Is still a great guitarist with many recent clips of his talent available on RUclips. I believe he needed to take a break in his career due to injuries sustained in an accident which left him unable to play for a number of years but now back to his best
@@colemantrebor6574 Yes and he was using all four fingers on the frets when soloing and shredding. For him his pinky was just another equal finger. Something that is still extremely rare to see today.
@@skabuoy Ok. Like I said, I wish they had more success than that. If they had 13 double platinum albums, I'd wish they had more. Never said they weren't successful.
@@snakeinthegrass7443 I wasn't trying to be a critical smart ass, or snarky, or something. It's just depending on your definition of successful. Platinum albums is one option, still playing live and drawing crowds sizeable enough to make that worthwhile 50 years later is another. There is also something to be said for artists that only were around for a year or so, releasing one album that bombed, but years later had numerous hit making artists citing them as a major influence.
I never said they weren't successful. To hear that they're still playing shows proves they have been successful. I said "I WISH THEY HAD MORE SUCCESS THAN THEY DID". Did you get it? "than they did" I acknowledged their success. Ok?
@@snakeinthegrass7443 Yes. I get you. Yes. I did from the beginning, so there's no reason to shout. Because clearly you didn't get me, not even after I dumbed it down for you. So you know what? Enjoy the rest of your life. There's bound to be a brick wall somewhere that's more susceptible to an intelligent conversation. Or maybe it's just a side effect of all that dr**s you did in the seventies, in which case I apologize, I never kick people when they're down.
I think this is the best organised chaos ever made in music, ever. This started by jamming together after a rehearsal of the group. Guitarist Jan Akkerman started with the riff that is key to this song and yes, like it jazz, every member filled in their parts. Hearing this jam, the producer of the group said that this had to be made into a real song. The rest is history, the song became a hit, then this performance came on tv and Jan Akkerman was voted by the readers of Melodymaker, above Eric Clapton, as best guitarplayer in the world.
Pierre van der Linden's drum work is what I use to calibrate my metronomes. Jan Akkerman's guitar work is unbelievably underrated. Then there's Thijs van Leer... And still performing at age 76. Being a child of the 70's, I can vouch for this song pretty much summing up the entire decade. And still a thrill half a century later.
One of the best, maddest, fastest, bonkers songs/tunes ever made. And this is the best version of it. I read they had only a limited time to play the song so this version is on steroids!!
Thanks for your reaction. I love how you're blown away by these super skilled musicians who together with Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin were our heroes back in the beginning 70'es. I grew up with a classical music education but still love these guys.
@@gertkozijn7969 he absolutely was. “In the 1990s he joined the free jazz group Advance Warning and played on four albums: Cut the Crap, Regroovable, Hot House, and HiFi Apartment.[7”
This song exploded onto the scene in the early '70s and took over the airwaves for a time. Everyone in this band is a virtuoso. Great reaction, Andrew!
SO glad you recognize this for the genius it is! Jan Akkerman is amazing, Thijs van Leer put on a performance that has gone down in the music history books. God I am glad this performance survived!
@@AndrewRooneyDrums a little more about Jan Akkerman. A video where he jams with Paco de Lucia and another video where he plays Lute. ruclips.net/video/Vakx58fh4bA/видео.html ruclips.net/video/AvyB2-jdb_E/видео.html
I heard a story of the background to this performance - probably mentioned somwhere else in the comments, but I couldn't find it - the story being that they were given a time slot far shorter than would fit and were asked to make a shortened arrangement but they said "No, we'll just play it faster!". The studio version is somewhat more laid back, at about half of that tempo! Thijs Van Leer is crazy. Still performing as late as 2009!
I remember those days, when the drummer was the metronome and everyone had a good sense of timing. What makes this version so impressive is they've been playing this song regularly at one tempo, but to change it up for one single performance is amazing. I commend them on keeping to the integrity of the song as a complete piece of music. Thanks Andrew.
Saw these guys a few years ago. Went in blind as some friends were supporting. The drummer was same guy as here... utter monster, even 40-odd years later. Prog band but all serious jazz guys.
My Wife is Dutch and Indonesian. The Van Halen family came to the US at about the same time. I’m pretty sure Focus and Golden Earring members were Dutch Indos as well. They contributed in a big way to many bands. Some time do Brooks Wakerman he’s married to my daughter in laws cousin. He’s great on drums.
You are going to like this as the drummer- Pierre Van der Linden is still one of the best jazz/rock fusion drummers around. I saw them in the early 70s and they still tour today with Pierre back with them. Those drums are tuned perfectly- many could learn from this. They are still respected in the US even when they tour today because of their performances. This song was their fist in the UK it as followed by Silvia. Their best album is Focus III- full of jazz/rock/classical fusion compositions.
