Focus - Hocus Pocus Live '73

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  • Опубликовано: 19 мар 2007
  • Dutch prog-rockers Focus giving a breathtaking performance on NBC´s Midnight Special.
    Thijs van Leer - Vox, Flute, Organ
    Jan Akkerman - Guitar (-god!)
    Bert Ruiter - Bass
    Pierre van der Linden - Drums
    Announced by the lovely Gladys Knight
  • ВидеоклипыВидеоклипы

Комментарии • 11 тыс.

  • @truongsonbui5972
    @truongsonbui5972 6 месяцев назад +575

    When a vocalist starts twitching 40 times before the song even starts you just know you're in for a BANGER.

    • @EricRumplestiltskin
      @EricRumplestiltskin 4 месяца назад

      😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

    • @lynneellis2647
      @lynneellis2647 4 месяца назад +4

      😂

    • @-bielle2985
      @-bielle2985 4 месяца назад +31

      The dude was legit tweaking, it was obvious he was about to deliver perfection lmao

    • @nate_river_
      @nate_river_ 3 месяца назад +8

      Even he can't believe what's about to happen, that's wild 🤣

    • @eldiablo3794
      @eldiablo3794 2 месяца назад +7

      Lmao I saw that.. I was thinking he's mentally preparing himself.

  • @Neon9th
    @Neon9th 3 года назад +3987

    Its like their instruments are rented for an hour and they have 5 minutes left.

    • @repomansez
      @repomansez 3 года назад +263

      the song is 7 minutes long, but for TV they were asked to bring it down to 4 minutes, they didn't want to cut the song so they just sped it up

    • @GMan-hk7uu
      @GMan-hk7uu 3 года назад +38

      @@repomansez yeah it sounded off to me, if you put the speed down to x0.75 it sounds a little more normal

    • @edwinso8173
      @edwinso8173 3 года назад +19

      Dude! I love that comment.

    • @TireFill
      @TireFill 3 года назад +6

      @@repomansez brilliant

    • @sebastiancalisaya9210
      @sebastiancalisaya9210 3 года назад +3

      hahaha

  • @TomboyCEO
    @TomboyCEO Год назад +347

    This performance is riding right on the edge of chaos, it’s perfect! One of the greatest live performances ever caught on video.

    • @petset77
      @petset77 10 месяцев назад +4

      I played in chaos bands, and this one live version is certainly the best example caught on video.... and I'm 66 years old, so have seen/heard MANY great bands.

    • @Vaterlo-d4k
      @Vaterlo-d4k 6 месяцев назад +3

      This is rock music....😅

    • @RJ-wx3fh
      @RJ-wx3fh 6 месяцев назад

      i raise you... ruclips.net/video/tXcJNljjTG0/видео.html Sylvia's mother on Shel Silverstein's houseboat

    • @JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe
      @JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe 5 месяцев назад +6

      Please be mindful that they're Dutch afterall

    • @THECONTINENTALMAN
      @THECONTINENTALMAN 4 месяца назад

      haha!!​@@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe

  • @2660016A
    @2660016A Год назад +453

    His manic facial expressions just kill me😂 Absolutely amazing performance.

    • @brucesmith9144
      @brucesmith9144 Год назад +27

      For a moment thought he looked like Jack Nicholson from “The Shining.”

    • @mennobults6464
      @mennobults6464 Год назад +7

      It makes me laugh every time a hear/see it. But, Jan Akkerman, what a player. The best from Holland ever.👌👍😊😂🤣

    • @gehtdichnixan3200
      @gehtdichnixan3200 11 месяцев назад +6

      never seen somebody as sober as him

    • @gdawgs101
      @gdawgs101 9 месяцев назад +9

      Bro is tripping fucking balls and still crushing those vocals! 😂

    • @michiellombaers3198
      @michiellombaers3198 8 месяцев назад +1

      @@gdawgs101 Nah, that's just how Tijs is, great guy though.

  • @pch2230
    @pch2230 3 года назад +1544

    When a performance starts with a face solo you know it's going to be great.

  • @andivax
    @andivax 3 года назад +2100

    At first I was thinking it is funny. Then I have realized how impossibly hard it is. Then I have checked all covers on this song. Then returned to the original and realized how fast and technically perfect it is. And it is live. OMG

    • @hilliebruinsma8420
      @hilliebruinsma8420 2 года назад +32

      Some of them went to the conservatory that is why they can play so good

    • @KlausKokholmPetersen
      @KlausKokholmPetersen 2 года назад +119

      People wrote 'Clapton is God' on walls in the 70ies. They misspelled Jan Akkerman.

    • @mleon1958
      @mleon1958 2 года назад +27

      I know, right?!!! They were basically a jazz band masquerading as a rock band!

    • @jaredwirth3990
      @jaredwirth3990 2 года назад +5

      @@hilliebruinsma8420 Scnhobbery! What about Lynrd Skynrd? Their conservatory was a tin sweat shed in the deep south.

    • @hermansohier7643
      @hermansohier7643 2 года назад +17

      @@jaredwirth3990 Yeah,the hell house.I'm a big Skynyrd fan but Focus was a realy good band and there was no snobbery involved ,it was very common that people who went to consevatory turned to rock.Skynird was rehearsing like hell in that tin sweat shed and i have a great respect for them. Being a drummer in the 70ths and the 80ths i know what it takes to rehears after a hard days work .

  • @BayerPowerslide
    @BayerPowerslide 6 месяцев назад +78

    Music in the 70's was on another level, man!

  • @markkoetsier6475
    @markkoetsier6475 Год назад +80

    *Gladys:* "Oh, you guys have a 6:40 minute song. That's a problem, we can only give you 4:30."
    *Thijs:* "Nah, we'll make it work"
    *Gladys:* "So you'll cut it down?"
    *Thijs:* "Bert, get the cocaine!"

  • @lukeyj8331
    @lukeyj8331 8 лет назад +4941

    The lyrics really speak to me on a personal level

    • @bonny5794
      @bonny5794 8 лет назад +28

      Huehuehue

    • @lewissmith5759
      @lewissmith5759 8 лет назад +16

      +Forever Waiter bom bom ba

    • @lewissmith6050
      @lewissmith6050 8 лет назад +20

      If that's true then you need therapy

    • @webgrunt
      @webgrunt 8 лет назад +143

      To translate: "I have taken EXACTLY the right amount of LSD."

