First listen to Focus - Hocus Pocus (Live in 73') REACTION

[@bucketheadistheman]

In 1973, Jan Akkerman was voted best guitarist alive. In this TV slot, they were given 4 minutes to play. They refused to censor their 7-minute song, so they played it double-time. A world-class performance.

[@CorwinAlexander]

Focus: the song's seven minutes long. Programme: we can give you three; maybe cut some out? Focus: No, our integrity requires us to give you the full song. Focus: proceeds to hit a double speed time signature unerringly.

[@georgewodicka4839]

For so many years, The Midnight Special and Don Kirshner's Rock Concert. Only place to see real live music on TV.

[@bradsmack1]

Don't forget Don Kirshner's first foray into TV rock concerts, "In Concert," which he served as EP and "creative consultant" on. "In Concert" aired on ABC in late '72, and became a bi-weekly series in January '73. The following September, Kirshner left "In Concert," still receiving producing credits for three more shows, and launched his own syndicated (non-network) "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert." The premiere, on September 27, 1973, featured The Rolling Stones, taped in London, in their first appearance on American TV in more than four years.

[@submandave1125]

In the '70s, so many music programs were just artists miming to their recorded tracks, but Midnight Special and Rock Concert were actual live performances, giving visibility to so many new artists. I remember watching the TV debut of Prince and thinking "who's this fool singing in his underwear?" WRT this song, I suspect they gave them a slot with enough time to play the radio cut of the song, but they wanted to play the full version, so they had to speed it up.

[@firebird7479]

I wasn't allowed to stay up to watch either. Another good show was BBC's Old Grey Whistle Test.

[@thatoneguyagain2252]

"In Concert" was always better, since the local FM rock station broadcasted the soundtrack in stereo. Turn down the TV, Turn up the radio, and make sure you turn the radio down during the commercials. Got to give Don Kirshner's Rock Concert props for introducing America to Kansas and UFO.

[@bradsmack1]

@@thatoneguyagain2252 Great memories! I forgot about the FM simulcast! It made me wonder why they couldn't/didn't continue that feature with "DK's RC," but then I realized that while "In Concert" was on a network, and a simulcast was doable, the syndication of "DK's RC" made such a notion impossible, with different markets and time slots involved. Again, thanks for that memory jog!!

[@rockinronist]

The fast tempo is what makes this live version so much fun. Instantly brings a smile every time!

[@fixzeichner5592]

In 1973, Akkerman was named the world's best guitarist by Melody Maker magazine.

[@FBodStudios]

They’re just so obviously having a good time

[@gregjones861]

To think of all the 3 chord pop acts today thst would cancel their appearance if asked to change tempo even slightly of their swiftly tailored "hit" no matter how simple it is shows you what a glorious decade the 70s was for musicians. This is like 4 guys with machine guns spraying a hail of syncopated bullets into an unsuspecting crowd. What a beautiful bloodbath!

[@markedly1013]

Amazing how all the band members could be in synch at this speed.

[@michaellombard894]

Absolutely outstanding musicianship; lightening fast and accurate, riffs, fills, drum rolls, rudiments, vocals, flute, whistling, yodeling etc. Awesome!!

[@frankieboy8414]

lightning*

[@donnabruhn6907]

🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[@robertwilloughby8050]

And this is how speed metal was (inadvertently!) invented.......

[@Gregory......]

I love the way the drummer just beat's the shit out of the drums !

[@donreid6399]

What I love about watching reactions to this performance is that the listener(s) have no choice but to smile as the song goes on! 🙂

[@kidwave1]

Yes 2 things are universal. 1) They have no idea what to make of it, and seem basically confused. but also 2) The energy they are putting out is impossible not receive! It is absolutely infectious! By the end people are always smiling, and their pulse is racing! Its a unique experience for every first time listener.

[@herbhill7591]

Omg the midnight special! 😁 So much talent on display for so many years.