I'm a huge Focus fan, even having the good fortune of spending time with Thijs on a cruise ship. He's loads of fun even in his 70's. Check out Eruption for an extended workout covering many genres. Sylvia is great to hear them get funky and melodic. La Cathedral de Strasburg is quiet and beautiful. Hamburger Concerto is restrained and heavy. Vocals are pretty sparse and usually weird, an artifact of Thijs' strong Dutch accent that he likes to hide on record. They can do it all.
I’m a huge Focus fan as well. Seen them live 10 times, soon to be 12 times. I’m friends with the band members as well. Can’t wait for their new album released in July.
Pierre's solos ruclips.net/video/_lGH0xOA1iY/видео.html Sea of Delight 1969 BrainBox with drum solo comes in at 12:35 ruclips.net/video/tYiR-rXzLFs/видео.html My favorite, live 46 minute jam called Eruption, Great drumming through out, solo starts at 35:35 The dude could play that 4 piece kit! from 1971 ruclips.net/video/g8pUASiO0R0/видео.html
That is as mad as a box of frogs, they are masters of their instruments, I love the way the guitar mirrors his amazing vocal and that drumming is tight, I think I once saw them on The Old Grey Whistle Test. Awesome!
By the way, that ride tom is a 9" x 14" i believe only Premier made that size. His kit was Birch with Beechwood glue rings! I had the African Mahogany 3-ply with the thick beechwood glue rings from 1971
I used to love this song but I must admit Thijs van Leer's yodeling, scat and whistling always made me laugh out loud. When I saw this performance(and his facial expressions), I laughed even harder.
Try the version live on Don Kirshner's rock concert. Jan Akkerman having a ball. and it's probably faster. The drummer in that one is the guy from 'Stone the Crows' (maggie Bell. Les Harvey etc). Youll laugh harder still !
Been a while since I checked into the channel. Holy hell did I come back to a banger. My dad and I were literally just talking about this song the other day. This is my favorite version of the song by far. My dad always loved the guitar and I always loved the drums. Cheers!
A couple of years ago Thijs van Leer played this song in Tilburg (The Netherlands) with Transatlantic, featuring Mike Portnoy on drums. I was there, fantastic as well! It's on RUclips by the way
Timeless. Met Pierre van der linden en Thijs van leer a few years ago in my favorite cafe in my hometown. The only original members of focus. They both signed my vinyl records from Focus. They still exist to this day. Even the new songs 50 years later they stand out. Great band
Its been said that this is the only standing ovation, ever, on that show, and rightfully so. I HIGHLY recommend watching Lolli Wren’s reaction to this on her channel @TheFairyVoiceMother. Absolute GOLD! Cracks me up every time! And yes, Elizabeth HAS done this song, and its a LOT of fun!
I live in the UK, but went to see Focus in their native Netherlands just a couple of weeks ago (ECI Cultuurfabriek, Roermond). What a show! I love watching reactions to this particular performance - it's always a joy! Thijs (I think it's pronounced 'Teece') can barely walk across the stage these days, but he still has all the skills, talent, and vocal range, and oh that Hammond organ sound! Pierre was not an original member, but replaced Hans Cleuver early on, and as has been mentioned left and re-joined. Current guitarist Menno Gootjes and (six-string) bassist Bobby Jacobs are also fine musicians - they still all play jazz-style solos and 'trades' (thanks for giving me a name for that!)
Thanks, Andrew, best reaction so far I've seen. Acknowledging the musicianship of these guys to pull this song off LIVE. They could have easily shortend it, but chose to speed it up. Not an easy thing to do. Jan Akkerman was voted by the readers of Melody Maker (british music magazine) best guitar player in the world in 1973.
Thank you so much for that description of the backstory I never understood why the song was so sped up! I heard the original prior to this and I never quite understood why they did it.
Andrew, thanks for your genuinely enjoyable reaction and worthwhile review! I had heard this on the Top 40 back in 1973 but it came up on Sirius-XM "70's on 7" last week and I had to seek their live performance of "Hocus Pocus!" I'm sure this studio audience had no idea what they were in for on this edition of "The Midnight Special" on NBC (which I used to watch faithfully). Thanks again! Great stuff!
Fast forward 52 years & I saw Focus live at the Stables in Milton Keynes last Sunday. Whilst I'm not a prog rock fan per-say I do appreciate a good musician & the current line up of Focus are great musicians. The founder of Focus Thijs van Leer is now in his late 70's & can still impress with his flute, vocal & keyboard skills. He can't quite hit the high notes or whistling he did in this midnight Special track but he can still cut a rug as they say. The current line up is great & particular Pierre van der Linden on drums, Menno Gootjes on lead guitar & Menno Gootjes on bass. It took me back to my mid teenage years when I heard them play Hocus Pocus & Silvia for the first time. Memories.
