FIRST Time Hearing Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade of Pale (Reaction)

Procol Harum reaction. A Whiter Shade of Pale live reaction.
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Link to song:
• Procol Harum - A White...
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[@jackrobinson6277]

Sadly Gary Brooker passed away last February. He had an amazing career with Procal Harem since this hit song in the 70's. If anything, his voice has gotten better with age. RIP Gary, you will never be forgotten.

[@Gloren50]

The song was first released in May of 1967 and instantly became an iconic classic of the late 1960s. My first term at university was the summer of 1967 and this song became part of the sound track of my early college experience. This live performance is a masterpiece, in my opinion. Sadly, the lead singer, Gary Brooker, died last year, but for those of us who have known his voice for 50 plus years, he will live forever.

[@ResurrectedReacts]

Wow 🔥 yea it was a fantastic performance

[@gregmarshall2513]

It is a masterpiece

[@chrisoultram9458]

Hi I saw.gary at cambridge when teenager it flows over me and takes me back to my youth bless him lovely guy xx

[@ResurrectedReacts]

@@chrisoultram9458 I bet experiencing this song performed live is an amazing experience

[@simondalzell5635]

The Best version of the Finest song ever.

[@netzahuacoyotl]

The lyrics are purposefully impressionistic. I get the feeling that it is about a relationship gone wrong. The chorus “And so it was that later, as the miller told his tale, that her face at first just ghostly, turned a whiter shade of pale”. The Miller’s Tale is a story from a medieval book written by Geoffrey Chaucer and is about an unfaithful wife. The book is called The Canterbury Tales and is one of the oldest surviving works of literature in the English language.

[@ResurrectedReacts]

I gotcha 🔥

[@ardentynekent2099]

Brilliant, Austin! Glad you mentioned Chaucer -- I think he gets short-shrift, albeit a wee bit obscure. Super reaction. Super setting. Super song.

[@robertasirgutz8800]

Gary Brooker 's voice is the same as a young man's. Thank God for YT. We will have these performances for all time. What a tribute to popular culture. It will live on, as does Chopin, Beethoven Tshaichovsky and the Beatles.

[@pebblehilllane]

There is seemingly a whole lot going on in “A Whiter Shade of Pale”. Not only is the instrumental partially based on a song dating all the way back to the 17th century, but there are also references to the likes of “the miller”, “16 vestal virgins” and “Neptune” which truly gives the lyrics a mythological, esoteric feel. But as the man who actually wrote the words, Keith Reid, has explained, his goal in writing this classic was to put forth a “straightforward, girl-leaves-boy story”. I was only 12 years old when "A Whiter Shade of Pale" was released but I instantly loved it. Now being 17 days from turning 68 years old I love it even more. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to see Procol Harum live five times, the last time being in 1993 when they opened for Jethro Tull. Tull, like every time I saw them, was great, but that night I enjoyed Procol Harum more. At that time Gary Brooker's voice hadn't developed the gritty/gravelly/growling sound that can be so clearly heard in this version. He still sounded like the day the song was recorded. What's evident though is as Gary Brooker's voice changed he must have kept up on his vocal training and the addition of the gritty/gravelly/growling sound worked exceptionally well for him.

[@ResurrectedReacts]

Thats awesone!

[@doloresschultz6804]

I could listen over and over. His voice is simply great

[@patricklemeur4607]

GARY BROOKER , une performance, magnifique....

[@kerrijohnson2303]

I’m 54 years old..my mom was pregnant with me when this song came out! Forever a beautiful song!

[@ResurrectedReacts]

Indeed a great song 🔥

[@Royal_BLT]

🇨🇦 Music in the 60's and 70's has forever changed the face of Music, even to this day !

[@ResurrectedReacts]

Music is timeless🔥

[@Capt_Wupass]

todays music is auto tuned

[@thefarmerswifeknits6190]

Listen to the original and this version again, understanding that there were more than 50 years in between. I was blown away all those years ago and still …….

[@littlebigjohn69]

many groups in the 60s had orchestras on their songs, for example THE MOODY BLUES, THE WHO

[@jwhiteuk]

Just one of a host of fantastic songs from the 1960's, the decade that changed music for ever. Gary Brookers voice never diminished as he grew older. It was a very respectful reaction which is greatly appreciated.

[@williammiles2221]

Most heart wrenching and haunting melody ever written! 👍🏻❤️ So emotional!

