Met Thys and the band about 15 or so years ago. They were playing in my local town. He was in the foyer at the venue selling cd's, I had a good chat with him for about 10 mins. I asked him about Pierre Van der linden and his varied time signatures. Thys said come to changing rooms after the show to ask him person. I thought he's taking the .... So I thought, well, what have I got to lose. So I knocked on the door and Thys opened the door introduced me to Pierre ! I was given a bottle of Peroni and talked to the whole band for approx 45 mins. They are so friendly they all signed their cd I had purchased. And Pierre, what a lovely guy, A night to remember!!!!!!
Just so you know, it's Thijs. The IJ/ij is treated as a single vowel (or rather, vowel sound) in Dutch, but is in actuality a two-letter combination. (It is pronounced exactly the same as the ei letter combination.) It may look like it when written (or signed!), but it is not a y with two dots over top of it. It is in fact the letters i+j combined. When a place name begins with I+J, both letters are capitalized. IJsland (Iceland), for example, or the river IJ. Thijs is short for Matthijs (in the same way that Matt is short for Matthew.) Very cool that you got to meet Thijs and Pierre. I think it's awesome that he and Pierre are still performing together after all these years. I would love to see them before it's too late. Check out the version of Hocus Pocus that is featured on my channel. It's the best version I have heard.
It was listening to Focus that inspired me to become a guitarist, but I sucked, so I became a professional photographer, with which focus is critical. So I got that goin' for me, which is nice.
A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away, actually it was about 40 years ago in Los Angeles, I was told I would be a great Bass man. I too sucked. I became a drummer. Turns out It really helps getting aggression out.
Dont´t worry that he can´t make the high notes, but he´s a living legend and is a sadness that now I don´t know a band or singers with these great talent
they are still all Good and original musicians - ( and funny ) even some original member have change - it is a pleasure to see them again. you've made a real contribution to the music. they're special.
My dad had this group on 8 tracks and I heard it the first time around 1978, maybe 79, I was around 6 years old. Jumped around and danced to it then, still do the same now! Good stuff.
Great to see him still at it. So, maybe he cannot hit those high notes anymore, but still, just as great. Very well done. - AND, I really enjoyed the flute solo at the beginning, was pretty incredible,. 📻🙂
I can remember seeing them playing Hocus Pocus in 1973. Thijs had to perform contortions with his face, mouth, pharynx and larynx to produce the notes and sounds. Working like that takes its toll on the areas, it would have floored me if he could still do it. The track is one of the all time best prog rock tracks.
Fortunate to see Focus in concert in November 2023 at the Waterside Arts Centre in Sale, UK, and they did this set. Truly incredible! I got to meet Thijs afterwards, too - he and I are both 75!
zig jahre spaeter und ............... noch besser, gitarist ist super, schlagzeuger extraklasse bassist ebenfalls sehr gut und...... senger & multi musiker organist .......... ohne worte fuer die ewigkeit !!!!!!!!!! bravo !!!!!!!!!!
Very cool. Focus was the first band I saw in Maastricht the Netherlands on September 4 1971. Never forgot that date. Hocus pocus was played as well. Loved it then already
*Thys Van Leer and Focus played at our hotel in Dubai and Thys wrote me his home address on the back of Mike del Ferro's visiting card...I still have this priced possession* 😉😎 *Peace and love from India* 🕊️✌️☮️❤️❤️❤️
I grew up in the 70's and the music during that era was creative, interesting and every person in High School was identified by the bands they listened to. I identified with many rock bands a Motown as well. Those were good days. No political crap, no WOKE crap and none of the tootie fruities we have today. Just pretty chicks with long, fragrant hair wearing tight jeans and we all partied together....