[@herbhill7591]

Harper Madison oh ya that was Gladys! 👍 So much diversity in that show. Imagine. Gladys Knight and the Pips on the same night as Focus! We had the cream. We didn’t know it at the time but I know it now.

[@dalem8332]

I remember seeing this on TV all those years ago😎🎼🎶🎵 Focus were actually killer musicians! Incredible talent. Even the vocal acrobatics. Rock On.

[@davidwoolbright2416]

I can’t even listen to the album version after this anymore. It’s so slow and plodding. This version is fast and energetic and awesome!!!

[@matthewrobinson7379]

The studio version is carefully played. Too fast misses nuances, like playing the Minute Waltz in thirty seconds. Music is not a race. At least I don't think so. You can get through it faster, though. Good for millenial short attention span. Boomer, PLEASE!!

[@Crystl22]

I was 16 when I saw this on tv in 73'. They are all so talented. Truly unforgettable.

[@StatsJedi]

This was the version I saw the first time ever. So hearing the studio one was good, but I like this one better.

[@jimtatro6550]

This is one that you should’ve had your sister with you on. I would love to see you look at her face during this song. Keep it up Daniel and please do Losing It from Rush

[@progger53]

I posted that on my F.B. page after Neil Peart died.

[@corpsmanmike7453]

This was from the late night music show The Midnight Special. The show put a time constraint on the band. Instead of cutting their arrangement, they played a 9 minute song in 4 minutes.

[@JadeJuhasz-ln6kf]

Like this version better. It's like speed metal compared to the studio version. Try the Stooges- T.V. Eye. It sounds like LSD feels.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Great song and band suggestion

[@Splitshot1]

Daniel there are many live versions of these guys doing this song and each one has its own different twists and turns..i think an underrated band in america but were bug in europe..thanks for bringin back old school .love your exploring each song.

[@ericanderson8886]

Just a great video, Jan Ackkerman is an amazing guitarist.

[@mennobults6464]

7 min. played in 4.5 min. The bass and the drums are great. Put them with Thijs and Jan and you get someting really special. From Holland with love.

[@martinking4181]

Jan Akkerman is the guitarist....a master of his craft, worth listening to his solo stuff...eclectic, from Jazz to the Lute

[@UnhingedReactions]

Nice reaction, brother. I really dig how you listen for the subtleties of each song, try to grab the mood from the tune and appreciate genuinely good musicianship. And yes, the secrets and mysteries of the universe have been discovered and revealed, through yodeling! 🤘

[@freddyagain3843]

Proud to be Dutch Focus is outstanding Check also Earth and Fire - Storm and Thunder. Blast the Speakers

[@sst3d]

I’m 67…you’re a young man…this was my era…A+ reaction….super respectful

[@TheProgCorner]

Big fan of Jan Akkerman’s guitar playing!!! Amazing and way ahead of his time.

[@toddstevens13]

In the 9 years of The Midnight Special, FOCUS here, received the only Full Audience Standing Ovation, and damn they got it from the 30 of us watching it on TV too. You have to understand this was the Only way to see Artists other then in concert, in the early 70's, and at 1am or 1230am later on, on Friday night, everything shut down and University and High School students flocked to their TV's, or at the Bars etc. It was an institution.

[@er5406]

Found it did you. The lead singer really gets into the fun of it. Good fun, tongue firmly in cheek.

[@sidecardog5244]

Goldmember’s favorite song. Ps, check out Frankenstein live version by Edgar Winter Group. Just as good, if not better.

[@anonagain]

Actually, rather than playing it all at a consistent faster speed, they deliberately sped up each verse a little more than the previous. My understanding is they had no chance to rehearse at the faster tempo. Pretty amazing.

[@Quadrant14]

Jan Akkerman on guitar a supreme jazz /rock player, still playing great music everywhere

[@deannajones3849]

So glad you took my recommendation and watched the live version!