    • @Juliet_Capulet
      @Juliet_Capulet 8 лет назад +4

      LOL, yup.

  • @Deeplz
    @Deeplz 5 лет назад +3055

    They played this song like their tour bus was double-parked outside.

    • @michelbrakenhoff9266
      @michelbrakenhoff9266 4 года назад +17

      ha ha yes!!!

    • @DrDespicable
      @DrDespicable 4 года назад +53

      With the motor running!

    • @luciobartolomelimardo7095
      @luciobartolomelimardo7095 4 года назад +4

      Jajajaja perhaps they have another apointment.... jajajja

    • @narvul
      @narvul 4 года назад +11

      Their tourbus was stolen with all their gear.

    • @urafaget5202
      @urafaget5202 4 года назад +30

      The original song is considerably slower so they most likely told them to speed it up to get inside the schedule

  • @bowelrupture
    @bowelrupture 7 месяцев назад +28

    One of the high points in Dutch rock history. They blasted everyone over and received a standing ovation of the audience, which according to some was the only time it had happened in the 9 years running of the show.

  • @davidtatum8682
    @davidtatum8682 2 месяца назад +7

    Many faces were melted that day.

  • @Schimechlyn
    @Schimechlyn 2 года назад +3098

    To everyone commenting on the speeded up quality of the song. The original song was 6:43 sec long. Midnight Special producers only gave them a 4 and a half minute slot in the programming. Instead of picking another song to perform and not perform their current hit, which they would have had to abbreviate into the single 3:37 version for radio, they greatly sped up the tempo to fit the full version in 4:30 sec time. It was just incredible and they didn't miss a note! True artistry.

    • @ville5152
      @ville5152 2 года назад +91

      Insane talent

    • @henkschepel
      @henkschepel 2 года назад +25

      Correct.

    • @kitsumech
      @kitsumech 2 года назад +65

      My band did some thing similar to this. Makes sense watching the drummer trying to sus out the feel of the song.
      We were supposed to have 30 muinutes and ended up with 25. So we just sped everything up and were watching each other for the queues.

    • @Numlocq
      @Numlocq 2 года назад +28

      The guitarist completely effed the intro

    • @EvilSean62
      @EvilSean62 2 года назад +14

      I was in a similar situation playing mac the knife ( im bass ) but the faster playing ruined the feel so i took my metaphorical thinning shears to it ... it was the correct length but i was unhappy ... for the uninitiated ... mac the knife goes up a half tone each verse and the guitarist , piano and drummer have an easy time ... the bass... however has to walk properly ... not stumble ... we did a version with an extended ending which is another step up ... the piano player assured me its 8 changes over 6 normal verses which the drummer worked out is 48 key changes for the bass ..kinda but linked and not repeating the same riff
      and as mental as that sounds ... i gigged with that version for ages ... and i`d still rather do that than cope with what the guitar and vocals have to do in this instance ... thats crazy !!!

  • @nonexistenceisbliss9528
    @nonexistenceisbliss9528 4 года назад +281

    Jan Akkerman playing Speed Metal leads in 1973... The man was wayyy ahead of his time!! 😵

    • @trashman138
      @trashman138 4 года назад +38

      dude was sweep picking in '73. that's crazy

  • @rootcause-i1v
    @rootcause-i1v Месяц назад +42

    Still watching, still enjoying in 2024.

  • @donfraser8619
    @donfraser8619 11 месяцев назад +68

    I am 68. When as a very young man I first heard this I thought little of it given the now-recognised tsunami that engulfed those of us alive between 1965-1975. This was, is, and will remain sensational music - period.

  • @icypeanutpolo
    @icypeanutpolo Год назад +917

    Imagine going into a tv special, having no idea what would be coming, except for something described as new and exciting music. And then you’re faced with a man yodeling, then screaming at you, then yodeling some more, before he whips out his flute (the one you can show on television) and then finally whistling the same tune again. In between all of this is killer drums, excellent guitar, and a great vibe. Also, it’s the 70’s, and you can’t see it again. This is the only time you’ll ever see these guys play this song.
    I can only imagine what this would have been like to experience it live.

    • @anthonybranch4712
      @anthonybranch4712 Год назад +17

      What would it have been like? FACE-MELTINGLY overwhelming, I would think...

    • @elowishusmirkatroid4898
      @elowishusmirkatroid4898 Год назад +14

      Saw them live in Melbourne in early seventies. It was a wild and sensational concert. Bought the album, but was slightly disappointed. They were so much more exciting to see live, and built up a tremendous atmosphere.

    • @oldschoolmasterxl
      @oldschoolmasterxl Год назад +10

      I can say it was an unforgettable experience. Top musicians, and Jan Akkerman still is one of the best guitarists to walk this earth.

    • @lisawetton5539
      @lisawetton5539 Год назад +13

      They’re STILL playing it! I saw them a year ago, and they are beyond amazing!!

    • @ivoshandor6278
      @ivoshandor6278 Год назад

      It was the 70's they would have been eating it up imo....today you'd have a bunch of slack jawed dickheads on their phones not understanding or realizing greatness and talent not hidden behind production synthesis

  • @steviesugarman7416
    @steviesugarman7416 4 года назад +359

    Focus: "Our song is six minutes long."
    Midnight Special: "You've got four minutes."
    Focus: "Hold our beers."

  • @pierremaury2758
    @pierremaury2758 9 месяцев назад +48

    The Guitarist is a GENIUS!!!

    • @hendrikdebruin4012
      @hendrikdebruin4012 Месяц назад +3

      Voted best guitarist by other guitarists. Jan Akkerman.

    • @chrisangelis5609
      @chrisangelis5609 29 дней назад

      But the camera man only captures his genius left hand once

    • @thomasmead4642
      @thomasmead4642 17 дней назад +1

      He also played renaissance lute.

  • @lb2696
    @lb2696 Год назад +29

    When he does the whistle and reaches for that high note, it’s incredible.

  • @MrKennyWilliams
    @MrKennyWilliams 5 лет назад +457

    "Musically, they're one of the most together and exciting groups going..."
    Gladys Knight tells no lies

    • @andrewpappas9311
      @andrewpappas9311 5 лет назад +3

      That's who it was?

