RIP Gary Brooker. Although Whiter Shade of Pale may have been his and Procol Harem’s best known song, Conquistador - this live version from 1972 - is their undisputed masterpiece.
I was talking to a good friend passed back when this was released and charting and his response to my comment about Procol Harum and Conquistador was gold...................... his response was now your talking music. I find it hard to define which is the better as they are both great to listen too.
Yeah! ABSOLUTELY IMHO! I just finished listening to 5 Procol Harum performed versions. The 1967 version, this one, a live version from 1992, and one from German TV. and a live version from 2006 in Denmark... This version is the MOST POWERFUL, although they all are great, and that 2006 version is also exceptional (the orchestra NAILS it). I'm such a nerd... I love this song.
One of those songs that for no particular reason just works it's way into a corner of your mind one day and infects you; it takes you back to your childhood memories of some truly memorable times. Oh for a Time Machine to take me back there, if for nothing else but to make me cherish living in those halcyon days even more.
I was 15 yrs.old in 1972 and thought ,”This is a cool song”.....Tell me,what 15 yr.old here in 2021 is hearing anything remotely as musically talented as this song emerging now ?
I actually quite enjoys listening to music like this. It’s a lot better than some of the stuff they’re putting out now. I guess I was just raised with the good music😂
Actually, there are lots of super talented bands around these days, although they aren't playing this particular style of music. Underground bands in multiple sub-genres of metal are really pushing the envelope musically. Progressive music itself still exists in both prog rock, prog metal, and experimental and avant-garde stuff. It may not be your cup of tea, but there is a lot of great music out there being played by extremely talented musicians and consumed by kids, especially those that play instruments themselves. Easier to find now too with so many platforms for musicians to get their stuff out there. Great song though, my dad got me into Procol Harum when I was a teenager in the mid-late 90s.
IMO this was their most exciting, most important song. Very innovative in the use of horns and style of music. I like this even more than Whiter Shade of Pale
It is really amazing that 50 years later, this song brings back incredible memories. My neighbor Wayne came home and blasted this song at 3:00am. Woke me up. Shocked my father didn't go outside and confront him, but he didn't. I think of this moment everytime I hear this song.
@@gmar7836 Thanks for your comment. This song holds up as one of the alltime great epic suites of early prog rock. It is as stunning tonight as it was in 1972. You can say that there has never been anything like it. Since then or now. Incredibly atmospheric. When a song still holds up 50 years on, you've done a good job.
@ArcaneWeasel You can get a vintage record player. Only thing is sometimes the whatever the mechanism underneath is worn. Just make sure it plays it at an even speed but they're out there
the early 70s memories ! overnite turning to morning ! stoned out having a snack in a 24 hour small independent restaurant putting 25 cents for 3 songs ! that song soud from the juke-box ! my god ! eternal memory ! nostalgic feeling mixed emotions ! letting the song take me there at the end ! so good !
One of my great-grandmothers was Spanish, from Madrid. She met one of my great-grandfathers, a Desjardins, a Quebecois sailor, and came to live with him in Quebec, all in the 19th century. When I listen to this song, I feel the Spanish blood I inherited rise up and multiply within me. Viva España!!!
Does anyone know the history of this song? I've always thought it must have some type of significance as a commentary, but I've never really known what it was!
This is NOT the original 1967 version. This is the later "live" version recorded with the Edmonton Orchestra, that is by far the best "record" version.
What synchronicity of symphony and rock band, and a great band at that; never thought Edmonton would provide the orchestra when there were several others around the world I could think of then that would beg to do this gig: It was the thing in the 70's orchestra + rock band. A formula that created many long playing hits over 5 minutes and great bands: ELO, Yes, Who (Opera per se), Beatles started it all with Sgt Pepper and many more implemented it.