I love listening to Focus, especially 'Silvia'. Actually, I hadn't known Focus until I was introduced by my friend who loves progressive rock. There are many progressive rock groups that perform progressive rock, but I didn't know the progressive band which come from the Netherlands. In my hometown, there were little records of progressive rock groups except being performed by British's groups that were sold in Japan, and I had seldom heard the genre even it was on the radio. The friend has heard their live show in Tokyo.I also want to hear their concert someday.Thank you for posting!
i watched them a few weeks ago, playing at my school!! (it's public so they can use it as a venue, it was on a weekend and none of the school staff knew lol). it was amazing!!! i got a record of their latest album signed by all of them, and Thijs drew a little heart when he signed it
The ONLY reason why song classics like this are in DECLINE is because NOBODY CARES & young people only listen to the crap coming out now and don't have the gumption to discover music like this from the best age in rock music.
Omg!!! Yes!! This took me right back to 1973 when I was 16!! The first time my friends and I heard this we lost our minds! We screamed and yelled and jumped up and down!! This was my favorite song for years!! It was always and still is in my top 15!! I am so happy to see you still at it! I love you Thijs and Pierre!! ❤ ~ Sandy from Pennsylvania USA 🇺🇸
@@sandyaw3057 Very cool story,... I've had similar experiences like that although mine usually occur when I hear a masterful performance/musicianship. I was so impressed by the bass playing of Steve Harris and Getty Lee, (Bass players from Iron Maiden and Rush), that the first time I heard them, (both on the same day), I dropped the "New Wave" music I learned to play the bass from, and am a grateful lifelong fan of almost all music now, (just can't do country,... sorry), lol.
@@NeilCrouse99 Steve Harris and Getty Lee are incredible! I always loved Rush and Iron Maiden. I also have an eclectic taste in music thanks to my mother, she loved almost everything and exposed me to music at a very young age. She had a beautiful voice but never did anything professional. I sang in choirs, garage bands and a local band off and on. This was years ago when I was young and healthy! Now I can’t sing because I have several autoimmune diseases that attacked my lungs, heart and to a lesser extent, kidneys. I had to retire early from my job as a lab tech and phlebotomist. I was one semester away from obtaining my RN. Sorry..didn’t mean to ramble! lol. No worries about not liking country music, I don’t either! I’m not a rap fan either..except old school. Have a good night..or day as the case may be!
I have mixed feelings about these groups that reform after 40 plus years and play these old classic hits from the early 70s. Yes it's great to hear them, but it's sad that they are in decline.
Its not about the 40 years. Its about if they can still convey the essence of the music. Difficult one for this song, as it was already about stretching the limits then. But still happy to see they rock on, so I (born 69, but Eighties Child) can pay my sincere respects. 🤘🏼🤟🏻
52 yrs back I listend to and was converted ...what an incredible band...now at 67 I get emotional tears of joy for the memories❤
Heard this band as a teenager. Now Im 70 and they are.still rocking on fire!!!! Congrats!!!
Same ! I’m 69.
The word ''good'' does not describe it.
71
Mogę napisać dokładnie to samo! Też mam w tym roku 70.
I say this as a flautist: He has great tongue techn- ique, both on the flute and on vocals. I actually know how difficult that is. I am impressed!
He has total co trol of the vocal chords and his stomach muscles
The first time I heard this tune, I was in my early teen years. Loved it then, and I still love it today.
Met Thys and the band about 15 or so years ago. They were playing in my local town. He was in the foyer at the venue selling cd's, I had a good chat with him for about 10 mins. I asked him about Pierre Van der linden and his varied time signatures. Thys said come to changing rooms after the show to ask him person. I thought he's taking the .... So I thought, well, what have I got to lose. So I knocked on the door and Thys opened the door introduced me to Pierre ! I was given a bottle of Peroni and talked to the whole band for approx 45 mins. They are so friendly they all signed their cd I had purchased. And Pierre, what a lovely guy, A night to remember!!!!!!
Just so you know, it's Thijs. The IJ/ij is treated as a single vowel (or rather, vowel sound) in Dutch, but is in actuality a two-letter combination. (It is pronounced exactly the same as the ei letter combination.) It may look like it when written (or signed!), but it is not a y with two dots over top of it. It is in fact the letters i+j combined. When a place name begins with I+J, both letters are capitalized. IJsland (Iceland), for example, or the river IJ. Thijs is short for Matthijs (in the same way that Matt is short for Matthew.)
