Hocus Pocus Focus | 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]

Oh lord you are really cheating yourself by not watching live of this song and Frankenstein...please watch the live versions

[@evilvolts]

Babymonster has 7 girls all sing/dance and at least 3 rappers some powerful voises in Ahyeon/Rami/ and Pharita The group has 2 from Thailand 2 from Japan and 3 from Korea

[@storbokki371]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for reacting to the studio version, and not the sped-up version so popular among most other reactors. 👍

[@stanleydolan5609]

Maggie if you want to archive, back in jukebox days (78’s). The was a release called The rodeo song. A bar that didn’t allow swearing to prevent alterations was practiced by staff also. Why that song found its way into the jukebox. May not be U Tube friendly.

[@mcscas68]

You need to watch the live version on midnight special where they had to fit this song into 3 minutes, but they decided just to speed it up in order to avoid cutting out the content!

[@petrilampela]

The live version from 1973 (Midnight Special) is a MUST!!!!

[@MrTheCamel]

if she thinks this version is on Red Bull, wait until she sees that version

[@AlexAmstaff91]

Yes, that live version is a masterpiece

[@peterdoe2617]

The song is longer, but they only had a 3 minute slot to play it. Instead of cutting the song short, they decided to play it faster. Legendary!

[@petrilampela]

@@peterdoe2617 Not entirely true, the particular performance was about five and a half minutes long. But they sure sped it up. The album version sounds way too slow after that.

[@dragonmac1234]

@@petrilampela The album version of Hocus Pocus does sound slow after hearing the Midnight Special version. I don't know what they were on during that performance but I doubt it was legal.

[@wardka]

I hadn't heard the studio version in ages. Everyone is so worked up over the live Midnight Special version, and it is a huge joy to watch, but I think this is the definitive version at a saner pace.

[@ericwagner1824]

The studio version is the one to listen to. The live version needs to be seen to be believed.

[@papalaz4444244]

the live one is just a joke - it;s awful

[@UnsoberIdiot]

The "live version" is trash.

[@bossfan49]

I'm glad you listened to the studio version. It's the right thing to do for a first time listen. This is what the band wanted, and it's where tbey get it perfect with great sound quality. You can hear everything clearly. If you choose to listen to another version now, you'll appreciate its uniqueness because you'll have simething to compare it to.

[@ameyer1970]

This is the slow version of the song. The midnight special version of this, the band was told they were only going to have 5 minutes. So instead of cutting out any part of the song, they sped up their playing.

[@MaartenVet-ce9px]

Urban legend. There is a longer version that includes cuts made from the version most people see, and they were not given a time limit by the show - they DID play it much faster than usual because they (Thijs van Leer, in particular) wanted to be able to get in four of their songs to make the most of the TV exposure. They changed things up all the time, rarely played things exactly the same as the last time you heard it.

[@buzzbomb67]

@@MaartenVet-ce9px The story about being told to shorten isnt necessarily false. It was common for tv shows to ask bands to shorten long songs. However, since they often did play it MUCH faster, as well as adding extra sections, theyd have done it anyway. That doesnt negate the show’s producer asking them to shorten it.

[@MaartenVet-ce9px]

@@buzzbomb67 No, in this case it IS false, because van Leer and the band has literally said why they played it faster, and it was not because the show told them to shorten it. Not everything has two sides, some things are just facts. You can find a couple of articles that tell the story,l if you care that much - I'm not going to go find them again for you

[@buzzbomb67]

@@MaartenVet-ce9px not what I said, but we agree, they were going to do it fast anyway. Relax.

[@marknieuweboer8099]

They did cut two parts. Compare other live versions on YT, which are equally fast.

[@NigelThompson-hb5jg]

All the while Jan Akkerman was playing these solos, he looked liked he was half asleep and had a cigarette on in an ashtray next to him. A stunning guitarist.

[@bloodyliar]

Seen him live a couple of times, he's incredibly lazy..... but that also translates to effortless

[@richmayes8451]

Live version from Midnight Special is something you really need to see and react to!