Moody Blues Days of Future Past was a lot more the concept of rock band/orchestra vs Sgt. Pepper. Both came out the same year, both bands had been managed by Brian Epstein. The Mellotron connection? Lol
I am an Australian and have both the 1967 song on Festival and this A&M release from late 1971 with orchestral backing. This is one song where I prefer the live recording on A&M
I have always loved, this song,the first-time was. 1971 in high school, it slapped me around and hasn't let go since, it's just a great tune,yep the yep shows off just highly smart
Oh this brings back so many wonderful memories 1972 i just left school to start my first job i fell in love with prog rock and procal harem was one of the best and this masterpiece still sounds as good today as it did back in the wonderful magical 1970s gary brooker so sadly missed this is genius
Great arrangements of the Band with orchestra, great blend of musical skills and such, saw them in Late 1972, @ Santa Monica Civic Aud, I was 19, don't remember too much of the show except, Gary Booker's voice definitely stood out, "Conquistador" was just released, I think a few months earlier
CONQUISTADOR Conquistador your stallion stands in need of company And like some angel's haloed brow You reek of purity I see your armor plated breast Has long since lost its sheen And in your death masked face There are no signs which can be seen And though I hoped for something to find I could see no maze to unwind Conquistador a vulture sits, upon your silver sheath And in your rusty scabbard now, the sand has taken seed And though your jewel-encrusted blade Has not been plundered still The sea has washed across your face And taken of its fill And though I hoped for something to find I could see no maze to unwind And though I hoped for something to find I could see no maze to unwind Conquistador there is no time, I must pay my respect And though I came to jeer at you I leave now with regret And as the gloom begins to fall I see there is no, only all And though you came with sword held high You did not conquer, only die And though I hoped for something to find I could see no maze to unwind And though I hoped for something to find I could see no maze to unwind And though I hoped for something to find I could see no maze to unwind Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Gary Brooker / Keith Reid
I had a history teacher who said there was probably hundreds of these men who failed and were forgotten by history. I always pictured an indigenous person coming across the remains of one of these failures when I hear this song. I also picture this person spitting on his corpse and taking his horse…
I feel a lot of people don't really listen to the lyrics to this song and because of that, don't really get it. ... "And like some angel's haloed brow... you reek of purity"! ... Interesting how "the conquerors" throughout history were elevated to a level of reverence that I would guess few deserved. (Labeled as heroes). They were essentially sanctioned pirates, plundering, looting and killing their way across the New World!
Album jacket lists the band as: Gary Brooker - voice and piano B.J. Wilson - drums Alan Cartwright - bass Chris Copping - organ and harpsichord Dave Ball - guitar Keith Reid - words
I was 18 in 72.. heard this first time on a bistro pub jukebox, a seaside café, in Cannes or Nice.. or in between somewhere.. Ach, the Riviera.. the scent of beautiful women, everywhere 😊
He never joined the rat race of touring just kept to himself......a genius and fantastic songwriter and vocalist.....the Beatles greatly admired..... he's sadly missed!!!!!
The only quarrel I have with the line "You did not conquer, only die," is that in a way the conquistadors literally conquered the lands in which they ventured: Latin America is now part of the Hispanic (and in Brazil, Portuguese) social sphere. The same did not happen in the other places ruled by Spain, such as the Philippines. So fortunately or unfortunately, at least in the Western Hemisphere the conquistadors had the last laugh.
🎉Conquistador tratto da il LORO album di esordio l' omonimo PROCOL HARUM del 1967 !!!!!! RIP...GARY BROOKER!!!!!! Grande musicista e cantante!!!!!!! Questa però è una ottima versione Live!!!!!!!
RIP Gary Brooker. Although Whiter Shade of Pale may have been his and Procol Harem’s best known song, Conquistador - this live version from 1972 - is their undisputed masterpiece.
Wish I'd read you sooner capt I think we agree
So is A Salty Dog
I was talking to a good friend passed back when this was released and charting and his response to my comment about Procol Harum and Conquistador was gold...................... his response was now your talking music. I find it hard to define which is the better as they are both great to listen too.
You are so right!
Yeah! ABSOLUTELY IMHO! I just finished listening to 5 Procol Harum performed versions. The 1967 version, this one, a live version from 1992, and one from German TV. and a live version from 2006 in Denmark... This version is the MOST POWERFUL, although they all are great, and that 2006 version is also exceptional (the orchestra NAILS it).
I'm such a nerd... I love this song.
50 years later,this song is still outstanding!
Agreed
Still listening in 2024
Hi I'm Laura and I really think that this is the best rock song there ever was and always will be!!
Hi Laura 😊
One of those songs that for no particular reason just works it's way into a corner of your mind one day and infects you; it takes you back to your childhood memories of some truly memorable times. Oh for a Time Machine to take me back there, if for nothing else but to make me cherish living in those halcyon days even more.
100% An absolute genius comment Graham. So true. Thank you.
My high school marching band played this in the late 70's!! Loved it then and now.
That's Awesome!
I bet it was badass!!!!!
