matt Pegg - who is the son of the bass player, Dave Pegg, in one of the Jethro Tull videos you reacted to.
RIP Gary Brooker...genius!
This is the national anthem of rock music. Gary said in an interview he thought the song maybe had 10 years and would be forgotten. He further stated that young people continued asking for it. 49 years later (2006) after he and Procal Harum released it, someone came up with the idea to add the orchestra and choir, which took this masterpiece to a different dimension. Thank you Gary.
Thank you "SalvoG" for this wonderful song from Procol Harum with singer Gary Brooker! The original is from 1967 (Love and peace era and Beat time). Gary- RIP all time and the song: a whiter shade of pale. Gary died 19.Ferbruary 2022😪👈
Gary Brooker (lead singer and founding member) was 22 when he recorded this song. He was 61 at this performance. He passed away last year from cancer. The Moody Blues group also used orchestra in their music. They did it in 1964.
Now you can see why the original was number one worldwide. The original version started with the organ; this one is elevated by the orchestra and the choir both are masterpiece either way. Annie Lennox also covered this and does it justice. I'm afraid that there are many more fantastic songs still to discover. The 60s and 70s were a time of an explosion of great musicians and songwriters, week and week we had new, wonderful and innovative songs to fall in love with.
The original studio version the lyrics are a little clearer. There is also a 4 verse version recorded in a pub that fills in the story. I also like the Annie Lennox version
@@easternwoods4378Willie Nelson also covered it!
As someone who was a teenager at the time this came out,I take vicarious pleasure in watching reactions to my old time favourites.
i have to say your appreciation of this lifts my heart thank you. This may seem a bit over the top but ,ofcourse, I am well stoned.
Inspired by the beautiful baroque music of composers like Bach, Handel and others of this 17th century artistic style. The music we grew up on in the 60s and 70s was so good, we took it for granted and miss it a lot now. 👍🏴
Your reaction is spot on .. absolutely jawdropping .. Rest in Paradise Gary Brooker
I've been listening to this song since I was about 13 or 14 y.o.; but NEVER have I enjoyed it more than this ! The whole thing is pure joy !!
It was great in the 60s and it is great now. Great music is great music. No electronics needed here. It's all talent
In a way, I envy you for being able to hear this wonderful song for the very first time. This particular performance may be the best that Gary Brooker and Procol Harum ever gave. This really is one for the ages.
This live performance is the best compliment this song could ever get! Amazing!
Gary Brooker was channeling Ray Charles doing Bach. Notice just like Ray he did not rush the beat. He kept it real slow and steady and his vocal delivery was pure r&b
RIP Gary Brooker MBE, a never-to-be forgotten musician and musical hero - and … what a nice man. 😢😢😢😢
The orchestral section was for this performance. The original version began with the organ, which was more dominant in the original version. It was almost churchy . But in this version, Brooker's voice is A LOT better than it was when he was young. His pitch is dead on; he sings with greater passion and emotion. The original version was fabulous for the time, first of all because it was so different. Nothing at all like it. Mysterious and soulful--from some other zone of reality.
As a high schooler when this song dropped, I was immediately obsessed, I went out and purchased the album, which is very different from this song. Now in my golden years I am eternally grateful that Procol Harum did this incredible arrangement for us in 2006. This song, like Puccini's Nessun Dorma, always gives me goosebumps no matter how many times I hear it. Goosebumps, the universal sign of truly exceptional music. It is sad that all these amazing musicians, unfettered by the globalists, who now own the music industry are slipping aways from us. I love that the younger generations are finding these gems. Your reaction to this beloved song has been my favorite, if you have kids, I hope you share it with them. Peace☮
Love listen to your comments and thoughts about song that I grew up with...gret to see that the "younger" generations discover "my" music and seems to like it. Well done reaction...I like that u read about the artists before u listen, I sure subscribe here
that was the sixties, month after month for the whole decade, endless, original musical genius
We were so used to the quality of the music we took it for granted and thought it would go on forever.