I have seen this video many times over the last years and it always fullfills me with joy. So fun to watch. In my opinion one of the best live performeces you can find here on RUclips. They were some of the best musicions to origin from Holland. Nice to see it apear here in one of your reaction videos.
I always wondered if Terry Kath was the first shredder from his performance on 25 or 6 to 4, Tanglewood 1970, but you have me thinking it might have been this guy. Either way, both legends.
I didn't get to see them in their heyday back in the 70's but I did get to see them on Cruise To The Edge several times. One of those Cruises featured a reformed original line up. They were amazing. They are still out there touring.
I remember when this song was a hit. Never saw this performance until a couple of years ago, as I was not permitted to stay up that late back in the day. I couldn't believe that they could play it that fast. I don't know if it's good or not, but it's always been a lot of fun to hear.
I saw Focus live a couple of weeks ago, and am happy to say Pierre Van Der Linden still has it at 78, and although Thijs struggles with yodelling these days, he still rocks the keys and the flute. They were fabulous..!
I thought I'm the only one who listens to this kind of thing. Thanks for the idea I'll get the Focus albums out tomorrow and dust them off. Not all songs are this crazy but great music.
It is indeed a legendary performance of a legendary band that however never really made the big time internationally, even though indeed the band's musicianship is extraordinary. They were the main prog rock band at the time from the Netherlands together with the band Ekseption (also with a legendary keyboard player).
I just LOVE seeing first-time reactions to this song/performance! If I could get a piece of whatever-kind-of-money for every time I first see the eyebrows rise, then see the mouth open? I'd be rich!
I've been listening to this tune for decades, and it's always fun to see new people's reaction to this thing. Especially so when it's someone who can appreciate the musicianship beyond just the madness of it all.
One of my favourite bands from the early 70’s!!! I adore this song! One of their songs is particularly melodic and beautiful, especially if you want to hear their diversity. It’s called ‘Sylvia’. The guitarist who quit the band after this stated that he was the greatest guitarist in the world! Having said that, l can’t say enough about this brilliant band. Another Dutch band, called ‘ Exception’ is also one of my favourites! They will blow your mind. In one song in particular, they play a massive organ in a church that is astounding! I truly hope you will check my suggestions out. Thank you .
Saw them November 13, 1973 at the Orpheum in Boston. They opened for Wishbone Ash - or maybe the other way around. Some of those nights are a little hard to remember.
Thijs Van Leer has a background in classical music, he still performs classical music and Focus live. Drummer Pierre Van der Linden indeed left because Thijs and Jan wanted to be in the picture more than him. In 1976 Akkerman went solo and as a session musician. These days he mainly plays Jazz. Akkerman, Van Leer and Pierre Van der Linden were also members of Brainbug, another well-known band. Maybe you know Akkerman's name from that band.
@Andrew Rooney Drums 🐙Elizabeth has done this one as a Patreon Exclusive. And yes, she was "floored" (without having Floor Jansen in the video) with lot's of giggles.
Focus still performed past years, with both Thijs van Leer (Thais van Lear as pronunciation) and Pierre van der Linden. I think in their best line-up Bert Ruiter played the bass, and Jan Akkerman is incredible, still performing with his band and an accomplished lute player. As flute player, Thijs van Leer also recorded more classical records with the Metropole Orchestra with director Rogier van Otterloo. Check it out, that orchestra has won Grammies, played Bacharach songs and even worked with Steve Vai 🙂
Andrew, Focus is fantastic. You need to check out their albums. I recommend Moving Waves (that is the album that contains Hocus Pocus, the song you reacted for) and Focus III, but there are many other great Focus albums. About what you said about the "the whole band is jazz", in fact, they did a many songs with jazz elements. And they wasn't tied to a unique style. Their work was very versatile, spanning through jazz, classic, medieval etc. Each song is a unique experience.
The guitar player Jan Akkerman lives in our town of Volendam. A real nice guy. Played with him a few times. And his daughter Laurie is an amazing singer.
A local DJ in my home town loved "Elspeth of Nottingham" by Focus, so I went out to find the album it was on. The song was probably their only radio friendly track, and I was not sure about the music on the rest of the album. But it grew on me and introduced me to the jazz-prog fusion and led me to look up both prog rock (Yes, Rush) and jazz (Chic Corea, Moe Koffmann).
My absolute favourite band since I first heard them half a century ago. Check out the second side of their early albums - jazz / prog / rock at its finest. A band that might replace them as my favourite is Snarky Puppy.
Amazing instrumental work! Check out Jan Akkerman's sweep picking- an incredible shredder, no? And of course Thijs is a monster, so good. Glad you enjoyed this Andrew!
