Sky - Toccata (Video)

UK instrumental band SKY playing electric treatment of Bach's "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor". Group specialised in fusing a variety of musical styles including light rock, progressive rock, classical and jazz. Audio version appeared on the band's second album "Sky 2" released in 1980. The latter was released as a single (under the name of "Toccata") and reached number 6 in the national pop charts, giving the band the opportunity of performing on Top Of The Pops.

[@evkalipt-oj1ik]

I watched this clip for the first time in 1988. Today is 2024. I still watch this clip with the same enthusiasm.

[@clannad99germany70]

The keyboarder Francis Monkman was in Curved Air before.

[@CJArnold-hq3ey]

​@@clannad99germany70he looks like a Ice Cream Vendor 🇦🇺👌

[@rifatylmaz689]

First time I watch this clip was 1985

[@MsLizziebeth1]

Same. I just keep thinking that MOZART woulda LOST HIS MIND if he ever got a chance to jam with these cool guys (Sky. Yes, I have all their "musical bums" 😁). He would finally feel super-understood!

[@charlescoco9192]

Discovered in 2024,thanks to a vidéo on tidal waves never filmed before.Finaly found thé original...damn ..

[@philcharlesworth3542]

No flashy effects, no dramatic posing, just pure musicianship. Hardly surprising when the line up is one of the world's top classical guitarists plus four of the UK's top session musicians. I was lucky enough to see them live.

[@СергоЭвкалипт]

...... И НИКАКОГО ВПЕЧАТЛЕНИЯ ОТ ИХ ИСПОЛНЕНИЯ ..... СЕРОСТЬ ...... «лучшие и великие » ... ГОНЯТ ХАЛТУРУ 😕😠👉🙅🤕💀🤖👎

[@chrisg6086]

Me too: Preston Guild Hall 1984. Utterly superb

[@peterrees9902]

I saw them in Melbourne in '84 or '85. I thoroughly enjoyed their music. I went back a week later and enjoyed them all over again.

[@Marinacvetohek]

@@СергоЭвкалипт А вы имеете такой слух что слышите все фальшивые ноты?! Ну-ну, зависть, плохое чувство.

[@СергоЭвкалипт]

@@Marinacvetohek ..... МАРИНА ( извини , ЧТО называю тебя по РУССКИ)..... У МЕНЯ ЗА ПЛЕЧАМИ ВЫСШЕЕ КОНСЕРВАТОРСКОЕ ОБРАЗОВАНИЕ И , ЧТОБ тебе ПОНЯТЬ , АБСОЛЮТНЫЙ СЛУХ...... ПОЭТОМУ Я СЛЫШУ ТО , ЧТО СЛЫШУ...... ЧЕГО МНОГИЕ НЕ СЛЫШАТ . А МНОГИЕ - СЛЫШАТ.... НО НЕ ВСЕ ОБ ЭТОМ ГОВОРЯТ И ПИШУТ........ ПРИВЕТ - марина

[@BWMagus]

I just love watching the drummer have the time of his life.

[@coldeb8911]

That is Tristan Fry, absolutely fabulous drummer, hes in his early 80’s now…and still playing I heard 🤣

[@daveridge1174]

absolutely no effort needed he nailed it easily and calmly

[@ftumschk]

Same here. I always loved those parts of the video :)

[@poggs9500]

I dabbled a bit with the drums in my youth,but Tristan Fry was totally brilliant & on all percussion

[@RocknJazzer]

Roy Orbison?

[@petehayden3553]

I've been listening to this for over 40 years & never get tired of listening to it

[@bobby505050]

me too, sky the original cd is never off in my car

[@susanlipscomb9206]

Hi did they have a little that came out .with some more songs .I thought the group was called sky .but may be the song .just found it

[@Frankyboy666]

One of the best classics ever!

[@عليالصباغ-ت9ه]

@@susanlipscomb9206 نننننننننحننثننثنثنننثنننننحنثنننننننننننننثنننننثننننثحثحثنحنننثمننحننننحنننننثثنثثحثحثثحنننحنحثهثنننححثننثحنثثثننثننث3ث

[@PablitaPicasita]

G Y R U S S

[@PeterLGଈ]

Blew me away when it was first released 43 years ago and is still hanging in there.

[@georgebodley8068]

A Timeless piece as good Today as when it was first released .

[@andrewdewar8159]

Me too !

[@Dragonblaster1]

Tristan Fry drives it like an express steam train.

