Focus - "Focus II" - Moving Waves (Including ending) (1971) [Restored]

Focus - "Focus II" performed in Kasteel Groeneveld 1971 (completed by a fragment from the 1990 reunion concert and some repeated video footage).
Video was restored, color corrected and up-sampled.
Credits
Focus II written by Thijs van Leer
Performed by: Focus
Pierre van der Linden - Drums
Cyril Havermans - Bass (thanks for the correction Jonathan!)
Jan Akkerman - Guitar
Thijs van Leer - Organ
Copyright 1971
Audio from last few bars: Focus reunion concert 1990.

[@danhazlehurst2672]

Just 4 elite level musicians in a room on a snowy day in 1971 jamming out one of their great musical masterpieces.

[@galovanreins]

Pierre Van Der Linden is an incredibly underrated drummer. He's just amazing!

[@robertgillespie2484]

Damn right!

[@TheOrganist007]

totally true. look at his own YT channel, so good !

[@jasonpp1973]

A don't need a super large kit either!

[@galovanreins]

@@jasonpp1973 absolutely!

[@galovanreins]

@@TheOrganist007 it's wonderful! He's by far one of the greatest of all time

[@Hawgfrog]

One of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard. Jan had some of the best guitar melodies.

[@JakobusVdL]

53 years ago! Brilliant musicians and music

[@user-tm8km1po6k]

Focus were my first gig as an 11 year old 1971 at the Liverpool empire. I can remember it clearly even now 🎉

[@VI-rt7sh]

I applaud your taste, which was advanced for an eleven year old. I wish I had those memories.

[@user-tm8km1po6k]

@@VI-rt7sh my parents (ex WW2 generation) were very tolerant, let me run wild and find my own way. I Ioved them for that.

[@corvavw6447]

Wees eerlijk,zonder Akkerman is het niets.😊

[@gerritdeniet6243]

Maar zonder van Leer ook niet...

[@cwade3198]

I'm not sure what inspired this masterpiece, but it always brings me to tears. Such an original band with phenomenal musicianship. Happy New Years - 2020 sucks.

[@lewleo999]

It might have been a bit of Air on the G sting.

[@jonathantumman8347]

Such a majestic and moving piece of music, performed so dynamically. Shame most people will never hear this classic.

[@gerrycoogan6544]

I loved Focus from the first time I heard them back in 1971. In this line-up, they were all not only magnificent musicians, but they were also a perfect musical match for each other. Focus was one of those bands where the whole is much greater than the sum of the parts, notwithstanding their individual brilliance.

[@caesarsmith4711]

The sum of the parts IS the whole band

[@richardyoung641]

A master study of CHORDS! forever thank you Thijs,.......at a young age you introduced me to the magic that is music.

[@GregsGuitars]

me too!

[@luckydee7909]

I love dutch bands,like Ekseptions,Tracks,but Focus,are unique,unfortunetly like some italian bands,P.F.M. B.M.S. Orme,Area,could not get a total success,not being english or american.The beginners of poliphonia,in the history of musical composition,were rightly,Flames,Venetians,Neaolitans.

[@luckydee7909]

Neapolitans

[@carloswhomusic]

Jan's SOLO ALBUM debut is one of the greatest guitar records of all time. He's THAT GOOD.

[@gregmullins6927]

Pierre is one of the great drummers of the world,doing everything he does on a basic drum kit is just amazing,not too many could do that.

[@corvavw6447]

Joe morrello, dat is drummen. Die had ik graag met Akkerman gehoord 😊eindeloze longrol is geen drummen.

[@superbracey]

Saw this band live at the weekend. Thijs and Pierre still amazing after all these years and seeing them was a lifetime ambition achieved. With Menno Gootjes on guitar and Udo Pannekeet on bass, they were truly fantastic.

[@reddwarf9202]

Saw them in Haslemere Hall 2 or 3 years ago. Brilliant

[@KlebsCavalcanti]

Amazing damm good band! I Love Focus! Perfect combination of musicians!

[@Extrikit]

What a gem. A great band with fantastic original instrumental compositions. We went to see them in concert here in Melbourne in the 70s.

