First Time Hearing | Focus | Hocus Pocus | 3 Generation Reaction

[@ronaldwilliams6927]

I think thats the only band that ever got a standing ovation on the Midnight Special .

[@johnwesolowski7393]

I remember watching this by myself late at night. I knew the slower version, but this blew me away. Only a few of us at school stayed up to see it. The others needed to wait for summer reruns.

[@pietkeizer5279]

Focus with flutist and Organplayer Thijs van Leer is after 50 years still playing. Also the drummer Pierre van der Linden is playing. Bassplayer Bert Ruiter died two years ago. Guitarist Jan Akkerman is also still playing and has a solo career. I saw the band twice last year 😊and still playing Hocus Pocus. Thijs van Leer is such a nice man , I spoke with him after the concert. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@zebo-the-fat]

I saw him about 4 months ago in the UK, excellent show, still doing the same thing, though to be fair at 75 years of age he can't quite hit the same high notes! His new guitarist (sorry I can't remember his name) is brilliant too!

[@michaelatkinson8291]

The song is actually longer than this but they were only given about 3 & a half minutes to play. So rather than cut the song short by leaving out a verse or two, they decided to play the whole thing speeded up. Barking mad but marvellous to watch🤣

[@jethro1963]

This is a slightly different video than the one that is usually seen. It is missing the Gladys Knight intro and some of the camera angles seem different. I just noticed the weird yodel before the whistle which isn't in the other version.

[@kevinmclaughlin8975]

The actual recording is around 6 minutes on the Midnight Special channel. The intro by Gladys is the actual broadcast and is shorter

[@MikeBruno-qt5es]

@@jethro1963 You're right. I noticed that too.

[@kdm71291]

@@jethro1963 Confirmed.

[@geraldherrmann787]

Well, not entirely true. It comes down from 6:41 (album) to 6:03 (sped up at Midnight Special) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/farbhKmQhMesa5Y

[@bobschenkel7921]

One of the most epic and iconic performance ever on The Midnight Special. I remember watching this when it was first broadcast, and the next Monday at school, it was all anyone wanted to talk about. Focus is from Holland, and they are still active today.

[@peteriscelotajs5181]

Congratulations! You just witnessed some of the grand masters of the old! Did you notice that the entire band was sublime? The guitarist was one of the best in the world, the drummer was exceptional and the base was flawless?

[@kevinmclaughlin8975]

You can’t listen to this song without bouncing and smiling. Glad y’all enjoyed.

[@STAkers-ni9jg]

The looks on Kathy's face during the performance=Priceless. Of all the reactions I've seen to this song, this is now my new favorite. Well done to all :)

[@KathyLuluandDonna]

Thanks

[@bradsullivan2495]

Everyone was just waiting for your jaws to drop.

[@beds139]

As well as the amazing vocals there is also superb musicianship on this performance.

[@anthonyschell9225]

Saw Focus play live about a month ago. Still 2 original members in Thijs Van Leer (keyboards and yodelling!) and Pierre van der Linden - one of my favourite drummers. Probably the most unique piece of music you are ever going to see!

[@keithwatkins7908]

I wondered how long before someone asked you to play this! Fantastic band, great musicians, a classic video. Great reaction, glad you all loved it, thank you.

[@damonhines8187]

I watched this on the Midnight Special when it originally aired. Astonishing, brain-melting performance. So dang fun. 😊❤

[@charleswillsonpeale5739]

Performances done on the Midnight Special were done live. No over dubbing or lip syncing to pre-recorded music.

[@balticstain7150]

Focus were a dutch rock group big in the 70s fantastic band had several fantastic lps which I've got ...the lead singer also plays flute very well...

[@flowersnyams]

They still are. Saw them live just 4 weeks ago. Still fantastic

[@giuseppegiacomoscialdone4969]

These guys are Music! It's for a billion times I heard it and I can't stop to have fun...

[@schout33]

Thijs van Leer, my musical hero for so many years now and still going strong with his flute.

[@grandwazoodebris1015]

Thijs van Leer stole the show, deservedly. But nobody could play guitar back then like Jan Akkerman, he was a shredder before the word was invented. Maybe John Mclaughlin was playing stuff this fast and complicated then, but not sure who else. And he played beautiful, slower, more melodic things too, not just flash. Super fun unique song regardless.