[@actorJSB]

Focus are still around and legends in their homeland. Marillion do a fan convention in Holland every couple of years and last year they had Focus as one of their opening acts, the night, of course, ended with the bands doing Hocus Pocus together - but if you're not already Hocus Pocussed out here's the first time Marillion played it live themselves - goes a bit wrong a couple of times but is mostly awesome: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZDYgKx-o61-m7M

[@rogerhennie8939]

They have so much beautiful music. Focus 3, Hamburger Concerto. There are many great tracks on both these albums.

[@ElusvOptmst1]

Please do Edgar Winter, 'Frankenstein' next. Phenomenal performance.

[@verribarry]

The live version

[@firebird7479]

I saw him twice w/Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band. Brought the house down both times. I turned to the people next to me and said, "They can end the show now. I don't need to see anymore."

[@toddstevens13]

@@verribarry Absolutely, Edgar playing every instrument imaginable.

[@mikesimonian484]

@@toddstevens13 How about a live version of a Dixie Dregs song.

[@toddstevens13]

@@mikesimonian484 Patchwork, Live at Montreux 1978, has been a favorite of mine, perhaps that is one?

[@BernardWilkinson]

This is certainly not "Trash". This is one of the greatest live rock performances that literally only a handful of bands could do! The standing ovation by the crowd confirms this!

[@k_spats]

Your open-mindedness, honesty, willingness & enthusiasm are what makes you (& your channel) so special! Keep rockin' on! 💜💫✌🏻🎵

[@Nastyfinger1444]

We had pure brilliance during the 70s. It was a great decade.

[@lmkm57]

I loved this as much this time as I did the first time I saw it, in ‘73. Laughed like crazy both times.

[@timwhitnell7145]

I haven't laughed this hard in a long time, but I really like it. It's a very catchy tune underneath the mad creativity of the lead 'singer'. Whether someone likes all of it or not, you won't ever, ever forget it - and you will show many others.

[@dennisjohndreher7258]

Jan akkerman on guitar

[@mutt3135]

Crazy underrated guitarist. Always loved Jan.

[@gj8683]

Seeing them play this live on TV, the first time I ever heard it, back in '73, was a surprisingly pivotal event in my life.

[@mikezak8812]

Enjoyed watching your enjoyment...

[@-R.Gray-]

If you ever get any spare time, you might enjoy checking out the Y.Tube channel of a female blind multi-instrumentalist who has a jam on flute with Thijs Van Leer, the leader of Focus. Her name is Rachel Flowers, and she developed a correspondence with Keith Emerson of E.L.P., after he saw her as a blind girl covering his keyboard parts perfectly on Y.Tube. There is even a classical piece he wrote where she plays flute with one hand and piano with another. He even let her try out his custom synth before it was shipped to him. She also covers Frank Zappa pieces, and trades electric guitar solos with his son on one song. There is a video of her playing piano for Ray Charles when she was 10, and she has learned Jaco Pastorius pieces on the fretless bass. They made a documentary about her.

[@ryankoncey4239]

One of the greatest songs of all time set aside; Boy, whom cannot grow facial hair but insists on rocking a peach fuzz neck beard, reacts to man with the most epic neck beard of all time!... thanks for making this video!

[@IvoryCruzader]