[@rita8684]

i remember it well,,,,,i was then 13years old lol...😊

[@PeterLGଈ]

@@rita8684 Same 😁

[@peterpertel1250]

Ich bin jetzt 60ig und find es immer noch nur geil

[@axelbrendel4091]

Ich auch!

[@Sh0ckmaster]

The year is 1995. I'm in my first year at secondary school. The music teacher is an eccentric man named Mr Platts. He has a reputation for fiery outbursts, and at that point had been at the school 20+ years (He had taught my mother and aunt in the 70s). Every Tuesday we have a lesson with him and at the start he plays a song and we talk about it, to try broaden our musical horizons. One week it's Take Five by Dave Brubeck, but the only other one I can recall is this song. Mr Platts was a fan of Sky, specifically Tristan Fry (Telling us that he was Stephen Fry's brother lol). He also said "Just wait until you hear how fast he plays the drums in this". Mr Platts suffered a heart attack and left teaching never to return a few months later. 26 years on I've never seen him again nor been able to find out what happened to him. Thanks for opening my eyes to some kickass music Sir!

[@craig50]

Similar to me,we had a substitute teacher once when I was about 10 years old in the early 1980s who played Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds in its entirety and it just blew me away,loved music ever since......

[@roblamb8327]

Nearest I got was back to this was @1970 when a new music teacher (sorry, I've forgotten his name, was with us only one year so probably on 'work exp erience') played us a record of something he reckoned was deliberately written for stereo before anyone had even considered the concept of recording music let alone stereo. And he was right. It is an undervalued classic charting the progress of a rather obscure early 19th century battle. You really ought to get a hold of a copy and listen to it. The piece is "Wellington's Victory" by some chap called Beethoven and is not to be confused with a lesser-known number called the "1812". The anthems of the 2 armies are not what you'd expect but the playoff between the 2 sides stand out with opening rifle vollies from opposing speakers; the progress reflected in the intensity of the national themes, and the battle-weary winding down leaving the victorious anthem. As you can gather, for me to remember it so vividly half a century later.... Anyway, Sky's musical inventions and interpretations rank amongst the most evocative ever, possibly only the version of Ravel's Bolero that accompanied Torvil & Dean's performance on ice ; Thingummies version of Mussorski's "Pictures at an Exhibition"; and Whatchmacallem's Toccata and Fugue can compete. Edit: oops. This is it. Silly me! Still, great lyrics though! So it's time to shut up and let you get back to the main event.

[@anneoconnor419]

Yes,it truly uplifting.I must say.

[@jensrainerfranzdunkel6638]

I still have this on Vinyl! It's incredible!!! I bought it myself when I was young.

[@jensrainerfranzdunkel6638]

@@roblamb8327 I still have this on Vinyl! And as far as I remember, it is on the playlist, I opened...

[@zqjzqjzqjzqj]

Can you believe that this is over 40 years old as of 24th February 2023. Still gets the feet tapping.

[@corjp]

At 07-02-2025 we are still tapping away 👍👍👍👍

[@kevinfraser7]

RIP Herbie Flowers. One of the finest bass guitarists of all time - certainly in my top 5.

[@johnparker4538]

Composed by Bach, performed by Sky. It doesn't get any better than that!

[@edwardburek1717]

Surely that should be "Composed by Bach - PERFECTED by Sky"

[@realist8977]

Exception??

[@PablitaPicasita]

@@realist8977 G Y R U S S

[@theuncle321]

Ya nailed it.

[@Zadster]

I just want to point out that John Williams is basically shredding on an acoustic guitar. Absolutely epic, the lot of them.

[@britshop1]

Is that that same John Williams who wrote the score for Starwars

[@Zadster]

@@britshop1 No relation.

[@neilpemberton5523]

@@britshop1 Sky's John Williams is Australian. 🇦🇺

[@SupertzarMetal]

@@britshop1 This John Williams wrote Cavatina for The Deer Hunter.

[@garydixon2332]

@@SupertzarMetal This John Williams performed Cavatina for The Deer Hunter but it was written by Stanley Myers

[@pauldavies9339]

This is absolutely awesome now in 2022, majestic music, irreplaceable!!

[@Allison_XypprZ]

Yes. That’s all I have to say. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk on why Toccata is awesome. Yes.

[@antonystringfellow5152]

Yup! 2022 don't change nothing. No year does. Nor does time. Do you even know what time is? I'm guessing, you have no idea - very few people do. Not important.... just appreciate the music. Worry about the rest another day.

