Focus Hocus Pocus | Opera Singer reacts LIVE

[@maggiereneemusic]

Who should I react to next: www.maggierenee.com/book-me/sponsor-a-reaction-live What should I sing next: www.maggierenee.com/book-me/sponsor-a-song-liveAnd just for you: ‘Sing Better Instantly" my FREE Singing Course: skl.sh/3aHdSuy and for EXCLUSIVE VIDEOS AND PERKS: www.patreon.com/MaggieRenee

[@MusicLover-dt7ic]

yeahhhh...you listened to us...ENJOY. Thanks. Made my morning.

[@buzzbomb67]

Metal Church by Metal Church

[@StillmanVonStillman]

For incredible rock vocals it's Justin Hawkins of The Darkness, and Geoff Tate from Queensryche. So much power and control. Listen to "Open Fire" by The Darkness and Scarborough Fair by Queensryche

[@strydershadow391]

My new favorite music reaction artist has been found. You'd have been one hot date to take to these concerts back in the day. Great video Maggie.

[@Eric_W]

*Robert John!* Sad Eyes, he shows off his range...

[@markk.4941]

The only band to ever get a standing ovation on the Midnight Special!

[@annebokma4637]

Beat me to it 😂

[@horaceball5418]

Focus was definitely a Dutch treat!

[@annebokma4637]

@@horaceball5418 we have a few of those, songs people know but never tember the band 😁 radar love, little green bag, Venus... 😁

[@horaceball5418]

@@annebokma4637 Did Focus have other great songs?

[@annebokma4637]

@@horaceball5418 yes, but only one other "hit" Sylvia

[@kens32052]

The song was longer than their allotted time and they were asked to shorten the song but instead they decided to just play it faster lol.

[@marknieuweboer8099]

That's a myth. A few months before atcThe Rainbow Theatre they played a longer version that was just as fast. Comparing is also interesting, because at The Midlight Special Akkerman played more aggressively.

[@kens32052]

@@marknieuweboer8099 It must be a good myth. Every reaction I've watched of this song someone always mentions they had to speed up the song. I've also seen another live version that was slower.

[@marknieuweboer8099]

It's a persistent myth. People like it so much that they don't check it. It's easy to see where it comes from. They wére pissed off, especially Jan Akkerman - hence all the dissonants he threw in. And this version dóes kick more ass than any other. And it ís way faster than the studio version. @ Guido: make sure not to compare with the Rainbow Theatre version. That would show you that this version is cut and not sped up.

[@timhiker5512]

It’s a great myth.

[@MaartenVet-ce9px]

@@guidolitjens5796 Incorrect. van Leer wanted to cram 4 songs in to take advantage of the TV exposure, so they played fast. Not unusual, they often sped up all their songs randomly during performances, or slowed them down, just whatever they felt like doing. And van der Linden also did not leave the band because of this show - that's ANOTHER myth that keeps coming up a lot.

[@juanaboynkin1196]

This is a 7 minute song played in 4 minutes. Perfectly. I am so glad that the younger generations are learning what some of us grew up listening to.

[@ChristopherStendeck]

Thijs Van Leer is a prog legend. Sometimes he watches these reactions you know, and occasionally his daughter will leave a comment. 😊

[@danalawrence4473]

This is true! I've seen her do that!

[@MaxEngelberts-sr4lr]

Jan Akkerman aswel, one of the greatest technical guitarists of his generation.

[@rparret]

Yay! The live version! Amazing vocal and guitar performances. Love your reaction, Maggie.

[@annebokma4637]

Even better the uncut live version 👍😎

[@diedzjeeoudshoorn7726]

This continues to blow peoples mind even after 50 years!!! That fact alone proves that this is epic art!!!! Focus was, and is, even today....fantastic!!!

[@PhilippensTube]

The singer Thijs van Leer learned to play the piano when he was 3. His aunt was a soprano, so he's educated at a young age. He's one of the best composers/arrangers The Netherlands has to offer. Also Jan Akkerman, the guitarist, is a legend.