[@randallmccoy8581]

I had this in my album stash as a young man and so I know this song well and what amazes me with this performance, is that Gary's strong raspy voice floats atop all that beautifully layered background so easily and in a very complimentary way to the smoothness of the orchestra. I never tire of this performance.

[@Sobolady89]

The original was recorded in 1967 and is longer than this version. This song was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Gary Brookers voice aged like fine wine. Unfortunately he died from cancer in 2022. RIP Gary

[@ResurrectedReacts]

Very sad

[@vtbn53]

and way too young, he had so much more to give and we are so much richer for what he gave

[@chris...9497]

Yes, you got the pronunciation of the band's name absolutely correct. Not all reactors do. Procol Harem was a 'progressive rock' group due to the inclusion of orchestra and due to lyrics that are expressive, emotive, yet somewhat vague and open to interpretation. The original 1967 recording of "A Whiter Shade of Pale" did not have an orchestral backing (it was their first recording, so they didn't have the money for such extravagance), but later albums did add orchestra, to great effect. Recommended listening: the title track on "A Salty Dog". When listening to Procol Harem, be advised that the lyrics aren't precisely-descriptive; they are written to be a Mood. You can't take the words literally. The lyricist was a fan of avant-garde and surrealistic art, where things are open-endedly suggested rather than clearly defined; his lyrics suggest but do not specify. Applying this to "A Whiter Shade of Pale", debates have gone on since the song's 1967 release about what it means; there is no definitive answer. The lyricist has always answered questions with stating that they mean what they personally mean to YOU. You can give your opinion, but no one really knows, possibly even the lyricist himself. It's a mood, not a photograph. It's poetry. I want to interject the fact that over the decades since Gary Brooker first recorded and released this song, his voice has barely changed. If you go back to hear the original 1967 version (and they did put out a video back then to promote it), you will be amazed how much the 22yr-old Brooker sounds like the old man in the 2006 outdoor festival version. The defining constants of this song has always been Gary Brooker (who also wrote the music based on misremembered Bach), the organ solos, the measured pace, and the tune. A flair of genius in its time and any time of history. RIP Mr Brooker, lost last year.

[@ResurrectedReacts]

Gotcha🔥Thank you for the info!

[@martinwilliams4759]

I am 50 years old and have loved this song all my life

[@orchidwave2574]

From this same concert... A Salty Dog, or Conquistador....both or either... unbelievable songs

[@marcelotto6825]

Thank you for a lovely reaction to a classic song!

[@monikadear3594]

Wow! I know this song for decades, since my childhood in the 70th, and I love it so much! But I never saw this version, and it's so great, so emotional, I just had to cry... Thank you for reacting to this and appreciating it so much! Gary Brooker does indeed have such a great distinct voice, and still at his age here, really phenomenal.

[@ResurrectedReacts]

Excellent voice 🔥

[@moodaymoom2271]

RIP Gary Brooker, tremendous voice, First released in 1968 so him singing here this song was almost 40 years old. Another incredible song by another fantastic group The Moody Blues singing live Nights In White Satin. Again released in 1967 but them singing it live 40 years later is quite a feat. I would love it if you would react to it. I'm pretty sure it will amaze you the way this one did.

[@anthonymiller6081]

Great song by another great English Band very good reaction

[@ResurrectedReacts]

Thank you!

[@jeffreybooth5129]

This blew me away in 1967 and I have never recovered,Have seen them live 8 times (5 with orchestra).Gary Brooker the singer and writer of the music sadly passed away just recently. I was pleased to see you appreciate this song and can assure you there's a lot more than fhis (I have 160 plus songs I believe.) Some of them might interest you if you like more rock type songs..I can assure you they are worth checking out,my favourite is probably the Home album.

[@ResurrectedReacts]

Wow that's incredible🔥 and sad the writer passed away. I bet seein that song performed live is an incredible experience.

[@ynotttt]

Keith Reid passed also at 76 just last month. They co-wrote this fabulous song.

[@greggibson33]

Pure Magic.......

[@gorankarlsson8741]

I turned ten in december the year this song was first released and I really loved it the first time I heard it. Must have had qiuite an advanced taste for music for my age

[@abnerrocha351]

the lyrics contain a considerable amount of period context. in this case psycodelic way. Mixed emotions than one used to feel on the occasion of a first meeting between a boy and a girl. nervousness expectations, shame, desire to be reciprocated. I don't know if it's still like that today... but at that time it was exactly how we felt. the music brings all these sensations back to those who lived and was young in that time. Thx Procol thx Johan sebastian bach! Because without the "air G string" this one would not be possible to exist.

