First Time Hearing Focus - Hocus Pocus Live '73 Reaction!

[@wimkuipers2447]

Thijs was friend of my brother, we had an organ at home: can you imagine how it was for me as a kid and my parents when he did this 😄... it was ... very special and, he was a very nice guy who studied classical music,

[@dreadpiratetjoris]

Focus: “our song is 7 minutes long” Gladyss: “you got 3:30 to perform, can you do it?” Focus: invents speedmetal

[@marka.2484]

They did. They didn't want to shorten their version, so they decided to play it almost twice as fast as the original song. So freaking cool

[@richardmagee8358]

And it's weird cousin Punk!

[@r.d.sandman6474]

It’s Marlyn McCoo, ex of Billy Davis, Jr both sang for the 5th Dimension. Not Gladys, dang!

[@patriciasamora5600]

It's Gladys.

[@L0wki]

i hope you know that this is a cuted version of the original Session?

[@bertsplci]

Thijs van Leer is a musical genius and still alive and kicking

[@straymusictracksfromdavoro6510]

Jan Akkerman's guitar playing - speed and extraordinary precision, absolutely astonishing

[@L0wki]

He was a true pioneer and an insperation for an upcomming generation of guitarplayers

[@pnadell9231]

He began guitar at age 4, this is the result.

[@maartenlast4721]

Jan Akkerman is the best guitarist ever by far for me

[@henrijansen4224]

Yes, Brian May from Queen was inspired by him and has great respect for Jan.

[@TinManMat]

It's so silly as to be admired, they went to an extreme. And they have so much talent they could do anything. This is what they gave us. Thank you Focus.

[@jetfromholland4533]

This band had some world class musicians back in the day.

[@Suldog29]

Nothing - NOTHING - is better musically than watching a first reaction to this, especially the first time Thisj Van Leer starts singing :-) Thank you!

[@peteriscelotajs5181]

Hocus Pocus is an exceptional piece even for Focus. Most of their music is quite different - sophisticated, meditative, maybe even somewhat aloof, yet immensely fascinating and beautiful.

[@RobertReid-kc9se]

I remember this when it first came out. Your reaction is priceless. Love it

[@uueyeam6398]

on their world tour they had Eric Clapton as a support act.

[@johnvandepol4298]

Hahaha... Clapton and Akkerman never liked eachother.

[@okiejohn3925]

1:43 "I'm ready for it!"....(LMAO) No, you are NOT!!! 2:06 - mind blown.

[@vinniamsterdam700]

Yeah, that was a good one, where we all knew no one can be ready for that.

[@bevohw]

In 1978 when I was stil a cop We recieved a call from him He had to perform in our city but was lost So we helped him to get on time for the concert He was a remarkle man I was already a fan from Focus so after the concert he invited us and gave us free tickets for there new concert as VIP's haha Something you will never forget., Great reaction again from you Greetings from an Old Dutchman

[@Dave_Marks]

Nice! This was a TV show called “The Midnight Special” that was on at midnight hosted by celebrities. Here it was hosted by Gladys Knight. The song is seven minutes long, but Focus was told they only had five minutes to do it. So they sped it up! If you aren’t laughing after this song, you are dead! Jan Akkerman, the guitarist, is an underappreciated master! Focus is still recording and Jan has a side gig of doing fusion.

[@89801wink]

Exactly. Most artists would edit out some of the song to fit the time restraint. They just said piss on it and sped it up. This version is considerably faster than the studio. I like this one better.

[@mennobults6464]

Jan Akkerman was declared the best guitar player of the world by Rolling Stone in 1975, hardly underappreciated. Nice to mention how they played this song twice the speed.

[@daveversion2.2]

Watched ALL THE TIME!

[@robdegast3612]

Your face, priceless. 🤪🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@suzettebakelaar]

Lol.....dutch weirdness ❤☺ as the dutch saying act normal as you are already crazy enough....you probably get it now 🤣😂

[@lydiavandodeweerd2984]

Haha yes 😂😂 the Dutch saying 'act normal' is gold 😂 We are crazy 😝🤪🤣 I love it ❤️❤️💙❤️

[@Isleofskye]

Dutch ?? I thought they were from Holland or even The Netherlands....? ikr

[@suzettebakelaar]

@@Isleofskye yes they are from The Netherlands...!!