[@wolfertvanborselen6016]

Pierre van der Linden the drummer was aslo a legende as the bass Bert de Ruiter

[@PatR2243]

NOW I remember why I loved this song and Focus. Maggie your reactions are so great. Between his vocalizing and your reactions I can't stop laughing. Thank You sweet lady. And I never learned to whistle. His facial expressions when he's doing those insane things is over the top awesome.

[@icemancometh74]

The most impressive thing on this video is Akkerman's guitar playing. Absolutely freaking insane. There were not many guys playing at this level back then. But the whole band is insanely talented.

[@yampymusic]

At 6m10s he sweep picks, an early example ahead of its time as a shredding tool.

[@tomroome4118]

Maggie, out of all the reactors I have seen do this tune, you had the most fun!!!

[@repluggedx3265]

The legend Jan Akkerman on guitar!

[@sepuste]

Ten years ahead of his time, one of the most underrated guitarists ever.

[@alexharbison4411]

Nice reaction, You understand the flute enough to know how hard it is to vocalize while playing. Listen to it again his breath is not silent.

[@mitchblackmore5230]

You saying 'Holy Cheese Muffins!' is one of my favorite things. 😂😂😂😂

[@josevillescazjr.493]

About 5:35 into the video Maggie had said that she thought that the singer had hit a Hi-C. But she said it so many times that it's now made me thirsty for Hi-C lol😁 Maggie you rock!🤘

[@pietkeizer5279]

One year ago I visit concert of Focus (more than 50 years a top band). Singer and organplayer Thijs van Leer and drummer Pierre van der Linden were still in the band. Bassplayer Bert Ruiter died two years ago. Guitarist Jan Akkerman is still playing solo (not in Focus). First time I saw Focus was in 1974, next year in 2024? I hope so. Greetings from The Netherlands

[@srudine]

Loved this song since it first hit the airwaves decades ago. Still amazing.

[@janlouwes1264]

The singer, Thijs van Leer, also played as a guest years later on some Ayreon tracks using the flute.

[@hmichaelr1]

I think he just sang in all the human languages simultaneously, and maybe a few others. Amazing!

[@AlBarzUK]

Brilliant reaction. I caught a performance of Focus just a couple of years ago in Nederland. Yes he was still going, in fact two of the original band. Extraordinary.

[@keithsmith6553]

Once seen, never forgotten. Such talent.

[@pancentricism]

He is actually a classically trained flautist. You'd love his solo album "Introspections"

[@aircap]

I have the record, it’s great

[@lesblatnyak5947]

Professor of music and player of many instruments

[@russward2612]

Decades ago, I was at a club and the house band was playing a game with the crowd they called "Stump the band". The audience calls out a song title and if the band can't play it, the next round is on the house. The band does a very punk "Gilligan's Island" theme and then my buddy calls for this. The lead singer just shook his head and nodded to the server. A new pitcher of beer appears magically. We tipped our server well that night.

[@Scottie_S]

We used to play this over here in Oz back in the 80's! We had a hat that our audience would throw coasters into with their requests. There weren't many that slipped by us. Fortunately, we had our own version of 'Hocus Pocus' so we were good on that. However, when we dipped into the hat and pulled out 'Tom Sawyer' by Rush....we were screwed. Any YES stuff was also 'off the cards' until 'Owner of a Lonely Heart' when the progressive side of YES took a holiday. The audience would boo us over the stuff we couldn't come to grips with, but it was all light-hearted and our nights always ended with a bunch of happy drunks!

[@billholt2198]

I love your reaction to them as a vocal professional. Describing the notes he hits and his breath control. There never has been nor will there ever be a group like Focus again. And to think Theiis still performs this in his 70's!

[@embran8486]

Hah! I KNEW Maggie could give more imput of her expertise in this one. And be even more impressed! ^^

[@mooneyes2k478]

You may not know this, but what he does on the flute is as nuts as what he does by voice. That takes MASSIVE breath control to push those notes, because he's more or less singing into the flute, while producing notes.