Very cool that you got to meet Thijs and Pierre. I think it's awesome that he and Pierre are still performing together after all these years. I would love to see them before it's too late. Check out the version of Hocus Pocus that is featured on my channel. It's the best version I have heard.
It was listening to Focus that inspired me to become a guitarist, but I sucked, so I became a professional photographer, with which focus is critical. So I got that goin' for me, which is nice.
That’s awesome! Photography is super fun.
A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away,
actually it was about 40 years ago in Los Angeles, I was told I would be a great Bass man. I too sucked. I became a drummer. Turns out It really helps getting aggression out.
Somtimes in Music, very special bands turn up. Holland should be proud! ❤
The Netherlands*
@@robwilliams6753 Works both ways, linguistically
The Dutch Masters!
@@robwilliams6753
No Holland 😂
We also had the golden earring
Dont´t worry that he can´t make the high notes, but he´s a living legend and is a sadness that now I don´t know a band or singers with these great talent
Masterpiece of a period when rock music was full of great bands and so beautifull progressive music...Can't get enough of it...
Considering inevitable age decline, dude is still on fire. We work with what we got, the point is to keep working.
they are still all Good and original musicians - ( and funny ) even some original member have change - it is a pleasure to see them again. you've made a real contribution to the music. they're special.
My dad had this group on 8 tracks and I heard it the first time around 1978, maybe 79, I was around 6 years old. Jumped around and danced to it then, still do the same now! Good stuff.
Great to see him still at it.
So, maybe he cannot hit those high notes anymore, but still, just as great. Very well done.
- AND, I really enjoyed the flute solo at the beginning, was pretty incredible,.
📻🙂
Very subtle and beautiful. Moving, gave me goosebumps. That man is a treasure to humanity.
I can remember seeing them playing Hocus Pocus in 1973. Thijs had to perform contortions with his face, mouth, pharynx and larynx to produce the notes and sounds. Working like that takes its toll on the areas, it would have floored me if he could still do it. The track is one of the all time best prog rock tracks.
This totally kicks ass!
This totally kicks ass!
Yo conozco a Thijs , es uno de los mejores flautistas y mi maestro . Sigue tocando la flauta como un Ángel 👼🏻 . Lo Amo ❤
Fortunate to see Focus in concert in November 2023 at the Waterside Arts Centre in Sale, UK, and they did this set. Truly incredible! I got to meet Thijs afterwards, too - he and I are both 75!
i live right near there, so sad to have missed it!
I would love to meet Thijs and the rest of the group! I bet he’s a real down to earth, genuinely kind man.
zig jahre spaeter und ............... noch besser, gitarist ist super, schlagzeuger extraklasse bassist ebenfalls sehr gut und...... senger & multi musiker organist .......... ohne worte fuer die ewigkeit !!!!!!!!!! bravo !!!!!!!!!!
Very cool. Focus was the first band I saw in Maastricht the Netherlands on September 4 1971. Never forgot that date. Hocus pocus was played as well. Loved it then already
This brings me such joy, to see Thijs and Pierre going strong after all the years. Loved this group since 1971. Bravo to all!
Grande focus leyenda viva el Rock de chile 2024 amor y paz
Wow! Ultimate respect for Mr van Leer and Mr van der Linden ❤
Weergaloos mooie opname en heerlijk om ze terug te horen
I've seen them twice now and they're such an incredible band, so friendly aswell
*Thys Van Leer and Focus played at our hotel in Dubai and Thys wrote me his home address on the back of Mike del Ferro's visiting card...I still have this priced possession* 😉😎
*Peace and love from India* 🕊️✌️☮️❤️❤️❤️
Открыл для себя Focus аж на 58-м году своей жизни... Стыдно признаться, что не слышал ранее. Они - замечательные!
I still remember this song now getting close to 74. Memories are good make you feel young.
Wonderful music and fun with the guest's and so much ENERGY ❤❤❤❤❤, simply spoken - I LOVE IT !!? 💯👍🌲☕🦁✋
Can't hit the high notes anymore, but he still makes it work!
