First Reaction to | Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade of Pale, live in Denmark 2006 |

[@bazkeen]

Gary Brooker's voice got better with age 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 I think he was 61 for this performance. Sadly taken a couple of years ago. R.I.P. Gary Brooker

[@lizz5235]

Had a voice like a good bottle of wine that just gets better with age.

[@victorcoutinho156]

Can you explain it to me ?

[@kevino4846]

I posted similar a while back. You are absolutely correct. The delivery of the song sounds almost exactly the same as in 1967, but Gary's voice here had taken on a timbre that only age brings. Best version of it I've heard. Of course the backing orchestration sure didn't hurt either, kudos to all of them.

[@schizoaffective8592]

@@victorcoutinho156z ok please I will

[@schizoaffective8592]

@@kevino4846dx

[@tinanichols203]

I'm 71 years old have loved this song since I was 16.

[@teenakilo]

Me too.

[@michaelmcbreen4025]

I'm the same age as you tina and loved this song also, if you look at the original video of this song and look at the clothes their wearing that's me back then a crazy hippie oh the good old days.

[@andrewwhyte9944]

Listen to this bands albums, they were way ahead of their time and, maybe the best of all the bands in the sixties! Creative giant's! You can tell from the melody and chord structure that Gary was a huge fan of J.S. Bach!

[@karenbrough6449]

Me too. @@teenakilo

[@MiriamB-rl5gg]

I'm nearly 75, and this has been a constant in my life. Weren't we lucky to grow up in the 60's and 70's with the amazing bands that were around at that time.

[@jewel1953]

Nothing can replace the music of the 60s and 70s.

[@free..to..air..]

This is the anthem of the sixties...instantly recognisable to all of us who were privilaged to be a part of that groundbreaking decade when light shone and music climbed

[@KenPassey-hd2mc]

Correct😂😂👍👍

[@trishalivingston1051]

It was magic and so much fun!

[@ChrisAndCats]

I view the 80s like that too.

[@Athena752-r6h]

Literally, nothing like 60’s and 70’s. The 80’s were good too!

[@impudentdomain]

I grew up with this music. We were living in a golden age of music and creativity but we didn't know it.

[@andrea-v2s]

but now we know it

[@leigh-annhall5693]

I had the same thought. Have watched so many reactions to the music we grew up with and thought...golly, I never cried listening to "our" music.. but, yrs we didnt realize how special it was (although we loved it) Now seeing the younger generation react the way they do, ones eyes are opened to just HOW phenomenal it was. I also think this generation have such huge reactions because, they've never heard music like that and I'm sure, something inside them, causes them to not only be astounded but, maybe a little envious? Music like THAT...will we hear the likes of it again? There are a few ..Adele, Ed sherran, Josh Groban.. But, when we were kids, it was every single band and musician producing this standard of music.

[@robinmaloney1069]

Well said and spot on. 👍🏻

[@lesliewilson1299]

My graduation song 1973…love it forever

[@Jude_196]

...and, HOW could we have FORESEEN: now.....ugh.... WE were SO, SO LUCKY!!!

[@priscillafuller1109]

I’m a 70 year old Granny and this song still bring tears streaming down my face. RIP GARY

[@priscillafuller1109]

Nick thank you for your kind first reaction ❤️

[@Jude_196]

SAME!!!

[@yogaqueen8602]

Same!

[@catherineanderson677]

Im 68 and I saw him in a very small concert, it was brilliant!! I was sitting on the floor, in front of his piano. Amazing memories 💖💖

[@53mandevilla]

Me too Honey.. me too.. same age & im crying too ❤❤❤

[@cherylwilliams834]

I believe this performance was his crowning glory. We miss him so much....

[@etienneswart8700]

Without a doubt South Africa

[@DavidNewton-in9xx]

Absolutely 🎉❤

[@mrsmissy2669]

I have always loved this tune, but this is beyond the studio version in so many ways. The passion, his voice, the orchestra, the choir...WOW!

[@lizz5235]

The BEST version.

[@wpollock1]

You captured it beautifully....agree!