    • @blown22
      @blown22 5 лет назад +9

      She also said on another MS she hosted that Jobriath was "The act of the future." She was right, too bad he was ahead of his time.

    • @tattoodfreeek
      @tattoodfreeek 4 года назад +1

      Was wondering who she was

    • @gastankand1match
      @gastankand1match 3 года назад +5

      Havent seen her much but shes beautiful. And if those are her remarks on these bands it shows her musical... I dont have a term so I'll just say in touchness

    • @forestdelawoestijne8645
      @forestdelawoestijne8645 11 месяцев назад

      @@tattoodfreeek Just google

  • @7munkee
    @7munkee 3 года назад +814

    Laugh all you want...that man had more control of his voice than any one alive.

    • @actionsub
      @actionsub 2 года назад +38

      His range is phenomenal too!

    • @Pasunsoprano
      @Pasunsoprano 2 года назад +23

      He is still alive

    • @Kevin-nb5ii
      @Kevin-nb5ii 2 года назад +9

      He and the drummer were on coke for sure. Never used it but I do wonder if it enhances your skill

    • @Pasunsoprano
      @Pasunsoprano 2 года назад +45

      @@Kevin-nb5ii you never used it but know for sure when someone else has? That sounds pretty stupid.

    • @elburko9453
      @elburko9453 2 года назад +3

      Who is laughing? I'll tear them limb from limb! The only way to laugh is from sheer surprise and delight!

  • @od3910
    @od3910 2 месяца назад +7

    It's the flute. The flute gets me every single time

  • @NoniAme
    @NoniAme 24 дня назад +6

    4 Minutes and 37 Seconds of HISTORY still sending massive waves into 2024... Thank to the universe for THAT!!!

  • @DaKooter69
    @DaKooter69 2 года назад +1500

    Before you dislike, you try whistling that high of a note, legends forever

    • @davidmansell5986
      @davidmansell5986 2 года назад +28

      I can't whistle at all! Agreed, true legends!

    • @elburko9453
      @elburko9453 2 года назад +9

      I like! I like!

    • @tose917
      @tose917 2 года назад +34

      And the way he goes up and down those full octaves is insane!!!!

    • @d.n.3652
      @d.n.3652 2 года назад +8

      I can see Mike Patton doing it

    • @robertwest3093
      @robertwest3093 2 года назад +4

      I agree. Mike Patton would be one who could do it.

  • @SaltpeterTaffy
    @SaltpeterTaffy 5 лет назад +1319

    Drummer's priorities:
    1) Chew the shit out of that gum
    2) Intense prog drumming

    • @diddyhayes
      @diddyhayes 4 года назад +6

      SaltpeterTaffy what gum? 😂

    • @SaltpeterTaffy
      @SaltpeterTaffy 4 года назад +11

      @@diddyhayes Pay attention at 0:57, drummer's chewing gum.

    • @BonnieHalfElven
      @BonnieHalfElven 4 года назад +24

      @@SaltpeterTaffy could just be a thing he does when he plays. I played with a drummer who always ground his jaw when he played, like he was chewing on something.
      Drummers have a lot going on, and sometimes they make faces.

    • @IceCreamMeatballs
      @IceCreamMeatballs 4 года назад +4

      I think he is biting his tongue. Musicians often do that while playing.

    • @SaltpeterTaffy
      @SaltpeterTaffy 4 года назад +4

      @@BonnieHalfElven He could also be chewing gum.

  • @GEM850
    @GEM850 Год назад +408

    I told my wife I want this played at my funeral. She thought I was nuts.

  • @iggyfritz7150
    @iggyfritz7150 Год назад +20

    In 73 they showed us what is possible and
    50yrs later only a couple guitarists I can think of that might be able to play this.
    No vocalist that could do all he did. In other words how far have we really progressed in 50yrs. They are way ahead of everyone. Epic Musicians.

  • @toddpick8007
    @toddpick8007 Год назад +673

    This is one of the tightest live sets ive ever seen from any band ever they are so well put together its insane. The drummer is solid, the guitarist is utterly insane hes absolutely crushing it (to the point that the drummer keeps looking over laughing) the bong rattling bass is unreal the vocals are crazy when you realize how hard it is to yodel and the range the dude gets just mind blown.

    • @brookey2825
      @brookey2825 Год назад +30

      Pretty sure he was voted world's best guitarist around this time

    • @toddpick8007
      @toddpick8007 Год назад +10

      @@brookey2825 would imagine the dude absolutely rips it.

    • @briane173
      @briane173 Год назад +7

      @@brookey2825 He wasn't but should have. He _did_ get a cache of awards in the Netherlands though -- not hard to imagine, though the Dutch put out a cadre of talented bands during that era.

    • @paulvandinteren5415
      @paulvandinteren5415 Год назад +4

      Watch Brainbox (down man)and the Hunters (russian Spy and I )
      Jan Akkerman in his early years and later his album the noice of Art (so beautiful)

    • @thingfish000
      @thingfish000 11 месяцев назад +4

      They took the roof off the place!

  • @AlizeeDefan
    @AlizeeDefan 8 лет назад +751

    The whole act is incredible No one person stands out here. Its so off the wall, it can' be duplicated today Funny, each time they performed this song live they made it a little different. This was no exception A little faster beat,. improvised lead guitar... Just amazing! To be a fly on the wall that day back in '73 at the show must have been great!!

    • @CrispinFreemont
      @CrispinFreemont 8 лет назад +1

      +Alizee Defan Than you for saying that. I just now wrote my brother to ask him if he thinks this is fast, then saw your remark.

    • @kolosfarkasvolgyi8208
      @kolosfarkasvolgyi8208 8 лет назад +11

      +Alizee Defan Little fast? :D
      They played it in nearly double tempo...

    • @manoftheroad55
      @manoftheroad55 8 лет назад +1

      +Alizee Defan Yes young lady it was may I suggest Wishbone Ash "Vas Dis" 1971 BBC for a chronological history of instrumental music x.

    • @dermeistefan
      @dermeistefan 8 лет назад

      Too drunk to read the comments but... Alizee... *drool * ,, this outfit in her
      "J'en Ai Marre" video... to die for

    • @denniscoenen1975
      @denniscoenen1975 8 лет назад

      Oh yeah!! Haha! Can't get that video off my mind!