[@Isleofskye]

@@suzettebakelaar Thanks Suzette. Did you notice my "ikr" at the end? :) It means "I Know Right".....it was my crazy English humour :)

[@jwalker2862]

Haha lol 😂

[@Kotic1959]

Crazy fun song. Was a big hit in the day. A young Gladys Knight introducing them Jan Akkerman was considered one of the top 3 guitarists of that time.

[@johnnowakowski4062]

Welcome to the 70's dude!

[@jeroent5079]

Haha, maybe one of the best reaction videos ever !!! 😂🤣🤣 And one of the best reaction sentences ever: “This is the most random piece of awesomeness that I have ever seen”. 👍👍

[@amicouvillionwilson1824]

Adjectives become a hit song ! Only geniuses can create this ! One of my favorite songs 😀

[@Drinckx2]

Your reaction is as priceless as the expressions on Thijs van Leer’s face. They are brilliant and this is played at double speed to fit the TV slot. Also, Jan Akkerman is a brilliant guitarist.

[@GuitarPlayersFun]

Yes ! Thanks for listening to my recommendation!

[@PixTax]

This version is actually sped up. The Yanks wanted it in a set number of minutes for the show, so they said fuck it, and sped up the song.

[@mauijttewaal]

"Speed" ;-)

[@laziojohnny79]

@@mauijttewaal Nope, Pixie was right, versneld/versnellen translates to sped up, not speed up.

[@mariogansbeke]

@@laziojohnny79 Maybe they were on a little speed.. LOL.

[@joslauwers7960]

Not the Yanks, but British!

[@mariogansbeke]

@@joslauwers7960 This is a show called "Midnight Special" and is broadcasted by NBC (National Broadcasting Company) from North American, their HQ is in NYC. The host is Gladys Night without her Pips, known for wonderful songs as "Midnight train to Georgia" and a very good cover of "Stormy Weather", amongst many others.

[@16ploog79]

The great Jan Akkermann on guitar. One of the best in Rock and Jazz. Great dutch band founded by legendary Thijs van Leer (piano, organ, flute, voice).

[@toddstevens13]

Still pumping it out. They just released their Live 50th Anniversary Album.

[@JoeBonez]

Sweep picking in 1973…

[@NickBR57]

Ah the fantastic Dutch. You have to love a nation that gave us: The incomparable Floor Jansen The Inimitable Thijs van Leer and The brilliant Jan Akkerman What a nation!

[@8baantjes]

And he has not listen to Golden Earring yet

[@j0hnn13K]

And Eddie van Halen, lets not forget that he and his brother are Dutch too ;)

[@NickBR57]

@@j0hnn13K I did forget - obvious really though. Sorry about that...

[@j0hnn13K]

@@NickBR57 no need for any type of sorry :D simple overlook that can happen to anyone :)

[@stevegreen5552]

Because of Focus, I investigated their solo work, then discovered Rick van der Linden, Kayak, Ekseption... but Focus is my favourite.

[@annnorway9042]

You have been the best reactor for this piece of music yet. Aces!!!!!

[@laziojohnny79]

Was waiting for that facial expression at the first Yodel! 😅😅👌 That shit never get's old. Once again; respect for your open mind and broad interest in general!

[@michelelaraia7358]

Bravo

[@michaelsecker8653]

Its actually the second yodel. This version is cut.

[@mel-belle404]

Whoa this is totally not what I was expecting when I saw it would be a time machine portal. This band is sooo talented. So unique!! Love it was requested really enjoyed it. 💜💜💜

[@paulinedelabie6231]

It works every time when someone hears it for the first time 🤣🤣

[@black4pienus]

Never fails! lol

[@caspertehietbrink4311]

Waar de f*ck heb ik net naar zitten kijken en luisteren😲😱🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂🤔🤣😁 wat een nummer zeg

[@Guitar_Fella]

I am privileged to say that I have seen Focus three times in the 70's (England). Totally original, fresh and incredibly talented musicians.

