FOCUS performs their hit HOCUS POCUS on the MIDNIGHT SPECIAL

[@jjmailman]

The story behind this version (as I recall) went something like this… The producers of “Midnight Special” had requested that the band play a shorter version of the song, to fit in the allotted time slot for broadcast. The band said “Ok” and then couldn’t decide what part(s) to eliminate to make it shorter. So, they just decided to play the song as fast as they could, and hoped to finish before they got cut off. If you listen to the studio version, there is a much more relaxed playing of this hectic song vs what they had to, and did, for the show.

[@ALAN_COX]

I also heard this same thing that you mentioned. They were playing fast in order to fit the whole song into the time that they were given.

[@andrewplumb6544]

Bit more than one hit wonders. Sylvia, House of the King other good numbers from the time. More of an album band though. Saw them live in 1972. Spoilt me forever for live music they were that good. FOCUS 3 is a good album to investigate if you hhave time!. Moving Waves has the track Tommy. If you want something more songfull try the earlier album In and Out of Focus. There quite a story about this performance.

[@billgaber4282]

Good heavens, what a tempo but pretty true to form. Thanks, Scott!