[@damirhlobik6488]

why? to say that Mr Van Leer is a freak or someone on drugs? Mr Van Leer is academically trained in piano and flute, and the voice is a bonus. Listen to the albums Focus 3 and the Hamburger concerto of the group Focus and Introspection 1 and 2 (Mr Van Leer plays the classics) and you will see that Thijs is anything but what you thought he was.

[@richmayes8451]

@damirhlobik6488 it's you who is implying he is on drugs or is mad. I never mentioned anything of the sort, and I don't like being accused of something I haven't done. I would say that he is passionate about what he is doing and leave it at that.

[@Sp33gan]

Red Bull and coffee, Maggie? You've got to watch the live Midnight Special performance where they were told the time slot they had to for this song was about half the length of the song so they'd have to cut it short. Instead, they played it twice as fast. Incredible, and the audience gave them a standing ovation for it.

[@petrilampela]

That's a bit exaggerated, the album version is 6,42 and their performance on that show was about 5,5 minutes.

[@pootfarmer7049]

Cocain is a helluva drug

[@unusual686]

You need to react to the live version from The Midnight Special.

[@stevedavis5704]

One thing about that version is that the song was too long for the time slot. Usually when that happens the song gets tweaked to fit the slot. Focus didn’t want to cut out any of the song so they just played it real fast.

[@marknieuweboer8099]

They did cut two parts. Compare other live versions.

[@dennispope1355]

Yes you MUST check out the live version. Especially the longer version which has 2 or 3 extra parts. Both are from the same performance of The Midnight Special. Enjoy.

[@MyNickdanger]

So glad you got to hear Hocus Pocus by Focus~ It's an Incredible song by an Incredible Band! Thanks for all your videos! Love you! Peace!~

[@PatR2243]

Don't even wanna think how long it's been since I even heard the name of the group let alone heard the song. Thank you Roy for bringing it back to life.

[@howardyoung9987]

You need the live version from Midnight Special. Bonkers!!!!

[@robertcampopiano6001]

This what we were listening to in the 1970s. It was a great time to grow up and for music.

[@jonathanroberts8981]

Saw them live in the 70s. Akkerman was using 2000 watts of amplification. There were 16 Leslie cabinets. It was very impressive musically and in terms of volume. This song is loads of fun, but don’t overlook the rest of their tracks.

[@peterdoe2617]

Not only do I have this album in my shelf: we used to dance to this! And I still would, beeing this old. This is true F U N !

[@EvilSean62]

so reassuring to hear it in a sane time sig

[@johnmilton7578]

Thank you for reacting to the original album version, to many people react to the super fast TV version. I have seen them several times, and they are still touring. The album Focus 12 was released a couple of months ago.

[@brianjones1400]

So much better that the Midnight Special performance

[@otis1624]

Glad you listened to the studio version first

[@Robeuten]

There are soo many reaction vids out reg. this song, but you not only shared your emotional experience but some technical aspect - best reaction video so far, thank you very much!

[@roxammon5858]

Long Live Prog Rock !

[@bobbit8987]

If you think this was insane, the live version will have your brain cells stumbling all over themselves.

[@fgrady1]

I agree with everyone else to bring on the “Midnight Special” HYPER version of “Hocus Pocus”. It’s a trip and a half!!

[@DeansMayhem]

Great reaction Maggie! By the way your hair looks fantastic. 🔥🔥

[@davidkettell5726]

As everyone said watching them live is a life changing experience.

[@JohnnyC60]

What a gem! One of the first 45s I ever bought, and still have it!

[@n5iln]

The first time I ever heard this I literally had to pull over because it came on the radio while I was driving and I was laughing too hard to safely drive. Guitarist Gary Hoey covered this in the early 1990s and did a respectable job of it, but without the yodeling, it’s just a cover.

[@papalaz4444244]

I am so happy you chose the album version and not the awful double speed live version most people stumble on first.