[@vickiejenkins-tripp5994]

I concur whole heartedly.

[@appledoreman]

And the beautiful setting helps.

[@shannonkelty]

100% correct

[@allendesalme197]

One of the great rock ballads ever written...and he sounds better now than when in his 20's

[@richdiddens4059]

This is only the first two verses. Occasionally they played the third verse. Only rarely did they play the fourth. This is the last song of a set with about a dozen songs so his voice was already tired and he was still this good.

[@DIRKDIGG88]

Stands the test of time

[@tinanichols203]

I wish you could experience what it was like to grow up in the 60's, to experience all the incredible talent that came out of that time. It was fantastic.

[@vallee3140]

we were so lucky but did not really appreciate it at the time.

[@Gwennedd]

It truly was! I'm so blessed that I lived in the times when the Beatles, Moody Blues, Rolling Stones, Herman's Hermits, The Monkees, Cat Stevens, The Mama's and The Pappas, Cilla Black, Marianne Faithful, and so many others were breaking the mold on what music could be.

[@margijohnson5728]

​@@GwenneddSuch nostalgia!!

[@jeanfoster8979]

it was awesome, nothing today compares to then

[@tinanichols203]

@@Gwennedd so true

[@bella-xp7qd]

Procol Harum and the Moody Blues were not afraid to use an orchestra in their music back in the day. 😂

[@tragedykatt]

And eventually ELO

[@christinemorgan5278]

The year that I was 20, still makes me cry at 77 years old , happy memories 😢😊

[@sherryheim5504]

One of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written.

[@annamarienicol6187]

My favourite, favourite song.

[@DavidNewton-in9xx]

I agree completely ❤

[@emmar3035]

…and that voice makes the song even greater💕🙏🏻

[@Intheyr2525]

It’s heartening to see us now older folk who are still moved by this song have that same human connection with you young folks.

[@suepall5425]

I grew up in the 60's and the 70's and at the time we had no idea that we were witnessing the geniuses of music explode with creativity every single day. The number of genres that burst into being during that time frame, the hundreds of bands and vocalists, it leaves me speechless now. We had no idea, we were just soaking it all in and expanding as people.

[@kevino4846]

Same

[@JMAM006]

And we listened to them on scratchy car radios. I had no clue until You Tube and headsets !!

[@Se_190]

Blue eyed soul at its finest...

[@bazkeen]

When this was released in 1967 there was another song that came out the same year called Nights In White Satin. They were like book ends. I can't think of one without the other. If you want to try that one, do the live version Moody Blues - Nights in White Satin live 1997 Live at the NEC U.K.

[@Gwennedd]

I'll second third and fourth that suggestion.

[@bazkeen]

@@Gwennedd Well worth doing 👌🏻👌🏻

[@Gwennedd]

@@bazkeen , yup! I was a teen during the years all the great music like this came out.

[@bazkeen]

@@Gwennedd Same here. A big part of my life 👌🏻👌🏻

[@dawnlubitz5684]

Yes! Please do moody blues nights in white satin!

[@rlhcat7662]

I remember driving through thick fog in Michigan on the way to school with 3 friends, and someone said "Put on Procol Harum". I knew then that it would always be one of the best times of my life.

[@geraldlloyd-brown7106]

This is the greatest version of the best song ever made, RIP Gary ❤

[@andrealacey2147]

You nailed it Gerald.

[@RichieKnowsBest]

@@andrealacey2147 Wrong the real version with 2 extra verses is the best version....You know what he's talking about.

[@Se_190]

The man, the voice, the song, YES, in that order❤

[@jackmorgan1052]

Welcome to a time when beautiful music was made with passion 1967!

[@Coastal15]

And I was just about a teenager.

[@davespicer3647]

Once you hear this song, it's impossible to picture a world without it 🙂

[@EmmaPeelman]

Absolutely spot on!

[@sherribrock2726]

I think this version is so much better than the original. I’ve listened to this one 100 times and I still get chills!!