[@mirceagherdan8239]

@@antonystringfellow5152 Time is the fourth dimension and its definition acc Wikipedia :Time is the continued sequence of existence and events that occurs in an apparently irreversible succession from the past, through the present, into the future.

[@gerryjames9720]

This music can not be replicated by the INSECTILE, ANIMALISTIC noise which dominates today’s “music”.

[@faronanderson2536]

Too right ✅️

[@deanworsley5208]

2024, near the end of, and there is still yet to be a group of musicians this talented. was a rare treat to have lived in their heyday 🤯

[@chrisnewton9081]

I met em and they signed my record cannonball

[@YorickWell]

​@@chrisnewton9081good on you 🎉, I am completely envious. They were so great and to actually meet them is a top life experience.😲

[@chrisnewton9081]

@YorickWell I was only a youngsters. I loved it when they used one of their songs for the corkscrew at Alton Towers.

[@hubertsashegyi7537]

Wow!! I see five musicians totally enjoying themselves playing a superb version of the Bach original. These are awesome real people--not marketing minions harassed by greedy managers, putting on a show for the sake of maximum profit, but playing a piece of music with a discernible melody (unlike today's lackluster tunes) and having fun doing it. Love the kid on drums--he's with it heart and soul. Go SKY!!

[@daveroche6522]

"marketing minions"? NICE ONE, CENTURION!

[@andrewdewar8159]

Oh Yes ! They could play !

[@murrayfamily007]

Love this track - Herbie Flowers RIP

[@Djian1970]

What a classic this was! Still sounds awesome even today. Made No.5 in April 1980. To all that auto tuning, lip syncing talentless crap we listen to today, this is what real talent sounds like!

[@BABYWOLF--1966]

WELL SAID SON 👏

[@jojojoma3026]

Just think, this version of Toccata and Fugue in D minor is SO good and SO popular at the time of release that it influenced Japanese game developers to include a version in a game's sounds track kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmGXlqyOd7yioLs&authuser=0 You'll agree that it's Sky's version you hear here, not Bach's!

[@daddydevito.]

stop

[@johnnytungsong8719]

@James Hodson Starting in 1980, I was ‘roadying’ for a top local North East England, UK, band that literally travelled all over the NE of England, to mainly (what was known then as ) Workingmens Clubs! I remember that they started their first half with Toccata! They performed all the recent hits! The second half opened with Music, by John Miles! Ahh! Memories from 40+ years ago!

[@swamifakkananda4043]

Wander how hip-hop version would sound!!😂😂😂😂

[@namesake-mx9nl]

Brilliant , saw them at Hammersmith Apollo in the early 1980's . I was going to buy a ticket at the door but a lovely couple had a spare ticket and kindly gave it to me . Whoever you are , where ever you are , many thanks .

[@MidlandMark]

As close to musical perfection as you're likely to ever hear.

[@CJArnold-hq3ey]

Ice cream vendor on keys

[@marquonuk]

Superb. In the days when an instrumental could make an impact in the pop charts. We've lost that now.

[@rickyjaworek1268]

we've lost everything, thank God i have my dogs

[@Saxondog]

​@@rickyjaworek1268And I have 6 cats, hoping to get 2 German Shepherd pups soon.😮

[@MidlandMark]

Back when this was in the charts, talent and ability still mattered.

[@seanmasri1679]

If anyone asks the meaning of a Supergroup.....this is the answer. The ultimate masters on every instrument. Mindblowing.

[@sergiobecerril1119]

they are great, but that has nothing to do with the word "supergroup"

[@anthonymaylett5823]

No it's not it's genesis

[@andycuthbert2763]

Tristan Fry-now that’s what I call a drummer-fantastic-power, timing n sheer enjoyment!

[@rita8684]

amazing

[@No-qy9fc]

To all those people who think autotune, sampling 16 songs, and having umpteen ‘writers’ for a track is ‘creating’ music. No. This is music. This is creativity. This is beauty.

[@metallicat72]

Made before auto tunes invented. Circa 1980. Back in the days when music editing was "get back in there, plug your guitar back in and do it right this time." Not like today when you can cover up a lack of talent by washing it through a computer a few times.

[@dancingvirgil]

But doing a cover song is creating a music?

[@grahamfigg5817]

Yes, by Johann Sebastien Bach in the 18th century.

[@taralee7076]

Still my favourite version of Toccata! What talented musicians - respect 🎼🎵🤟🏻

[@Cinemaaereo]

I finally found this version! In 1996 I walked to school listening to a cassette tape of my dear father with this song. My father passed away this year(2024) and I cling to every thing that reminds me of him.