  • @frank-janvanaalst
    @frank-janvanaalst 9 месяцев назад +17

    50 years later now. Wow still amazing.

  • @SanTM
    @SanTM 11 месяцев назад +13

    The entire band is insanely talented. Look at that drumming, bass, guitar and vocals, flute, whistling, yodelling and keyboards....

  • @miggychan
    @miggychan Год назад +770

    This man sweep picks at 2:53 , that's such a guitar technique flex in '73 this band is ridiculously good.

    • @mcswordfish
      @mcswordfish Год назад +20

      Whoah! So he does. That's incredible

    • @johnhowlett9829
      @johnhowlett9829 Год назад +52

      Yes, spotted that, seriously ridiculous library of chops considering the year.

    • @teleroel
      @teleroel Год назад +39

      Jan Akkerman, legendary Dutch guitar player: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Akkerman

    • @SlungStrat
      @SlungStrat Год назад +8

      Seems more like fast legato notes and a pseudo sweep pick to me. Good eye tho bud

    • @richardharrold9736
      @richardharrold9736 Год назад +14

      @@johnhowlett9829 and really, all metal guitarists owe everything to Les Paul. He truly was the original shredder.

  • @waltersobchak926
    @waltersobchak926 6 лет назад +1025

    greatest guitarist ever playing at 200mph, yodelling, a flute solo, a whistle solo and it all introduced by Gladys Knight. without actually seeing this genius, people would think you were taking the piss when describing it

    • @Raysboss302
      @Raysboss302 6 лет назад +11

      Walter Sobchak the perfect storm.

    • @gkkes
      @gkkes 6 лет назад +2

      Walter Sobchak Err, you mean Oprah I'm guessing?

    • @EvilSean62
      @EvilSean62 5 лет назад +12

      only recorded yodelling ever to be a rock classic ? ... also the manic lunacy in the eyes ... i fell in love

    • @aaronholmes8568
      @aaronholmes8568 5 лет назад +47

      Can we just take a minute to pay homage to the bassist and drummer who kept this insanity going

    • @mrwilliecowie
      @mrwilliecowie 5 лет назад +12

      Jan going full throttle from 1.15 to 1.30 If you look at Pierre on drums he turns around and is thinking wtf .

  • @tuomaskuusinen
    @tuomaskuusinen 9 месяцев назад +13

    Vocalist is a beast. The whole band is on fire, literally, after almost douling the tempo to fit the song in the timeslot. Just amazing.

  • @DerHerrMitR
    @DerHerrMitR 5 месяцев назад +11

    This, to me, is one of the most therapeutic performances ever. Nevermind sappy ballads or overblown rock hymns, or 20 minute songs with 40 different sections (all of which I love). This is rock and roll. I will never watch this video and not get absolutely HYPED. It helped me to cope with breakups, deaths and other personal shit I was/am still going through. Thank you Thijs van Leer, thank you Jan Akkerman, thank you Bert Ruiter, thank you Pierre van der Linden, THANK YOU FOCUS! 🤘

  • @misterdude6694
    @misterdude6694 4 года назад +646

    Even death metal bands can't contain the amount of energy in this song.
    Godamn, this shit is brutal.

    • @davidmansell5986
      @davidmansell5986 2 года назад +8

      Brutal is a good description!

    • @pardolagames8994
      @pardolagames8994 2 года назад +2

      Not even Power Metal

    • @miketubbs1198
      @miketubbs1198 2 года назад +7

      Imagine tooling down the freeway in an MG Midget, top down, with this on full blast, stoned...doesn't get any better!

    • @clunt2548
      @clunt2548 2 года назад +3

      Whats wild is without songs like this out of the 70s, we wouldn’t have death metal, or any form of fast metal for that matter. This shits straight up proto speed metal. Jan’s solos alone have inspired countless players, whether they know it or not lol.

    • @tomriggi9921
      @tomriggi9921 2 года назад +2

      Amazing what a little caffine can do for music!

  • @Pigzit
    @Pigzit 7 лет назад +1716

    "How long is your song?"
    "About 7 minutes."
    "Shit we only have 4 available minutes. Guess we'll have to cut you out."
    "No no no, we can make this work."
    *And they did.*

    • @KayoMichiels
      @KayoMichiels 6 лет назад +29

      Just up the tempo...

    • @agatasoda
      @agatasoda 6 лет назад +85

      Gotta love cocaine.

    • @billjenkins9492
      @billjenkins9492 6 лет назад +29

      I'm not convinced they knew they were playing it faster! Much as I love the original version, this has quickly grown on me. It's very hard-driving.

    • @jayzo0o
      @jayzo0o 6 лет назад +1

      Pigzit LOL🤣🤣🤣🤣

    • @adriel3000
      @adriel3000 6 лет назад +5

      They also cut some loops out.

  • @pieface6329
    @pieface6329 Год назад +26

    Well deserved standing ovation, this is musicianship at its finest. Every single member of this band is a virtuoso, bass and drums are incredibly tight, just try and copy it if you disagree.

  • @betaoooo
    @betaoooo Год назад +33

    I'm 59 years old and this was one of the first rock songs I heard back in the good 70's! I'm Brazilian from Florianópolis!

  • @Vorstelijk
    @Vorstelijk 2 года назад +304

    R.I.P. Bert Ruiter, extraordinari bassplayer. 1946-2022.

    • @Georgeth-kb6rg
      @Georgeth-kb6rg Год назад +4

      thanks for the info !

    • @jcmarinut
      @jcmarinut Год назад +2

      Jon Ackerman may still be rippin' the lead guitar as we speak. Jazz extrordinaire
      .

    • @goonaa6924
      @goonaa6924 Год назад +4

      @@jcmarinut "Jan"

  • @andrewzaharatos4044
    @andrewzaharatos4044 4 года назад +717

    "Hey Focus, unfortunately you only have 4:30 minutes so you can't play hocus pocus, choose another song"
    Focus: We'll see about that

    • @ZerglingOne1
      @ZerglingOne1 3 года назад +77

      "Hold our cocaine."

    • @Barbs1991
      @Barbs1991 3 года назад +1

      @@ZerglingOne1 😂😂

    • @RobBCactive
      @RobBCactive 3 года назад +3

      Indeed it's suspiciously short!

