Focus - Hocus Pocus Live '73

Dutch prog-rockers Focus giving a breathtaking performance on NBC´s Midnight Special.
Thijs van Leer - Vox, Flute, Organ
Jan Akkerman - Guitar (-god!)
Bert Ruiter - Bass
Pierre van der Linden - Drums
Announced by the lovely Gladys Knight

[@truongsonbui5972]

When a vocalist starts twitching 40 times before the song even starts you just know you're in for a BANGER.

[@EricRumplestiltskin]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@lynneellis2647]

😂

[@-bielle2985]

The dude was legit tweaking, it was obvious he was about to deliver perfection lmao

[@nate_river_]

Even he can't believe what's about to happen, that's wild 🤣

[@eldiablo3794]

Lmao I saw that.. I was thinking he's mentally preparing himself.

[@Schimechlyn]

To everyone commenting on the speeded up quality of the song. The original song was 6:43 sec long. Midnight Special producers only gave them a 4 and a half minute slot in the programming. Instead of picking another song to perform and not perform their current hit, which they would have had to abbreviate into the single 3:37 version for radio, they greatly sped up the tempo to fit the full version in 4:30 sec time. It was just incredible and they didn't miss a note! True artistry.

[@ville5152]

Insane talent

[@henkschepel]

Correct.

[@kitsumech]

My band did some thing similar to this. Makes sense watching the drummer trying to sus out the feel of the song. We were supposed to have 30 muinutes and ended up with 25. So we just sped everything up and were watching each other for the queues.

[@Numlocq]

The guitarist completely effed the intro

[@EvilSean62]

I was in a similar situation playing mac the knife ( im bass ) but the faster playing ruined the feel so i took my metaphorical thinning shears to it ... it was the correct length but i was unhappy ... for the uninitiated ... mac the knife goes up a half tone each verse and the guitarist , piano and drummer have an easy time ... the bass... however has to walk properly ... not stumble ... we did a version with an extended ending which is another step up ... the piano player assured me its 8 changes over 6 normal verses which the drummer worked out is 48 key changes for the bass ..kinda but linked and not repeating the same riff and as mental as that sounds ... i gigged with that version for ages ... and i`d still rather do that than cope with what the guitar and vocals have to do in this instance ... thats crazy !!!

[@TomboyCEO]

This performance is riding right on the edge of chaos, it’s perfect! One of the greatest live performances ever caught on video.

[@petset77]

I played in chaos bands, and this one live version is certainly the best example caught on video.... and I'm 66 years old, so have seen/heard MANY great bands.

[@Slayer-o3g]

This is rock music....😅

[@RJ-wx3fh]

i raise you... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qonGe4Gin8-HfZI Sylvia's mother on Shel Silverstein's houseboat

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

Please be mindful that they're Dutch afterall

[@THECONTINENTALMAN]

haha!!​@@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe

[@BayerPowerslide]

Music in the 70's was on another level, man!

[@andivax]

At first I was thinking it is funny. Then I have realized how impossibly hard it is. Then I have checked all covers on this song. Then returned to the original and realized how fast and technically perfect it is. And it is live. OMG

[@hilliebruinsma8420]

Some of them went to the conservatory that is why they can play so good

[@KlausKokholmPetersen]

People wrote 'Clapton is God' on walls in the 70ies. They misspelled Jan Akkerman.

[@mleon1958]

I know, right?!!! They were basically a jazz band masquerading as a rock band!

[@jaredwirth3990]

@@hilliebruinsma8420 Scnhobbery! What about Lynrd Skynrd? Their conservatory was a tin sweat shed in the deep south.

[@hermansohier7643]

@@jaredwirth3990 Yeah,the hell house.I'm a big Skynyrd fan but Focus was a realy good band and there was no snobbery involved ,it was very common that people who went to consevatory turned to rock.Skynird was rehearsing like hell in that tin sweat shed and i have a great respect for them. Being a drummer in the 70ths and the 80ths i know what it takes to rehears after a hard days work .

[@lukeyj8331]

The lyrics really speak to me on a personal level

[@bonny5794]

Huehuehue

[@lewissmith5759]

+Forever Waiter bom bom ba

[@lewissmith6050]

If that's true then you need therapy

[@webgrunt]

To translate: "I have taken EXACTLY the right amount of LSD."

[@Juliet_Capulet]

LOL, yup.

[@od3910]

It's the flute. The flute gets me every single time

[@BetterOffRedThanDead]

for me it's the whistling through the crooked tooth

[@user-og1zw2cr9j]

its the yodling!

[@rootcause-i1v]

Still watching, still enjoying in 2024.

[@Neon9th]

Its like their instruments are rented for an hour and they have 5 minutes left.