[@declanmagee58]

Literally my favourite thing is watching people younger than my children seeing Hocus Pocus for the first time. There it is. I bought the single :)

[@ingridwatsup9671]

Great. 1973 ? Didn’t know we were great then. I see Thijs van Leer yodeling…loved it. And loved your reaction.

[@Sue474]

"The most random piece of awesomeness" 😂 What a fantastic description.

[@HighlyCombustibleReacts]

Glad you liked it!

[@geanydenbroksewing8286]

I really enjoyed watching you watching this clip. Hilarious 🤣🤣🤣

[@inarogge4754]

Hee a band I have been to when I was young and a little stoned, a great experience 😂🤣😂🤔

[@dgator3599]

Enjoyed your reaction...keep up the good work!!

[@halloweennr2]

1973, 1982... you are on the old skool today, loving it! Bring it on!!

[@vietnguyen4312]

Back in 1973, musicians relied on skill not technology. Raw & beautiful.

[@netnet2871]

Fantastic back to the Dutch 70’s 🇳🇱

[@fvantpadje]

This was the first superband in the Netherlands. Thijs van Leer was and is classical fluid player Jan Akkerman was in that time twice the best guitar player of the world. Pierre van der Linden was coming from the famous Dutch band Brainbox. The bas player I forgot his name was coming from Earth and Fire also a great band those days. The name of the bas player is Bert de Ruyter. The host of the show was Gladys Knight she was also famous that time.

[@michieldame701]

Jan Akkermans fretting technique was about 8 years ahead of any major guitarplayer of the Era. It is common now the fingertapping, but it just didn't exist then.

[@markschattefor6997]

@@michieldame701 kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2iwaX9np6aIqas&ab_channel=FullConcertsMetal

[@michieldame701]

@Mark Oh I am sute it was already a known technique I can see it from classical of Flamenco guitar playing. But outside those realms and in this music genre it was ahead of its time...

[@black4pienus]

I can't believe this is from almost 50 years ago. I mean, I already knew the song. Just can't believe the year 1973 is almost 50 years ago! Don't mind me. Just a weird moment of realization of time. lol. These guys are a perfect example of genius madness. lol. Super creative.

[@jimgore1278]

Tell me about it. I was watching the show that night. "Midnight Special" and "Rock Concert" were both awesome shows.

[@mauijttewaal]

O yeah!!! Have been asking for this A LOT!!! Tnx:-)

[@mauijttewaal]

Made me laugh SO hard your various faces;-)

[@mauijttewaal]

Told you that you wouldn't know what hit you LOL

[@Cory_Springer]

I've always believed that final whistle was produced through sheer will alone.

[@DeeDee-eb6fe]

That's right Sir! Everytime he completes the whistling part, there's another destroyed object around - must have been me 😂

[@Gretchen_F]

Man, your face.....🤣😂🤣 For a few minutes I had an awesome time. Thanks for your great reaction. 👍🏻

[@jrgenpedersen840]

Jan Akkerman on the guitar is out of this world, the rythm section is rock solid and Thijs van Leer is one of a kind .... Extremely talented band!

[@jeroent5079]

Jan Akkerman is easily one of the best guitar players in the world. I know this song all my life, yet I never watched it in a video. So surprise surprise that Thijs van Leer, who I only know as a flute player, is ‘singing’ and playing the organ. By the way, their song ‘Sylvia’ would have made Bach proud: kzbin.info/www/bejne/havRhGqObqeCrtU.

[@mariekevanommeren7570]

Even Brian May of Queen is a big fan of Jan Akkerman the gitarist.

[@RonniePeterson]

Ritchie is a huge fan. This used to be the final track played in the intermission before Rainbow hit the stage!

[@theGoogol]

I did not know this, thanks for that little brain-bit ^_^

[@rondegroot1508]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoipcmStr5WqfM0

[@jannetteberends8730]

B.B. King too.