    • @nostalgiaof98
      @nostalgiaof98 3 года назад +5

      You could possibly play the whole song in 10 seconds

    • @mikegranger9538
      @mikegranger9538 3 года назад +2

      Hahahahhahaha

  • @TheGanjaTurtle
    @TheGanjaTurtle Год назад +16

    This is by far the most superior version of this song. I always keep coming back to it, have been for over a decade now.

  • @JMVD48
    @JMVD48 11 месяцев назад +7

    One word, INCREDIBLE.
    All four of them are top musicians, also playing the flute first, and then whistling high notes with his mouth is also a thing...😲

  • @MrSmith223
    @MrSmith223 4 года назад +301

    I’ve requested this to be played at my funeral. Should be a good time.

    • @andymackie8283
      @andymackie8283 3 года назад +11

      You'll have a good time, at least. No, wait a minute....

    • @juddis956
      @juddis956 2 года назад +11

      Everyone’s crying and there’s just yodeling in the background

    • @DutchlanderChris
      @DutchlanderChris 2 года назад

      Yeah at least you won't be hearing it 😂

    • @MikeWright99
      @MikeWright99 2 года назад +3

      Have it played from inside the casket.

    • @andrewwilliams9599
      @andrewwilliams9599 2 года назад +1

      I want to go to there.

  • @Rowsdow3r
    @Rowsdow3r 2 года назад +129

    Jan's shredding in this is absolutely astonishing kind of playing for 73, It's almost like the dude predicted the future of guitar playing.

  • @englandforever861
    @englandforever861 3 месяца назад +3

    Went to see them live in '73 in Coventry. They were amazing and Hocus Pocus brought the house down. They were great days....

  • @rodrigochileno
    @rodrigochileno 10 месяцев назад +19

    Best era of the world❤
    Outstanding
    I'm a truck driver, when I'm driving and start falling sleep a play this jewel on the radio and I get power enough to carry on

  • @jesuzombieapocalypse
    @jesuzombieapocalypse 5 лет назад +177

    I couldn’t listen to the studio version of this song for ages because this is how I was I troduced to it, I was just like “ugh, why are they playing it so slow?”

    • @lauraschubert8619
      @lauraschubert8619 3 года назад +1

      YES SAME

    • @briane173
      @briane173 3 года назад +3

      Play this on double-speed THEN try to listen to the studio version. You'd swear it was a Russian dirge.

  • @CrazyMetalZombie
    @CrazyMetalZombie 6 лет назад +263

    That was probably one of the best things I've ever seen

  • @cheku-ey2ml
    @cheku-ey2ml Год назад +6

    This is a great song forever, i am now 63 and hear it so long

  • @pietkeizer5279
    @pietkeizer5279 Год назад +24

    Last weekend , 4 feb 2023 I was at a Focus concert (my first concert was in 1973!!). It was great again. After 50 years still a yodeling Thijs van Leer. What a great musician and the other band members were also great (guitarist Menno Gootjes, drummer Pierre van der Linden and bassist Udo Pannekeet). Go on Focus…for many years

  • @bulletproofblouse
    @bulletproofblouse 4 года назад +544

    Scrolling through the comments I notice to my surprise that I commented 8 years ago and 5 years ago, so here I am again, locked down in 2020 just for a top-up.

    • @gailpink504
      @gailpink504 4 года назад +3

      Just gotta take the edge off

    • @0patience4flz
      @0patience4flz 3 года назад +5

      This ....was the first video i searched for on youtube...

    • @BlindManifest
      @BlindManifest 3 года назад +1

      Haha! Perfect - me too! :D

    • @nathaliechollet8848
      @nathaliechollet8848 3 года назад

      Love this
      Hope you are doing well
      Sending love from here sunny coast Australia 😘

    • @Leonards-leopard
      @Leonards-leopard 3 года назад

      Here with you brother

  • @aculinarianscuriosity152
    @aculinarianscuriosity152 4 года назад +2852

    No drugs were harmed during the making of this video

    • @olehwolansky1952
      @olehwolansky1952 3 года назад +41

      This is the best comment

    • @diegoismaelquiroga3235
      @diegoismaelquiroga3235 3 года назад +76

      They were harmed just before

    • @knoxjones3273
      @knoxjones3273 3 года назад +1

      LOL! 😂

    • @hansschjlberg172
      @hansschjlberg172 3 года назад +61

      I actually saw them live in 2013 or something... I spoke to the band backstage after the gig. The singer/whistler/yodler/organ player - Theijs van Leer - was as mad as back then but then his only "drug" was Red Bull. When I told him how this song actually got me into listening to punk rock he almost fainted, LOL

    • @normanthomas9065
      @normanthomas9065 3 года назад +10

      More like flutes

  • @NevoAlmighty
    @NevoAlmighty Год назад +11

    I think I've seen this video like 5000 times now. It's so epic. Everyone's so freaking talented. Obviously I laughed at first, now I just laugh of joy from this piece. Both here and in the studio version (of course other songs)

  • @joaquinanimations8786
    @joaquinanimations8786 5 лет назад +419

    I like the part when he goes AHHHHHHHH AHHHHHH AHHHH AHHH AHHHH AH AH AHHAHAHWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOOWOWOWOWOWOOWOWAHAHAHWOWOWOAH

    • @huflungpu1051
      @huflungpu1051 4 года назад +8

      I felt that

    • @FRN2013
      @FRN2013 3 года назад +6

      the lyrics always bring a tear to my eyes

    • @ripperplaysclon152
      @ripperplaysclon152 3 года назад +6

      Joladadijoladadijoladadijoladadi
      Joladadijoladadi-jo-o-ooh!
      Joladadijoladadijoladadijoladadi
      Joladadijoladadi-jo-o-ooh!
      Oooooh-oooooh-oooooh-oooooh...

    • @drsloanski
      @drsloanski 3 года назад +1

      It thrills me to this day!

    • @TimBouman
      @TimBouman 3 года назад +2

      Whaaaaaaaa haha, just imagine being able to do this in front of people tripping your balls of and being nominated for one of the best, fucking legends!

  • @Furrylittleproblem12
    @Furrylittleproblem12 2 года назад +314

    The vocal range displayed in this song is out of this world. Tremendous instrumental as well!