[@repomansez]

the song is 7 minutes long, but for TV they were asked to bring it down to 4 minutes, they didn't want to cut the song so they just sped it up

[@GMan-hk7uu]

@@repomansez yeah it sounded off to me, if you put the speed down to x0.75 it sounds a little more normal

[@edwinso8173]

Dude! I love that comment.

[@TireFill]

@@repomansez brilliant

[@sebastiancalisaya9210]

hahaha

[@pch2230]

When a performance starts with a face solo you know it's going to be great.

[@garri5108]

LOL!!

[@annanakasumi2255]

😂

[@charlesphillips41]

Hahaha

[@lordsiomai]

lol imagine notating it on a music sheet

[@The_Eastbound_Hyena]

🤣

[@2660016A]

His manic facial expressions just kill me😂 Absolutely amazing performance.

[@brucesmith9144]

For a moment thought he looked like Jack Nicholson from “The Shining.”

[@mennobults6464]

It makes me laugh every time a hear/see it. But, Jan Akkerman, what a player. The best from Holland ever.👌👍😊😂🤣

[@gehtdichnixan3200]

never seen somebody as sober as him

[@gdawgs101]

Bro is tripping fucking balls and still crushing those vocals! 😂

[@michiellombaers3198]

@@gdawgs101 Nah, that's just how Tijs is, great guy though.

[@markkoetsier6475]

*Gladys:* "Oh, you guys have a 6:40 minute song. That's a problem, we can only give you 4:30." *Thijs:* "Nah, we'll make it work" *Gladys:* "So you'll cut it down?" *Thijs:* "Bert, get the cocaine!"

[@Deeplz]

They played this song like their tour bus was double-parked outside.

[@michelbrakenhoff9266]

ha ha yes!!!

[@DrDespicable]

With the motor running!

[@luciobartolomelimardo7095]

Jajajaja perhaps they have another apointment.... jajajja

[@narvul]

Their tourbus was stolen with all their gear.

[@urafaget5202]

The original song is considerably slower so they most likely told them to speed it up to get inside the schedule

[@icypeanutpolo]

Imagine going into a tv special, having no idea what would be coming, except for something described as new and exciting music. And then you’re faced with a man yodeling, then screaming at you, then yodeling some more, before he whips out his flute (the one you can show on television) and then finally whistling the same tune again. In between all of this is killer drums, excellent guitar, and a great vibe. Also, it’s the 70’s, and you can’t see it again. This is the only time you’ll ever see these guys play this song. I can only imagine what this would have been like to experience it live.

[@anthonybranch4712]

What would it have been like? FACE-MELTINGLY overwhelming, I would think...

[@elowishusmirkatroid4898]

Saw them live in Melbourne in early seventies. It was a wild and sensational concert. Bought the album, but was slightly disappointed. They were so much more exciting to see live, and built up a tremendous atmosphere.

[@oldschoolmasterxl]

I can say it was an unforgettable experience. Top musicians, and Jan Akkerman still is one of the best guitarists to walk this earth.

[@lisawetton5539]

They’re STILL playing it! I saw them a year ago, and they are beyond amazing!!

[@ivoshandor6278]

It was the 70's they would have been eating it up imo....today you'd have a bunch of slack jawed dickheads on their phones not understanding or realizing greatness and talent not hidden behind production synthesis

[@NoniAme]

4 Minutes and 37 Seconds of HISTORY still sending massive waves into 2024... Thank to the universe for THAT!!!

[@bowelrupture]

One of the high points in Dutch rock history. They blasted everyone over and received a standing ovation of the audience, which according to some was the only time it had happened in the 9 years running of the show.

[@SaltpeterTaffy]

Drummer's priorities: 1) Chew the shit out of that gum 2) Intense prog drumming

[@diddyhayes]

SaltpeterTaffy what gum? 😂

[@SaltpeterTaffy]

@@diddyhayes Pay attention at 0:57, drummer's chewing gum.

[@BonnieHalfElven]

@@SaltpeterTaffy could just be a thing he does when he plays. I played with a drummer who always ground his jaw when he played, like he was chewing on something. Drummers have a lot going on, and sometimes they make faces.

[@IceCreamMeatballs]

I think he is biting his tongue. Musicians often do that while playing.

[@SaltpeterTaffy]

@@BonnieHalfElven He could also be chewing gum.

[@steviesugarman7416]

Focus: "Our song is six minutes long." Midnight Special: "You've got four minutes." Focus: "Hold our beers."

[@filipmareczek]

*hold our LSD

[@tomvesely4008]

*mountain of cocaine

[@matiasdriussi9494]

*hold our cocaine

[@Zappafantrust]

But you can see that it's edited down (hard cut before the applause)

[@erikobj]

@@filipmareczek kek

[@donfraser8619]

I am 68. When as a very young man I first heard this I thought little of it given the now-recognised tsunami that engulfed those of us alive between 1965-1975. This was, is, and will remain sensational music - period.

[@djackman4229]

Im 66 - oh Yes..