[@christophercotton9048]

So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace and in power.

[@wizardtheenchanter8761]

I still listen this in August 2023. A great display of talent.

[@andrewwilson8317]

How many times can you listen to this? For me? Never enough!!!

[@BertGrink]

Andrew Wilson I agree completely!

[@terryfry3934]

Andrew Wilson definitely agree, it's one of my favourite pieces of music for when i want to chill :)

[@trevoredwards536]

+Terry Fry Any relation to the drummer?

[@twlson49]

+Andrew Wilson ...ditto on that

[@robieordogh1784]

5 times in a row:)

[@tonybonnici5920]

What a band... Tristan Fry and Herbie Flowers... What a powerhouse rhythm section

[@robynwa8552]

This Is Pure GOLD!!!! To ALL the Dislikes......YOU HAVE NO IDEA!!!!!!

[@F88Royal]

used to love watching this on tv before going to school or maybe it was saturday morning, I can't remember

[@TheFykle]

hahahaha

[@MetalDragon42]

It's Bubbles!

[@bjw4859]

Someone dislikes that !?, maby they need to move planet !.

[@leonardomule5754]

tocata in funge

[@bassmanrich44]

Brilliant, always loved this. RIP Mr Flowers.

[@richardlee1619]

Here we are in 2025, and still listenning to this masterpiece of musical interpretion of a classic, never fails bravo.

[@v1rotait23]

This rendition of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in Dm is firmly imprinted in my memory having listened to it 1000s of time through the late '70s early '80s studying music at high school. Genius musicians of the highest calibre!

[@greghall7796]

Ditto mate - same time frame - 56 and lived the brilliance of SKY during high school years and its influence on my own musical endeavours was enormous, valued and so treasured - class musicians - brilliant era for us to cherish

[@Largeportion1000]

Same 52, it was awesome

[@johnmatheson5379]

Superb, yes, but have a look at the version by Synfonity. Guitar work at its very best.

[@BABYWOLF--1966]

Very good interpretation indeed 🎉🎉❤❤

[@mrmansfield]

Absolutely amazing musicianship. Sounds as fresh today in 2023 as it did 320 years ago!! 😂

[@ericvandenberk5745]

One of the best, and most understatement basplayers of all time! Rest in peace Herbie! You'll be missed ❤

[@johnbisby2850]

A very uplifting piece of music The drummer is having an absolute ball and thoroughly enjoying it

[@BabaBest2000]

Was that Tom Cruise?

[@jensrainerfranzdunkel6638]

@@BabaBest2000 NO!!!

[@Colin56ish]

Tristan

[@markmitchell450]

Meant to be Stephen frys baby brother no idea if true but does look similar

[@gobbledegook21]

@@markmitchell450 The guy on bass looks like frys brother, he was also bass player on war of the worlds

[@TheQ-Continuum]

This is nearly 40 years old and still sounds good today !

[@BlueBeeMCMLXI]

CLASSICAL .. go there

[@swamifakkananda4043]

I am almost 65 and as good as new!!🤣🤣🤣

[@alanshepherd4304]

Saw Sky live at Sheffield City Hall back in the 1980's. Absolutely amazing!! I never thought they received enough recognition for their music or performances!!😁😁🇬🇧

[@vpravpra4430]

Same as E.L.O

[@docholiday7961]

👍

[@D-C.]

I saw them there too. I was taken by my parents. I could only have been about 11 or 12. I remember this piece clearly. Also, Herbie flowers playing the Tuba. What a blast from the past 😄

[@tyreburster]

Perhaps they were perceived as being middle aged and middle class. And yet, this is exactly the sort of music that Emerson Lake and Palmer were known for.

[@swamifakkananda4043]

I do not think u rexeive enough recognition for just being u!! Not fair!!❤❤❤😂

[@hydorah]

These guys are so nerdy looking and sound like Gods! Perfect

[@epicridesandtours]

43 years later, still up there with the all-time greats. I received the original vinyl as a present from a friend who is sadly no longer with us.

[@roblane66]

I love how John Williams plays so effortlessly. They are all incredible musicians and this arrangement is stunning. I remember listening to this over and over when it came out.

[@laxeystu8096]

I must think he laughs when he sees the posing and showmanship of so many of pop and rocks guitarists

[@waskerbasket9601]

Is that John Williams the movie composer?