    • @MrOly0001
      @MrOly0001 Год назад +1

      no cowbells dammit

    • @mikehart9226
      @mikehart9226 Год назад +1

      True. The vocal range was outstanding… just not musical … or aesthetically pleasing…. AT ALL

  • @FryingTiger
    @FryingTiger Год назад +6

    He looks so proud of himself when he nails that flute solo.

  • @Neocaridina
    @Neocaridina 3 месяца назад +4

    He has a flute too!! Damn! This is one of the greatest live performances I have ever seen! Holy! I want to cuss! Damn that was amazing!

    • @cropdustin6867
      @cropdustin6867 2 месяца назад

      when he busted out the flute i almost shit myself! luckily it was just a Farts Alarm

  • @heftyalan1152
    @heftyalan1152 5 лет назад +231

    Pierre van der Linden is an absolutely fantastic drummer

    • @MrSmith223
      @MrSmith223 5 лет назад +41

      I could be wrong, but all these dudes were insanely good

    • @magnusdunning6113
      @magnusdunning6113 4 года назад

      ruclips.net/video/pWB5JZRGl0U/видео.html

    • @sandmandanieL
      @sandmandanieL 3 года назад +1

      @@magnusdunning6113 Motorhead?

    • @malorix1164
      @malorix1164 3 года назад +2

      Deep purple's drummer, studied Pierre's drumming style in the 70s

    • @maximilianschmitt3798
      @maximilianschmitt3798 3 года назад

      It's Hans Cleuver

  • @willemran
    @willemran 3 года назад +304

    Jan Akkerman still going strong in 2020. He was chosen as the worlds best guitar player that year by several music magazines.

    • @martymca1
      @martymca1 2 года назад +6

      Wow!

    • @hermanstokbrood
      @hermanstokbrood 2 года назад +8

      Don't forget the other members. All great musicians.

  • @xtc1957
    @xtc1957 Год назад +5

    Insanely GREAT musical performance, with an extraordinary and very funny vocal and instrumental standout by Thijs van Leer.... and a remarkable display of guitar playing by Jan Akkerman. All in all, one of the greatest rock songs to come out of Europe. Right up there with "Sausalito Summer Night" by Diesel.

  • @climbaclubba
    @climbaclubba Месяц назад +1

    That's a never seen before and ever event. Spiritual! 🤩🍻🤩🍻

  • @TillyP
    @TillyP 6 лет назад +884

    This was in 73? Damn, dude. The world wasn't ready

    • @retohofmann5878
      @retohofmann5878 6 лет назад +20

      Pellegrini Post Europe was...

    • @esc0barrr
      @esc0barrr 6 лет назад +102

      "I guess you guys are not ready for that... But your kids are gonna love it."

    • @teizzz
      @teizzz 6 лет назад +20

      Look at the standing ovation they got though.

    • @jjdecani
      @jjdecani 5 лет назад +31

      I was 14. Believe me, we were ready. Focus did very well in Europe.

    • @nomedunome
      @nomedunome 5 лет назад +6

      much more than is now...

  • @sirriffsalot4158
    @sirriffsalot4158 4 года назад +357

    There is something just so outrageously good about this, especially considering it was aired on live television in 1973.
    Imagine all the grandmas at home seeing this for the first time, not knowing whether to admit it's cool as hell or to cling for dear life to their aristocratic pomp.
    Pure class!

    • @drsloanski
      @drsloanski 3 года назад +16

      It was aired late at night, so mostly only the kids (like me) were up watching.

    • @skydude426
      @skydude426 2 года назад +4

      It is good. I loved watching it. My wife on the other hand said it made her skin crawl.

    • @thedarksalmon9893
      @thedarksalmon9893 2 года назад +9

      @@skydude426 my grandma and grandpa saw it and said "even though they aren't a Christian band like we usually listen to it was quite impressive seeing it air."

  • @joshkuempfel9826
    @joshkuempfel9826 8 месяцев назад +4

    I've seen them live twice and they're just amazing, incredible band

  • @seandendinger6771
    @seandendinger6771 6 месяцев назад +3

    I love the hum of the tubes in the amps after they’re done!

  • @odalismoretto8225
    @odalismoretto8225 4 года назад +631

    "Soo what kind of music do you like?"
    "It's complicated..."

    • @Subto-SammySPlays
      @Subto-SammySPlays 4 года назад

      lol

    • @AldoArbore_ombremosse
      @AldoArbore_ombremosse 3 года назад +4

      A Leprechaun and a band of damned friends

    • @juhman
      @juhman 3 года назад +10

      you could just say prog rock lol

    • @matej2268
      @matej2268 3 года назад

      @@juhman nyess frog 🐸 rock India eat frog 🐸🐸🐸🐸🐸

    • @juhman
      @juhman 3 года назад +1

      @@matej2268 not funny

  • @Carlo8836
    @Carlo8836 6 лет назад +348

    That's gotta be one of the best live performances ever

    • @jean-louischevalier5815
      @jean-louischevalier5815 6 лет назад +9

      YES That's gotta be one of the best live performances ever

    • @amitraam1270
      @amitraam1270 6 лет назад +6

      Indeed, That's gotta be one of the best live performances ever

    • @gajeelredfox2760
      @gajeelredfox2760 5 лет назад +6

      Agreed, that's gotta be one of the best live performances ever

    • @jacco958
      @jacco958 5 лет назад +6

      You are right, that's gotta be one of the best live performances ever

    • @Wichert74
      @Wichert74 4 года назад +3

      To be honest, that`s gotta be one of the best live performances ever

  • @michaelerichriemer
    @michaelerichriemer 3 месяца назад +1

    Diese Band habe ich live, ich glaube auch 1972, auf der Insel Texel in einer Scheune erlebt.
    Wir sind damals mit unseren Kleinkraft Motorräder zum Kämpen nach Denhelder gefahren.
    Das war noch so eine entspannte Zeit mit 17 Jahren.

  • @DSRQ1
    @DSRQ1 Год назад +7

    This was a huge hit when I was a high school junior. Edgar Winter's "Frankenstein" was another, ahem, monster instrumental hit around the same time. It was a great era for rock, pop, and soul.