"Hocus Pocus" is Focus' most popular song, but their album "Hamburger Concerto" is imho their best. The album works best as a whole entity, but "Birth" and the epic "Hamburger Concerto" could perhaps be hand picked. Some other recommendations from the world of prog follow :-) Bacamarte's album "Depois Do Fim" is amazing. Recommended songs: "Ultimo Entardecer", "Depois do Fim" and "Smog Alado". Banco del Mutuo Soccorso have a distinct sound and many excellent songs. Recommended songs: "750.000 anni fa l'amore", "R.I.P." and "Metamorphosis" (the longer, 1975 version). The result is stunning when the Chilean band Los Jaivas gets things right. Recommended songs: "Tarka y Ocarina", "Guajira Cosmica", "La Conquistada" and "La Poderosa Muerte" . Swedish prog band Änglagård deservedly has a legendary reputation. Recommended first songs: "Jordrök" and "Kung Bore" from their debut Hybris. "The Valentyne Suite" by Colosseum is excellent. Discipline has some great epics. Recommended: "Canto IV", "Into the Dream", "When She Dreams She Dreams in Colors" . IQ also has a distinct sound, and several albums worth listening to. Recommended songs: "Ryker Skies" and "Frequency" . Van Der Graaf Generator were a creative force in the early seventies. Recommended songs: "Man-Erg", "The Undercover Man", "The Emperor in his War-room" Harmonium's album "Les Cinq Saison" is a French-Canadian masterpiece. Rather soft, but totally beautiful. Difficult to pick a single song from it though. Perhaps the final, longest epic. Moon Safari is worth checking out. Recommended: "A Kid Called Panic", "The Ghost of Flowers Past" . Pallas album "The Dreams of Men" is great from beginning to end, and should be listened to as such. But if individual songs must be picked, then perhaps "Mr Wolfe" . Phideaux has several beautiful concept albums - the most popular perhaps being "Doomsday Afternoon". Recommended songs: "Micro Softdeathstar", "Formaldehyde", "Waiting for the Axe to Fall" and "Love Theme from 'Number Seven'" . Porcupine Tree has made mostly great music. Recommended introduction: "Anesthetize" . Seven Impale is a rather interesting band. Recommended: "Oh, My Gravity!" and "God Left us for a Black-Dressed Woman" . Gentle Giant stretched some boundaries back in the days and are by some considered musical geniuses. Recommended songs: "Free Hand", "The House, The Street, The Room", "Knots" and "Proclamation". Live videos kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3qblXWFftp6b6s, kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXyXlKiOf8Zqh6c and kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4jJnpmdfb10nKc could be recommended. The video quality is poor, but the audio is ok.

[@jimcarlson6157]

hamburger concerto is a rare piece of music, and it sounds kind of cheesy

[@IvoryCruzader]

@@jimcarlson6157 That's a fair and justified opinion. But Focus itself is a rare piece of band, even among prog bands. As is evident in Hocus Pocus as well. When you set out to write a serious and beautiful concerto, but end up naming the piece Hamburger Concerto and name the movements after the rawness of the hamburger meat... There is a degree of not taking it entirely seriously, right? :-) So I'd say it's mildly cheesy and humorous, disguised in beautiful music. It's also their highest and most rated album on prog rock archives, so at least I'm not entirely alone. But of course it always comes down to taste, so each to their own. I just wanted to give Daniel some further suggestions. Cheers.

[@jimcarlson6157]

@@IvoryCruzader your comments are filet mignon quality

[@philging]

That is the best version - they use this track in a frenetic gunfight in the movie 'Baby Driver' with Ansel Elgort . . . check it out.

[@tonyallen4265]

I told ya. Epic!

[@thatoneguyagain2252]

What you saw at the end of that video was the only time a Midnight Special performance received a standing ovation, and what you saw in the beginning was Gladys Knight when she was young and hot (when compared to today). This performance was a Herculean effort, and except for Jann Akkerman having some difficulty with his guitar part at the beginning, they totally pulled it off. And yes, "Hocus Pocus" was a big enough hit that nearly everyone in the audience would've been familiar with the studio recording. A tape recording will get higher-pitched when you increase the speed, as a mathematical function of how fast the the tape is physically moving through the player. What you were playing was a digital file: the rate at which the data is streamed does not affect the data itself, so the pitch never changes. This is also a reason that many modern recordings sound a little bit off: the recorded signal is digitally adjusted to "fix" any imperfections of tempo during the mastering, and perfection just doesn't sound right to the human ear.

[@tonyallen4265]

It sounds better the faster it gets. LOL!