[@laxeystu8096]

@waskerbasket9601 No its a different John Williams. More performer than composer. He played the guitar in the Deer Hunter theme

[@SueRosalie]

@@waskerbasket9601 no. John Williams the world's no.1 classical guitarist, child prodigy and pupil of Segovia

[@Joyce-Mackey]

​@@SueRosalie He is brilliant, have early records too.. No player!

[@CMDRGreyWolfe]

They do look like a bunch of Dads having a jam session down at the local school ... but they have an undeniably captivating sound and are clearly skilled musicians.

[@peterkelley6344]

AT the time the drummer ... I think was still in London's High School system, and I think he may have been just awarded a contract with London Philharmonic Orchestra (fulltime?) as their Drummer (Yes, at 16 years of age; see his smile)! So they are not all dads. Not sure if he is still on contract with L.P.O.

[@peterkelley6344]

@Robert Stallard I guess I sit corrected.

[@peterkelley6344]

@Robert Stallard The image I see is someone that is younger than the others. As far as I can tell there was/is no date on the recording (did I miss something). I when I was a t was a teen people thought I was older than what I was. If I am in error my apologies to Mr.Tristan Fry.

[@nigelespley6223]

I was at Leicester University in the early '80s when they came to the De Montford to play. Wow! These musicians put on a show! Not only did they rock the venue with their adaptations of 'classical' greats, but they ENTERTAINED! They clearly had fun and enjoyed themselves. By extension the audience had a great time too. Fantastic. One of the best gigs I have been to. I wonder if I kept the ticket stub? I bet it cost me less than a tenner! :o)

[@LyndaFoster-b4l]

Sky, some of the first records I bought many many years ago . Now transferred to cds it is still my go to music. Lightens the mood and brings back such good memories of my twenties.

[@MrsGraphiteGal]

I've still got the vinyl version, along with many others. A golden era of music.

[@paulthecityzen5472]

My Grandads favorite tune, God rest his soul

[@corjp]

My fathers too , rest his soul since 1975

[@neilsoffe5134]

Just my opinion , but think they never had the apreciation they deserved.. great musicians

[@AMikeOnLine]

I agree. This is an extremely under rated video of some fantastic musicians.

[@tony69em]

Amazing musicians.

[@michaeld7409]

I stumbled on this recording in the 90‘s by coincidence and treasure that record ever since. Skilled musicians!

[@tony69em]

@@michaeld7409 wow. How old is it? I stumbled upon it about three years ago.

[@michaeld7409]

tony69em it was recorded in 1980, they were a progressive rock band. I was 10 back then.

[@vincemarshall8550]

still makes the hairs on my neck stand up ....brilliant

[@gremlinuk1968]

Dam,,, I just about remember this from back then, 1980,,? , I was 12 year old then,,! Feck where has the years gone,, I was born 23rd May 1968, from northern Ireland UK, 🤝👍

[@arianbyw3819]

Absolutely fantastic drummer!

[@bramleydragon]

Yes, his name is Tristan Fry. He has played on many many albums for other artists.

[@Bonzman]

He was also a percussionist for the London Philharmonic!

[@veronicaking5247]

He looks like he's really enjoying himself!

[@veronicaking5247]

Isn't he just, Tristan Fry

[@hubertsashegyi7537]

Tristan Fry rocks it out at max….. and makes it look easy and effortless. Absolutely amazing!!

[@brighteyes8474]

Smug prog rock heaven. That drummer is excellent.

[@stevecarter8810]

Not even top quartile imo going by his contributions to sky 2. He can keep time and get around the kit but I don't hear groove, sensitivity, taste... Though the last is subjective and somewhat up for grabs as soon as classical guitar, synth, harpsichord and electric bass are on the table

[@kalleklp7291]

Just pure performance and music. Another piece of music I'll never get tired of. :)

[@johnschaffner934]

JSB wrote this in 1703, it was now music then. I'm listening in 2019 = it is now music for all ages!

[@tombrydson781]

John Schaffner and 21 august 2020 still great

[@Weak_Texas]

Strange story but Bach didn't actually write Bach's toccata and fugue in d minor, I don't remember who did but there is a long standing argument that due to the labeling of works during the silent film era and Bach's two students he didn't write it

[@noelbowerman1562]

Still sounds as fresh in 2020 as it did 30 years ago.

[@strong8705]

312 yrs ago

[@claytonpascoe5296]

Absolutely. This is SKY.

[@ondrej.moravansky]

2021 as well :)

[@nebularK]

You must be around my age Noel. Decades are passing us by now. It was actually 40 years ago!