    • @user-vs1xw6fh4w
      @user-vs1xw6fh4w Год назад +1

      I love Frankenstein as well as the sheer number of bands that have covered it transformatively, knowing that they could never capture the same feeling as the original.
      Overkill comes to mind, it's sure not Edgar Winter, but god damn does it kick ass.

  • @originalmroldschool
    @originalmroldschool 2 года назад +208

    I just love how this is their own creation and the look on his face is like he is being unwilling controlled by somebody else to make these sounds that he doesn't quite understand, and as fast as he possibly can! I loved the song already from listening to it on the album, but the concert videos are just that much more fun!

    • @CEustance
      @CEustance 2 года назад +3

      Yes. The music was full of humour! Not just technically brilliant. Quite unique!

    • @tjenadonn6158
      @tjenadonn6158 Год назад +2

      TFW you start channeling the priest of a long dead god right before your band goes live on air and have no option but to roll with it.

    • @donakin8562
      @donakin8562 Год назад

      Lol

    • @jezusmylord
      @jezusmylord Год назад

      Drugs are heluva drug

  • @tedcabana
    @tedcabana 4 года назад +972

    Jan Akkerman was the most underrated guitarist of all time. His skills back then rivaled almost every guitarist of today.

    • @paulbuxton1326
      @paulbuxton1326 3 года назад +11

      He blows the so called top ten away 🎶

    • @lukagovorcin3610
      @lukagovorcin3610 3 года назад +9

      YES FOR SHURE JAN AKKERMAN IS FANTASTIC GUITAR PLAYER!!! FOR SHURE!!! GREAT ROCKER!!!

    • @djargen
      @djargen 3 года назад +2

      @@lukagovorcin3610 *sure

    • @narvul
      @narvul 3 года назад +12

      Sting tried to recruit him too but Akkerman is a stubborn son of a bitch.

    • @paulbuxton1326
      @paulbuxton1326 3 года назад +9

      He’s better than most today too’Awsome !

  • @radisb
    @radisb 9 месяцев назад +3

    I can't stop watching this please help

    • @jeffreyisenberg830
      @jeffreyisenberg830 6 месяцев назад +1

      Did you check out the reactors on you tube reacting to this song. The expressions on some of their faces when he goes into the yodel are priceless.

  • @cesarbernardoretamoso7983
    @cesarbernardoretamoso7983 Год назад +5

    No hay nadie que sean parecido a este grupo ..los escuche en 1973 ..a mis 20 años hoy los escucho .a mis 71 años y no hay grupo que se les parezca " excepcionales unicos " 👍😊👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

  • @TDCflyer
    @TDCflyer 6 лет назад +578

    Unbelievable. In todays production environment a band like this wouldn't be permitted within a mile of the tv-studio. This was absolute madness of the most brilliant kind!

    • @d0minat0rl94
      @d0minat0rl94 5 лет назад +21

      king gizzard

    • @onnileinonen4744
      @onnileinonen4744 5 лет назад +11

      Though not similar to Focus, Slayer was on The Tonight Show

    • @salmaankamaloodien1983
      @salmaankamaloodien1983 4 года назад +3

      hello, listen to King gizzard and the lizard wizards

    • @alakovideo
      @alakovideo 4 года назад +5

      Yeah, King Gizzard on Conan was pretty cool

    • @apancher
      @apancher 4 года назад +5

      "Absolute madness of the most brilliant kind" is a great way to describe it

  • @sbeast64
    @sbeast64 5 лет назад +996

    "I hear you play in a band, what style of music do you play?"
    "Yes"

  • @stevenmoore6426
    @stevenmoore6426 Год назад +5

    Say what you want but the talent of these guys are unrivaled

  • @toddgoes7935
    @toddgoes7935 11 месяцев назад +4

    Amazing!!! What a marvelous performance!!!

  • @KartKing4ever
    @KartKing4ever 3 года назад +95

    I don't usually prefer the live version of a song to the studio recording. But this. Holy balls is this amazing.

    • @SpringIsBACK
      @SpringIsBACK Год назад

      Eh, check out a few of the vids on Uriah Heep's "Acoustically Driven". "Golden Palace" is really well done, and, Thijs shows up for "Tales" with the flute, some yodeling, and toward the end, the "eyes".

    • @wangson
      @wangson Год назад +1

      I genuinely do prefer the live version of a song, but like you've suggest, "Holy balls is this amazing"!! Everyone here is prodigiously talented. When the organist/vocalist whips that flute out? My jaw hit the floor - same with that dude's guitar solo - drummer is tighter than a nun too.

  • @TerminalPassage
    @TerminalPassage 7 лет назад +461

    Thijs's face while he whistles is amazing! Such stellar musicians!

    • @GRILLBUOY101
      @GRILLBUOY101 6 лет назад +7

      amazing talent! things u hardly ever see anymore in music!!! these guys and edgar winter band are the bees knees

    • @fjohnson9463
      @fjohnson9463 6 лет назад +2

      Trippin balls big time- hahaha!

    • @BiffChunksteak
      @BiffChunksteak 5 лет назад +1

      I find whistling irrationally infuriating. Hearing someone whistle fills me with the urge to pull their teeth and make a lampshade string out of their lips before ripping out their tongue and breaking their jaw. But this is actually pretty good.

    • @ryhanzfx1641
      @ryhanzfx1641 5 лет назад +2

      @@BiffChunksteak
      Ok, weirdo

    • @exoticcar5482
      @exoticcar5482 5 лет назад

      @@BiffChunksteak Whistling tends to either make or break a song/performance but not always

  • @woobi4739
    @woobi4739 6 месяцев назад +3

    Never gets old.

  • @naturalbornscorpio929
    @naturalbornscorpio929 3 месяца назад +1

    This song stands the test of time. Lked it back then & like it even more today.

  • @yaboi7253
    @yaboi7253 4 года назад +445

    The yodeler looks like a combination of weird al yankovic, abraham Lincoln, and john lennon

    • @eezyrider65
      @eezyrider65 3 года назад +15

      and Joe Cocker

    • @1lowlife2many
      @1lowlife2many 3 года назад +14

      And he is Gowron before he became a Klingon.

    • @guidologo
      @guidologo 3 года назад +2

      Amsterdam

    • @uum6
      @uum6 3 года назад +18

      I think he's Jethro Tull's coked up evil twin.