[@mrvantagepro]

I first heard Focus when Hocus Pocus became a top 10 hit in America back in 1973 and loved it. Then, when my brother bought Moving Waves and Focus 3, I was hooked on Focus. Their music created feelings and emotions in me that no other band did. I enjoy listening to Focus so much. This song, Focus 2, truly takes my breath away. It is beautiful and haunting and filled with great passion. Only truly gifted musicians can create, express, and perform music like this.

[@IchBinAuchHier43]

One of my Top13 bands. One of my Top10 drummers. My 2nd fave guitar player.

[@alanthomson007]

what a drummer this guy is good grief

[@alanthomson6162]

And all these years later he's still got it.

[@memobrasil1750]

The Best of the Best.......Grettings From Guadalajara. Jalisco , Mëxico

[@ThinPicks]

Best band ever! And Jan's playing is beautiful as always.👍

[@josealexandreferreiradasil2054]

Música celestial feita por músicos maravilhosos.Grande Focus.🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@Russell_G]

Maaan I love Focus....the tunes of my teenage years!

[@AJDOLDCHANNELARCHIVE]

One of my favourite pieces of all time. Wonderful composition by Van Leer, and great anthemic guitar melodies from Akkerman. Cheers from rainy old England with joy in my heart!

[@robertraikes9409]

I remember this was used as a fillin on BBC TV back in the black n white tv days, but I heard it in NZ

[@sonykroket]

It will always be amazing..............until the end of time...

[@Ro1Gg2Bv3]

Dat was in mijn tienerjaren, op de tienerclub speelden ze, wellicht ook in 1971 (ik was toen 14 jaar oud), het was daar de eerste band die ik meemaakte. Ik groeide ermee op, een paar jaar later speelden ze in de dancings voor volwassenen en weer even later op festivals, zoals de Sneekweek en toen gingen ze naar het buitenland.

[@rmarconcini]

Pierre van der Linden fantastic in 1:58

[@aldoz0453]

Yeah, it`s perfect

[@totallyunmemorable]

Lord, how I miss those days. Nowadays we've got a million gun slinger guitarists . . . that couldn't write a piece of music to rival this to save their lives. Way too many guitar players now. And not nearly enough keyboard players, bass players, and even drummers. And you can't find a place to rehearse a band to save your soul. Do I sound frustrated? Fifty years of playing experience, at the height of my powers, and can't find quality musicians or a place to practice.

[@lfader]

Ik - the hair shredders then speed metal shredders now passed 69s 70s bands guitarists reign supreme organic music lyrics relevancy Tidays YT clone Ygnwie's playing to soldiut bedrooms worldwide - The days of getting together jamming forming a band doesn't exist A compelling time a no-brainer and the best time ever sweating in someone's garage jamming 3man or playing a kegger party in someone's backyard ... Jan Ackerman 🪄🪄🪄🌟

[@Andreorsel]

Exactely!

[@rafaa151]

I had the rare opportunity of watching this band in my country, Brazil, some years ago. It was the best concert I watch ever. Yes, the band, not in this classic lineup, but really amazing too. Thijs van Leer is a master! With his mouth, Thijs, not was only a singing (his "words"), but he was also get a "tube" into the keyboards, simulating flute sounds. It was really fantastic!

[@johnkramer2866]

At that time was focus a golden combination! Talented musicians! It was a misery, when there was an asundar. Evantully they choosed/focused their own ways! And succeeded to create their own musical careers. Respect and amazing! ❤

[@ronglass5968]

Wow this is fantastic footage! Thank you. A band I adored throughout my teenage years. Jan Akkemann influenced so many that were to come after. Pierre van der Linden (drums) was under-appreciated.

[@braddeveson7505]

I googled but did not expect to find this. As a guitarist I was inspired by Jan but as a musician I just love these guys.

[@iancrombie8862]

Focus Live at The Rainbow 1973...Classic..

[@alexhall6375]

Incredible talent, such a force together, what a pit they split

[@justgivemethetruth]

0:53 - that drum is really energizing ... very nice.