[@assoztube]

Who cares period

[@pierremaury2758]

The Guitarist is a GENIUS!!!

[@hendrikdebruin4012]

Voted best guitarist by other guitarists. Jan Akkerman.

[@chrisangelis5609]

But the camera man only captures his genius left hand once

[@thomasmead4642]

He also played renaissance lute.

[@susannaviljanen1708]

Jan Akkerman IS a genius.

[@louisvanrijn3964]

Guitarist? Insanely talented magician! 2:49 and others...

[@7munkee]

Laugh all you want...that man had more control of his voice than any one alive.

[@actionsub]

His range is phenomenal too!

[@Pasunsoprano]

He is still alive

[@Kevin-nb5ii]

He and the drummer were on coke for sure. Never used it but I do wonder if it enhances your skill

[@Pasunsoprano]

@@Kevin-nb5ii you never used it but know for sure when someone else has? That sounds pretty stupid.

[@elburko9453]

Who is laughing? I'll tear them limb from limb! The only way to laugh is from sheer surprise and delight!

[@waltersobchak926]

greatest guitarist ever playing at 200mph, yodelling, a flute solo, a whistle solo and it all introduced by Gladys Knight. without actually seeing this genius, people would think you were taking the piss when describing it

[@Raysboss302]

Walter Sobchak the perfect storm.

[@gkkes]

Walter Sobchak Err, you mean Oprah I'm guessing?

[@EvilSean62]

only recorded yodelling ever to be a rock classic ? ... also the manic lunacy in the eyes ... i fell in love

[@aaronholmes8568]

Can we just take a minute to pay homage to the bassist and drummer who kept this insanity going

[@mrwilliecowie]

Jan going full throttle from 1.15 to 1.30 If you look at Pierre on drums he turns around and is thinking wtf .

[@DerHerrMitR]

This, to me, is one of the most therapeutic performances ever. Nevermind sappy ballads or overblown rock hymns, or 20 minute songs with 40 different sections (all of which I love). This is rock and roll. I will never watch this video and not get absolutely HYPED. It helped me to cope with breakups, deaths and other personal shit I was/am still going through. Thank you Thijs van Leer, thank you Jan Akkerman, thank you Bert Ruiter, thank you Pierre van der Linden, THANK YOU FOCUS! 🤘

[@lb2696]

When he does the whistle and reaches for that high note, it’s incredible.

[@DaKooter69]

Before you dislike, you try whistling that high of a note, legends forever

[@davidmansell5986]

I can't whistle at all! Agreed, true legends!

[@elburko9453]

I like! I like!

[@tose917]

And the way he goes up and down those full octaves is insane!!!!

[@d.n.3652]

I can see Mike Patton doing it

[@robertwest3093]

I agree. Mike Patton would be one who could do it.

[@toddpick8007]

This is one of the tightest live sets ive ever seen from any band ever they are so well put together its insane. The drummer is solid, the guitarist is utterly insane hes absolutely crushing it (to the point that the drummer keeps looking over laughing) the bong rattling bass is unreal the vocals are crazy when you realize how hard it is to yodel and the range the dude gets just mind blown.

[@brookey2825]

Pretty sure he was voted world's best guitarist around this time

[@toddpick8007]

@@brookey2825 would imagine the dude absolutely rips it.

[@briane173]

@@brookey2825 He wasn't but should have. He _did_ get a cache of awards in the Netherlands though -- not hard to imagine, though the Dutch put out a cadre of talented bands during that era.

[@paulvandinteren5415]

Watch Brainbox (down man)and the Hunters (russian Spy and I ) Jan Akkerman in his early years and later his album the noice of Art (so beautiful)

[@thingfish000]

They took the roof off the place!

[@davidtatum8682]

Many faces were melted that day.

[@tuomaskuusinen]

Vocalist is a beast. The whole band is on fire, literally, after almost douling the tempo to fit the song in the timeslot. Just amazing.

[@MrKennyWilliams]

"Musically, they're one of the most together and exciting groups going..." Gladys Knight tells no lies

[@andrewpappas9311]

That's who it was?

[@blown22]

She also said on another MS she hosted that Jobriath was "The act of the future." She was right, too bad he was ahead of his time.

[@tattoodfreeek]

Was wondering who she was

[@gastankand1match]

Havent seen her much but shes beautiful. And if those are her remarks on these bands it shows her musical... I dont have a term so I'll just say in touchness

[@forestdelawoestijne8645]

@@tattoodfreeek Just google

[@miggychan]

This man sweep picks at 2:53 , that's such a guitar technique flex in '73 this band is ridiculously good.

[@mcswordfish]

Whoah! So he does. That's incredible

[@johnhowlett9829]

Yes, spotted that, seriously ridiculous library of chops considering the year.

