Procol Harum - 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' Reaction!

[@thisisitreactions]

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[@MarkoMakela-kk7qf]

Hi you funny guys! Yeah, this perormance was spectacular taking to account how old man was singing and what soul and power he still had in his voice. I do know that some of my friends don't like 'slow' music let alone classical music, but when I hear something beatiiful, I take as one. If someones grand father sings like this, you should despite all resistanse force him to go in some song contest, no matter what. What is wonderful about music is that it isn't about what sex you are, it sin't what age you are, it isn't what your skin looks like nor what age where are living. I am a white boi but I dare to say to you all three that: God Bless you... I enjoyed your honest reaction!

[@tonyporenshenko425]

Procol harum and the moody blues were both masters of integrating symphonies and rock music

[@Jude_196]

RIP, GARY BROOKER!! YOU ARE MISSED, SIR!! WHAT a VOICE!!

[@Decbaby15]

Yes. Great stuff

[@stebstebanesier6205]

If this song isn't played at my funeral...I'm going to get up and walk out.

[@daphnethurlow5388]

Aww bless!!!

[@vanessa4u4evr]

😂🤣😅😝🥳

[@tinasjostrand2677]

Now that is a serious threat 😂

[@sixslinger9951]

if that happened, I think many more funerals would follow!

[@general-cromwell6639]

That's about as good as you get.

[@jeannieschmidt2217]

I'm not sure if it was understood that this was a live performance in Denmark. It's not Bon Jovi or GNR in a huge stadium. So no need for the audience to be screaming and shouting in the middle of this type of song - with a classical symphony in the background. They all listened respectfully - and cheered loudly and passionately at the end of the performance - to show their love and appreciation for a fantastic performance.

[@tinamakaneole]

I find that the reactors and younger people in general expect wild movements and screaming, gyrating lol. They apparently just don’t understand and are simply not patient.

[@margaretwaite7226]

These men are American and their world is very small so it keeps them ignorant.

[@timmistorey5989]

Almost 60 yrs layer. Wow

[@desertdee1]

This was a great performance, and you are correct. I've been to 100s of concerts, and even when the hard rock'n'rollers played their soft love songs, we sat down. Sitting down during a beautiful song is the right thing to do. Not hoot and holler :D

[@starman2337]

The crowd being quiet DURING the performance was showing respect by not disturbing the music.

[@arnodobler1096]

Exactly! I was going to say the same thing. Respect! For the same reason I hate it when people eat during a reaction, for some people.

[@teresacartwright5406]

@@arnodobler1096 - A reactor on another channel was so excited that when he was at a Home Free concert the audience was - in his words - 'hanging on every' note. That he'd been at shows where people had talked, 'phhoned, ignored the performers and just hated when people did that.

[@robinnnnnnnnnnnn]

I think the audience was actually flabbergasted in awe. Gary was undergoing radiation and chemo for cancer when he performed that night at the Hollywood Bowl.

[@janjan12646]

Totally agree They stood and applauded at the end to show their appreciation They were respectful to the song and the musicians

[@bertabeton4514]

We don‘t throw shoes at the artists for our appreciation. Just a different culture. 😉😁

[@charlesbishop4000]

This song is magic. The original stands out as one of the most beautiful and original songs ever. I love this version.

[@joelspaulding5964]

The audience on this day was blessed beyond measure. A once in a centrury performance.

[@Jude_196]

I was JUST THINKING: WHAT a TREAT to have BEEN THERE at THAT PERFORMANCE!! UGH - JUST SO GOOD!

[@rocknroller77]

Love both the original version and this, but this version ALWAYS makes me tear up. Absolutely beautiful

[@kevino4846]

This is by far the best performance of the song. Never fails to evoke emotion.

[@abelard817]

In Europe and Australia, we sit and respectfully listen. At the end, if it’s warranted only, they get a standing ovation

[@hackermusic3355]

Like others have said the crowd wasn't quiet because they didn't like the song. They loved the song. They were quiet because that's what the music called for.

[@michaelhillmann3460]

Paul McCartney once said that he wished he could write a song as beautiful as this

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

The fact that he could still sing that song with such passion almost 60 years later and in his later years is very impressive as well.

[@marksterner7532]

His voice aged like fine wine, smoother yet maintaining all of its original strength and flavor. Gary Brooker is a "one in a million"!!!

[@francisedwards4069]

Fellas, overseas the audience sits and listen to the performance and then applauds after each song

[@lt.spears1889]

Your nuts, ever been to Glasbury

[@ChrisLawton66]

That's only true some of the time. It's also true in the US on occasion.

[@margaretwaite7226]

​@lt.spears1889 🎉 Glastonbury ! You're calling people nuts but you don't know what you're talking about . Glastonbury is a very different event to the event you just watched. These three on the panel are so stupid , its embarrassing. One of them was shocked that Gary was English .