[@DaveKing-f2r]

I am so happy to see you review the whole song! Most reviewers only do the hacked up shorter version

[@rickb3645]

Every time i see the lead singer Thijs van Leer... He reminds me of the Klingon Gowron from Star Trek The Next Generation. 😂👍

[@daz_n]

I saw them play it live on Saturday at a festival. Thijs van Leer still yodelling at 76 and an insane 4 minute drum solo by Pierre van der Linden at 78.... Bucket list ticked.

[@kdevinturner8778]

Love this song. Thanks for reminding me of it again.

[@mauriceogrady4447]

Seen Focus in concert May 1973 in Dublin.Will never forget that night. Akkerman was wearing that same yellow leather suit and I clearly remember a string broke on his guitar that night.

[@sharonelliott2366]

This is actually their warm-up song, which they usually did at half this speed, but the Midnight Special only gave them a certain amount of time.

[@markl3028]

Imaging cruising down the road back in the 70's and Hocus Pocus or Edgar Winter Group - Frankenstein came over the air - great stuff and grateful to have grown up in that era...😏

[@harryschonfeld8175]

Just as everybody thought he had played all his cards he pulls another one from his sleeve .... and starts whistling. 🤣 Love your reaction. I just wish I could have caught my own reaction "on tape" when I saw this the first time...

[@yambo59]

Pretty sure this is the one and only time they ever played it that way - the show was short on time and asked them to fit it in so they played it FAST.

[@plantlord3266]

love your reactions-his voice and the band are just impossible to describe and must be heard to believe! the guitar and drums are fantastic combined with his voice...wow is word!

[@rev7verse14]

Maggie, Focus were the best Dutch band ever....... 70's were the best time ever..... THANK YOU girl

[@TeresaMosby-sm4js]

The song is Hocus Pocus, the band is called Focus. Great reaction. Glad you appreciated this awesome performance. Triumph is a Canadian band and my favorite song of theirs is Fight the Good Fight, written for his aunt who had cancer. Great rock song with top notch vocals. There's a live video from 1985 that is ridiculous!

[@catfishcave379]

I love the olden days of my youth when musicians knew how to play their instruments and singers could sing. Those were the days my friends…

[@alanbeaumont4848]

I thought they'd never end...

[@RastaSaiyaman]

As I pointed out in your reaction to the studio version, Thijs Van Leer is on one par with the best prog rock frontmen, such as Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson and Genesis' Peter Gabriel. But I also need to break a lance for drummer Pierre Van Der Linden, who is on one par with legends such as John Bonham of Led Zeppelin and Mitch Mitchel of the Jimi Hendrix experience. A Very underrated drummer, but very much a genius.

[@j-mo3129]

I remember watching this on late night tv after a night at the bar. They had some great talent on these shows

[@jonno55]

The band were ig in the 70s and I've seen them very often. All of them top class musicians and for sure the singer, originally flutist (plays with Ayreon some times) and the guitar player. Really amazing song, even in the 40% speed up.

[@engelschmidl2907]

I've watched this Focus clip hundreds of times. Still makes me giddy with joy. They are monsters!

[@Suldog29]

An absolutely mega-talented band. There is little better than seeing the face of someone watching this for the first time, especially when Thijs Van Leer sings. They were great at every style they tackled. This is manic awesomeness, but they were equally adept at classical, jazz, etc.

[@JeffFigueroaJr]

HELLO MAGGIE RENEE' ❤YOU ROCK THANKS FOR PLAYING FOCUS THE LONGER VERSIÓN IT SHOWS HIS TALENT YODERLIN,FLUTE PLAYING AND WHISTLING AWESOME TAKE CARE BEAUTIFUL MAGGIE ❤💯🎶🎶🎶🎶🙏🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟♥️

[@rghilino6734]

Never forget Jan Akkerman is one of the finest guitar players in the world.

[@chitlika]

Without a doubt he and Gary Moore are the only players I know of who are fantastic in every genre

[@briancleveland6115]

I've heard a whole lot of reactions to this song and yours is by far the very Best, and I remember when it was being played on the radio 👍

[@jfw413]

As a musical ignoramus I love to see you being impressed and then you also explaining why you are impressed. On whistling, I was also late in learning; the first successful attempt, going by sound, apparently was an inhale whistle. By now I can also do the /normal/ exhale whistling but can continue when I'm at the end of my breath, which is a nice trick apparently.