[@user-uh3nn9sm1j]

If you liked this try nights in white satin by the moody blues. Love how open you are to the music I was fortunate enough to grow up with. There was truly music to experience, not just listen to.

[@rosemarymccarron3887]

I have loved this song for the last 50 years and it still touches me. You should listen to the orgional version in 1967 . The organ is very neautiful in the orgional version.

[@colinstevens2691]

This song will always have a special place in my heart as it was number 1 in the UK chart the day I was born in 1967. This rates in my top 5 live performances ever. Another song worth checking out is Dire Straits Tunnel of Love Alchemy Live. A phenomenal live performance with the best instrumental outro of any song ever in my opinion. A 5 minute outro with just a masterful exquisite guitar solo by Mark Knoffler. Don’t miss out on this 😊

[@Shari225]

Gary Brooker's voice was as strong as as beautiful in this performance as it was when he was a kid in '67. A lot of the lyrics come from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.

[@Grammichal]

No. The Chaucer link isn’t true. At a party Gary Brooks told a producer it’s all about cocaine. Hope not. It’s meant to be obscure. ✌🏽 I read the words of the producer directly.

[@Joaocruz30]

Wow you're crying man! You're a good person! After see the original video from 45 years ago! It's beautiful! For you and your loved ones all the best! Greetings from Portugal Godspeed and RIP to the singer...

[@ResurrectedReacts]

Thank you!

[@chrisoultram9458]

Thank you for your reaction x

[@markallen4637]

I watch this once a week, it lifts my soul.

[@dannyramirez890]

I was 17 when I first heard this song in 1967.Now I'm 74 it still brings tears to my eyes.Back then I used to slow dance to it.When I go to see my Creator, it's on my will for it to be played when I'm in the coffin.Shalom.TheRunning Mexican, Babe 🙏😎💪🐦🐢

[@jamesmc6703]

How I imagine ascending

[@Ray1969.]

One of the greatest live performances of all time and I’ve seen a lot!!

[@charlesmckinnis2718]

Thank you so much for qualifying yourself at the end...You will find that there is SOOOOO much out there and aside from the orchestra, much of the mid-sixties, 70's and early 80's was full of pieces with just as much thought and Beauty as this. You're young....go out there and explore, or you could just come over to my house and give a listen....all of my 1,500 vinyl records from then is still as perfect as the recordings were at the time. Learn to actually PLAY with some real skill, and you will appreciate MUSIC actually THAT MUCH MORE! Peace

[@doug1525]

The lyric closely parrallels Chaucer's "A Millers Tale". It is also referenced in the chorus "As the miller told his tale".

[@BOOMNERD51]

Wonderful reaction!❤

[@ResurrectedReacts]

thank you!

[@mamaflush9945]

This song is fantastic and always causes me to weep with joy and sorrow, at the same time. lol Simply magical stuff, bro. "The Danish National Symphony Orchestra" along with "The Danish National Concert Choir" are the other artists and musicians in this iconic masterpiece. Here's another song that they are so well known for, and I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if you recognize it, especially if you have watched any western movies. "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly - The Danish National Symphony Orchestra (Live)" if you're like me this will also send goosebumps running across your body...😂🎶🤗

[@jas8581]

Their hit song.....for 40 years!

[@romanazzitube]

Step 1 - Orchestra prelude Step 2 - Gary Brooker and orchestra Step 3 - Gary Brooker + orchestra + band (Procol Harum) + choir “A WHITER SHADE OF PALE” was released by Procol Harum in 1967 and it was their first single ❤ RIP Gary Brooker 1945 - 2022 *PROCOL HARUM is a latin expression that means "beyond these things”, but the legend tells that was a Burmese Blue cat, that belonged to a friend of the band and that he lived until 1972. The cat’s name was actually Procul Harun, but the cat’s name was misspelled.

[@francescoarzilli]

Good tears from my eyes ❤

[@KP-zi6jx]

Adorable. 😎

[@nikkimorgan4860]

This song was written about a drunken sexual encounter gone awry is what Gary Brooker said in an interview.😊

[@ResurrectedReacts]

Interesting, I gotcha

[@scotttrainer9704]

Watching his relationship end

[@siriosstar4789]

The original melody was derived from a Bach piece called air on g string or something to that effect . john lennon thought it was one of the best song he had ver heard .

[@SeekingHisWill78]

Cute guy!