[@teleroel]

Jan Akkerman, legendary Dutch guitar player: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Akkerman

[@SlungStrat]

Seems more like fast legato notes and a pseudo sweep pick to me. Good eye tho bud

[@richardharrold9736]

@@johnhowlett9829 and really, all metal guitarists owe everything to Les Paul. He truly was the original shredder.

[@SanTM]

The entire band is insanely talented. Look at that drumming, bass, guitar and vocals, flute, whistling, yodelling and keyboards....

[@iggyfritz7150]

In 73 they showed us what is possible and 50yrs later only a couple guitarists I can think of that might be able to play this. No vocalist that could do all he did. In other words how far have we really progressed in 50yrs. They are way ahead of everyone. Epic Musicians.

[@tedcabana]

Jan Akkerman was the most underrated guitarist of all time. His skills back then rivaled almost every guitarist of today.

[@paulbuxton1326]

He blows the so called top ten away 🎶

[@lukagovorcin3610]

YES FOR SHURE JAN AKKERMAN IS FANTASTIC GUITAR PLAYER!!! FOR SHURE!!! GREAT ROCKER!!!

[@djargen]

@@lukagovorcin3610 *sure

[@narvul]

Sting tried to recruit him too but Akkerman is a stubborn son of a bitch.

[@paulbuxton1326]

He’s better than most today too’Awsome !

[@andrewzaharatos4044]

"Hey Focus, unfortunately you only have 4:30 minutes so you can't play hocus pocus, choose another song" Focus: We'll see about that

[@ZerglingOne1]

"Hold our cocaine."

[@Barbs1991]

@@ZerglingOne1 😂😂

[@RobBCactive]

Indeed it's suspiciously short!

[@nostalgiaof98]

You could possibly play the whole song in 10 seconds

[@mikegranger9538]

Hahahahhahaha

[@pieface6329]

Well deserved standing ovation, this is musicianship at its finest. Every single member of this band is a virtuoso, bass and drums are incredibly tight, just try and copy it if you disagree.

[@betaoooo]

I'm 59 years old and this was one of the first rock songs I heard back in the good 70's! I'm Brazilian from Florianópolis!

[@nonexistenceisbliss9528]

Jan Akkerman playing Speed Metal leads in 1973... The man was wayyy ahead of his time!! 😵

[@trashman138]

dude was sweep picking in '73. that's crazy

[@johnthooker]

Hey we should start a metal band. "what instrument do you play?" The flute and organ. I also yodel pretty good. "Awesome."

[@fkc.9933]

this is Progressive Rock.

[@yellfire]

Not metal, but progressive or symphonic rock as it was labeled then

[@MrPopoGod]

As Jethro Tull taught us, the flute is a metal instrument.

[@LEMMY1107]

this is in most parts what later will be called Metal! Iron Maiden will do things like in this song ten years later. Progressive rock is metal very often.

[@markbiedermann7467]

Yeah right?

[@englandforever861]

Went to see them live in '73 in Coventry. They were amazing and Hocus Pocus brought the house down. They were great days....

[@rodrigochileno]

Best era of the world❤ Outstanding I'm a truck driver, when I'm driving and start falling sleep a play this jewel on the radio and I get power enough to carry on

[@jamescrawford1534]

Try 'Dakota' by Stereophonics

[@Pigzit]

"How long is your song?" "About 7 minutes." "Shit we only have 4 available minutes. Guess we'll have to cut you out." "No no no, we can make this work." *And they did.*

[@KayoMichiels]

Just up the tempo...

[@agatasoda]

Gotta love cocaine.

[@billjenkins9492]

I'm not convinced they knew they were playing it faster! Much as I love the original version, this has quickly grown on me. It's very hard-driving.

[@jayzo0o]

Pigzit LOL🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@adriel3000]

They also cut some loops out.

[@misterdude6694]

Even death metal bands can't contain the amount of energy in this song. Godamn, this shit is brutal.

[@davidmansell5986]

Brutal is a good description!

[@pardolagames8994]

Not even Power Metal

[@miketubbs1198]

Imagine tooling down the freeway in an MG Midget, top down, with this on full blast, stoned...doesn't get any better!

[@clunt2548]

Whats wild is without songs like this out of the 70s, we wouldn’t have death metal, or any form of fast metal for that matter. This shits straight up proto speed metal. Jan’s solos alone have inspired countless players, whether they know it or not lol.

[@tomriggi9921]

Amazing what a little caffine can do for music!

[@frank-janvanaalst]

50 years later now. Wow still amazing.

[@TheGanjaTurtle]

This is by far the most superior version of this song. I always keep coming back to it, have been for over a decade now.

[@AlizeeDefan]

The whole act is incredible No one person stands out here. Its so off the wall, it can' be duplicated today Funny, each time they performed this song live they made it a little different. This was no exception A little faster beat,. improvised lead guitar... Just amazing! To be a fly on the wall that day back in '73 at the show must have been great!!