[@mennobults6464]

True, Akkerman was that year named the best giutarplayer in the world.

[@markstoudenmire4935]

If I remember correctly, I think that I read somewhere that Focus was the only group to ever receive a standing ovation by a Midnight Special audience.

[@Isleofskye]

Yes,it was,apparently:)

[@annebokma4637]

Correct

[@johnwilliams575]

Ladies, what a wonderful reaction from the three of you. Your faces are a mixture of bewilderment and enjoyment throughout!

[@KathyLuluandDonna]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Matt561]

people watching for the first time is always a treat

[@PureMetalHolocaust]

FOCUS (The Netherlands) Line-up 1973 Thijs van Leer: Keyboards, Flute, Vocals Jan Akkerman: Guitar Bert Ruiter: Bass Pierre van der Linden: Drums Cheers from CHILE!!!

[@annebokma4637]

The uncut live version. Wel done ladies 👍

[@robertmills8640]

This performance never fails to make me smile😊

[@squidkid2]

I remember in the early 70's everyone would disappear for an hour around 11pm on Friday nights to smoke out and then watch the Midnight Special at 12. Of course that was before it was medicinal!

[@Paul-pl6dl]

The first big Dutch rock band from late 60's into the 70's and beyond that hit the world stage

[@Salzbuckel]

swiss

[@TheDirtypair]

@@Salzbuckel nope, Dutch

[@eddhardy1054]

What about Golden Earring?

[@Isleofskye]

Shocking Blue:Venus and Golden Earring and Focus came along together:)

[@Isleofskye]

@@JustinSyd If it is a sweet food of an animal from the Capital of The Netherlands then it must be Hamster Jam...

[@ingovonderluhe2174]

After experiencing this amazing Dutch Band,you have to see another Dutch Band : GOLDEN EARING with RADAR LOVE....find a good Live Version !!!!

[@spacemaker8760]

Lulu meant she heard Yodeling before and that's what the singer does. I'ts a special voice technique. It has it's origin in Europe where its been going on for ages.. In Europe, yodeling is still a major feature of folk music (Volksmusik) from Switzerland, Austria, and southern Germany. The band Focus are from the Netherlands in Europe.

[@joslauwers7960]

1973 American Billboard Hot nr. 9, Guitarist Jan Akkerman was worlds best guitarist in the 70's. Thijs van Leer also participated in Ayreon ( I think in 2017)

[@leoneikendal]

1998 into the electric castle and 2019 electric castle live and other tales

[@oobenoob]

Sylvia is also a nice song by focus. Great band and I love you guys!!

[@KathyLuluandDonna]

Thanks

[@alastairmcintyre4752]

BTW Thijs plays flute on AYREON"S " Into the Electric Castle " - Arjen is a BIG fan of his !

[@DavidShort-q1d]

A totally bonkers performance by a legendary Dutch band Focus All because they had to condense a 5 min song into 31/2 mins of air time on Midnight Special This made their performance MADCAP to say the least but LEGENDARY lol

[@sonsofthunder915]

C'mon, a guy that plays a keyboard, yodels and whistles. How cool is that ? He doesn't need keys, he's a Moog synthesizer on his own

[@j.woodbury412]

He also plays the flute.

[@sonsofthunder915]

@@j.woodbury412 Yes he does. And he really doesn't need that either. He could probably imitate it vocally

[@marcovtjev]

That's what you noticed? Ever watched the guitar player? If you get cited as an influence to Eric Clapton, you must be doing something good 🙂

[@j.woodbury412]

@@marcovtjev Jan Akkerman is very underrated.

[@j.woodbury412]

@@sonsofthunder915 He probably could.

[@SufurRedAxle1971]

Smile🙂 Talent. On another level.

[@toddfuresz462]

Kathy's mouth got so wide when the signing started, I thought an 18-wheeler could drive right in. Great to see such joy in a reaction. The 70s ladies, things were different.

[@commentatron]

That guitar work was _insane!_ Would have enjoyed seeing nothing but that for 4 minutes.