[@noelbowerman1562]

@@nebularK my comment was in relation to my first experience of their music ,but yes I guess it is 40 years since release.

[@Nukethelotofthem1]

They are masters of their instruments but that drummer was exceptional.

[@rickydumas9994]

Tristan Fry. Looked like a nerd, played like Keith Moon.

[@philiprhodes5537]

@@rickydumas9994 yep and he bashes them skins like a boss.. Classical trained drummer and played with the london philharmonic orchestra at one point and what a drummer he is😎👍

[@andrewperry605]

It still amazes me that people can cooperate enough to make music this good. Outstanding

[@glenhorn142]

I have never heard such an awesome, distinguished, very talented drummer, along with your other distinguished, talented musicians! Fine, fine performance, God bless all of you very much!

[@egastap]

This song........ and played by these fantastic musicians........magical, even 40 years after its first rendition.

[@asd36f]

Back in 1980 I received "Sky" and "Sky 2" as cassettes for Christmas. I was so keen to listen to them that I would unwrap them before Christmas, listen to them and then rewrap them. My Mom and Dad never knew!

[@TheFykle]

Til now .... this is your father speaking, you're grounded son :(

[@robertchenery8315]

Mr Moo you tell him dad !

[@ripping6900]

I would disown him and write him out of the will...

[@ZemplinTemplar]

You are awesome. :-D :-)

[@jerrymouse346]

GASP GASP, I am your Father...

[@janetobrien9825]

Absolutely love this! Brilliant musicians! Don’t think I’ve ever seen a drummer have so much fun! ❤️

[@claytonpascoe480]

I have never been a musician. Whoever the drummer was. F…g amazing!!!

[@Youtube_deleted_my_favourites]

who is the drummer? Just a kid, amazing

[@annmckain5369]

Tristan Fry a percussion genius played more than drums

[@barrygreen9968]

Had the pleasure of watching these guys live, and believe me they are just as good as in this video

[@kerryfoster1]

Me too! 😊😊😊

[@flamingfrancis]

@@kerryfoster1 Me three...Sydney Opera House...

[@mr_mack_indenver7807]

Time has not dulled this one iota; Still an awesome rendition. There are not as many musicians of this caliber these days; Auto-tune, etc., is no match for talent.

[@CockatooDude]

There's more to music than singing. Really why a most pop music isn't very nice these days is due to record companies playing it safe and not really trying anything new.

[@NinthConnection]

You don't look at the good places. There are still amazing musicians now especially in the metal music.

[@adam872]

There are heaps of amazing musicians out there, it's just that most of them aren't playing chart topping music. I listen to and buy just as much modern/contemporary music as I ever have.

[@Electruver]

Sky is eternal, I listen to them for like 40 years now, their original compositions are super top notch too, cannonball, westway, the dance... They are beyond legendary for music connoisseurs

[@IM-xs3uv]

This is how you do a cover. Brilliant music tuned by brilliant musicians.

[@andrewgoldbergs4474]

One of the great instrumentals of all time..a monster of the early 80s that led to acceptance of this in the mainstream industry.

[@maryellis293]

I remember buying this on vinyl when it first came out. Brilliant then - even better now. Lucky enough to see them in concert too.

[@micktech9123]

Same here..

[@alanhughes6753]

How this brings back memories. I saw Sky when they played a concert at Birmingham in the early 80's - they basically played the whole of the Sky-2 album live. I can still remember the standing ovation when Tocatta finished. Even now, 35 years later, it still sends a siver down my spine.

[@FleetfootMike]

Scarborough, just after the single charted late 70s. Amazing show.

[@stephenmarshall8367]

JS himself would have loved to listen to these guys...thank you.

[@jonv2911]

Whatever, how many times you listen... it's awesome as ever!!

[@brianarnott9951]

Magnificent

[@theokounias8805]

They don't play instruments like this anymore PURE CLASS

[@osciegaming]

theo kounias you just don’t look in the right places

[@nebularain3338]

Says who? There are loads of bands out there who can play like this, so stop listening to the radio and cool it with the boomer bullshit.

[@theokounias8805]

@@osciegaming hey bro I listen to a different array of music all genres are great I was only referring to the excellent musicianship which is not shown as much by mainstream radio bands these days it's all sampling and electronica so I just appreciate seeing great musicians play a great song

[@theokounias8805]

@@nebularain3338 hey KNOBula rain I just like seeing great musicians play a great song wtf took the jam out of your donut you peanut

[@stevebagnall1553]

Four session musician's and a classical guitar player, put them together and a superb musical journey is the result, what I call a super group.