I saw a high school marching band perform this in 1978, based on Don Ellis' jazz version. It rocked the crowd!
I was 15 yrs.old in 1972 and thought ,”This is a cool song”.....Tell me,what 15 yr.old here in 2021 is hearing anything remotely as musically talented as this song emerging now ?
I'm with you, I was 16. We grew up with the best music!! I really love "Whiter Shade of Pale". 😍🎶
I actually quite enjoys listening to music like this. It’s a lot better than some of the stuff they’re putting out now. I guess I was just raised with the good music😂
Actually, there are lots of super talented bands around these days, although they aren't playing this particular style of music. Underground bands in multiple sub-genres of metal are really pushing the envelope musically. Progressive music itself still exists in both prog rock, prog metal, and experimental and avant-garde stuff. It may not be your cup of tea, but there is a lot of great music out there being played by extremely talented musicians and consumed by kids, especially those that play instruments themselves. Easier to find now too with so many platforms for musicians to get their stuff out there. Great song though, my dad got me into Procol Harum when I was a teenager in the mid-late 90s.
Amen! I'm a bit older (I turned 19 in 1972), but you are spot on!!!
I was 16 and I know exactly what you mean.
I was 16 in 1972,leaving school for the big wide world. Scared stiff and this song for some strange reason buoyed me up for the "fray"!
I was 18 in 72.. heard first on a jukebox on the Riviera.. Monte Carlo casino??
Armoured ya up, eh? 😉
R.I.P. Gary Brooker! Your music will live on forever! 😢💔👼🏼
RIP Gary Brooker, your great voice and masterpiece songs will forever resonate
IMO this was their most exciting, most important song. Very innovative in the use of horns and style of music. I like this even more than Whiter Shade of Pale
It is really amazing that 50 years later, this song brings back incredible memories. My neighbor Wayne came home and blasted this song at 3:00am. Woke me up. Shocked my father didn't go outside and confront him, but he didn't. I think of this moment everytime I hear this song.
Hi there I'm Laura from randallstown md and I really think that this the very best song of all time!!
Hi...I'm also originally from Randallstown. So strange to see that. I also love this tune!
One of the alltime greats. A mixture of early progressive rock and orchestral rock. Incredible. Thinking of Gary Brooker.
Yesss. Well put
@@gmar7836 Thanks for your comment. This song holds up as one of the alltime great epic suites of early prog rock. It is as stunning tonight as it was in 1972. You can say that there has never been anything like it. Since then or now. Incredibly atmospheric. When a song still holds up 50 years on, you've done a good job.
This was my first 45 when I was 15 years old in 1972. Wish I still had it.
I have mine but nothing to play it on
@ArcaneWeasel You can get a vintage record player. Only thing is sometimes the whatever the mechanism underneath is worn. Just make sure it plays it at an even speed but they're out there
@ Thanks for information. I have many 45s and LPs that I could be listening to. Happy New Year
one of my all-time favorites, brings back amazing memories.What a joyous time to be living.
the early 70s memories ! overnite turning to morning ! stoned out having a snack in a 24 hour small independent restaurant putting 25 cents for 3 songs ! that song soud from the juke-box ! my god ! eternal memory ! nostalgic feeling mixed emotions ! letting the song take me there at the end ! so good !
Who out there is still grooving to this gem in 2022
Me, Way out in Arizona.🌵
@@josemoreno3334 Me now in 2024
2024
I was 10 in '72 but I've always loved this song so cool brings back memories of the good ole days👌
I was 23 years old when this song was playing. I was in Vietnam that year. I came back in Jan 1973 and moved to Miami. It was a great year
I was just a pre teen when this amazing song aired on the radio.
Same here
Same here! lol
One of my great-grandmothers was Spanish, from Madrid. She met one of my great-grandfathers, a Desjardins, a Quebecois sailor, and came to live with him in Quebec, all in the 19th century. When I listen to this song, I feel the Spanish blood I inherited rise up and multiply within me. Viva España!!!
The brass and strings. Blending classical to rock.
ELO,and Chicago should pay homage to this band.
Awesome song I love orchestral Rock!!!!!!
You might like the Rasberries, the Baby’s and ELO. Oh yeah Emerson lake and Palmer are in that cool category too 😎
Yes! ELO,ELP🎶🎶
This song was meant to be in a time machine and played to Spanish Conquerors of Mexico and Peru in the 16th century before they went into battle.