[@kmach1000]

I think the studio version is outstanding but this one always brings me to tears.❤

[@RoyHales]

When I first heard this I could not believe it. You get a peek at Gary before he sings and I felt sad thinking that I shouldn't expect much from his voice. Now I want to recapture that feeling I had when he did start to sing. It was stunning! I was overrun with so many emotions and I played it repeatedly for days. It still gets me every time I hear it and I love watching the young ones react to it. A few months after this I learned that Gary had just passed. Sad.

[@MaxineWatt-jd8ho]

Goosebumps.

[@peggyeckard1010]

Me too!

[@kevino4846]

@@RoyHales I would have a hard time believing he ever sang it better. His aging voice was a better voice than his twentysomething self, because of the character that you hear in it.

[@johnwillis4706]

It was my distinct privilege to accompany Procol Herum when I was concert pianist for the Kansas City Philharmonic Orchestra those many years ago. Gary didn't piano in those days, and he did here. I especially love the looks of peace and nostalgia on the faces of the Orchestra. Gary' voice only improved with age, never faltering or diminishing. I am honored to be able to call Gary Brooker a friend and with his passing, the musical world grew a bit darker and lacks yet another virtuoso. The void Gary left will never be filled, I miss my friend every day.

[@lindamcgough3645]

😭😭😭

[@susanwgallagher-wc6jn]

Years ago, I wore the grooves off this album. Today I'm 75 and its my ringtone.

[@anneharley5319]

Please don’t worry about the lyrics. Nobody knows what they mean. They didn’t even know themselves. Thankyou for a great reaction x

[@sandrajune1172]

I feel privileged to have been a young woman when this beautiful music was born. 60/70's best time ever. ❤

[@scotttrainer9704]

His woman is leaving because he couldn't be faithful (going through his playing cards) to the one who truly loved him, and he's regretting it.

[@bryanCJC2105]

You're not the only one who gets emotional with this song. I was only like 2 years old when this came out, but as I got older, it brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. I don't know what the song is about but that melody just reaches into your heart and squeezes it. It's just so beautiful and melancholy.

[@georgiataylor4668]

The most beautiful song ever

[@kathyrizzi8754]

This is Gary Brooker, he first sang this song in the 60’s & he sounded great back then. With his age here, he put more swag into the song. He was from the U.K….A British Chap & a beautiful man all the way around. RIP Gary Brooker! ♥️

[@singluna888]

I'm 65. This song always makes me emotional. Stunningly Beautiful.

[@Royal_BLT]

🇨🇦 Getting emotional about this song is exactly what has made it a Rock Anthem since 1967 ! The Danish National Symphony Orchestra holds many concerts, some outdoor ones like this too ! The DNSO consists of over 70 Choir members and over 100 Musicians ! Procol Harum is a well known British Rock group made of 2 guitarists, a drummer, an organist and Gary on piano ! This song is considered by many to be the Rock Anthem of the 60's and 70's ! 🇨🇦

[@nksanbornski6687]

🇨🇦✌️

[@Grammichal]

Slow dancing in the darkened gym & at prom. I graduated from high school at 17 in 1969.

[@justinestes6400]

I can't imagine attending a symphony in the park type performance and having this dropped on you!!

[@akyhne]

Sorry to disappoint you, but this isn't the Danish National Symphony Orchestra. This is the Royal Danish Orchestra (Det Kongelige Kapel), which is said to be the oldest orchestra in the world (formed in 1446). They usually play at the Copenhagen opera House. DNSO or The Danish National Symphony Orchestra is owned by DR - first Danish radio- and TV station, which is a state owned public service station. DNSO was formed in 1925, the same year DR was formed. So, DR televised this on TV, but it wasn't their orchestra playing. It was the royal orchestra. DR thought it was so good, that they talked with Procol Harum about releasing a DVD with the concert. It took 3 years, before Procol Harum agreed and the video clip here was ripped from the DVD version by someone.

[@cottontopprintshop452]

Such a beautiful song, sung with passion by a wonderful man..

[@tanyagiacchina492]

Music is so powerful.