[@CrispinFreemont]

+Alizee Defan Than you for saying that. I just now wrote my brother to ask him if he thinks this is fast, then saw your remark.

[@kolosfarkasvolgyi8208]

+Alizee Defan Little fast? :D They played it in nearly double tempo...

[@manoftheroad55]

+Alizee Defan Yes young lady it was may I suggest Wishbone Ash "Vas Dis" 1971 BBC for a chronological history of instrumental music x.

[@dermeistefan]

Too drunk to read the comments but... Alizee... *drool * ,, this outfit in her "J'en Ai Marre" video... to die for

[@denniscoenen1975]

Oh yeah!! Haha! Can't get that video off my mind!

[@MrSmith223]

I’ve requested this to be played at my funeral. Should be a good time.

[@andymackie8283]

You'll have a good time, at least. No, wait a minute....

[@juddis956]

Everyone’s crying and there’s just yodeling in the background

[@DutchlanderChris]

Yeah at least you won't be hearing it 😂

[@MikeWright99]

Have it played from inside the casket.

[@andrewwilliams9599]

I want to go to there.

[@Neocaridina]

He has a flute too!! Damn! This is one of the greatest live performances I have ever seen! Holy! I want to cuss! Damn that was amazing!

[@cropdustin6867]

when he busted out the flute i almost shit myself! luckily it was just a Farts Alarm

[@JMVD48]

One word, INCREDIBLE. All four of them are top musicians, also playing the flute first, and then whistling high notes with his mouth is also a thing...😲

[@sbeast64]

"I hear you play in a band, what style of music do you play?" "Yes"

[@hernandogaribaldi8627]

This doesn't sound like Yes at all dude!

[@sbeast64]

@@hernandogaribaldi8627 Don't ruin my joke!

[@Georgeth-kb6rg]

@@sbeast64 lol

[@gmax2003]

This like tyler

[@ukkovuorela4196]

@@TheKarabanera its prog rock not classic

[@willemran]

Jan Akkerman still going strong in 2020. He was chosen as the worlds best guitar player that year by several music magazines.

[@martymca1]

Wow!

[@hermanstokbrood]

Don't forget the other members. All great musicians.

[@pietkeizer5279]

Last weekend , 4 feb 2023 I was at a Focus concert (my first concert was in 1973!!). It was great again. After 50 years still a yodeling Thijs van Leer. What a great musician and the other band members were also great (guitarist Menno Gootjes, drummer Pierre van der Linden and bassist Udo Pannekeet). Go on Focus…for many years

[@JannekeGoossens]

Gaaf!

[@aculinarianscuriosity152]

No drugs were harmed during the making of this video

[@olehwolansky1952]

This is the best comment

[@diegoismaelquiroga3235]

They were harmed just before

[@knoxjones3273]

LOL! 😂

[@hansschjlberg172]

I actually saw them live in 2013 or something... I spoke to the band backstage after the gig. The singer/whistler/yodler/organ player - Theijs van Leer - was as mad as back then but then his only "drug" was Red Bull. When I told him how this song actually got me into listening to punk rock he almost fainted, LOL

[@normanthomas9065]

More like flutes

[@Vorstelijk]

R.I.P. Bert Ruiter, extraordinari bassplayer. 1946-2022.

[@Georgeth-kb6rg]

thanks for the info !

[@jcmarinut]

Jon Ackerman may still be rippin' the lead guitar as we speak. Jazz extrordinaire .

[@goonaa6924]

@@jcmarinut "Jan"

[@adekjasinski6608]

There was no man on the Moon and no Hocus Pocus. Mankind could not have created such things.

[@cheku-ey2ml]

This is a great song forever, i am now 63 and hear it so long

[@bulletproofblouse]

Scrolling through the comments I notice to my surprise that I commented 8 years ago and 5 years ago, so here I am again, locked down in 2020 just for a top-up.

[@gailpink504]

Just gotta take the edge off

[@0patience4flz]

This ....was the first video i searched for on youtube...

[@BlindManifest]

Haha! Perfect - me too! :D

[@nathaliechollet8848]

Love this Hope you are doing well Sending love from here sunny coast Australia 😘

[@Leonards-leopard]

Here with you brother

[@Carlo8836]

That's gotta be one of the best live performances ever

[@jean-louischevalier5815]

YES That's gotta be one of the best live performances ever

[@amitraam1270]

Indeed, That's gotta be one of the best live performances ever

[@gajeelredfox2760]

Agreed, that's gotta be one of the best live performances ever

[@jacco958]

You are right, that's gotta be one of the best live performances ever

[@Wichert74]

To be honest, that`s gotta be one of the best live performances ever

[@anditutescu2408]

jesus fricking christ i'm only hearing this now for the first time in my life and WHERE HAVE I BEEN AND WHY WAS I UNDER A ROCK

[@n.tire-lee9193]

Jesus fucking Christ

[@Ducatirati]

andi , have you listened to the 6 and a bit minute original , They had to Doubletime this version , that's why it's so energetic , the original, light a Joint , don't Bogart it , haha , and chillax and have a listen , DON'T BOGART THAT JOINT MY FRIEND , PASS IT OVER TO MEE !!! CHEERS

[@andrewcarr5923]

When time is short you get Prog Thrash, Brilliant!