Great humor, he works with what he's got - doesn't use tracks, and the band still rocks.
Who's the skilled guitarplayer, playing Akkermans parts so damn good ?
He's awesome.👏👏👏👏👏
His name is Menno Gootjes!! He is absolutely amazing! My favorite guitarist in the world ❤️
@@missyw618he is ..he became a friend on Facebook after I did the sound for them about five years ago.
He is awesome, but I loved Jan!😊@@missyw618
My theme song from high school grew up in Oregon the drummer phenomenal all them
Legend has it, he's still drumming to this day
Incredible. Love them. Wow.
This is perhaps the most moving and enjoyable video I've ever seen!
These guys were AMAZING!
Looking forward to seeing them next week, first saw them back in the stone age (well, early 1970's!)
Groupe que j'ai connu en regardant BEAT CLUB sur une chaîne allemande. Trés bon groupe
Thijs, you are such a blessing! You are loved!
I care for what i like and have loved this band since the 70ths
Outstanding performance...just keeps on getting better 🤟🤟👏👏👏👊👊
Sensacional!!!!!!!! Banda maravilhosa 🇧🇷
FOCUS FANTÁSTICA BANDA EXCELENTE MÚSICOS VOCALISTA ENTÃO DÉCADA DE 70 VIRADO NO JIRAYA PERFORMANCE PERFEITA DESSE CLÁSSICO
I remember them on Midnight Special playing this at the speed of light in order to get it in during the time allowed. It was damned impressive.
Focus a great jazz/rock band...unique!
WHILE THEIR STILL HERE, WE SHOULD STILL WATCH THEM!!! M.O'B
Will be seeing Focus on 3rd November!
I grew up in the 70's and the music during that era was creative, interesting and every person in High School was identified by the bands they listened to. I identified with many rock bands a Motown as well. Those were good days. No political crap, no WOKE crap and none of the tootie fruities we have today. Just pretty chicks with long, fragrant hair wearing tight jeans and we all partied together....
I love listening to Focus, especially 'Silvia'.
Actually, I hadn't known Focus until I was introduced by my friend who loves progressive rock.
There are many progressive rock groups that perform progressive rock, but I didn't know the progressive band which come from the Netherlands.
In my hometown, there were little records of progressive rock groups except being performed by British's groups that were sold in Japan, and I had seldom heard the genre even it was on the radio.
The friend has heard their live show in Tokyo.I also want to hear their concert someday.Thank you for posting!
Very goood wanderfuul !!!
Maravilloso!!! Amo Focus...
I saw them & they were brill a few years ago
Found this song while watching Baby Driver. It took quite a bit of searching to find but now I know.
They are Fantastics!
Bravooooo!!!!!!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
I Remember, First year in out of school. What times they were.
...Fantásticos !!!
...Fantásticos !!!
Still magnificent!
This strikes me as somewhat peculiar and quite rambunctious. I applaud it feverishly.
Asbo-flutely 😊
Nice. Very nicely done. Thank you
I REMEMBER THIS!!!!!!!!!!!
Thijs Van Leer , my friend , my master . The Best . I love You ❤
Gracias por compartir...! Hermosa banda..! Gracias!
Fantastic ❤❤❤❤
Comprei o LP Movie waves em meados da década de 70 , eu tinha entre 16 18 anos .
HAMMOND ... the greatest Rock Organ of all time !!!
i watched them a few weeks ago, playing at my school!! (it's public so they can use it as a venue, it was on a weekend and none of the school staff knew lol). it was amazing!!!
i got a record of their latest album signed by all of them, and Thijs drew a little heart when he signed it
The ONLY reason why song classics like this are in DECLINE is because NOBODY CARES & young people only listen to the crap coming out now and don't have the gumption to discover music like this from the best age in rock music.
Well said 😊
Nao consigo parar de imaginar anoes ou duendes cantando e tocando isso.... tipo smurfs ou anoes ou hobbits kkkkk
pierre is over 74 in this... and drumming like that
Fantastic !