[@salspitz177]

Focus ii...magnifico!!

[@Angelum_Band]

Superb! Thank you so much for posting this. Now I can show my grand children what real music is all about.

[@scottmeli]

Focus was a remarkable group that combined so many musical styles and sounds. Amazing! I’ve never seen this video, thanks for posting.

[@gcarrascoh]

TIMELESS-

[@loiseaunoir1021]

All you need are musicians who know their stuff.

[@VolodyaVolodenka1981]

and strive to know more

[@TheOrganist007]

this music is BREATHING

[@Martinincanada]

I felt the same sir.

[@denniswijmer4710]

Ja, sowieso een bijzondere club muzikanten. Mooie compositie en wat een creatieve gedreven bedreven drummer die Pierre van der Linden.... Op de life concerten vroeger (alweer) werd ik meegenomen in de Focus sfeer. Overweldigend. Maar nu wordt je je toch nog meer bewust van de ongekende kwalititeiten van de Hollandse halfgoden....

[@Adipsia1]

I remember Focus from the 70's when I was learning guitar. Jan Ackerman was always the one 'in focus' for me at the time. But with no disrespect to Thijs, Pierre is the star of this video. Thanks for sharing.

[@avalanche9026]

What an incredible piece.

[@dovidell]

I have Radio Caroline /Radio mi Amigo to thank , for introducing me to such an awesome band in the 1970's

[@The53rrc]

Incredible band. I sense they weren't seen totally for what they were. So much more than Hocus Pocus.

[@paullevine1813]

Rick, True & anyone that bought Moving Waves quickly learned Focus was much more than a whimsical tune & this was no flash in the pan band . . Saw them here in the States in 73 which i believe was their only US Tour.

[@The53rrc]

@@paullevine1813 Yes, Eruption is one of the best progressive pieces of music. And the inner guitar solo is one of the best in rock history.

[@edwardmiller2249]

YES...THANKS! GREAT GROUP!

[@mottledbrain]

Thanks for this uncut version!

[@oldsledpurgatory3595]

All the proof anyone needs that a Hammond L-100 can sound absolutely amazing.

[@Italanon]

My favourite band in my teens. I was never into ‘commercial’ music😂. Must have seen them live several times at the Greyhound, Croydon. Awesome band. Saw them live for the first time in September 1972 at the Oval, London.

[@L0wki]

4 Maestros playing a Piece of Art.

[@flyboy2880]

One of my favourites. great post.

[@robertraikes9409]

I remember this song used to be on TV as a BBC fillin between shows back in the old black n white TV days, brilliant😊

[@user-ul4li7mn9j]

No idea how good they are

[@EnglishTomanotJuanma]

Soooooo good!

[@lastdaysguitar]

Focus were HEROES at the very forefront of Prog rock!

[@justgivemethetruth]

So great .. fantastic, thanks for posting.

[@klnine]

Focus , such a class act ! Thanks guys

[@rmarconcini]

Just awesome!

[@willievanhetkerkhof286]

Great bassplayer!

[@KJCMuzique]

Great memories! Used to jam to this track with my own (8 piece pearl) kit back in the day, though I had a bit to learn from Pierre.. lol

[@herpetro2368]

Thank you very much!!!

[@Jeffrgreenmusic]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@olliebeak131]

Just totally dreamy and wonderful...

[@triorubino-michakoeppen9105]

ne richtig schöne melodiöse, trabszendente Komposition... und natürlich mit Verve gespielt.. 👍

[@randlerobbertson8792]

Bloody beautiful. ❤

[@josemiguelpallaresdiaz2054]

¡Qué buena música!¡Qué soberbios intérpretes! Los Neerlandeses Focus demostraron que la buena música no venía solamente de UK o USA.

[@musicartgeek]

so good

[@renehuizinga3630]

Echte klasse, mooie compositie !

[@patriciomaia3200]

Dutch Great Progressive Rock Band... Fantastic... Very Nice

[@orazioscardace911]

Gran gruppo 👍

[@user-fy1ui3uk6k]

одна из лучших композиций моей жизни!..