[@mws8389]

The year this was recorded, readers of major British music magazine Melody Maker voted Jan Akkerman the best guitarist in the world.

[@hrothgar64]

Jan was sweep picking years before the 80's shredders started doing it.

[@geraldherrmann787]

Prog-rock musician-ship masterclass.

[@eternallife9786]

I think this song was featured in the movie The baby driver if I'm not mistaken this tune's been in quite a few movies

[@alastairmcintyre4752]

First saw them live at the beginning of '73 and again a few months after this performance in May '74 ! This " one off " version of the song was played at approx double the speed it was normally played due to time constraints from the producers of this show . The band weren't prepared to do a shortened version so decided " what the hell we'll just speed it up " - and this was the result . Thijs van Leer the guy on keys , flute and vocals is still active ( as are the band with a changed lineup ) . Jan Ackerman ( guitar ) was voted the world's best guitarist in 1973 . Off to see them live again in November - 50 years after the last time ! 😱😱🤣

[@bondbrookebond]

Went and saw the band over hear in the UK couple of weeks ago, and let me tell you, they ain't lost it.

[@ronaldmariano1888]

Great reaction ladies!! I want to thank you ladies for putting up with my constant everyday request for Hocus Pocus by Focus!! Love your reaction! ♥️

[@KathyLuluandDonna]

Our pleasure!

[@mikedown3219]

The Midnight Special was hosted by Gladys Knight. There are other versions of this video out there that show Gladys introducing the band.

[@stevefivestring9383]

This is music from the times where paths were not predetermined. Who today has the balls to create something like this....

[@jimfrederick3907]

There is no way you can anticipate what you're about to hear!

[@andrewpetik2034]

Truth!

[@mennobults6464]

Always great to see the reactions on your faces when Thijs starts jodeling. It was Prog Rock during crazy days. Jan was the best guitarplayer in the world then and still the most versatile player ever.

[@steviesellers]

One of my fav LIVE performance is Jethro Tull Locomotive Breath , you wont believe the talent in this band

[@FretsOnFire]

Great reaction, ladies!💯 There was a lot of really cool music in the 70s!😎👍

[@KathyLuluandDonna]

Thank you!! 😁

[@alanmackie6180]

Was that stunned silence at the end? Lulu was so stunned, she forgot to mention their hair.

[@waynepollitt7653]

Seen these live absolutely awesome

[@kenpullig1652]

The reason these guys performed Hocus Pocus on the Midnight Special is because none spoke English, so no songs that required lyrics. A one of a kind experience.

[@richardhargrave6082]

Its bonkers and brilliant! Your faces!

[@dajoba]

this thre girl are fany, and have good taste in music.

[@voodooacidman]

i am loving you ladies! please please keep posting these great videos! big love to all people :)

[@KathyLuluandDonna]

Thank you so much!!

[@randyscj429]

Hello Y'all, this has to the (or few) of the Rock Era that had such of a hit/following that "has NO words" in the lyrics... Just say'n! ROCK ON, ladies! Be safe and take care, "God Bless", sincerely, Randy. 😇🙏👊

[@KathyLuluandDonna]

Thanks for listening

[@angharaddenby3389]

This is a 7 1/2 minute song played in 4 minutes as that is all the time they were allowed. Rather than follow tv intructions to edit the song, they refused - and just played it twice the speed. It started out as a pre-gig, backstage warm-up exercise.

[@manuman27]

Midnight special TV also a song by Creedence Clearwater Revival.They also written and sang Proud Mary before Tina made it massive

[@MarcVanLaere-zr5im]

Sad to say i only seen them once. Amazing dutch band. 👍

[@grahamreed8774]

I was going to say these crazy English people, but in fact this band are Dutch and I saw them in the early 1970s. They are not a joke band as they play some very technically brilliant rock ever heard and could out play most rock bands today.

[@davidpalmer9134]

Focus was actually a Dutch Progressive Rock group back in the 60’s to 70’s.

[@maksphoto78]

It ticks all the boxes with these ladies. The Dutch were some of the earliest colonizers of the USA back in the day.

[@peterdevalk7929]

@@maksphoto78 New York was New Amsterdam, hence all the Dutch names in the city.