[@michaelmcneely6143]

The way it should be. You pay a lot of money for the expense.

[@tinamakaneole]

What did you not expect 😊, Rock and Classical are married together into a beautiful exhilarating experience.❤

[@flippinpages6550]

I saw them in 1967 at the old Fillmore in San Francisco. The played first withThe Doors playing zecond. There were only 50 people watching. I was sitting on the wood floor in n the center of the auditorium. It was fantastic and we were all young.

[@shoesagogo1]

Wow !! 🤘

[@robertaswanson5633]

Those were the days!

[@ellbanks425]

W.OW.!!!

[@kjsalomonsen9299]

I don't want to make you feel your age but I was two in 1967 and my parents listened to Doris Day, Bach and the opera but I had a big sister you listened to this kind of music. I had a well rounded musical life. lol

[@tomgribbin9531]

John Lennon and I have at least one thing in common . When this song came out in '67 we both said it was the most beautiful tune we had ever heard.

[@christianmarler2253]

John loved this song. He played it in the back of his Rolls Royce Phantom on a custom-made turntable that didn't skip when the car was moving. A chauffeur would drive, and he would play this for anyone who rode with him.

[@bitfenix90]

Upon it's release, there were a few non-guitar-intro songs that immediately alerted the audience to its presence. This was one of them. And the soaring organ cut thru skies to signal it's arrvial.

[@johnbrowne2170]

The group is Procol Harum from Essex, England and they had several hits in the 1960s. The song A Whiter Shade of Pale sold over 10 million records.

[@nigelturner3251]

Go Gary, Go Essex

[@margaretwaite7226]

Several ?

[@Coldwarrior7781]

Art like this is what makes me not regret my age. That I was living to witness this time in music history.

[@edster612]

When the choir comes in at 6:25ish, always gives me chills. This really is one of those perfectly written songs and an unforgettable performance.

[@iansaunders7090]

It's called respect , we went to a concert to listen to the artist , not to make enough noise to compete with them !!!!

[@neillenet291]

One of the greatest songs ever written.

[@daphnethurlow5388]

It is

[@sharcrum]

This composition makes it THE greatest I think!

[@AP-gb3eh]

Making noise during a performance like this would be so disrespectful, applause at the end. It’s respectful to hear all the work that went into it .

[@Steve-gx9ot]

That is what younger usa people today do not understand. What RESPECT is and WHY it matters. They want to be respected, but don't feel the need to Return that Respect!

[@SBel65]

Also, the audience knew the band and the song…they showed respect and respect to them!

[@lesliemeola8209]

The fact that he wrote this in his teens is amazing

[@sharcrum]

Yeah....I was probably still picking my nose in my teens (although I did have a baby in my teens who is now 50 years old!!)

[@TheCornishCockney]

This song was everywhere in the late 60’s,certainly in the UK,and Gary Brooker is a great musician and singer. A sixties anthem for sure.

[@waltreed2578]

That was an oboe that you saw early in the song. Fantastic performance and they also sang "Conquistador", another one of their hits, at the same concert. Thanks for listening to this oldie.

[@faithnyou1732]

Love both the original and this version. Thanks for this great reaction, guys! Rest in peace, Gary Brooker. ✌💙✌

[@karyn354]

Brilliant song and voice. Miss you Gary Brooker! RIP

[@cindipossidento5688]

Absolutely beautiful song ……. I loved it in 1967, and still feel the same way. Gary Brooker ….. what a voice 😘

[@janetsilverhawk7204]

This son g 57 years old,and I still love it as much now as I did when it came out when I was 11

[@BengtLofqvist]

Great arrangement of a very very soulful song. The crowd was good and respectfully listeners that was whistling and cheering after the performence. Good nothern behavior you know ha ha. This consert was not build up like a wild party. These audience came to listen to great music from a great artist that they probably knew about and admired since many years.

[@fredericknalaremah939]

Simply the greatest pop song ever written and recorded. A wonderful tribute to the great Gary Brooker.

[@moniqueleroux2198]

Great reaction...this vocalist protected his voice for decades. European crowds are chill....they loved it!

[@loadedorygun]

People who can still belt it at 70 are such a gift. Just saw Midge Ure (Ultravox, Thin Lizzy) in a solo gig and he could still hit all his notes with power, including the iconic chorus to “Vienna.” This guy is in his own category, almost. Just amazing when he goes up top in his register.

[@Eurynomea]

Gary Brooker was the king of whiskey and tobacco vocals, and he only got better with age. He's sorely missed by many of us.

[@pattiblount2046]

I like that most everyone looks silenced when they hear this, as if they instinctively know it has a divine element to it. Like they are reverencing its beauty. Like they are awestruck!