Great atmospheric comment 👍👍👍
Does anyone know the history of this song? I've always thought it must have some type of significance as a commentary, but I've never really known what it was!
Masterpiece! 🎶
Amen
This a great song. It has such good orchestral to it, awesome!!👍
I love pre Robin Trower work,,, Love Brige of Sign album,, after
I keep playing this. Such a wonderful reminder of what great songs the 70s produced.
Great song with superb lyrics..reminds me of the Traffic album John Barleycorn...I was 14 in 1972...just so much incredible music to feast on !!!
Masterpiece.
I was 12 in 1972. At 64 I still enjoy listening to it.
Original and best. Love the scratches and hiss. Magnificent.
This is NOT the original 1967 version.
This is the later "live" version recorded with the Edmonton Orchestra, that is by far the best "record" version.
Not very often a live version is so much better than a studio but adding the orchestral magic to it makes a great difference.
To me, this was Procul Harum's finest work. And in my top 20 of the best songs I've ever heard.
What synchronicity of symphony and rock band, and a great band at that; never thought Edmonton would provide the orchestra when there were several others around the world I could think of then that would beg to do this gig: It was the thing in the 70's orchestra + rock band. A formula that created many long playing hits over 5 minutes and great bands: ELO, Yes, Who (Opera per se), Beatles started it all with Sgt Pepper and many more implemented it.
Moody Blues Days of Future Past was a lot more the concept of rock band/orchestra vs Sgt. Pepper. Both came out the same year, both bands had been managed by Brian Epstein. The Mellotron connection? Lol
Une bien belle chanson, nous avions eu la joie de voir ce groupe au vieux Forum de Montréal...début des années 70 !! ❤❤
I am an Australian and have both the 1967 song on Festival and this A&M release from late 1971 with orchestral backing. This is one song where I prefer the live recording on A&M
I have always loved, this song,the first-time was. 1971 in high school, it slapped me around and hasn't let go since, it's just a great tune,yep the yep shows off just highly smart
Love this song!!!!
Killer epic song. It gives me chills! My band plays it. Gary Brooker was a true talent
Hard hitting, unforgiving ... and totally BRILLIANT
What a classic song procol harum one of the best bands ever r. I. P gary brooker
Oh this brings back so many wonderful memories 1972 i just left school to start my first job i fell in love with prog rock and procal harem was one of the best and this masterpiece still sounds as good today as it did back in the wonderful magical 1970s gary brooker so sadly missed this is genius
Hearing this on radio as kids, we wondered why they were singing “Come Kiss the Door” - WTF?
😂😂😂😂❤ahaha great
First heard this as a teenager back in the late ‘80’s and was struck at how beautiful and lush sounding this was! 2022 and even more impressed!
What memories this song brings back!!!!!
R I P Gary a class act fantastic singer songwriter fantastic band
Was 10 when this came out love it still
Omg this song makes my day everyday what it does to me just cant tell❤❤❤❤❤
Music Stops At The End.
Hands Clapping.
*PURE GOLD!*
For some unknown reason this popped into my head today !!
Haven't heard it since I was little kid . So dramatic!! 😄
Great arrangements of the Band with orchestra, great blend of musical skills and such, saw them in Late 1972, @ Santa Monica Civic Aud, I was 19, don't remember too much of the show except, Gary Booker's voice definitely stood out, "Conquistador" was just released, I think a few months earlier
By far, the best version of this classic
Loved this song & band- great musicians
Great song! So kick ass!
I loved this song as a kid. It was so dramatic
I remember this song was popular during my senior year in high school but I hadn't heard it since.
CONQUISTADOR
Conquistador your stallion stands in need of company
And like some angel's haloed brow
You reek of purity
I see your armor plated breast
Has long since lost its sheen
And in your death masked face
There are no signs which can be seen
And though I hoped for something to find
I could see no maze to unwind
Conquistador a vulture sits, upon your silver sheath
And in your rusty scabbard now, the sand has taken seed
And though your jewel-encrusted blade
Has not been plundered still
The sea has washed across your face
And taken of its fill
And though I hoped for something to find
I could see no maze to unwind
And though I hoped for something to find
I could see no maze to unwind
Conquistador there is no time, I must pay my respect
And though I came to jeer at you
I leave now with regret
And as the gloom begins to fall
I see there is no, only all
And though you came with sword held high
You did not conquer, only die
And though I hoped for something to find
I could see no maze to unwind
And though I hoped for something to find
I could see no maze to unwind
And though I hoped for something to find
I could see no maze to unwind
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Gary Brooker / Keith Reid
Joe Wright ... thank you so much for the words of this masterful piece of music
Great, unique song that is propelled along by BJ Wilson’s incredible drumming.
woke up with this song on my mind yes I am old. but what a song?