[@JonHammerHeart]

This is one of the greatest songs of the 60's. It is loosely based on a Bach piece, but the energy and passion really comes from the bluesy way that Gary Brooker sings this. With the full orchestra and choir behind it, it's even better than the original. If music doesn't move you, it's not art.

[@luvutons411]

Hey Nick...not in one instance do I blame your emotional reaction at all. Being 63...this has always been huge Procol Harum favorite of mine it's first release. I love it when younger people watch these older song videos...beautiful, emotional reaction Nick...thanks. 🎤💖🇨🇦

[@maryannturton9830]

I cried the first time I heard this as well! His stellar voice,that musicianship,that angel choir, and that magical Narnia like outdoor setting...It all came together in the most magnificent way!👏

[@Grammichal]

Narnia yes!

[@kelleebowers8525]

Gary’s voice improved over the years, simply gorgeous! One of my favorite songs ever

[@itsmommy100]

I was 12 when this song came out and remember exactly where I was the first time I heard it over 50 years ago. I love this version more than any other and come back to it all of the time. I've listened to the original back to back with this one and absolutely agree with you. Gary's voice got stronger as he aged. It's just incredible. I'm a 68 year old grandmother now but have no intention of giving up my music from the '60s and '70s. How lucky we were, and still are.

[@leannmiller7153]

I was 13 in 167 when my older sister bought this album. I’ve been listening to this ever since. At 70 years old, it still makes me emotional❤️

[@theglanconer6463]

Simply gorgeous. Just... well....simply gorgeous.

[@nickforell1]

I agree!

[@hlee633]

You won't have to search very far on YT to find this performance eliciting similar emotions from many other listeners. It's powerful, moving and just hits you in the feels.

[@Robert-vv6tz]

Nick, I'm a 69 year old male and have loved this song my whole life. While listening to this and seeing your emotional reaction I couldn't control the flood of tears from myself. Yes, this song has a way of evoking emotion even if you don't understand the words. Your ability to show your emotion in this and other videos is one reason I continue to check out your reactions. You always seem to really feel the music viscerally. Thank you. you.

[@kelleebowers8525]

It’s the passion and feeling in his voice. It makes me cry too

[@elainecherry7765]

Originally released in 1967, it was so unique and beautiful. To this day, I can't tell you another song they sang, but I will always remember this one. Great performance all those years later. Thanks for bringing back the memories from my teens. Loved it.

[@097534]

Homburg was the 2nd single after this that was a hit though not as big as this. Stunning

[@cindipossidento5688]

Mine as well …….

[@portcullis5622]

Try 'Conquistadore', 'A Salty Dog' or 'Pandora's Box'.

[@nisebiggs6572]

Conquistador!

[@camillep3631]

Conquistador

[@pamelariker5525]

In my opinion, the 1960s was the very best decade for music. Other great ones are Nights In White Satin, House Of The Rising Sun and the list goes on and on! Thank you for your reaction to this.

[@itsmommy100]

Two more all time favorite masterpieces!!

[@ronnie237]

This performance does the same thing to me even though I’ve seen this performance numerous times and have been a fan of this song since the 60’s.

[@pamelamccollum5216]

Thank you so much for this reaction ❤

[@antoniopalmero4063]

I met Gary a few times when I started fly fishing back in the 1980’s , he was a regular at Whitesheet farm . There are 3 beautiful lakes on a big hillside that flow into one and other . Gary was always happy there , he had a fantastic sense of humour . A very distinguished looking gentleman indeed .

[@peggy7875]

Great memory. ❤

[@edster612]

I say this on every reaction to this performance... This is one of the most perfect performances of one of the most perfect songs ever written.

[@jgibs6251]

I'm 77 and always loved this song. It's like a religious experience with the orchestra and choir.

[@christelsegbars1630]

Omg I couldnt listnen to this song for 35 years, due to the passing of a schoolmate. Hé drowned with a couple of friends and he had made a cassettetape with him playing the trompet.... it was this song... due to the reacterscommu nity I came acros this version. Only to know that Gary just passed away.... always tears but now of pure beauty and nostalgie... warm hug from a stranger from the Netherlands ❤

[@freewill1114]

Great story, Christel, and I am sorry to hear about your friend. I get teary when I listen to this, and it has to be far worse for you. God bless you and your friend! 💔🙏

[@debbieburke-gravetter1623]

Gary Brooker reaches deep into your soul with this song. Both he and the song are a gift.