That’s wrong. They performed it first. The last song was «Focus 3» with «Answers? Questions! Questions? Answers!», with the end-titles going over the screen during Answers? Questions!… That they performs «Hocus Pocus» fast because of the show is a false myth. They performed the song fast around that time. In 1973-1976, it was performed fast.
I saw Focus in 2019 and they were still amazing. At one point Thijs played one tune on the organ with one hand, played a different melody on the flute and SANG a third melody all at the same time!! and he is now in his 70s
I had a recording studio back then (yes, old as dirt) and I had the privilige to work with these extraordinary musicians. I can assure you that when Focus was in concert, the roof always came off.Smoking!!!!❤🇳🇱
Jan Akkerman was the only guy we (boomer guitar guys) paid attention to, he has been a guitar legend since the 70s, his solo fusion stuff is outstanding. I have no idea if the other guys ever got their due as musicians. The band as a whole was epic. 🎬
They were phenomenal. So long ago. The energy and musicianship blows you away. Thijs did a guest appearance in Ayreon. Love to see him there as well. If you don't know Ayreon. Please check them out !
Jan Akkerman was voted "World's Best Guitarist" by Music Maker in 1973.
Imagine the competition in those days.
Is still a great guitarist with many recent clips of his talent available on RUclips. I believe he needed to take a break in his career due to injuries sustained in an accident which left him unable to play for a number of years but now back to his best
Oh yeah..that he was...👍
Imagine the competition these days.
He would still fare well in my book.
He was using techniques and playing style in this song that only became popular in the 80s, such as sweep picking. Revolutionary
@@colemantrebor6574 Yes and he was using all four fingers on the frets when soloing and shredding. For him his pinky was just another equal finger. Something that is still extremely rare to see today.
The only standing ovation ever, on this program
Guess you haven't seen the KISS performance from 75. And there are many more.
No, but the first.
The speed which these guys played this for this show is insane!!! Extremely talented. I wish they had more success than they did.
Focus is still performing well attended gigs, so it all depends on your definition of 'success'.
@@skabuoy Ok. Like I said, I wish they had more success than that. If they had 13 double platinum albums, I'd wish they had more. Never said they weren't successful.
@@snakeinthegrass7443 I wasn't trying to be a critical smart ass, or snarky, or something. It's just depending on your definition of successful. Platinum albums is one option, still playing live and drawing crowds sizeable enough to make that worthwhile 50 years later is another.
There is also something to be said for artists that only were around for a year or so, releasing one album that bombed, but years later had numerous hit making artists citing them as a major influence.
I never said they weren't successful. To hear that they're still playing shows proves they have been successful. I said "I WISH THEY HAD MORE SUCCESS THAN THEY DID". Did you get it? "than they did" I acknowledged their success. Ok?
@@snakeinthegrass7443
Yes. I get you. Yes. I did from the beginning, so there's no reason to shout. Because clearly you didn't get me, not even after I dumbed it down for you. So you know what? Enjoy the rest of your life. There's bound to be a brick wall somewhere that's more susceptible to an intelligent conversation.
Or maybe it's just a side effect of all that dr**s you did in the seventies, in which case I apologize, I never kick people when they're down.
I think this is the best organised chaos ever made in music, ever. This started by jamming together after a rehearsal of the group. Guitarist Jan Akkerman started with the riff that is key to this song and yes, like it jazz, every member filled in their parts. Hearing this jam, the producer of the group said that this had to be made into a real song. The rest is history, the song became a hit, then this performance came on tv and Jan Akkerman was voted by the readers of Melodymaker, above Eric Clapton, as best guitarplayer in the world.
Pierre van der Linden's drum work is what I use to calibrate my metronomes. Jan Akkerman's guitar work is unbelievably underrated. Then there's Thijs van Leer... And still performing at age 76. Being a child of the 70's, I can vouch for this song pretty much summing up the entire decade. And still a thrill half a century later.
Well underrated, he was chosen world's best guitarist in '73.
One of the best, maddest, fastest, bonkers songs/tunes ever made. And this is the best version of it.
I read they had only a limited time to play the song so this version is on steroids!!
If you haven't seen the Wallace & Grommit Hocus Pocus edit, I'd recommend that, it's top tier too.
@@NativeNewMexican lol nice! GOT to go see that now :)
The Fairy Voice Mother gives the definitive reaction to this...unlike the others she demonstrates the techniques.
Yes she is great !!
Elizabeth?
Thanks for the info pal I'll watch that 1 next
Yes, she is greit! And hilarious too😂
@@Bristolcentaurus No, Elizabeth is the Charismatic voice. Lolli Wren is the fairy voice mother.
These guys were all stellar musicians. Every one of them was a virtuoso.