[@JamesHawkeYouTube]

Bought this on vinyl in 1981. Still have it. These guys rocked. 😊

[@garyc1716]

Sky are all talented musicians of the very highest standard.

[@violinoscar]

I saw Sky when they toured Australia in/about 1980. My guitar teacher called and shouted me the ticket (how many music teachers are like that!?) I was blown away. They played so brilliantly. And the light show - this was before lasers and the digital age - was something that had to be seen to be believed. To this day I don't think I've seen a act that topped them. Bravo

[@johnmansell3516]

Went back stage at Perth Concert Hall and met them all, rounded off a great night

[@FerDeLance06]

Saw them perform live in '81. Incredible show. Was like seeing Dire Straits ... one of those concerts you just NEVER forget!

[@christophercotton9048]

Hardtop Harry I hoped that one of the tv networks in Australia 🇦🇺 videotaped/filmed the concert for later broadcast there.

[@gtr161]

Still playing? I was there too

[@tonyrigby7948]

And I think Charlie Watts was the drummer for that tour. Time for tea? at intermission?

[@denisedoggett5519]

Freaking EPIC!!! Loved it back in the day… and love it now! ❤❤❤

[@davidbonner-k9b]

I was in to sky many moons ago about 12yr old and this is the first track I heard on the radio with my dad's car and it's a great piece of music from sky.😮😊

[@ianmedium]

I was a teenager when this came out, I lapped it up, had all their albums on both vinyl and cassette ( the latter for my new dangled Walkman that ate double A batteries but I did not care for at last my music traveled with me) to this day their music stands the test of time and I still love listening to it.

[@jensrainerfranzdunkel6638]

Me too!!! Especially on Vinyl!!!

[@GrahamEdwards-kq4fx]

This incredible music was released ,and a big chart winner ,in UK in 1980 .Very haunting .PURE CLASS

[@endtimeguitarist]

The sound production of the drum kit over underrated. I like how the drummer has this nerd look like he’s doing the greatest thing in the world and is about to take off in flight.

[@garybakerthegazz8707]

Brilliant musians in peak top form a band that never got the recognition they deserved

[@robsalvv5853]

I performed this version on the Yamaha electone organ at Eistedfodds and Yamaha electone competitions in the 80’s. Won a few. This random YT algorithm suggestion took me back! Now all I need is a turntable to play my Sky vinyl albums I think I have Sky1 to Sky5. ❤️

[@Fenderfan1975]

Absolute masterpiece... The analogic sound of the old musical instruments and the atmosphere of those years is simply awesome, nothing to do with the shit that the world discography produces today...

[@indiosse]

Fenderfan1975 it still sounds better on a commodore 64. I mean it just does

[@inglepropnoosegarm7801]

Don't forget you're hearing that 'analogic sound' via a low bit-rate lossy streaming format, which shows how good digital is.

[@lordchickenhawk]

@@inglepropnoosegarm7801 So it's Bach with byte?

[@Liesl_Cigarboxguitar]

Analogue all the way, digital no way does justice to classical instruments..

[@hubertsashegyi7537]

yup, so true, much of today's music is just plain shit--no talent, no joy, and no discernible melody, requiring gyroscopic seizures like twerking just so it can be sold to the mindless masses....

[@wkc2]

I saw them in London in 1980/81 excellent show great musicianship! RIP Herbie Flowers!

[@sanjikaspinoni8396]

The first concert I ever went to as a little un. It was at The Hexagon, Reading.My parents took me. I remember my ears ringing the following day. It was a fantastic music experience. Much later as an adult I saw Herbie Flowers perform again in Jeff Wayne's War of The Worlds. *Herbie Flowers the bassist (and tuba player) sadly left us this year 2024. He was a prolific session musician and played on many big name tracks (look him up) among those was Lou Reeds 'Walk on the wild side'. Band wise appart from sky he was a member of noth 'Blue Mink' and 'T-Rex'.

[@colinmarshall681]

wish they did more classical pieces like this for this is quite simply bloody brilliant

[@alexdavis-mann8513]

They did, they had like 15 albums

[@chrisbow1776]

Love the tune and have done since being a kid in the 80s, this version is bloody excellent.

[@bandido7994]

The drummer is playing with his soul, a happy soul.