[@jodyjackson5475]

The beauty that humans can create working and playing together is phenomenal. Don’t let them divide us

[@paulinemarvin894]

OMgoodness Your reaction is so beautiful but it’s the same reaction all humans have to this song 🎶 It’s just so amazingly beautiful ❤

[@whaeagee5585]

Oh the memories. Im 77. Took me right back to all the wonderful music. We jad the best of the best

[@Paul-l6y]

This was actually written for a wedding ! I am 67 and weep Like a baby when this is played … Gary was born for this and will live on forever ❤

[@TessaRose896]

Hauntingly Beautiful

[@angrydrunkengerman2819]

Powerful, haunting, precise, and engineered on a deep level to pull the intended emotions on even the first listen. The uncanny thing is this is a song that hits harder each time you hear it for the rest of your life.

[@MelodyMan69]

This captured me when I was in Year 7 at School. (1967)..thats how I remember. Always brings back memories of events of that year. This is by far the best performance of this Song.

[@LeanneAnderson-e5c]

This has always been a beautiful song and the orchestra and choir add another layer.

[@portcullis5622]

Gary Brooker still had a great voice four decades after recording the original.

[@katied1469]

I got goosebumps immediately. Crying because we lost this man. song of a legend. One of the most beautiful songs of my lifetime. Thank you for sharing this

[@MargaretDeakin-d6m]

I ma a very old lady, and each time i listen to this song, i cry, and not sure why exactly. This song remains my all time favourite.

[@susanfrancois1821]

We had the best music growing up, I can see it has touched your soul x

[@tiinai5378]

This song is just so beautiful❤️

[@stevenwaldrop7853]

Don't lose any sleep over figuring out the words. It was the 60s and song lyrics were often psychedelic. Still a beautiful song I have loved listening to for many many years.

[@Rockaria23]

I was born in 1968 and grew up over the years hearing this song. To this day, it makes me cry and i have no idea why 😊

[@pirobot668beta]

It's OK...I can't listen to the piece without having to take 'tear breaks'. Not sadness, not grief...simply too beautiful for my old heart.

[@billrussell7197]

Yeah bro that gets anyone who loves music...just beautiful.

[@johnkeen6714]

I was in a boys reformatory here in Perth, West Australia called Riverbank in 67 when this haunting song came out and it used to transport me out of that cruel crazy bloody place.

[@carolburnett190]

I was a child when this came out and I have always loved it. Although I heard phrases that I understood, I still haven’t figured out what they mean all put together. So, being a reader and researcher, I just did a quick Google and even Reid could not fully explain it-which is common for that time period because there were so many hallucinatory drugs floating about. It is a very melancholy song that just slides under the skin and sticks in the brain. Reid also said that it had absolutely nothing to do with Chaucer! I am having such a good time watching new generations discover the music of my generation!

[@sonjawilkinson3360]

I'm 75 and love this song. Brings back memories 😊

[@ritagryphon222]

What a beautiful reaction...

[@susanfrancois1821]

It's sounds so beautiful with orchestra

[@JaniceKing-dy6wc]

Im covered in goose bumps hearing this again! Always one of my favourites ever!

[@Alice-lw9mg]

We had some amazing back I the 60's and 70's I'm 72 now and still love the music I think it's so deeply ingrained in me. Glad you felt the way you did - that shows true appreciation.

[@tomgribbin9531]

John Lennon and have at least one thing in common , when this song came out in '67 we both thought is was the most beautiful music we had ever heard .

[@kaykenelia1936]

This man has such a raspy beautiful voice n the music n verses are sooooo beautiful my gosh what a masterpiece

[@rhianevans7189]

This was the record of the year. This record moved me when I was a teenager and still does all those yrs later. Many thanks for playing this. All the best x

[@shannonkelty]

True artistry and simply beautiful. How Gary sounded this good all those years later is amazing.