Love that you can see them glancing at each other and having little chuckles about how ridiculous it is.
Thanks for your reaction. I love how you're blown away by these super skilled musicians who together with Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin were our heroes back in the beginning 70'es. I grew up with a classical music education but still love these guys.
The drummer was actually part of a free Jazz group called Advance Warning.
Nice info.
That's a serious drummer!
And went back to play with Focus. I saw them in a small 150 people club about 5-6 years ago. Still in world class.
Thank you!
Pierre never was in a jazz group. He played with Jan Akkerman in a beatgroup The Hunters . Google Russian spy and I.
@@gertkozijn7969 he absolutely was.
“In the 1990s he joined the free jazz group Advance Warning and played on four albums: Cut the Crap, Regroovable, Hot House, and HiFi Apartment.[7”
Pierre Van der Linden rejoined them several times and is their current drummer.
This song exploded onto the scene in the early '70s and took over the airwaves for a time. Everyone in this band is a virtuoso. Great reaction, Andrew!
Me , born & raised in Belgium , I just love this song , great Dutch band 🙂
Another (RIP) Dutch band I really appreciate , Ekseption 🙂
Kayak
@@arjankremer8229, and around 1977 and later on , Herman Brood , and also early-mid 70's Earth & Fire ♥️ 🎶
And Spin
@@turtle8581, holy manure , thank you , I had never even heard them before !!!! 😲
Holy da da da da .... mn , I freaky love it 🎼🎶🎵🎸🎹🎺🎷🙂👌
SO glad you recognize this for the genius it is! Jan Akkerman is amazing, Thijs van Leer put on a performance that has gone down in the music history books. God I am glad this performance survived!
Oh this is brilliant
@@AndrewRooneyDrums a little more about Jan Akkerman. A video where he jams with Paco de Lucia and another video where he plays Lute. ruclips.net/video/Vakx58fh4bA/видео.html ruclips.net/video/AvyB2-jdb_E/видео.html
These Guys were WAY ahead of their time.
The Audiences were told not to clap or cheer during the performances, this was one of few standing ovations.
I think this song fits into the mind blowing category. Thanks for enjoying it with us
💯🤯
Hocus Pocus and Sylvia were their two hits. Excellent band!
Don't sleep on 'House Of The King'.
"I need a Bathroom" 😁
I heard a story of the background to this performance - probably mentioned somwhere else in the comments, but I couldn't find it - the story being that they were given a time slot far shorter than would fit and were asked to make a shortened arrangement but they said "No, we'll just play it faster!". The studio version is somewhat more laid back, at about half of that tempo! Thijs Van Leer is crazy. Still performing as late as 2009!
This song is a master class in musicianship. Absolute banger. 🔥🔥🔥
You're correct. You do need to listen to the studio version in order to appreciate what they did live. You won't be disappointed.
This was the first musical group to receive a standing ovation. Quite an accomplishment!
I remember those days, when the drummer was the metronome and everyone had a good sense of timing. What makes this version so impressive is they've been playing this song regularly at one tempo, but to change it up for one single performance is amazing. I commend them on keeping to the integrity of the song as a complete piece of music. Thanks Andrew.
And rappers think the play music,
These guys absolutely amazing 🤩
Thoroughly bonkers, and totally marvelous!
Saw these guys a few years ago. Went in blind as some friends were supporting. The drummer was same guy as here... utter monster, even 40-odd years later.
Prog band but all serious jazz guys.
My fellow Dutch guys invented speedmetalpolka on the spot!
".... you know that new sound you're looking for? Well listen to this!"
LOL 🙂😁🙂
Speedmetalpolka lmao
My Wife is Dutch and Indonesian. The Van Halen family came to the US at about the same time. I’m pretty sure Focus and Golden Earring members were Dutch Indos as well. They contributed in a big way to many bands.
Some time do Brooks Wakerman he’s married to my daughter in laws cousin. He’s great on drums.
You are going to like this as the drummer- Pierre Van der Linden is still one of the best jazz/rock fusion drummers around. I saw them in the early 70s and they still tour today with Pierre back with them. Those drums are tuned perfectly- many could learn from this. They are still respected in the US even when they tour today because of their performances. This song was their fist in the UK it as followed by Silvia. Their best album is Focus III- full of jazz/rock/classical fusion compositions.
The chase scene in the movie Baby Driver to this song is amazing.
This was their 'show off' song. I love it.
Very skillful players
Rumor is that their time allotment was cut so rather than trim the song...they just played it fast enough to fit it in.
I'm a huge Focus fan, even having the good fortune of spending time with Thijs on a cruise ship. He's loads of fun even in his 70's. Check out Eruption for an extended workout covering many genres. Sylvia is great to hear them get funky and melodic. La Cathedral de Strasburg is quiet and beautiful. Hamburger Concerto is restrained and heavy. Vocals are pretty sparse and usually weird, an artifact of Thijs' strong Dutch accent that he likes to hide on record. They can do it all.