I'm 66 and this pops into my head often!❤❤❤
@@dianewilliams1125 right on
My high school was the El Camino Real Conquistadors….always loved this song.
Encinitas?
Just discovered this band! 🖤🖤🖤
Me too about 6 months ago!! Gary Brooker's voice 😍❤
Me too about 40 years ago.
not much about them they ok
Doors moody blues
And I just found out today that Gary Brooker, lead singer and keyboards, died on the weekend--February 19, 2022.
i was a wee lad when this came out i was born in 69 i was three and now 50 some odd years later it still sounds as good as it did then
Rest in peace..an amazing voice
Incredible!
Great, great song
Great song brings back memories of 1972
As a descendant of conquistadors, I have to say, this song is one of the greatest ever made.
Fantastic song as all of procal harems are Gary Brooker fantastic
Wow great classic love it awesome
Awesome song!.RIP Gary Brooker
loved this group & this song! my sons former gf was in the army, we called her "La Conquistadora", from her time in Iraq!
Do you know the Paul Rodgers song "Conquistadora"? I love that song!
I had a history teacher who said there was probably hundreds of these men who failed and were forgotten by history. I always pictured an indigenous person coming across the remains of one of these failures when I hear this song. I also picture this person spitting on his corpse and taking his horse…
I feel a lot of people don't really listen to the lyrics to this song and because of that, don't really get it. ... "And like some angel's haloed brow... you reek of purity"! ... Interesting how "the conquerors" throughout history were elevated to a level of reverence that I would guess few deserved. (Labeled as heroes). They were essentially sanctioned pirates, plundering, looting and killing their way across the New World!
Superb drumming
the brilliance of Gary Brooker showcased in this classic
It's a great song and always will be yep prefect
One band that was a wish list for me. Gary was brilliant! Sleep well... 🎶😎
Robin Trower!! Still an international master of guitar.
This isnt robin trower on this version ...sorry boss..this is the 1972 version ...trower played on the 1967 version
Album jacket lists the band as:
Gary Brooker - voice and piano
B.J. Wilson - drums
Alan Cartwright - bass
Chris Copping - organ and harpsichord
Dave Ball - guitar
Keith Reid - words
I was 18 in 72.. heard this first time on a bistro pub jukebox, a seaside café, in Cannes or Nice.. or in between somewhere..
Ach, the Riviera.. the scent of beautiful women, everywhere 😊
Great music!
He never joined the rat race of touring just kept to himself......a genius and fantastic songwriter and vocalist.....the Beatles greatly admired..... he's sadly missed!!!!!
Rest in peace Gary Brooker
Classic song.❤🎶
RIPGary Brooker. Capolavoro❤
The only quarrel I have with the line "You did not conquer, only die," is that in a way the conquistadors literally conquered the lands in which they ventured: Latin America is now part of the Hispanic (and in Brazil, Portuguese) social sphere. The same did not happen in the other places ruled by Spain, such as the Philippines. So fortunately or unfortunately, at least in the Western Hemisphere the conquistadors had the last laugh.
Classic!!!!!
Never knew this had orchestral backing til now. Assumed low these many decades it was just the band. ❤️
My first left hander was smoked while this played at the high school dance.
Sleep well, my hero. Meeting you was the highlight of my life.
Excellent with headphones. Thanks Toni.
🎉Conquistador tratto da il LORO album di esordio l' omonimo PROCOL HARUM del 1967 !!!!!! RIP...GARY BROOKER!!!!!! Grande musicista e cantante!!!!!!! Questa però è una ottima versione Live!!!!!!!
Bon voyage vers les étoiles Keith
RIP Alan George Cartwright ;-(
Heard this first in Vietnam in '72. "...you did not conquer, only die." Damn straight.
Rest In Peace, dear Gary.
Their best album, "Salty Dog" is a great home sick sailor song and the vocals over the top, love the horns on this...
Thank you!
This great song sorta got overshadowed by a Whiter shade of pale.
My favorite is this one.
Rest musical peace Gary Booker.🎉
Best drummer in 72 version I think.
Procol Harum Conquistador just fab ❤❤ 🎉
Superb music!😅
magnificent…. simple as that