Brilliant 👏 👏 👏
Theis Van Leer is alive and KICKIN'
Superbă pre lucrare❤
What type of bass is he using, love the shape
I saw it twice in Brazil
DID THEY EVER PERFORM A TRACK TITLED " MY SWEETHEART " LIVE??
If there were such a thing as reincarnation and J.S. Bach would still walk among us, he would probably do so in the shape of Thijs van Leer.
And this is just great fun!
And this is just great fun!
SUPERB 😊
insaaaaaaaaaane.
Mpravo,se,olo,to,group,❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
How many people do you know who play flute and keyboards at the same time?
Super!
This is spiritual.
Nice!🙂👍💫
Hell yeah. 🤘
Ook deze versie is geen 4K. Snap ik niet
Still good
😍🥰🤘👌👍no
comment
Essa a morte não leva.... ETERNOS ❤❤❤❤
Rock Opera!
What happened to jan Ackerman! Is he still around
He left at some point to do solo stuff. But he is still alive. Thijs and Pierre are the only two members left from their heyday.
Omg!!! Yes!! This took me right back to 1973 when I was 16!! The first time my friends and I heard this we lost our minds! We screamed and yelled and jumped up and down!! This was my favorite song for years!! It was always and still is in my top 15!! I am so happy to see you still at it! I love you Thijs and Pierre!! ❤ ~ Sandy from Pennsylvania USA 🇺🇸
@@sandyaw3057 Very cool story,... I've had similar experiences like that although mine usually occur when I hear a masterful performance/musicianship. I was so impressed by the bass playing of Steve Harris and Getty Lee, (Bass players from Iron Maiden and Rush), that the first time I heard them, (both on the same day), I dropped the "New Wave" music I learned to play the bass from, and am a grateful lifelong fan of almost all music now, (just can't do country,... sorry), lol.
@@NeilCrouse99 Steve Harris and Getty Lee are incredible! I always loved Rush and Iron Maiden. I also have an eclectic taste in music thanks to my mother, she loved almost everything and exposed me to music at a very young age. She had a beautiful voice but never did anything professional. I sang in choirs, garage bands and a local band off and on. This was years ago when I was young and healthy! Now I can’t sing because I have several autoimmune diseases that attacked my lungs, heart and to a lesser extent, kidneys. I had to retire early from my job as a lab tech and phlebotomist. I was one semester away from obtaining my RN. Sorry..didn’t mean to ramble! lol. No worries about not liking country music, I don’t either! I’m not a rap fan either..except old school. Have a good night..or day as the case may be!
He's still at it, touring 2023.
Great
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Finnish live version from 2024:D
ruclips.net/video/0MJuxb2dQLY/видео.htmlsi=iZTUbS_zu7UIEaTv
Groupara,❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😂❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I can so well understand,they don’t want to stop. But they should . Otherwise they destroy their legacy.
After 50 years still yodeling...
hocus pocus from focus on steriod yeah
❤❤❤
Top, de band.
Alleen, kan je nooitJan Akkerman evenaren.
Jan is de beste gitarist.
Wat hij uit zijn gitaar haalt, is haast niet te evenaren.
Unfortunately, it was very, very far from yesterday. It tried hard, yes! Really good, unfortunately, no.
Thijs sollte vielleicht mal den Barbier von Sevilla aufsuchen….
I have mixed feelings about these groups that reform after 40 plus years and play these old classic hits from the early 70s. Yes it's great to hear them, but it's sad that they are in decline.
NEVER TO OLD TO
ROCK 'N' ROLL 😮
JUST TO YOUNG
TO DIE IS ALL...
Weed Me
@@WilliamL.PilgerJr.-bq1pb You can be too old to rock and roll. Everything on Earth comes with an expiration date.
Its not about the 40 years. Its about if they can still convey the essence of the music. Difficult one for this song, as it was already about stretching the limits then. But still happy to see they rock on, so I (born 69, but Eighties Child) can pay my sincere respects. 🤘🏼🤟🏻
Someday everything is declining ... but always will be in memory
Greetings from the city of
Mexicali Baja California
@@HamiltonRowan-r6z u clearly dont know whats rock n roll mate
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