I’m a huge Focus fan as well. Seen them live 10 times, soon to be 12 times. I’m friends with the band members as well. Can’t wait for their new album released in July.
Pierre's solos ruclips.net/video/_lGH0xOA1iY/видео.html Sea of Delight 1969 BrainBox with drum solo comes in at 12:35 ruclips.net/video/tYiR-rXzLFs/видео.html My favorite, live 46 minute jam called Eruption, Great drumming through out, solo starts at 35:35 The dude could play that 4 piece kit! from 1971 ruclips.net/video/g8pUASiO0R0/видео.html
That is as mad as a box of frogs, they are masters of their instruments, I love the way the guitar mirrors his amazing vocal and that drumming is tight, I think I once saw them on The Old Grey Whistle Test.
Awesome!
And then there is the bass, masterfully played by Bert Ruyter
Their album Moving Waves is awesome, bought it when I was in school!!!
me too i still have it
I wore out my copy of Focus 3 and was able to find a replacement in a used record store. Their albums were very hard to find here in Canada.
By the way, that ride tom is a 9" x 14" i believe only Premier made that size. His kit was Birch with Beechwood glue rings! I had the African Mahogany 3-ply with the thick beechwood glue rings from 1971
NICE!
I agree! I am from the Netherlands and know that they are scooled performers of a high level, love them.❤🎉
Super reaction to a favorite from my past. Only performance to receive a standing ovation in history of midnight special tv show! Peace from Michigan.
Oh really!?
Great info. Thanks!!!
I used to love this song but I must admit Thijs van Leer's yodeling, scat and whistling always made me laugh out loud. When I saw this performance(and his facial expressions), I laughed even harder.
I think you HAVE to be animated to do this!
Try the version live on Don Kirshner's rock concert. Jan Akkerman having a ball. and it's probably faster. The drummer in that one is the guy from 'Stone the Crows' (maggie Bell. Les Harvey etc). Youll laugh harder still !
Been a while since I checked into the channel. Holy hell did I come back to a banger. My dad and I were literally just talking about this song the other day. This is my favorite version of the song by far. My dad always loved the guitar and I always loved the drums. Cheers!
Welcome back!
Holy cow! I've seen this lots of times, but only just noticed the hocket when van Leer plays the flute and Akkerman joins in at the end.
A couple of years ago Thijs van Leer played this song in Tilburg (The Netherlands) with Transatlantic, featuring Mike Portnoy on drums. I was there, fantastic as well! It's on RUclips by the way
Television studio audiences had to not interrupt performances while the band plays live for the best produced show.
i love the how and why combo in your facial expression, i'll answer both:
how: cause they're incredibly talented
why: cause they can
Thanks for the answers!
Timeless. Met Pierre van der linden en Thijs van leer a few years ago in my favorite cafe in my hometown. The only original members of focus. They both signed my vinyl records from Focus. They still exist to this day. Even the new songs 50 years later they stand out. Great band
Wow that's fantastic!
@@AndrewRooneyDrums thnks u. Advantage of living in the same country.
we loved them in the 70:s...really really great band,
Thijs is originally a classically trained flutist and organ player.
Have to be trained with those chops
He's also very very friendly, guy just doesn't shut up 😁
Its been said that this is the only standing ovation, ever, on that show, and rightfully so.
I HIGHLY recommend watching Lolli Wren’s reaction to this on her channel @TheFairyVoiceMother. Absolute GOLD! Cracks me up every time!
And yes, Elizabeth HAS done this song, and its a LOT of fun!
@richardharrold9736 Right?! Great stuff :)
The best breakdown of this song I've c9me across. Great reaction...
I live in the UK, but went to see Focus in their native Netherlands just a couple of weeks ago (ECI Cultuurfabriek, Roermond). What a show!
I love watching reactions to this particular performance - it's always a joy!
Thijs (I think it's pronounced 'Teece') can barely walk across the stage these days, but he still has all the skills, talent, and vocal range, and oh that Hammond organ sound! Pierre was not an original member, but replaced Hans Cleuver early on, and as has been mentioned left and re-joined. Current guitarist Menno Gootjes and (six-string) bassist Bobby Jacobs are also fine musicians - they still all play jazz-style solos and 'trades' (thanks for giving me a name for that!)
Thanks, Andrew, best reaction so far I've seen.
Acknowledging the musicianship of these guys to pull this song off LIVE.
They could have easily shortend it, but chose to speed it up. Not an easy thing to do.
Jan Akkerman was voted by the readers of Melody Maker (british music magazine) best guitar player in the world in 1973.