[@MikeBruno-qt5es]

Lol. I couldn't wait to see you guys' reaction to that song. Brilliant musicianship. I remember it. I think it came out in 1972.

[@merrillhess5626]

I think that is the only popular song with yodeling. The name of the show Midnight Special was taken from the title of an old traditional blues song made famous by Huddie Leadbetter, aka "Leadbelly". Leadbelly was discovered, while he was serving time in Angola Prison, by music archivist Alan Lomax. Lomax recorded many of his songs in the prison. Upon Leadbelly's release, he recorded some of the most popular songs of the 1920s and 1930s. Many of his songs are still being recorded today by popular artists.

[@martinconnelly1473]

There was a British/Australian singer called Frank Ifield who had hits including "I Remember You" that included yodelling. Probably never had a hit in the USA as he was around before the Beatles.

[@oldmanghost219]

Focus | Hocus Pocus ...Fantastic!!! It is a must do and I knew it would get requested BUT your #1 !!! I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

[@erikmulder2574]

Thijs van Leer is not really a singer, he is classically trained and is famous for his flute play. But he does know how to use the vocal cords. That in combination with Jan Akkerman, pronounced to be the best guitarist in the world in the 1970’s and next to those two titans one of the best drum players of the Netherlands and you have Focus. In my view, one of the best bands ever coming from my home country 🤗 Next, look for house of the king, another great tittle from Focus.

[@bonand007]

If you would like to hear some more from this great Dutch band, then you could look at Focus on the Old Grey Whistle Test. Some great live footage of them playing a 'Sylvia and Hocus Pocus medley'. You were speechless for a few seconds at the end - priceless. Thanks for your content and love from the UK. 👍

[@wimve4719]

Thank you 'guys' for being such a warm household, being soo diverse, but still making this sooo much fun. If I want an honest opinion, ....... You know what I'm saying 😀Keep it up!!!

[@KathyLuluandDonna]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@wimve4719]

@@KathyLuluandDonna With a lot of pleasure from across the Pond ... From BE, take a look at Stromae ... unintented plug 😛Or was it ...

[@friendsmakingmusic1751]

I saw them do it live in72 on the U of Miami patio for a Saturday night concert! What a show!

[@erickvermeulen9734]

A few years ago, in 2019, the now a bit older keyboard player/flutist Thijs van Leer performed in a few songs in the Ayreon show Electric Castle Live and Other Tales. I think he played flute during that concert on songs like Amazing Flight and Valley of the Queens.

[@jodieturner6350]

I remember coming from High School football game. I played in the marching band. Several of us got together and watched this on the Midnight special show. Good times. Thanks! ✌❤🎶🎶❤✌

[@KathyLuluandDonna]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sergebrunet4218]

I saw them live in Montreal in a small venu, was actually a movie theater with a stage ! they played this song, of course ! lol ! But here they play it faster because they had a limited time to do their song ! 😜🤪

[@OmeNeil]

Ladies, great comments. Focus was a progrock band from the Netherlands, and they made a huge succes with the song Hocus Pocus. Jan Akkerman (on guitar) was one of the best. Singer = Thijs van Leer

[@russbaxter1806]

It's quite possible that Lulu has heard the normal (ie slower) version of this as it has been in a number of films, including Trolls World Tour

[@seanharrigan6365]

Now, onto Black Betty by Ram Jam....

[@RedbadvanRijn-ft3vv]

Long time ago in the Netherlands,they play this live 250 meters from my house. Great times.

[@KathyLuluandDonna]

Awesome

[@colingoode3702]

Fast forward 51 years from this performance in the USA in 1973 to May this year & I saw Focus live in a little venue in the UK near where I live. Great night & whilst some of the band line up has changed, the founding member Thijs van Leer on Keyboard & Flute is still at it. He can't quite hit some of the high notes or do the whistling nowadays but in every other respect he's still got it. Excellent prog rock musicians which took me back to my early teenage years.

[@tobytanzer]

The Midnight Special was the early 70's MTV. Focus still is around. Thijs van Leer the yodler, flautist, organist, still tours as Focus with younger band mates - in his late 70's. I have a photo with him from 2019. He is a super nice guy - always smiling. Their other music is more serious and no less excellent.