This song started me onto on a life long love of the Hammond organ. The original member on the Hammond was Matthew Fisher. He was so incredible. When I saw him with his organ and a big Leslie Cabinet speaker I was hooked. Spent the next 50 years learning to play. Great reaction. I'm binging on your reactions today to get caught up.
So glad you were able to get to this video. Such an impressive performance by the original lead singer of Procol Harum, Gary Brooker (R.I.P.). It is one of my favorite videos.
Amazing performance 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
I saw Procol Harum back in 1969 (Toronto). Gary Brooker's voice was amazing then and aged like a fine wine.
Conquistador is brilliant as well as "Whiskey Train" where you dive into cowbell & Robin Trower heaven.
You just witnessed what the definition of music is. It was the meeting of 2 genre's at the site of a castle in Denmark. Is it any wonder why it was # 1 in so many Countries around the world?
I've seen it many, many times and one small part of the video really touches me more than any other. When that woman from the chorus belts out that one part of the melody it was so dramatic and I believe they could have heard her in nearby Sweden.
Of course you will get comments about his passing but he was fortunate to do his thing for decades and this song, particularly this performance in Denmark, will never be forgotten. I believe it will reach over 100M views this year.
I’ve chosen to have this performance played at my funeral. It is just pure perfection to me. RIP Gary Brooker. You are dearly missed. 😔
One of the best songs ever, and a great performance...but the original recording was just as wonderful. Always gives me goosebumps, no matter how many hundreds of times I have heard it. ❤️
In 1967 when this came out I was working at Ocean City and you heard this song everywhere. It was such a huge hit. I loved it then and I love it now. Gary Booker’s voice is every bit as good. RIP Gary.
Growing up my guitar teacher turned me on to this band a couple years after it came out. I want to say 1969 or 70 I'm so grateful I was part of this great generation of the best music ever. Thanks for finding and posting this.
For many of us this was our first love and kiss song while dancing in the dark ..who would agree? 😉💖 50 years after Gary's voice is still great
Glad you like the performance... from my era...a kinder gentler time... when love was real...as far as the lyrics go...it borders on surrealism... it can mean whatever you want it to mean... just enjoy the journey...
This is strangely compelling. Once I start listening to it I can't stop till the end.
This was my moms favorite song. She passed a year ago. Bringing me to tears. I love it too. This came out the year I was born I think. 1967
I was 15 years old when this fab song came out- yep I’m a love child-“Always wear flowers in your hair was the saying- I love how you research- and remember- just spread thru radio and tv- and concerts- I like you picked this full out version- I love my generation!!!!💛✌️🌼🌻🍄
One of those songs that gives me the shivers no matter how many times I've heard it.
Mr. Salvo, I wish you could have sat where I sat and listened to so much of this music through the sixties and into the early seventies and beyond. I was fortunate to have been able to go backstage and met some of the famous groups of the time as my boyfriend worked backstage etc in lighting and electrical set-ups. We were hippies in those days…..lol…now 71….still listen every night to old jams. I have such fond memories of Chicago in those days. I could write a book…..thanks for the memories.
Sheer PERFECTION!!! This song was born in 1967 when I was 15. I've definitely gained appreciation for the song over the years!! Thank you!!! Excellent reaction!! R.I.P. Gary Brooker....singing to the Angels now.💜💜🎶🎼🎵🎸🥁🎧🎤🎙🎹
The live version of “aSalty Dog” from the same concert is excellent and one of my favorites.😊
I saw Procol Harum perform their first concert in the US in 1967. Been my favorite band ever since. Check out: A Salty Dog, Repent Walpurgis, Conquistador, Whaling Stories, Wreck of the Hesperus, Grand Hotel, and many more great songs from this amazing band.
I love this song so much! It always makes me emotional. Gary Brooker's voice is legendary. R.I.P Gary
The 60s and 70s were so full of talent..you have just made a dent..keep digging!!
I was born a decade after this song hit, and it's still my all time favorite song. I've loved it since I was a little kid and heard it on one of my dad's LPs. It's a perfect tune.
This is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written. I have never actually figured out the lyrics but not important. Singer Gary Booker died a little over 2 years ago. This has always been a favorite song of mine since it was first released in the U.S.