[@johngrobson4899]

In 1980 I was 20yrs old an my father and I were driving to one of his shows, And he said to me listen to these guys play tocatta, He put the tape in, And said Especially listen to the drummer, I was blown away, Really these guys should if had a lot more recognition for there music, They were awesome.👍🥁😎

[@jensrainerfranzdunkel6638]

If you want to listen to it on Vinyl, you can visit me in my house!!!

[@ВладимирКруглов-к9о]

The drum guy is the real animal here! Just shows how a nerd can unleash his inner savage when given the right tool to express himself!

[@larably1135]

That’s my cuz in

[@rva1945]

I 100% agree.

[@philallon9079]

Yeah. Tristan Fry is one awesome skin-basher

[@DrCheeks]

my first ever concert! early 80s, Sydney I was maybe 8.. it was absolutely EPIC thank you, Dad!

[@thejoker-ie1mm]

Yes, J.S.Bach was the first rock star in the world.

[@stefantsarev4442]

And Vivaldi was the first metalhead. Just listen to Storm :)

[@timmason7430]

Quite right, they had visions of where music was going.

[@DirtyMongrelRacing]

Beethoven was later, but I reckon he rocked harder. ;-) In any case, this piece still kicks arse both in this modern form and in its original interpretation. :-)

[@brianspencer6397]

There was a story that when NASA / JPL was looking for the music to put on the Voyager record, they asked the music professors at a university for help. One told them, "Just put the complete works of Bach on the record - that is the finest music you could sent to the stars." But the second professor said, "You can't be serious - that would only be viewed as us bragging!"

[@LusciousTwinkle]

I think you mean Ba-Rock Star...Lol..

[@kevinvicedomini8745]

The greatest instrumentalists ever and greatest drummer ever. Pure class

[@klaraklinge2281]

Die totale Kindheitserinnerung: mein Bruder, 14 Jahre älter als ich, besaß die Single. Wenn er arbeiten war, hab ich heimlich seine Platten gehört, in seinem Zimmer oben unterm Dach. Hör ich immer wieder gerne und lasse dabei die Erinnerung auf Reise gehen

[@SyonNathanAaronAstinHewson]

A classical piece of music that has been brought new life I love music by all kinds of composers rock blues and yes sometimes pop

[@nomad90125]

Now that's worth listening to❤

[@Yellowlemon2023]

I LOVE THIS!!! Honestly it's amazing they made such a masterpiece from Bach's classical Toccata and Fugue (even though the Fugue wasn't included). And what I found extremely funny is the beginning. Because I can actually imagine Bach playing his piece on the organ, but then the drums bust in and turn the piece into something different. But other than that it's amazing!

[@alanpearson7554]

I can imagine Bach getting stuck in with the (more) modern version

[@RohanGillett]

I first heard this when I was a kid in 1980s. Back then there were no videos or any way to record what we saw on TV and I couldn't afford records. So I saw this amazing piece of music on the box only once and a couple of times on the radio. After that, I never saw it again until now!! It still sounds great!!

[@mikelyons6452]

Saw them several times in Australia and met them once. Absolute virtuosos all of them. Best concert was when they had Rick Wakeman as guest key board player ( he said he liked to think of Sky as the "thinking mans Led Zeppelin" ) and for an encore had Hank Marvin from the Shadows come on and jam with Messrs Williams and Peek! BLISS......

[@bramleydragon]

With Rick and Hank guesting. That must have been brilliant.

[@neilcaldwell8313]

This was the staple song to play at our roller skating rink when it was time for Speed Skating. Slow intro to get out on the floor and limber up - then full tilt when the tempo changes up. Ahhh the memories.

[@alankersh]

Wow...just ordinary guys who love playing music...pure class

[@bretthilder6609]

Not all that ordinary. The 'lead' guitarist for example is John Williams, one of the finest 3-4 classical guitarists in history. This was a side project.

[@paulunderwood4765]

Nothing ordinary about this group of musicans. Absolute class.

[@Badgirl7890]

I love the music of Sky absolutely brilliant

[@marckg6950]

Didn't think I would find T & F listenable by anybody other then a perfect organist. But here I am.!

[@oludotunjohnshowemimo434]

Bach would be proud of these musicians with their rendition of his number one international single Toccata and Figue in D Minor. Talented musicians who actually play musical instruments.

[@PiecieRoneJones]

Look up toccata - ekseption

[@peterjackhandy]

Back in the day, I was listening to this while visiting my in-laws: Brother-in-law walked in & asked who it was and, when I told him, said 'If they're some of the word's finest musicians, why have I never heard of them?' That was the story of Sky 😥