[@wpollock1]

Such a great song and he slays the vocal here.

[@gerrygreene6354]

I was 24 when this was released.

[@bpfromowc]

Great review. You might like “I’ve Had Enough” by The Who. ✌️

[@erichyer1112]

A very unusual love song.

[@ResurrectedReacts]

Interesting🤔 I didn't realize it was a love song. I needa check out the lyrics

[@scotttrainer9704]

Look up song facts and check out the number of countries this went number one in. You'll be surprised.

[@davidrauh8118]

Odd that the the video has been flipped, backwards visually. Still a fabulous song.

[@ResurrectedReacts]

I always do that in case of copyright

[@jaqathome]

You should check out Conquistador from the same concert in Denmark.

[@Martha-iz9lr]

Your classic girl leaves boy song.

[@elisabethbichler9634]

To maybe understand these beautiful mysterious lyrics you need to know, that Keith Reed wrote two more verses which make it easier to get it.

[@ResurrectedReacts]

What do you mean exactly? These verses werent included in the song?

[@elisabethbichler9634]

@@ResurrectedReactsExactely. The producer said the song was too long, so they decided to only use two verses instead of all written four.

[@elisabethbichler9634]

@@ResurrectedReacts kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoqloqlpg66kntE

[@davidshattock9522]

Song is based upon Chaucer's canterbury tales where the pilgrims are talking and the much younger miller's wife inadvertently confesses her infidelity in public earshot I think Gary Brooker .rip of originally sw london.

[@Anita-pf1hy]

Try listening to “Barcelona” by Queen (Freddie Mercury)…..you might like it…!

[@ncapguy]

You need to listen to this song with all four verses ... a suggestion for you - Brothers in Arms - Dire Straits

[@ulrichhaepp2657]

Well, that was really thin, and even the amputated picture left-right mirrored. Or ist it because of the other side of the pond, that all instrumantalists are left-handed? And nearly no comment besides "well"!!

[@peachesb-georgia1125]

I'm wondering... what are you thinking young man...I see you were really in to it... the lyrics are mostly made up...on the verge of surrealism... the title came about when the writer received a letter and a comment was made about him turning pale... and someone else said...a whiter shade of pale... the song can mean whatever you want It to mean... enjoy the journey...

[@haskellbob]

It's a gorgeous tune, but the song suffers from what was so often the case in the sixties: lyrics that make no sense. Imagine if someone with a real poetic gift had written the words to that song! Some of you agree with me, I know, but there will be a lot of comments about how "It was great how it was; the words are deliberately vague" and so on. Young reviewers of our old songs sometimes make the mistake of wanting to know what the words mean. Ask the writer just after he wrote it and pin him down. But sixties songs had the defect of impressionism; people felt it was enough that the words create an impression in the mind of the listener. They were so vague that no two people would agree on what those impressions were and how the words created them.

[@ResurrectedReacts]

I gotcha 👌

[@thorstenwestheiderphotogra7722]

This song has 4 verses, not 2. Find the other 2 verses and you'll understand what's going on. Oh and no, it's not a boy meets girl type of song.

[@amyexner]

Just entered into college in Germany for my RN training-classic is part of most Germans culture-upon hearing this song I was captivated by its lyrics and melody; this rendition is even better than the original. Thanks Garry RIP; God Bless You. And regarding the lyrics: he starts telling that he is out with friends doing drugs because he is so upset finding out about his girlfriend/wife leaving him.

[@ResurrectedReacts]

🔥👌

[@wadefite]

It looks as if the video is reversed here.

[@ResurrectedReacts]

What do you mean? Someone else actually commented the same thing.

[@richardturk7162]

The video is reversed

[@lajhoward7373]

The greatest reaction to this performance (not song) is to turn the lights off and be silent.

[@jamesengeman8836]

Now that you're familiar with "A Whiter Shade of Pale" pick up Procol's 2nd and 3rd album, "Shine on Brightly" and "A Salty Dog." And there's at least a dozen other albums after that. Procol has always had a strong following for over 50 yrs. But most people know "AWSOP" and that's it. Unfortunately, for themselves, they didn't listen to a lot of what came next. Procol Harum was one of the most progressive and talented groups of musicians of the time. Famed guitarist Robin Trower was an original member, A great listen from Procol Harum is a work called "In held t'was in I" from the "Shine on Brightly" album. If you're not familiar with 60's psychedelic music, just listen to "Shine on Brightly."

[@TommyBackwater41]

I am for you young man