[@yannhollister9091]

If i had to make a "all time list" this would be very near to the top. It's absolutely gorgeous.

[@markberry3496]

Hearing this is a reminder that humanity doesn't completely suck. We have our moments.

[@shaunlaverty8218]

My Uncle Terry (‘Tex’) was 39 in 1967 when this came out. Tex was a great pianist who unfortunately died in July of that year but predicted not only would this be a No 1 song but arguably the best song ever produced. Always brings me to tears as my mother listened to this constantly for comfort after her brother Tex died. If you’re not religious I would suggest this song certainly challenges that notion as it produces an indescribable experience. Thanks for sharing and reacting to it.

[@thomashugus5686]

Brought tears to my eyes at 17 and still does at 73. I just loved procal harem!

[@naknaksdadn572]

This is just one of those epic ballads that reaches out and grabs you by your soul! A timeless piece for all eternity! RIP Gary Brooker!

[@kimlouise-rf5rr]

There is something quite magnificent when music crosses generations and frankly lives on forever. Gary & my husband are from the same town and grew as friends of the same age attending the same school. Now, as parents and grandparents, we are able to share the love of our music with our kids and grandchildren. From Pink Floyd, Phil Collins, Dire Straits, etc..... All of them had the same reaction as you to this masterclass from Gary. He was a gentleman and remained humble to the end. ❤

[@JoBisbee]

Gary's voice is still wonderful at this age. RIP Gary and thanks for soothing all my angst when I was a high school girl.

[@shannonkelty]

This kind of music always chokes me up. So, so good.

[@shaunlaverty8218]

You got emotional because it goes straight to your heart!

[@dlpowers3898]

If you don't feel anything while listening to this you really need to find out why. Such an awesome, surreal beauty in this classic! thx for sharing Nick :D

[@nickforell1]

Couldn't agree more!

[@allypad64]

Your face when he starts singing says it all. This was just a special moment in time and we are blessed to have the footage. I’ve always loved this song, but when I watched this, the tears were streaming down my face. It is just THAT Magical!! Here is a 61 year old man singing and feeling with his whole heart. No auto tune, just plain old LIVE singing. What a beautiful, magical, wonderful, moment. Subscribed!!

[@ColleenMurphy-Devlin]

I had the same reaction the first time I heard this version. I'm 65 and heard it many times growing up. I had an older brother who was totally into music. I don't think the words are as important to the song as the music is. It's the music itself that makes me cry.

[@michaelmelbourne6688]

In 1967 I was in hospital for a long time and the presenter on hospital radio played this as the first record every time he broadcast to us I loved it

[@christinealderton2949]

So glad you are enjoying the music that your older generation grew up with. It was lovely to see how moved you were.💖

[@nickforell1]

Yes! Thank you!

[@DavidNewton-in9xx]

One of the very best. I have watched this 10 times. I cry every time

[@tabeahilgarth6307]

Was würde ich dafür geben, dort dabei gewesen zu sein...ich kenne und lieben den Song seit den 70ern...so tolle Zeit und eine super Stimme von Gary!!!

[@ChristineAshford-v8w]

I'm 76 now Listened to Procal Harem for such a long time.RIP Gary Brooker ❤❤❤❤❤

[@jeffreybooth5129]

Congratulations you have just been ìntroduced to for me the greatest band of all time. They have many great songs with and without orchestra. Two songs to start with could be A Salty Dog or Grand Hotel but I could list many more.And yes Gary Brooker was a legend to me I shall miss seeing Procol live but I have all their albums and dvd's to enjoy in the time I have left.

[@cliffhiggins730]

When Rick Beato interviewed Peter Frampton, he asked Mr. Frampton what was his favorite song. He replied “Whiter Shade of Pale”.😊

[@davidmcc8727]

The 60s were a wonderful time to be young you cannot imagine how great it was

[@ChristineAshford-v8w]

I am 76 I've listened to them since l was 12yesrs old.