[@maureenwagg5305]

This is my fave version of this. The vocal is off the charts. No one was sitting down after that performance. Get ready for it. lol

[@frederikcardon2073]

That's the best description i ever heard of this song: "The best random piece of awesomeness"! :D

[@tugnut1]

Best shirt to wear for this video. HA.

[@robertsheeler321]

I remember this in 73 all we had back then was UH1 & MTV for music

[@lukagovorcin3610]

YES THAT IS STILL THE BEST SPECIAL ROCKERS FOR ME FROM 73! BUT I ALSO HEAR THIS LATER IN 1984! AND I WAS CRAZY FOR THIS!! THAT IS WHY THEY ARE GREATEST!

[@donnak7974]

Omg....your reaction....PRICELESS

[@wgsips]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 love your face.. this is old and funny stuff.. one year later i was born.. 😁

[@Arnaud58]

Focus was in a league of it's own in it's days. Thijs van Leer and Jan Akkerman were key in it. Love to see you appreciate it.

[@janottens6755]

Dutch pride and joy 🤣👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@miran4471]

🤣You are so cute! 🙂 Great music, great memories!!! 😍🌷

[@todderickson2435]

Okay, this is one of my new favorite reactions to this video!! 🤣🤣 Well done sir!

[@astridhofstra4895]

Been to a concert just a few years ago in de Boerderij. He is a big man now but still a voice... couldn't reach the highest note. My daughter and I danced and danced. And just before Corona Tijs was joining Ayreon , he did the flute parts like Jeroen is doing right now. And the energy from that man on stage... love him

[@rvb2986]

Awesome music, awesome reaction Hahahahaha

[@RonniePeterson]

A band from my era and happy to have seem them in their prime.

[@bassangen]

They are still playing! I saw them 2 days ago on their 50th anniversary tour

[@Elias_Veine_Wiig]

I have seen them 5 times in 2022, in April, May, June and August, and will see them again in November

[@terryteed1903]

Most randome piece of awesomeness. That's the most apt description of this ever. Cheers fella.

[@elsvanzwoll]

Your reaction 😂😂😂Thanks for this man 🤣🤣

[@karin7544]

I love you're reaction. I did't now them, til i heard the song. I recognized it. But the song is normaly longer. I like the original.

[@deniblackmore2179]

I was seriously concerned for your eyeballs - there were so many times watching this when I thought they were going to pop right out of your head!! Welcome to the varied and crazy world of 70's music 😆

[@unchartedcreed7041]

HxC: i’m ready for it Everyone else: no you are not 😂

[@DForce26]

That was my first thought :p

[@katinkadevries9387]

Hahaha love your reaction en expression

[@brianfisher6165]

You may have thought you were ready for it, I know you weren't ready for it!!! Your reaction was great and way better than I expected, glad you know what it is and appreciated it!!!👍✌👌😁

[@NB-gk5rx]

Your faces are priceless on this one! Omg lol 😂😂

[@pietkeizer5216]

Focus is still playing. Thijs van Leer (organist, flutist), was and is a hero for me. Two years ago I visit a concert. Brilliant.

[@toddstevens13]

Did you get or hear their 50th Anniversary Live album yet?

[@ruudvanmanen1012]

Thijs van Leer organ, flute, vocals - Jan Akkerman guitar, Bert Ruiter Base guitar an Pierre van der Linden drums. The best Focus setting ever. I was 19 when I heard this for the first time. And it blew me off my feet. One of the greatest Dutch bands ever. Together with Golden Earring, they conquered the world! ❤❤❤

[@carinalundstrom7566]

Your face said it all, remember this song from my childhood. I might have had the same face expressions

[@ciavolo701]

When the TV producers tell you to do a 7 minute song in 3 minutes.

[@missteacup9726]

😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣your face! OMG😂😂

[@dawnmaster68]

little fact ... Gladdys told them they couldn't play the entire song ( original is 7 mins long.) and that they only had about 3 to 4 mins .... they went ... hold my beer

[@David_Downs]

Yeah, little fact to those who do not know, but to those who do a well known one. Instead of shortening the song, they just played it twice as fast as they normally would.