[@lynette.]

They were not happy about it either. Another great live piece of music weirdness is Edgar Winter Frankenstein on the old grey whistle test BBC. If you can't share it please just watch it for yourself.

[@selmonb921]

You seem to be a pretty intelligent guy when listening to new and or unknown music. In your spare time give this long extended version..... Focus - Eruption - Rotterdam (1971) posted by "ThinkFloyd61" They cover so many musical styles. Classical, Rock, Blues/Jazz swing shuffle, Latin, Fusion, And even Indian music!! But what is especially stands out is the Guitar and Drums only break!! Which comes about half way through.... And of course The Bass and Drum Solo about 3/4 into the performance. I know 46 minutes of one song seems a bit much, but it never got boring!!! And is very creative, with a lot of improv....These guys were in a class all by themselves.

[@teamvandevloer7164]

Check out what the reason was why they speed up this song. The show gave them only 4:30 min to play a song that is normal almost 8 min. The good old Dutch!!!

[@BilboFromTG]

Totally agree with you, Daniel...😎👍

[@garycoates4987]

this song is pure ROCK n Fun

[@deannajones3849]

I remember watching this live!

[@kidwave1]

The Live version of this is the ONLY one people should be reacting to

[@veganapiranha7365]

This is just masterful, so glad you did both.

[@CBGB_1977]

I love this version. It’s VERY PUNK. YESSSS! It’s a adrenaline rush!

[@jerryconnors1703]

6:00 song down to 4:26. Division works out to 1.357. You have a wicked good ear.

[@kentclark6420]

I'd say this guy and Alvin Lee were/are the fastest-fingered guitarists. But there are many. Amazing!

[@pontiacmaniac7772]

I downloaded the studio version but I’m about to download the live version instead. Way better

[@SnowEfaust]

Thanks!❤

[@bruceday4036]

Never heard anything like that before, never heard it since. One of a kind. Glad you checked it out my man! Awesome

[@mrtyreus0]

The KZbin speed control algorithm alters time horizontally without effecting pitch. It actually works pretty well.

[@imagine1004]

Hahaha. Thought you would like this version. How can you not? 😂

[@Cory_Springer]

6:43 I still maintain the Thijs was able to manifest that last whistle through pure will

[@Blinkerson55]

First time I saw this, thought it insane.

[@cl8onj388]

This live version was almost 1/2 as long as the original on this song. On "Frankenstein" it's just the opposite. The live version is twice as long as the studio version. In case you didn't read my response to your comment, I recommend the studio version b/c it's better audio, however , you should probably come back and do the live version b/c it _IS_ entertaining. 🤟⚡🔥

[@DiconDissectionalReactions]

I did read your response, and will start with the studio version:)

[@cl8onj388]

@@DiconDissectionalReactions Great! Thank you. I don't think you'll be disappointed. 👍🤟

[@SnowEfaust]

Incredible..joy

[@sst3d]

Midnight Special..4 minutes max on stage….this was done double time.. and Galdys Night introduced…ahh as I was typing you informed us that you know,,..,.

[@johnd256]

This video makes me laugh every time I see it. the first time I saw it I thought homie was going to blow that tooth right out of his head during the whistling part. Good fun, good food for the soul

[@MrBonners]

The drum arrangement is unique.

[@headrushindi]

The seventies was a bastion of Novelty music.. this stuff is fun , and wonderful ! This was back in the day when Bands had incredible Musicians who were truly musical masters. It's all turned on it's Butt now days. In today's music , with a few exceptions, the bands that backup the artists , are canned, one size fits all musicians who can be swapped in and out of different tours in a moments notice , and the audience would never be the wiser. The craftsmanship, soul, and musical integrity has been dumb'ed down for a fast food , internet sensationalizing generation. The only true musical renaissance guys anymore are certainly not found in the mainstream. Today's audience with their 5 minute attention spans haven't the ability to appreciate anything of that depth and complexity of thought. I can tell you a mile away who is playing if I hear a lead guitar riff by Tom Sholz of Boston, or Brian May of Queen, or Eddie Van Halen. Can you name a guitarist today in the main consciousness of the general public who can be so culled from the crowd as to be indistinguishable from the rest ?This is why I like your reactions. They come from a real place of appreciation , and understanding .