[@doughaviland1729]

You need to go back now and view the Video of this!❤😂

[@damirhlobik6488]

Mr Van Leer is academically trained in piano and flute, and the voice is a bonus. Listen to the albums Focus 3 and the Hamburger concerto of the group Focus and Introspection 1 and 2 (Mr Van Leer plays the classics) and you will see that Thijs is anything but what you thought he was.

[@Alan-lv9rw]

This was great when it was on the radio in the early 70’s. So much fun. How can anyone not love this?

[@Pho_King_A]

I concur. The 1973 live version from The Midnight Special is a must. They were given 4 minutes to play their 6:38 song. Instead of cutting anything out they upped the tempo and played the entire song at warp speed. If you thought they had too much Redbull or coffee on the original, all I can say is, crystal meth on this one.

[@levvellene570]

I love this one! It's a total roller-coaster of "What now???"! 😂 Do listen to and watch the live version where they had to speed it all up though! I really love that one!

[@MLawrence2008]

Always loved this song. However, it acts as a warning as to what happens when you let four stoned Dutchmen near instruments!

[@chrislewis7841]

This reaction earned a follow

[@stevewothers4209]

I love the way you light up when you enjoy the song

[@kmlynden1]

you need do listen/see the live version

[@aldobelli8300]

If you think they were on Red Bull during this recording, you need to watch their 1973 "Midnight Special" performance. The producers of the show asked them to cut nearly 3 and a half minutes from the song, they refused, and performed it in near double time to meet the time requirements. At the end of the song they received a standing ovation from the audience, one of the few acts on Bert Sugarmans Midnight Special TV show to ever have that happen. In my opinion, the late 60's and 1970's produced some of the best experimentation without the use of computers and auto tune, just pure talent and love for the art.

[@rmatthews2209]

The crazy awesome music from late 60s and early 70s. Great choice!!!

[@lifelover515]

Focus's other work is quite lyrical and melodic, weaving seamlessly in and out of jazz, classical and rock srylings. and well worth exploring. Personally I favor Focus III, which contains the exquisite 'Love Remembered' (superb classical fingering technique from Akkerman) and the epic 'Anonymous II' in which Van Leer shows off his killer Hammond organ and the best rock flute outside of Ian Anderson. What a band!

[@nahkohese555]

Imaging if you will, the summer of 1971, a group of high school stoners, sitting around and enjoying their favorite herbal blend in the hooka, as well as several bottles of Boones Farm Strawberry Hill (a cheap, but potent wine), listening to tunes on our local underground FM Rock radio station, and suddenly, without warning, the DJ announces he is playing the newest cut by Focus (a band you've never heard of) called "Hocus Pocus" (a song you've heard of) and this ear worm bursts into your mellow. First and only time I ever hallucinated on just wine and herbals. 🙃

[@barrymiller3385]

As others have said you MUST listen to the live version from the American TV show. They were only given three minutes to play the nearly six minute song. They refused to cut it so they played it at double speed instead. It is both hilarious and virtuosic at the same time. Just one of lifes great experiences!

[@TheFireMonkey]

I remember when this came out - it was weird but I loved it! Bought it on vinyl because I had to have it.

[@robertaistrope9602]

Like the others have said you must watch the live version from the "Midnight Special"

[@kallsop2]

This is one of those songs thatbwhen you hear it, you'll never forget it. I think for me it was 1975 when i first heard it at age 12. There was a time in the late 70's early 80's that this album was unavailable and I remember going through records at swap meets and thrift stores trying to find it. If anyone ever asks me if i know that yodeling rock song from the 70's I just look at them with a smile and tell them. The Midnight Special version is good for a live version but it just seems sped up. There is a longer live version thats really good but I always go back to this version in my library.

[@ToneHobart]

Jan's Guitar work is absolutely stellar!

[@garygreen1782]

Once heard. Never forgotten Maggie 🤣

[@professionalvampire1]

This song is an aural example of a fever dream.

[@StanCostello-q3o]

You have to do the 73 midnight special version!!!!!!!!!!

[@garywalker9753]

Great reaction! Thanks, Roy!