[@GeertDeLange-k5x]

He is still performing in the Netherlands.

[@jeffreyflint6286]

This was so popular when I was in high school. A very talented band and I think underrated!❤❤❤. Hreat reaction ya'll!👍👍🤘🤘 midnight special was a hreat tv show in the seventies. There was also Don Kirshners rock concert and The zold Gray whistle.

[@thomasripley1548]

It was a song by CCT most notably, and mom is right it was a show on Friday I believe. Peter Frampton was a huge hit on it......

[@tankardofterror9898]

Gals I was terrified reading the title. Masterpiece of 70'ies. Master of guitar, master of drums, master of vocals and master of bass. And you did it! Awesome. Bow to you (as always)!

[@bazkeen]

Some good memories there 🤘🏻🔥🤘🏻🔥🤘🏻🔥🤘🏻 How to fit a 6 min song into 3 and a half minutes 😂😂😂😂

[@ChristopherSpradlin-m3d]

He's a flute player and things like this come about when you're practicing . Hence the reason there's no words it's basically tongue exercises there's a whole lot of interesting songs out there that came from people just warming up doing exercises on their instruments!

[@manuman27]

Check out the album MOVING WAVES a fusion of jazz blues classical music . They had several hits ..Silvia, House of the King as well as Hocus Pocus. I am happy to say i seen them live back in the 70s and several times since.A unique brilliant band, still playing today,Not to missed if you can catch a live performance

[@garyfletcher844]

I want your merch with Lulu's face on it.

[@dalebuck7168]

Lulu is sitting going " what the heck is going on!"

[@StevenQ74]

They used this song in a Nike commercial for the 2010 world cup football(or soccer as you call it)

[@dalewatkins9000]

The Midnight Special was on NBC from 1972 - 1981. It was hosted by Wolfman Jack

[@cricketbat09]

"Sylvia" by Focus is a wonderful instrumental, well worth checking out.

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

Haha yall done dabbled in some Hocus Pocus...awesome ✌💖☮

[@wjl2601]

You just saw one of the best rock guitarists of all time doing his thang: Jan Akkerman. Believe it or not but the young Michael Jackson was a fan at the time. Sat on the first row at one of their gigs.

[@debbie7505]

Midnight Special was a show in the 70’s that came on at midnight on either Fri or Sat (I can’t remember). They brought different popular groups on.

[@j.woodbury412]

The Midnight Special was a tv show that ran from 1972 to 1981. It was narrated by Wolfman Jack and hosted by various guest hosts (with Helen Reddy hosting in 1975-1976) It is also a song by Creedence Clearwater Revival from their album Willy and the Poor Boys.

[@henkfranken927]

Yeah well, the seventies... the Netherlands... Focus... Crazy... I think that's it. 😊😊🙂

[@Rhinedragon]

To understand the Genius in this Version you have to hear the Original Version in double length..... Jan Akkermann, the Guitarist don´t lost a single Note by playing double speed......

[@STAkers-ni9jg]

The Midnight Special” was a Friday night “Pop Rock” variety show on NBC TV. It ran in the same weekly time slot of 12:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. EST for 9 years (1972-1981).

[@THESALMON8TR]

Thank you girls i really needed some good vibes today!😄 Love that grandma is vibing the most!🥰

[@KathyLuluandDonna]

You are so welcome

[@markwakefield8533]

When you watch Floor on BesteZangers the guy with the beard is the son of Focus’ guitarist Jan Ackerman

[@kevinogracia1615]

The youngster has probably heard this song... Collage radio? Peace on earth. BTW... Focus is a great (old) band.

[@joecveteticccvetetic4068]

The midnight special..every Saturday night..for yrs

[@realamerican5813]

This is the shorter version of this song, but still has all of the main part of it. Thank you, ladies, it was enjoyable as always!

[@ManuelGuajardo-zd7hx]

Such a good band ladies. And congratulations on the Amazon store that you have available now. Wintersun Alex ❄️👋

[@johnl6944]

Kathy, your face... it's the only way one can react to this! 🤣 Same as the first time I heard it (many years ago).