[@terryprater8115]

Wonderful reaction to a very underrated band. I have to admit that I never really paid much attention to this group in the early 70's. I was more into country/folk rock at that time. The Eagles, CSNY, etc. were my bands at that time. However, I did have some Jethro Tull and ELP in my collection. And I would say that if you could combine Tull & ELP, you would come up with Hocus Pocus. They guys were/are great! I loved your reaction, Maggie.

[@RJsCave]

And right before the performance the band was told they had less time than they needed for the song so they played it faster to fit it all in.

[@davidgregoroff2168]

I've still got the vinyl, somewhere. The name of the band is Focus. So, it's Hocus Pocus by Focus. I love reactions to this old stuff. It makes me feel like I'm not listening to it alone.

[@howardyoung9987]

Greetings from Scotland. So brilliant you reacted to this. Thank you.

[@bobbyc3895]

This was a song that was popular when I was kid - and until a few years ago, I never realized that there was a live version. I figured they had to do a lot of tricks in the studio to make those sounds - and was shOOked when I saw this live performance.

[@VIDSTORAGE]

The Bizarre Animated Dutchman and wildly talented ..They were a great group with a good line up of quality albums .. Mother Focus is a good one to chek out..

[@paulhayward8459]

I still have my original vinyl copy of Mother Focus from around 1975 !!

[@VIDSTORAGE]

That is cool and hope it is still jn great shape ..I like it a lot but to the purist Focus fans it seems to not get the love like the early ones do .,,but still that does not make me frown on it at all ..I really like the laid back chill style of it ..

[@billsanderson1442]

This was a 7 minute song on the studio album, but Midnight Special only gave them 4 minutes, so they just sped it up. The guitarist, Jan Akerman, is probably the best jazz guitarist you've never heard of.

[@TheFireMonkey]

Sorry, but I have to disagree. Before posting I checked multiple sources and they all agreed that Focus performed "Hocus Pocus" on The Midnight Special at a faster tempo than usual. The reason for this was to fit the song into the time constraints of the show. The original studio version of "Hocus Pocus" is around 6 and a half minutes long, but they sped it up during the Midnight Special performance to fit within a shorter time slot, resulting in a high-energy and intense rendition that became quite memorable. This isn't just a myth - it's an interesting piece of rock history that adds to the legend of the song and the band. I didn't look at posts from people like me and you, I looked at official pages, wikis and that sort of thing, they all agreed it happened and that was the reason. Now, after that they may have decided to do it faster in the future because fans liked it, that I would not know, but on this occasion, they played it faster than they had before.

[@rodjohnson2632]

@@TheFireMonkey Yes, and if you time the full song length on this live performance, it was 5:33 minutes. They also played more songs in this episode of The Midnight Special, so there's no evidence of the so-called 4 minute time constraint.

[@TheFireMonkey]

@@rodjohnson2632 I didn't say anything about 4:00, I said they played it at a faster tempo. It was a 6:44 song, so if they played it in 5:33, that means they used a tempo that was 121% faster than normal: so instead for a tempo of 184, which was used for the studio album, they played it here at 223, and they did that to fit into the short slot that they were allowed for it rather than cutting any of the piece.

[@rodjohnson2632]

@@TheFireMonkey Yes, I understand your point. I was referring to the original comment that said they were given a 4 minute slot to play the song, I know you didn't say that. Always fun to listen to the song at any speed! I've heard from people who saw Focus live several times that they liked to mix it up, rather than play it the same all the time. It's definitely a song that lends itself nicely to improvisation!

[@TheFireMonkey]

@@rodjohnson2632 Yes, I've heard several versions from live performances [that is, recordings of live performances, I've never personally seen them live] Sometimes they drop out one bit or another, play it faster or not - I've never heard them play it slower, but I think that might be interesting to hear if they did. It's an odd song, but I like that.

[@wallnut6666]

The musicianship of these guys is insane. That guitar player is incredible. So clean and fast. On a technical level, he without a doubt rivals the best of guitar players.