[@yaboi7253]

The yodeler looks like a combination of weird al yankovic, abraham Lincoln, and john lennon

[@eezyrider65]

and Joe Cocker

[@1lowlife2many]

And he is Gowron before he became a Klingon.

[@guidologo]

Amsterdam

[@uum6]

I think he's Jethro Tull's coked up evil twin.

[@kissarmy305]

Thijs van Leer he's one of the best Dutch progrock artists in the world^^.

[@sirriffsalot4158]

There is something just so outrageously good about this, especially considering it was aired on live television in 1973. Imagine all the grandmas at home seeing this for the first time, not knowing whether to admit it's cool as hell or to cling for dear life to their aristocratic pomp. Pure class!

[@drsloanski]

It was aired late at night, so mostly only the kids (like me) were up watching.

[@skydude426]

It is good. I loved watching it. My wife on the other hand said it made her skin crawl.

[@thedarksalmon9893]

@@skydude426 my grandma and grandpa saw it and said "even though they aren't a Christian band like we usually listen to it was quite impressive seeing it air."

[@seandendinger6771]

I love the hum of the tubes in the amps after they’re done!

[@NevoAlmighty]

I think I've seen this video like 5000 times now. It's so epic. Everyone's so freaking talented. Obviously I laughed at first, now I just laugh of joy from this piece. Both here and in the studio version (of course other songs)

[@odalismoretto8225]

"Soo what kind of music do you like?" "It's complicated..."

[@Subto-SammySPlays]

lol

[@AldoArbore_ombremosse]

A Leprechaun and a band of damned friends

[@juhman]

you could just say prog rock lol

[@matej2268]

@@juhman nyess frog 🐸 rock India eat frog 🐸🐸🐸🐸🐸

[@juhman]

@@matej2268 not funny

[@Rowsdow3r]

Jan's shredding in this is absolutely astonishing kind of playing for 73, It's almost like the dude predicted the future of guitar playing.

[@danielgersley8618]

agreed !

[@richardbailey1844]

The guitarist Jan Akkerman is the real star and he doesn't get enough screen time. Love the versatility of Thijs Van Leer - way cool. That song took over from Wipe Out as the premier rocker!

[@radisb]

I can't stop watching this please help

[@jeffreyisenberg830]

Did you check out the reactors on you tube reacting to this song. The expressions on some of their faces when he goes into the yodel are priceless.

[@Furrylittleproblem12]

The vocal range displayed in this song is out of this world. Tremendous instrumental as well!

[@MrOly0001]

no cowbells dammit

[@mikehart9226]

True. The vocal range was outstanding… just not musical … or aesthetically pleasing…. AT ALL

[@TDCflyer]

Unbelievable. In todays production environment a band like this wouldn't be permitted within a mile of the tv-studio. This was absolute madness of the most brilliant kind!

[@d0minat0rl94]

king gizzard

[@onnileinonen4744]

Though not similar to Focus, Slayer was on The Tonight Show

[@salmaankamaloodien1983]

hello, listen to King gizzard and the lizard wizards

[@alakovideo]

Yeah, King Gizzard on Conan was pretty cool

[@apancher]

"Absolute madness of the most brilliant kind" is a great way to describe it

[@KeremcanBuyuktaskin]

There's more talent here than all of the today's pop music combined. And there are no crap like auto-tune, pure natural talent.

[@xtc1957]

Insanely GREAT musical performance, with an extraordinary and very funny vocal and instrumental standout by Thijs van Leer.... and a remarkable display of guitar playing by Jan Akkerman. All in all, one of the greatest rock songs to come out of Europe. Right up there with "Sausalito Summer Night" by Diesel.

[@heftyalan1152]

Pierre van der Linden is an absolutely fantastic drummer

[@MrSmith223]

I could be wrong, but all these dudes were insanely good

[@magnusdunning6113]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/poilZn2Qh6yfZrc

[@sandmandanieL]

@@magnusdunning6113 Motorhead?

[@malorix1164]

Deep purple's drummer, studied Pierre's drumming style in the 70s

[@maximilianschmitt3798]

It's Hans Cleuver

[@CrisVazquezCreations]

Boy, Dan never dissapoints when he directs me to vide- HOLY SHIT DUDE JUST PULLED OUT A FLUTE AS i WAS TYPING

[@REALwoombath]

+PressOptionsGaming great?

[@CrisVazquezCreations]

you're damn right it's great.

[@pokemad1998]

How would you see him if you were typing the comment...?