[@halloweennr2]

Focus Hocus Pocus is Magic 😉

[@treeoflife6386]

If you like this song, you will like Edgar Winter Group playing Frankenstein, but you need to react to 1973 live version, to see what’s going on when playing!!🤔

[@tskend8502]

Random Piece of Awesomeness ! WELL PUT !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@infidel60]

At 13 yrs old I remember watching this when it aired the first time.Bought the album the next day.One of my first.

[@miekeschoemaker3193]

Your face expression is priceless!

[@Doaria]

I was once at a concert of them, we all went crazy, so much great music.

[@toddstevens13]

This may be the ONLY full Standing ovation in Midnight Special History, I watched 90ish% of them, and usually they were so high, they just sat there and enjoyed. Also they just released their 50th Year Live Album, so enjoy it

[@Marian-ve6jg]

I have seen this band several times live. Very exciting number. This was my favorite number of focus. Great memories. ☺️❤️🙋‍♀️

[@josephwhirlwind6086]

That face of you when he starts Jodeling , just priceless 😂😂😂😂 !!

[@mariogansbeke]

2 remarkable flute players from the same era... Thijs Van Leer and Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull). Remember Locomotive Breath?

[@A3aan1959]

I realy love Yetro Tull!

[@heatsinker_5517]

The only two groups I know that can Rock a Flute.

[@ingridmedendorp585]

Your reaction made my day. It was spectacular when I was 18. Seeing it still making your eyes almost popping out made me very happy. The singers mom was a schoolmate of my mum.

[@HighlyCombustibleReacts]

Ingrid Medendrop! I am so greatful that you stopped and were able to watch. I am very happy that it made your day that's always great to hear. I hope to continue to see you in the comments. Much love to you always!!

[@artiemeyer8803]

I never laughed so hard watching your facial reactions to that. That guitarist is ridiculously fast for 1973...

[@Whartt]

OHH WOW! I love your reaction. ME TOO .....

[@fnglert]

Jan Akkerman, he deserves more recognition. Great, great guitarist.

[@black4pienus]

@@fnglert He's a legend.

[@luudscheffers6988]

@@fnglert He should listen to Pietons

[@Slide1953]

There where more very fast playing guitar players at that time and even before that. Whatabout Eelco Gelling? Even Jan Akkerman talks with great respect about him.

[@Jo_Kuiper]

I'm laughing my a$$ off, your reaction is gold.

[@katlijnroovers7357]

This one is uniek and amazing with so much talent, and instruments thanks higly for this memory lane ❣️

[@chrismorris76]

The scrolling script you had at the bottom was what we chose for my dad’s gravestone… 👍🏼

[@thomastunezz9459]

Classic Song, Classic Performance!

[@Theodus]

"Most random piece of awesomeness that I think I might have ever seen". True.

[@patrincon6518]

LoL imagine trying to dance to this! I did!!!!!!!!!!!!! Back in the day!!!!!!

[@wouterboswinkel1713]

There are 2 persons who stand out Thijs van Leer (keyboards etc) and Jan Akkerman who was voted best gitarist of the world 1973 by melody maker. Both are still alive (thijs is from 31-03-1948 and jan is from 24-12-1946)

[@annemieverhoeven2566]

I just love your facial expressions 😂.

[@8baantjes]

We older Dutchies know this band. In 1973 i was 14 years old. Thijs van Leer (keyboardplayer, flute) and Jan Akkerman (guitarplayer) were famous in the Netherlands and other countries at that time, but the most fun i had, was your FACE in unbelief

[@alfredchristiansen5482]

This was the only band to get a standing ovation on The Midnight Special

[@marlosprengers-heermans1991]

This was the best reaction ever of you watching a music video! Your face! I loved it!

[@jannetteberends8730]

The guitar player was chosen in 1974 to be the beat guitarist in the world by a uk magazine. And your reaction is added to my playlist of reactions of the video.