[@richardfurness7556]

He's also something of a virtuoso when it comes to classical guitar. If you haven't heard Le Clochard (from Moving Waves) which is a short Jan Akkerman piece with Thijs van Leer providing an understated yet hauntingly beautiful accompaniment on mellotron you're in for a treat.

[@minimutt1408]

Totally forgot about this song. It's interesting and cool to hear it again through your ears.

[@roadwary]

I've watched this Saturday Night Special performance at least 15 times from several reactors and this time is the first and only time I've ever seen the 18 second yodel part. They must have edited that part out or something because it just isn't there. That part really adds to the incredible talent. I don't know how you were able to stumble on that but that's incredible. Very nice reaction too

[@stevenhernandez8966]

My parents weren't "rockers" back in the day, but they had this one 8 track with several top-notch "hippie rock" type music, and this was my favorite song on that 8 track! There is nothing else like it.

[@flowersnyams]

If you're really interested in this wonderful band set aside 20 minutes and watch this - Hamburger Concerto / La Cathedrale de Strasbourg - Live BBC TV 1975. Incidentally, the band are still playing live, saw them a few weeks back and hoping to again later this month

[@mojobag01]

Had to dive over here. Maggie's face!

[@JohnFender]

I met Thijs this week at the shopping centre. He’s 76 and still performes live. Told me he just got back from a US tour. Next month a UK tour. Amazing energy on stage…

[@roxammon5858]

Long live prog rock !

[@ThursdayNext67]

Been waiting for this reaction for so long.

[@matthewnorris4402]

Its is always good to see the reaction and the jaw drop when they realise just how much talent they are watching.

[@christosdeschaine9444]

The duet people wanted and never got... Thijs van Leer and Ian Anderson.

[@justsad-1392]

I came here to say this! A sort of duelling banjos for flute!

[@Roy_Gaber]

I was blown away the first time I saw the when it was release, yes I am that old, and have enjoyed it my whole life. Thanks for covering this Maggie.

[@GreggoMusicChannel]

This is a timeless song and timeless performance. It's not one of the best songs ever, but it sure is memorable! And they are really talented. This version is played even faster than the studio version!

[@Techmagus76]

It is so stunning when extremely talented people go into it's showtime i am all in mode.

[@JeffreyTheTaylor]

Jan Akerman with the proto sweep picking.

[@mikepetrucha2774]

I've seen this video many times and I thoroughly enjoyed watching you react to it.

[@purplespudz4023]

i played this on repeat when i was 7 years old but I grew up with black Sabath. van leer was a beast.

[@garywalker9753]

Been hoping you would get to this. Loving your reaction! My dogs went nuts with the whistling! LOL Too funny.

[@laszlovszky1234]

Luckily the full version was found. Above is also what was broadcast it was shortened by two verses.

[@peterdoe2617]

I think it's a one perfect example of how much fun music can be! While playing with incredible skills. First next think on my mind would be Senbonzakura from Wagakki Band. You should also take a look at the music from Michel Mills: Toehider. Multi-instrumentalist from Melbourne. I lately got the chance to see him live. Incredible talent! And always with a twinkle in his eye. Try look for his covers of Wuthering heights by Kate Bush or The fairy feller's masterstroke by Queen (Brian May congratulated him on that one.). Or his own songs like: How much for that dragon's tooth! On top of that he's a truly nice guy to meet!

[@stellarch4986]

Back in the late 60s, when I was a kid and into the early 70s as I was growing up, I listened to this Dutch band all the time and you could hear them on tons of radio stations and quite a few televisions as well... They were extremely famous and their band "Focus" was also called the meteoritic band because nobody or almost nobody knew about them before they became famous, and a few years later, most sadly, a lot of people had forgotten about them but they're all alive as of today ( 2024 ) , that's 50 years later and still going quite strong.. although they have more or less split.

[@busher69]

Nobody could believe this when it came out. It just flat ROCKED. 70s was about the music and little else. There were so many masters of their instruments it was impossible to count them. Every band had kick ass musicians.

[@markparenteau2395]

Heck of a time for music.