[@fabioguimaraes4256]

Super musicians

[@operativooperativo1478]

Immortal..

[@merseybeat1963]

Beautiful.

[@potto5212]

Gracias pie este documento

[@davidk6271]

Nice version

[@lucasaragonn]

omg this is gold

[@bluesfortheredsun]

marvelous

[@davidwinthrop7077]

That has to be the tallest double cabinet amp stack ever!

[@briankubarycz296]

This is the hard dope. Awesome.

[@solaroberto7435]

LOVE !

[@johnnybrace]

that Fender stack!!!!

[@totallyunmemorable]

I have a friend that has one of these amps (combo version). I was dying to hear it, but it no longer functions, and unfortunately is apparently un-repairable.

[@meeckemann5692]

Celestial!

[@tomyg2766]

Masterpiece

[@rubenvila3972]

Los amo❤

[@JakeWalshMusic]

Thank you very much for posting the complete version of this - by the way, that's Cyril on bass and not Bert as noted below!

[@johnuriel6245]

I agree it is Cyril Havermans, and the ending is dubbed

[@billhutchison7078]

Back then being a semi instrumental group, they were awesome.

[@ericajohnson7535]

White Shade of Pale + Sweet Caroline

[@maxb9315]

Great stuff, but the bassist ( Cyriel Havermans, I believe) is hardly featured.

[@michaelrhodes9294]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@arieldariosanchez3038]

Los compositores son : Van Leer. Barlache (Tommy) & Nobel (Euridice) Partes de la Suite Erupción. 👍🏻

[@deanronson6331]

You need to hear the original album version to get the full sonic and artistic enjoyment.

[@maurocoimbra9624]

I do agree! I bought it those days!

[@dtcoas]

Reminds me of Pomp and Circumstance.

[@hymek7017]

Awesome. Does everyone agree those Fender stacks should be sufficient to enable the band to hear each other's instrument from just a few metres away?

[@IThinkYouLookLarvely]

You can't get any more prog rock than having a bust on your organ (see video)

[@franciscaortiz9148]

❤️🎸🎹🎤🥁🎼🥰❤️🥰💯💯💯

[@musicplateau1]

Here Thjis is playing a Hammond M102 tonewheel organ, from Hammonds 'Spinette' range, they have the extra drawbar on each manual and the extra octave 'C' on the bass pedals. Having played an M102 for many years, I can vouch for their hidden power and dexterity. It gradually became apparent to me that that in comparison to a B3 and C3 these are extremely 'portable' and have the same 'clout' as a 'C' or a 'B'. The percussive tabs are far better on the M102, and they seem to respond better with solid state Leslie's too, especially the 760. I guess it's all down to personal taste.

[@totallyunmemorable]

Thanks for that. I'll be on the look out for one. I have an M3. I love Hammonds so much that I had to have it, despite the fact that I'm a guitar player, with very minimal keyboard skills.

[@musicplateau1]

@@totallyunmemorable yes, a great organ, which if you dare to you can chop, though I never did that to mine. So long as it's a tonewheel then they have the right 'engine'. The M3 is a great Spinette also.

[@totallyunmemorable]

Don't I know it! I had a model M (really old precursor with no percussion) that I gave to another musician friend when I found the M-3 in a Goodwill for $40.@@musicplateau1

[@sergeyermolenko6034]

Focus изначально ни с кем не конкурировал и не соревновался: братья-единомышленники просто делали музыку, не претендуя на любовь и признание переполненных стадионов болельщиков. Скромно, аккуратно, по делу. И между тем Jan Akkerman незатейливо уделал как Бог черепаху всех популярных гитаристов Hocus Phocus. А Thijs Van Leer по сей день непревзойдённый Мастер Композиции и Гармонии. Привет из России/Советского Союза😅

[@storeymark]

Must have been very loud with a double stack in such a small room!

[@totallyunmemorable]

It's barely on, volume-wise. That's the way it was back in the pre-master volume days. I was there. I remember having to play at literally deafening volumes to get any sustain at all.

[@SongSwan]

Havermans left not too long after this.