[@maggiereneemusic]

Thank you for your lovely comment. 🤗💖 Hope to see you on our livestream in less than 1 hour as we are doing Anne Murray reactions and many, many more: kzbin.info41ZNlGfjjcE

[@ThomasGarside-g5q]

Saw Focus live in Manchester (UK) early '70s. The keyboard player, also plays flute and did vocals, is Thijs van Leer. The guy is a real character, try to find live video of the band, you will see what I mean 🤘

[@toddludwitzke6471]

Roy send he some Rush

[@williamlovett619]

You need to see the video

[@Metzwerg74]

9:25... this is the relaxed slow version... if you want the version on 17 cups of coffe AND 3 cans of red bull, do yourself a favor and watch their 1973 "midnight special" live version of this...

[@colingoode3702]

Saw them live earlier this year in the UK. Fab night.

[@danalawrence4473]

Thijs is pronounced Tice- and Jan Akkerman is a legendary guitarist, with some superb solo work.

[@OzarkTroutBum]

The Midnight Special Live version is pure TV gold.

[@forfar1956]

Maggie, about time ❤

[@nigeldepledge3790]

This is the first time I've heard the studio version. The live version on Midnight Special is a lot more . . . special.

[@carsonl.8788]

Live version a 100% 'Much Watch'. Thanks Maggie. 😊

[@aleksanderdomanski222]

You know that Mr Van Leer had an guest apperance during one of Ayreon's concerts. He played there a flute solo.

[@ToneHobart]

When they played on Midnight special, they were asked to cut the song to fit the time of the segment, rather than do that, they just played the song twice as fast. As far as I know, it's the only time on midnight special, a band was given a standing O.

[@allengator1914]

You need to watch them play it live!

[@voodooacidman]

i think, even if my speakers were bust, i could guess the song just from your face! haha. love it! keep up the great work please! big love to all people :)

[@juergenstange6844]

During a live performance at a TV show they did that much ! faster. I always wondered why, then somebody told me, that the time for it was restricted and so they putted the pedal to the metal. I like this better, but the live version was more fun. With the whistling dutchman... 😂

[@dicedug984]

You missed out on a lot by not reacting to the live version.

[@ScottKew-g8r]

I warn others mostly younger people that IF you are going to listen to this U will NEVER be able to UNHEAR it. Ever.

[@eduardosaguier8944]

Manowar Battle Hymn Live, Eric addams perdormance in the 2000s vs Now with more than 70yr old and still singing amazingly. He also sings Nessun Dorma

[@RastaSaiyaman]

Keyboardist-Flautist-Lead singer Thijs Van Leer (And you pronounce that name as "Tice Van Lair") is one of those madcap Prog rock frontmen, right up there with Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson and Genesis' Peter Gabriel. But he also insists that Focus is not a prog band since "Prog Rock doesn't swing" But regardless what he himself thinks about that, within current prog bands such as Dream Theatre, he's considered to be a grand master of Prog. Van Leer, came from Dutch cabaret and he very much brought that art to Focus. You should look up a Dutch singer called Ramses Shaffy, who gave Van Leer his big break. Most of his songs are in Dutch but look up a song called "Cantate" which is just vocalizing underneath a very Bach-like melody, to see where Van Leer got it from.

[@thomasmacdiarmid8251]

Maggie, all of those interludes when the drums were not playing was entirely just the keyboardist, Thijs - the singing, the whistling, the flute, the clicking were all one guy going nuts. I have decided the clicking vocals are what you would get if a leprechaun did scat

[@johnclaeys9514]

You want Red Bull and Coffee? There's no way to move on with your life until you see the live version of this. There is one that is edited, so try to find the longer version from the Midnight Special. You won't regret it.

[@greylocke100]

When they played this live, they often sped it up. A few times if I remember right, they started off normal, by the time the song was over they were playing almost triple time. The Midnight Special live, I think is only double time, but I think the Don Kirshner's Rock Concert has the triple time version. And if you haven't checked them out before, try the Official Live Video of Hate?, by Band-Maid.