[@MycontentisgoldJerryGold]

I can just imagine how many times fellow Dutchie Floor Jansen watched this performance growing up. 🥰

[@capudiovu2a665]

These guys are as crazy and excellent as Zappa at the same time.

[@geoffreyhughes1]

I'm obsessed with analysis of this particular performance.

[@conceptSde]

There was a special way to play Rock‘n‘Roll in the Netherlands in the seventies and eighties. Very fast, skilled and highly energetic. Not only Focus, but also bands like Vitesse or Herman Brood and the Wild Romance. I grew up close to the German Netherlands border and went there to see them over there any time I could.

[@GN-jn1ty]

I don't think I've seen you have more fun reacting to a video

[@freeaccess12345]

Hi Maggie, I've seen several of your reaction videos and have seen your "Shooketh" face before, but at time index 3:06 was the first time I ever saw "Shooketh² (Squared)". Admittedly I was too! Lol! Comical song but still very talented!

[@araaaraa9765]

I am literally going to see Focus in two days time at the Boiler Room in Guildford England. They are a great band, but most of their music is subtle prog. This song does still get a big cheer

[@robmontier3770]

New Day festival the day after!

[@johnsrensen3366]

Magical ❤

[@greylocke100]

I remember watching this with my mother as a kid. I was 5 I think. It blew my mind when I saw it way back then.

[@joehartmann9353]

I was in high school then!

[@jeffreylockhart8292]

I don't know about music remember this song and saw them play it on TV . Consistently watching Midnight Special after working until late in restaurant cooking blue crab but thanks for breaking it down musically, I love that. Thanks so much entertaining.

[@2er5]

Apparently the live show or television crew told them they only had about 5 or 6 min to play the song were on the album it's around 8 min I think. That's why it's so fast haha they had to play it as fast as they could. That's the story I heard.

[@SnuSlavin]

Very glad you did live version.....

[@henryevenson8152]

Awesome!🎉

[@vonbass1300]

Its like he is screaming with you right lol

[@benmcintosh2218]

I missed you so much loves glad to see you back ❤️❤️😘

[@wardka]

The weird thing is, most of their music is far more introspective and beautiful.

[@JusBidniss]

Thijs Van Leer is the bomb!

[@micheallandry]

Maggie- You are doing a terrific job with your song reactions. I would love for you to react to the song “Pieces of Dreams” by Johnny Mathis.The Live version from the Tonight show. He was Barbra Streisand ‘s favorite singer when she was younger.She has said of him:”There are good singer;there are a small handful of truly great singers;and then there is Johnny Mathis”.Hd is the third best -selling recording artist of the past century behind Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. This is a phenomenal performance by Johnny.A Must See !!I am sure you will enjoy it.He received two standing ovations that night.Please react to it.Theperformance is simply outstanding. You will be surprisingly amazed!!

[@theaffiliate4208]

I have the 45 of this song I got in '73 ('74?) and the studio version didn't end right there. It had a real cool heavy funk base (and lead guitar) extended outro that picked up right after the final drum riff and replaced the final note from the live version. I really wish they included it in the live one.

[@doplinger1]

Admit it, you would NOT have enjoyed this as much if you hadn’t heard the original! I hate it when people suggest this without the person having heard the original first!

[@BrianJohnson-bq9tr]

Maggie, you are the best!!!!

[@philipshort7491]

I can remember Fucus when I was a young boy. Next singer you must watch and I guarantee you will have goosebumps all through their songs, The singer you must watch is JONAH NILSSON from the Swedish rock pop funk soul gospel jazz fusion trio DIRTY LOOPS. There's also the brains behind the band drummer AARON MELLERGARD and today's greatest bass player HENRIK LINDER , All classically trained musicians. You've got to start your 8 minute journey with the amazing studio video NEXT TO YOU, You will love Jonah's amazing voice, also watch the chemistry between the 3 musicians having fun enjoying their music, I call it HAPPY FEEL GOOD MUSIC. The boys are also managed by the legendary QUINCY JONES. If you want a Ballard to take a closer listen to Jonah, watch the dirty loops video BREAKDOWN. just a couple of songs to help you fall in love with Jonah and his beautiful voice. Best wishes from the wet and windy north east coast of England.