    • @kissarmy305
      @kissarmy305 3 года назад +12

      Thijs van Leer he's one of the best Dutch progrock artists in the world^^.

  • @canadianstudmuffin
    @canadianstudmuffin 10 лет назад +64

    Every time I play this song, I go crazy!

    • @HoxVox
      @HoxVox 10 лет назад +4

      same

    • @powpowouchy5
      @powpowouchy5 10 лет назад +1

      Uhh...are you sure you're not just crazy anyways?

    • @jkilthau
      @jkilthau 10 лет назад +3

      I think that... maybe it makes you SANE!!!!

  • @josephchristenson9794
    @josephchristenson9794 Год назад +25

    I actually enjoy this version more than the original, as I find it more energetic

    • @Maxwell-ty3bf
      @Maxwell-ty3bf 6 месяцев назад +2

      The faster tempo really showcases how talented they are

  • @andrewcarr5923
    @andrewcarr5923 5 месяцев назад +4

    When time is short you get Prog Thrash, Brilliant!

  • @SuperMoodyyy
    @SuperMoodyyy 4 года назад +142

    proud to say this is the best performance my country has ever put forward

    • @drsloanski
      @drsloanski 3 года назад +1

      If I can find a video of Kayak playing “Royal Bed Bouncer” in 1975 I’d call it a tie.

    • @SuperMoodyyy
      @SuperMoodyyy 3 года назад

      @@drsloanski make sure to post it here! I’d love to see ir

    • @drsloanski
      @drsloanski 3 года назад

      @@SuperMoodyyy slightly different energy but this song is great. ruclips.net/video/RCQwBXUw7Jw/видео.html

    • @drsloanski
      @drsloanski 3 года назад

      @@SuperMoodyyy And on the studio version, the piano part is insane! ruclips.net/video/Vn6SC75to4E/видео.html

    • @SuperMoodyyy
      @SuperMoodyyy 3 года назад +1

      @@drsloanski i had no idea of this band. Great tune, bedankt voor het delen!

  • @almightyarjen
    @almightyarjen 6 лет назад +540

    Look at how much fun they have: this is awesome! :D

    • @ToolsAreToys
      @ToolsAreToys 6 лет назад +23

      *Cocaine.

    • @josm75
      @josm75 3 года назад

      @@ToolsAreToys lmao,an instrumental band. Relax 😉

    • @josm75
      @josm75 3 года назад

      A band from Amsterdam you know what i mean ? 😝

    • @funecheeseofficial3576
      @funecheeseofficial3576 2 года назад

      Ngl they do look like they are having fun some of them do look drugged out but are some how (maybe) not on drugs during this

  • @lorenzofossi466
    @lorenzofossi466 5 месяцев назад +1

    ahhhhhh 70's !! Nothin like that period...happy to have been lived it with creative powerful.

  • @user-fu5ln5it7o
    @user-fu5ln5it7o 7 месяцев назад +2

    Standing ovation I’m standing in my living room wow 😊

  • @magneto7930
    @magneto7930 4 года назад +157

    Standing ovation indeed! I don't think the audience knew what the hell hit them!

    • @NeolotusB5G
      @NeolotusB5G 2 года назад +10

      But whatever it was they LOVED it!

    • @stephenleigh8882
      @stephenleigh8882 2 года назад +7

      Voted best guitarist of 73------

  • @THESALMON8TR
    @THESALMON8TR 2 года назад +81

    Must have watched this clip a hundred times and I never get sick of it!!!!!! Classic!!!!!😁😁😁😁👍👍👍

  • @oldadajbych8123
    @oldadajbych8123 8 месяцев назад +5

    The amount of musicianship in this song is unbelievable. The guitarist makes the runs long before all those other guys started to do around 1980. No recent guys such as Iommi, Page and others cited in that period are near that level this guy was at that time. Not talking about the other band members.

  • @proxxima038
    @proxxima038 Год назад +6

    This version is just epic!

  • @stephensczurek6286
    @stephensczurek6286 5 лет назад +94

    I sing this whenever I make tomato sauce. Really brings out the flavor.

  • @WV591
    @WV591 4 года назад +180

    when this song first aired, all the English and American guitar players went into hiding in shock and embarrassment ..saying ..this can't be real.
    Jan Akkerman was all other guitar players worse nightmare.

    • @lestrum
      @lestrum 4 года назад +12

      And he topped Clapton in the Melody Maker( British publication at that time) magazine guitarist poll after this came out.

    • @domlomytp2677
      @domlomytp2677 4 года назад +2

      @@lestrum Rightfully so

    • @domlomytp2677
      @domlomytp2677 4 года назад +15

      Clapton can't hold a fuckin' candle to this kind of guitar work

    • @lestrum
      @lestrum 4 года назад +6

      @@domlomytp2677 Clapton is great for what he does but unfortunately never pushed the envelope much over the years and yes, is not on the level of the prog or fusion guys like Jan A and others.

    • @domlomytp2677
      @domlomytp2677 4 года назад

      lestrum B I can agree with that! Cheers 🤘🏼

  • @stretchpost
    @stretchpost 11 месяцев назад +2

    Still touring with original vocalist and drummer, and still fantastic. Saw them in Leeds recently and they were wonderful.

  • @ianshwaite690
    @ianshwaite690 Год назад +2

    I remember coming across this on RUclips with my uncle the morning after a heavy night of drinking and we were still kinda drunk... I don't think I've ever laughed that hard. Rip to the best uncle anyone could ever have

  • @CrisVazquezCreations
    @CrisVazquezCreations 8 лет назад +322

    Boy, Dan never dissapoints when he directs me to vide-
    HOLY SHIT DUDE JUST PULLED OUT A FLUTE AS i WAS TYPING

    • @REALwoombath
      @REALwoombath 8 лет назад

      +PressOptionsGaming great?

    • @CrisVazquezCreations
      @CrisVazquezCreations 8 лет назад +3

      you're damn right it's great.

    • @pokemad1998
      @pokemad1998 8 лет назад

      How would you see him if you were typing the comment...?

    • @CrisVazquezCreations
      @CrisVazquezCreations 8 лет назад +8

      Funny thing about music is, you can HEAR it xD

    • @bakiikab4687
      @bakiikab4687 8 лет назад +29

      I read your comment just as he pulled out the flute