[@nikosalmpanis-ty3jt]

A fantastic song🤘

[@P-M-869]

Maggie, here is a voice that I think you would really appreciate --- Kate Smith - God Bless America

[@scgreek1114]

If you think this is wild, check out the live version. Be sure it's the full version. There is a shorter version that omits two verses. This song was insanely popular 50 years ago. There were so many awesome 70's rock bands we had to switch to stranger things to keep it fresh. Another popular example, "Switched on Bach." An album of Bach selections composed entirely on synthesizers.

[@Valhalrik]

There is a Live version somewhere, it's Crazy Good.

[@stanleydolan5609]

Back then with album releases , were 78 single releases also, that one was Hocus Pocus , side B Hocus Pocus 2. Same but with faster guitar playing. Who knows had been able to sing in English, why the yodeling. Swedish who knows, apparently good. Thanks for the info,

[@direnova6284]

Every comment is going to be "midnight special" cos it is astonishing, they gave them a time limit so they speeded up the song which gives us 2 versions of this outstandingly original musical idea.

[@BluesJammer69]

Live version from Midnight Special is a not miss!

[@RichardThomas-qo1oe]

You really need to see the "Midnight Special" version.

[@ciscoralmazora289]

Yes! The live version is even faster, with variations on the yodeling and guitar solos and even the key! 😅😯😉

[@heneverreturnasahorse9773]

All I've heard in my mind since 1973! When the 90s movie, "Hocus Pocus" cam out, all I could think of is this song! Further, this is the best version of the group; as great as Roy is, Jan Akkerman's visionary jazz/rock guitar stylings and "rip-your-face-off" solos are almost too much for rock!

[@stephentarry4475]

Focus, Holy shit. I have forgotten all about them. Until Now.... Thanks...

[@peterdoe2617]

May I help you with another one? Sabre dance by Love Sculpture? Or Gamma Ray by Birthcontrol? (I'm old, too ;-)

[@todddreher1220]

Maggie I can't remember the group that does the song the name of the song is called Maggot Brain you need to listen to that it is all instrumental but trust me it will blow your mind.

[@FredtheFrisian]

the Netherlands sends its regards!

[@mangelwurzel]

The Red Bull kicks in on the Midnight Special live version of this ... enjoy!

[@steelers6titles]

Song was a Top 10 hit in the summer of 1973.

[@LostLar]

watch the long live version of this song.

[@richardmaguire9536]

Thijs (pronounced Tise) is classically trained and is from a family of classical musicians. I think he studied composition.

[@danielolson5378]

You may think you've heard it all...then you hear this song and it's like nothing you ever heard before 😂

[@GPS0159]

My brother will be seeing them in Leeds in 2 weeks.

[@bryant0smith]

Just need to repeat what the others are saying... the live version will blow your socks off!

[@maggiereneemusic]

Stay tuned! 😜

[@artyomische]

This is. My. Favorite. Sooooong!!

[@JamesJones-zt2yx]

A few years back, one of the Disney streaming channels showed one of the Minion movies, I forget which. They did special "interstitial" commercial segments that I believe featured the Minions as well, and one glorious, perfect such interstitial featured "Hocus Pocus". I really, really wish I could've recorded it, and if there's any justice at all in the world, Thijs van Leer should be declared to be an Honorary Minion.

[@steelers6titles]

Profound lyrics.

[@AndyB59]

People only know Focus for Hocus Pocus and Sylvia, but there is so much more brilliant music to be heard from them. They were the soundtrack of my teenage years and I bought everything they put out. Still regular tracks on my favourites playlist.

[@kenkonwick6660]

Lol red bull? Coffee? Lmao how sweet u are! There are from Amsterdam, lol. I promise u there was no coffee or red bull involved, lmao 😅😅😅

[@peterbadore1338]

"Who gave these guys Red Bull?" You think that's amazing? Live, they played this at breakneck speed with all the details! Check it out.

[@ertjiesb4158]

Would you consider reacting to a South African singer? Riana Nel - Glass