[@CrisVazquezCreations]

Funny thing about music is, you can HEAR it xD

[@bakiikab4687]

I read your comment just as he pulled out the flute

[@josephchristenson9794]

I actually enjoy this version more than the original, as I find it more energetic

[@Maxwell-ty3bf]

The faster tempo really showcases how talented they are

[@FryingTiger]

He looks so proud of himself when he nails that flute solo.

[@SuperMoodyyy]

proud to say this is the best performance my country has ever put forward

[@drsloanski]

If I can find a video of Kayak playing “Royal Bed Bouncer” in 1975 I’d call it a tie.

[@SuperMoodyyy]

@@drsloanski make sure to post it here! I’d love to see ir

[@drsloanski]

@@SuperMoodyyy slightly different energy but this song is great. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHS0qHWOitxqgNk

[@drsloanski]

@@SuperMoodyyy And on the studio version, the piano part is insane! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ-ZhHZtatmiaqc

[@SuperMoodyyy]

@@drsloanski i had no idea of this band. Great tune, bedankt voor het delen!

[@TillyP]

This was in 73? Damn, dude. The world wasn't ready

[@retohofmann5878]

Pellegrini Post Europe was...

[@esc0barrr]

"I guess you guys are not ready for that... But your kids are gonna love it."

[@teizzz]

Look at the standing ovation they got though.

[@jjdecani]

I was 14. Believe me, we were ready. Focus did very well in Europe.

[@nomedunome]

much more than is now...

[@oldadajbych8123]

The amount of musicianship in this song is unbelievable. The guitarist makes the runs long before all those other guys started to do around 1980. No recent guys such as Iommi, Page and others cited in that period are near that level this guy was at that time. Not talking about the other band members.

[@HDSPKSRecords-gi1ob]

This is the single greatest musical performance of all time.

[@jesuzombieapocalypse]

I couldn’t listen to the studio version of this song for ages because this is how I was I troduced to it, I was just like “ugh, why are they playing it so slow?”

[@lauraschubert8619]

YES SAME

[@briane173]

Play this on double-speed THEN try to listen to the studio version. You'd swear it was a Russian dirge.

[@redskin4040]

Just found this. And it's the greatest thing I've ever seen or heard. I don't think there's a band alive that could even touch this. Holy crap.

[@claytongillaspy8847]

Possibly Alvin lee from tya he was very fast also but I don’t think even Alvin could match this as good as he is!

[@NoName-op3wq]

I know a song just as good as this it's called Surfin Bird

[@davidwaitley1960]

Me too. The guitar and drums are absolutely stellar!! The singer, something’s definitely wrong w him, but the energy is tremendous. Knowing the studio version, it seems he’s quite drug addled; but it’s still very enjoyable!

[@hermanstokbrood]

@@davidwaitley1960 No no, this guy is a great musician but also a nice and funny human being. His name is Thijs van Leer. see him 45 years later with Mike Portnoy on drums. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZeuipKrZ5mcgbM

[@Filigraana]

I wish I could hear this for the first time again too!

[@stevenmoore6426]

Say what you want but the talent of these guys are unrivaled

[@UglyTheDuckling]

His guitar playing was light years ahead of its time. He’s doing stuff here that wouldn’t become mainstream for another 10 years at least.

[@shrimpbisque]

If I had a nickel for every band I had heard do an aggressively 70s coked-out prog-rock song with a flute solo, I'd have ten cents. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.

[@shaheenbekk]

ah a phineas and ferb to the second dimension joke a surprise but a welcome one at that

[@maxengelberts7781]

Jethro tull

[@alexmckoy8221]

What’s the second song homie?

[@shrimpbisque]

@@alexmckoy8221 Basically any live performance by Jethro Tull.

[@DrFuttbucker69]

There's King Crimson, too

[@originalmroldschool]

I just love how this is their own creation and the look on his face is like he is being unwilling controlled by somebody else to make these sounds that he doesn't quite understand, and as fast as he possibly can! I loved the song already from listening to it on the album, but the concert videos are just that much more fun!

[@CEustance]

Yes. The music was full of humour! Not just technically brilliant. Quite unique!

[@tjenadonn6158]

TFW you start channeling the priest of a long dead god right before your band goes live on air and have no option but to roll with it.

[@donakin8562]

Lol

[@jezusmylord]

Drugs are heluva drug

[@timothymiller1783]

Jan Akkerman is a HIGHLY underrated guitarist!

[@stereodelay6601]

You can even see him sweep picking at 2:54 … in 1973!

[@hendrikdebruin4012]

@@stereodelay6601 Not by his peers - was voted best guitarist by other guitarists.

[@DSRQ1]

This was a huge hit when I was a high school junior. Edgar Winter's "Frankenstein" was another, ahem, monster instrumental hit around the same time. It was a great era for rock, pop, and soul.