[@firebird7479]

I've suggested on more than one occasion to react to live performances of some of the songs you've already reacted to, 1) To gain a better appreciation of the artist in a concert setting and 2) The improvement in music technology and the quality of audio for a live performance sometimes creates a situation where the live version surpasses the studio version.

[@sjaradona]

BEST SONG EVER

[@33ordie]

Watched a lot of reactions of this video and everyone missed the actual Midnight Special video that is uncut with an extra minute. This video was edited for it to be a 4 minute song.

[@rockingoutdudetoo5275]

Hey young man, looks like you like a lot of classics. Well there is a band from Japan that incorporates classic music with modern style rock. BANDMAID song Thrill, Domination, secret my lips, Play. You need to check them out live.

[@joconnell8145]

Pretty incredible performance! Don't know if I like one over the other, just a great tune no matter the speed. And for WHATEVER reason, I never saw the "custom" button on the speed...another toy to play with LOL!!

[@richardtaylor6187]

fantastic....

[@DerekDominoes]

The live version is the best version.

[@robertwilloughby8050]

For a trip down the instrumental (and I mean mental!) highway, try The Peppers "Pepperbox". It's unusual in that 1) It's French. 2) It's one of the first synth hits. 3) Somehow its modulations (but only its modulations - I don't want to get sued!) put me in mind of, of all things, the "Rocky" theme. And, finally. 4) For many years this was the go-to song for fairs and shows in the UK.

[@isabellegarza9070]

I have to say it was entertaining watching you react. After the song was done your head was still bobbing LOL😃👍👍👍👍

[@jgilbertify]

Love how intelligent person instantly gets it....................... :D

[@neildonley9626]

Jan Akkerman went on to have a nice solo career and record some nice jazz guitar albums.

[@emanonfox1709]

Introduced by the incomparable Gladys Knight

[@kennygeorge4454]

You should react to Wishbone Ash The King Will Come, from Live Dates. Great song from a band with twin lead guitar's. You will love it ,if you like drums and great guitar riffs.

[@Embur12]

Incredible at dbl speed. Great reaction.

[@mottorcycle2559]

The whistling is in the background in the original

[@moefeaux1442]

Live version for me.

[@damirhlobik6488]

Mr Thijs Van Leer....vocal, organ, flute, etc, etc..... For Focus this was just a "joke", if you want to hear what they know, listen to Anonymous 2 from Focus 3 album

[@bradsmack1]

Pre-dating The Ramones by a couple years, Focus matches the New Yawk punkers in speed and brevity of song, here....all minus the barre chords, "Hey Ho, Let's Go!" and the pinheads!

[@asayake1]

Now having seen the live version, yall should check out "StSanders Focus Shreds" parody on KZbin. Hilarious 😂

[@jorgkuijt4735]

Legendary...Please play this twice as fast.....

[@toomasargel8503]

Get that fills with drums-Yes it not simply

[@thewildgoose7467]

To my uneducated ears the 1.5 times studio version sounds exactly like the live version

[@lhpl]

Same hear here. Almost to the point of thinking "was it maybe just playback performed to a sped-up recording?" However, I don't think it was easy at the time to speed up without affecting pitch?

[@FocusVideoArchive]

Check out our channel and watch more Focus material.

[@daveking9393]

Sure they are so talented (i mean killer talent/skills) they could pull it off, But if you research how the artists felt about it and what they said about it they were VERY upset they were not provided the proper time. They produced it a specific way to be heard... REALLY glad you like the original. Listened to it for decades on my LP before learning of the TV cut.