Damn what am i hearing? 😂 funny af. Pure madness and skill.
love reactions to this . blows everyone away . cheers man ,
LOL. I bet!
Thank you so much for that description of the backstory I never understood why the song was so sped up! I heard the original prior to this and I never quite understood why they did it.
That’s a myth that is not true. They played it fast through the 70’s, because they wanted to.
Andrew, thanks for your genuinely enjoyable reaction and worthwhile review! I had heard this on the Top 40 back in 1973 but it came up on Sirius-XM "70's on 7" last week and I had to seek their live performance of "Hocus Pocus!" I'm sure this studio audience had no idea what they were in for on this edition of "The Midnight Special" on NBC (which I used to watch faithfully). Thanks again! Great stuff!
One of my favourite tracks of all time!! They are at a festival in the UK this summer. Can't wait!!!
NICE!
Fast forward 52 years & I saw Focus live at the Stables in Milton Keynes last Sunday. Whilst I'm not a prog rock fan per-say I do appreciate a good musician & the current line up of Focus are great musicians. The founder of Focus Thijs van Leer is now in his late 70's & can still impress with his flute, vocal & keyboard skills. He can't quite hit the high notes or whistling he did in this midnight Special track but he can still cut a rug as they say. The current line up is great & particular Pierre van der Linden on drums, Menno Gootjes on lead guitar & Menno Gootjes on bass. It took me back to my mid teenage years when I heard them play Hocus Pocus & Silvia for the first time. Memories.
Nice post, Colin, but I think you meant "Udo Pannekeet on bass". Menno only has two arms after all.😋
@@andrevandervlies5700 Ha Ha. Cut & paste error there I suspect. Thanks for the correction👍
The unedited studio version is so much better. Love this song!
But that's too slow, didn't they always play it this fast from then on, because it's just so much better uptempo?!
I have seen this video many times over the last years and it always fullfills me with joy. So fun to watch. In my opinion one of the best live performeces you can find here on RUclips. They were some of the best musicions to origin from Holland.
Nice to see it apear here in one of your reaction videos.
The guitar player may be the first shred-er ever!
I concur! Superb player!
Possibly the first example of sweep picking.
@@markkent294 At least in a mainstream rock group, yeah. Les Paul and Chet Akins were sweep picking back in the 50's.
I always wondered if Terry Kath was the first shredder from his performance on 25 or 6 to 4, Tanglewood 1970, but you have me thinking it might have been this guy. Either way, both legends.
This is one of the songs from my childhood that inspired me to become a drummer in the first place. Wipeout is another.
Perhaps my favorite band ever. Tremendous performance. Thanks for this.
I didn't get to see them in their heyday back in the 70's but I did get to see them on Cruise To The Edge several times. One of those Cruises featured a reformed original line up. They were amazing. They are still out there touring.
Incredible they're still going
And a new album is coming on July 5th
I remember when this song was a hit. Never saw this performance until a couple of years ago, as I was not permitted to stay up that late back in the day. I couldn't believe that they could play it that fast. I don't know if it's good or not, but it's always been a lot of fun to hear.
I saw Focus live a couple of weeks ago, and am happy to say Pierre Van Der Linden still has it at 78, and although Thijs struggles with yodelling these days, he still rocks the keys and the flute. They were fabulous..!
I thought I'm the only one who listens to this kind of thing. Thanks for the idea I'll get the Focus albums out tomorrow and dust them off. Not all songs are this crazy but great music.
Dust it off!
It is indeed a legendary performance of a legendary band that however never really made the big time internationally, even though indeed the band's musicianship is extraordinary. They were the main prog rock band at the time from the Netherlands together with the band Ekseption (also with a legendary keyboard player).
An amazing performance by some seriously good musicians!
💯
I just LOVE seeing first-time reactions to this song/performance! If I could get a piece of whatever-kind-of-money for every time I first see the eyebrows rise, then see the mouth open? I'd be rich!
Haha! You bet!
One of the best ever live performance in the history of rock.❤
I LOVE this song! It's so entertainingly crazy and bonkers! It makes my day every time I hear it! 😂
I never get tired of seeing people react to this amazing song!!!!!!!!!🤣❤👍
This is so good
I've been listening to this tune for decades, and it's always fun to see new people's reaction to this thing.
Especially so when it's someone who can appreciate the musicianship beyond just the madness of it all.
One of my favourite bands from the early 70’s!!! I adore this song! One of their songs is particularly melodic and beautiful, especially if you want to hear their diversity. It’s called ‘Sylvia’. The guitarist who quit the band after this stated that he was the greatest guitarist in the world! Having said that, l can’t say enough about this brilliant band. Another Dutch band, called ‘ Exception’ is also one of my favourites! They will blow your mind. In one song in particular, they play a massive organ in a church that is astounding! I truly hope you will check my suggestions out. Thank you .