[@user-vs1xw6fh4w]

I love Frankenstein as well as the sheer number of bands that have covered it transformatively, knowing that they could never capture the same feeling as the original. Overkill comes to mind, it's sure not Edgar Winter, but god damn does it kick ass.

[@sevkassabian]

There was a top-rated comment some time ago saying how they're playing as if their tour bus was illegally double-parked outside hahaha

[@nallekalle1]

The mental image I got from your comment made my evening, cheers mate :)

[@idaboi8378]

It's the top comment of a different video of live hocus pocus with about 5 mil views

[@markbiedermann7467]

They were in a hurry to get out of there before the Pips showed up!

[@secondchance6603]

@@markbiedermann7467 Gladys remembers that Night.

[@slaterbitch3d]

Iirc, they wanted to play their full 8 minute tune but the show told them to just end it early because they only had 5 minutes. Instead of ending the song early they just cramped the 8 minute tune into 5 minutes

[@jayjanyh2932]

Less than a handful of acts, on the Midnight Special, received a standing ovation. This act was one of the few. Stunning!

[@cesarbernardoretamoso7983]

No hay nadie que sean parecido a este grupo ..los escuche en 1973 ..a mis 20 años hoy los escucho .a mis 71 años y no hay grupo que se les parezca " excepcionales unicos " 👍😊👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Radiodaze]

In one hundred years or more, people will view this display of incredible talent and be awestruck. Watching Thijs van Leer getting in the zone blows me away. I literally weep every time I see this clip. Magnificent.

[@TerminalPassage]

Thijs's face while he whistles is amazing! Such stellar musicians!

[@GRILLBUOY101]

amazing talent! things u hardly ever see anymore in music!!! these guys and edgar winter band are the bees knees

[@fjohnson9463]

Trippin balls big time- hahaha!

[@BiffChunksteak]

I find whistling irrationally infuriating. Hearing someone whistle fills me with the urge to pull their teeth and make a lampshade string out of their lips before ripping out their tongue and breaking their jaw. But this is actually pretty good.

[@ryhanzfx1641]

@@BiffChunksteak Ok, weirdo

[@exoticcar5482]

@@BiffChunksteak Whistling tends to either make or break a song/performance but not always

[@CrazyMetalZombie]

That was probably one of the best things I've ever seen

[@atombomb31458]

the drummer is still kicking ass on drums..saw him in 2020 concert.hasnt lost a thing incl power

[@michaelerichriemer]

Diese Band habe ich live, ich glaube auch 1972, auf der Insel Texel in einer Scheune erlebt. Wir sind damals mit unseren Kleinkraft Motorräder zum Kämpen nach Denhelder gefahren. Das war noch so eine entspannte Zeit mit 17 Jahren.

[@gwendo1]

Fantastic musicians. You don't get stuff like this in the charts anymore.

[@michaelistoma8356]

And It's ok

[@AquaticFish420]

@@michaelistoma8356 nah

[@michaelistoma8356]

@@AquaticFish420 yap

[@SpadgerMcTeagle1]

@@michaelistoma8356 nah

[@michaelistoma8356]

@@SpadgerMcTeagle1 yappp

[@MrKennyWilliams]

To kill a few repeating comments No, they weren't high. (Surprisingly.) Yes, they were forced to cut their 6 minute song to 4 minutes Yes, that IS Gladys Knight at the beginning And yes, this Performance is kick-ass.

[@kendarr]

Shit i really trought it was Oprah

[@apancher]

Honestly, I prefer this version. In an odd way, it's the genesis of speed metal

[@johnkaplan3810]

Dude, no fucking way that is gladys knight. like THE gladys knight, license to kill??

[@robertwilloughby8050]

Yes, it is Gladys Knight - and she's STILL a fan of theirs!

[@MonkPetite]

Thanks for defending Thijs van Leer and his band . They where from the dutch conservatorium and classic music graduates.

[@teelafajita]

First time seeing this and I absolutely lost it when he pulled out the flute. This performance is pure perfection and genius.

[@woobi4739]

Never gets old.

[@joaquinanimations8786]

I like the part when he goes AHHHHHHHH AHHHHHH AHHHH AHHH AHHHH AH AH AHHAHAHWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOOWOWOWOWOWOOWOWAHAHAHWOWOWOAH

[@huflungpu1051]

I felt that

[@FRN2013]

the lyrics always bring a tear to my eyes

[@ripperplaysclon152]

Joladadijoladadijoladadijoladadi Joladadijoladadi-jo-o-ooh! Joladadijoladadijoladadijoladadi Joladadijoladadi-jo-o-ooh! Oooooh-oooooh-oooooh-oooooh...

[@drsloanski]

It thrills me to this day!

[@TimBouman]

Whaaaaaaaa haha, just imagine being able to do this in front of people tripping your balls of and being nominated for one of the best, fucking legends!