They were doing this song double speed. They had 3 minutes to do a 6 minute song so they did it double speed to fit it all in.
Saw them November 13, 1973 at the Orpheum in Boston. They opened for Wishbone Ash - or maybe the other way around. Some of those nights are a little hard to remember.
I bet... LOL
I remember when I saw this clip for the first time.. Such a great performance..😅
as one who can only manage a sort of hiss i admire his whistling. wow.
crazy mind blowing out of this world
Thijs Van Leer has a background in classical music, he still performs classical music and Focus live. Drummer Pierre Van der Linden indeed left because Thijs and Jan wanted to be in the picture more than him. In 1976 Akkerman went solo and as a session musician. These days he mainly plays Jazz. Akkerman, Van Leer and Pierre Van der Linden were also members of Brainbug, another well-known band. Maybe you know Akkerman's name from that band.
@Andrew Rooney Drums 🐙Elizabeth has done this one as a Patreon Exclusive. And yes, she was "floored" (without having Floor Jansen in the video) with lot's of giggles.
Focus still performed past years, with both Thijs van Leer (Thais van Lear as pronunciation) and Pierre van der Linden. I think in their best line-up Bert Ruiter played the bass, and Jan Akkerman is incredible, still performing with his band and an accomplished lute player. As flute player, Thijs van Leer also recorded more classical records with the Metropole Orchestra with director Rogier van Otterloo. Check it out, that orchestra has won Grammies, played Bacharach songs and even worked with Steve Vai 🙂
Had the good fortune to see Focus in 1972. Awesome musicianship and just about spoilt me for live music for decades until I found jazz properly.
Andrew, Focus is fantastic. You need to check out their albums. I recommend Moving Waves (that is the album that contains Hocus Pocus, the song you reacted for) and Focus III, but there are many other great Focus albums. About what you said about the "the whole band is jazz", in fact, they did a many songs with jazz elements. And they wasn't tied to a unique style. Their work was very versatile, spanning through jazz, classic, medieval etc. Each song is a unique experience.
The guitar player Jan Akkerman lives in our town of Volendam. A real nice guy. Played with him a few times. And his daughter Laurie is an amazing singer.
Oh is jan geen amsterdammer dat hoor je niet vaak een amsterdammer die in volendam gaat wonen
A local DJ in my home town loved "Elspeth of Nottingham" by Focus, so I went out to find the album it was on. The song was probably their only radio friendly track, and I was not sure about the music on the rest of the album. But it grew on me and introduced me to the jazz-prog fusion and led me to look up both prog rock (Yes, Rush) and jazz (Chic Corea, Moe Koffmann).
My absolute favourite band since I first heard them half a century ago. Check out the second side of their early albums - jazz / prog / rock at its finest. A band that might replace them as my favourite is Snarky Puppy.
Amazing instrumental work! Check out Jan Akkerman's sweep picking- an incredible shredder, no? And of course Thijs is a monster, so good. Glad you enjoyed this Andrew!
LOVE IT
It was the last song of the TV-show and the band played the tune at almost double speed to get it done before the end-titles.
That’s wrong. They performed it first. The last song was «Focus 3» with «Answers? Questions! Questions? Answers!», with the end-titles going over the screen during Answers? Questions!… That they performs «Hocus Pocus» fast because of the show is a false myth. They performed the song fast around that time. In 1973-1976, it was performed fast.
I saw Focus in 2019 and they were still amazing. At one point Thijs played one tune on the organ with one hand, played a different melody on the flute and SANG a third melody all at the same time!! and he is now in his 70s
Went yo see thems last year in Maastricht Holland and 5 years a go in Verviers Belgium
What amazing group
My favourite its Answer Question!
loved it from the first,,it's never too late to discover new music, regardless of how old it may be
I had a recording studio back then (yes, old as dirt) and I had the privilige to work with these extraordinary musicians. I can assure you that when Focus was in concert, the roof always came off.Smoking!!!!❤🇳🇱
Jan Akkerman was the only guy we (boomer guitar guys) paid attention to, he has been a guitar legend since the 70s, his solo fusion stuff is outstanding. I have no idea if the other guys ever got their due as musicians. The band as a whole was epic. 🎬
one cannot overstate how good the guitar playing is on that. Ridiculous.
They were phenomenal. So long ago. The energy and musicianship blows you away. Thijs did a guest appearance in Ayreon. Love to see him there as well. If you don't know Ayreon. Please check them out !
So lucky to have seen them live in Australia twice. Those were the days. People could really play.
I saw them at the Whisky in Hollywood in the seventies. The lead guitarist had like a 10 fret span. Unbelievable.