[@cynthiaclark9566]

His voice is the most powerful instrument here, sublime

[@carriespirakus-p9h]

This song touches and boosts my soul every single time I listen in any form. This one is particularly powerful.

[@michaelschmidt1952]

He wrote this at 19 years old.

[@ChristineOG]

Thats respect allowing the artist to preform and to take it all in, then applaud the preformance. Love the reaction. Great choice in music❤

[@PetrNielsn]

The audience was being respectful. They knew how to behave.

[@vovindequasahi]

What do you mean?

[@PetrNielsn]

​@@vovindequasahi Someone afsked why the audience was so quiet, so that was my answer.

[@davidsmith8279]

​@@vovindequasahiHe means it was a fantastic performance of a meaningful song performed with an orchestra. When music is played so beautifully and with such emotion the audience stays quiet to appreciate and enjoy what they're there to hear. They wait until the performance is over before cheering and showing their appreciation. Not screaming and shouting during it to detract from the performance.

[@areneesouder]

After all these years, this song still gives me chills and makes me cry. It's precious. Glad you all have discovered it. Continue to enjoy...💜😎😎💜

[@firemedic5100]

It was pure brilliance to incorporate the orchestra and choral with the great voice of the great Gary Brooker. This is the greatest performance of this masterpiece there ever will be.

[@wendyt7958]

Such an amazing song. They were certainly ahead of their time musically. You owe it to yourselves to watch the original studio version as well so you can see how amazingly his vocals held up over the years. Great reaction

[@wgsips]

All the big names come from the UK 🎶🎤💜 Rip Gary Brooker

[@Jody525252]

This was the original band and singer from the release in 1967 His singing now is even better if possible than in 1967, just Beautiful

[@spacefanatic]

The original released in 1967 was great but this live version is stupendous as it has more depth with the orchestra and the choir. Gary's voice aged like a fine wine. R.I.P Gary.

[@daphnethurlow5388]

Had not realized he had passed..Rest in Peace...

[@Johnnynix52]

I have to disagree. The original gives me the chills. It's written and sung from a young man's idealistic perspective of hopefulness and longing for the future. This version seems to be more of a reflective piece, longing for the past and what he once experienced and is happy to have gone through his youthful endeavors.

[@spacefanatic]

@@Johnnynix52 You have your opinion which is your right and I have mine.

[@lIlIANONYMOUSIlIl]

I remember catching this video and thinking wow, he still has it. An amazing flawless performance. RIP Gary Brooker.

[@simonesays7222]

The audience gave a standing ovation. This was not a crowd of teenagers and 20 year olds. The music, the song is inspired by JS Bach's "Air", a classical piece. Different type of audience. You sit quietly and enjoy the music. Like you guys did ;)

[@Peter7966]

"When A Man Loves A Women"... Percy Sledge. It has the same vibe and melodic feel, dark and bluesy, as Whiter Shade.....

[@kevino4846]

Would have loved to hear Gary sing that.

[@UncleCharlie111x2]

It actually is not proper etiquette to rant and applause during the performance and that goes way back to before any of us were here!

[@ppauline1515]

I love this song, it’s among my all time favourites and at 80 yrs of age, I’ve had a few!

[@IamValentina66]

A classic. Bravo to you gentleman for listening to it.

[@kingstumble]

J.S.Bach. Master of melody.

[@ewajohansson8398]

Yes...He and Benny Andersson (ABBA)

[@louisamhunter3433]

It was an orchestra. They sat respectfully, politely, not trying to out do the band, but actually listened to every note.

[@darkogregec7503]

I always get goosebumps when I listen to this song. For last 35 years..

[@janefletcher9593]

Thankyou for not interrupting this beautiful song

[@TexasMagnolia]

Discover Legendary hits of the 60’s!!! Thanks Guys!

[@JamesJohnson-ig6of]

There is a recent "live" version Procal Harem did as an outdoor concert not many years back! All these many years later this cowboy could still SING!

[@leetownes1270]

The original version sounds even better. I will always love this song. I'm a 74 year old black female 8:30 ❤❤❤.

[@TexasRose50]

I just have to say THANK YOU for not pausing it a dozen times. I get so irritated when reactors do that! Glad you appreciated such great music. Hope y’all have a great day!

[@americanaforever6725]

“Conquistador” from this same concert is pure 🔥

[@UncleCharlie111x2]

So glad to see these guys react to this!!!

[@jamesdavisjr6937]

I haven't heard this song in forever what a beautiful version

[@paddyomaddy]

Can always tell when Corey is digging a tune by the smile :) , nothing at first but wider and wider as it went on...

[@KimClaytonRosario]

We have some of the greatest soul singers ever in Britain

[@seanstevenson9891]

RIP Gary Brooker. Pure Classic.😊

[@bjm9071]

I was 10 years old when this song came out and loved it then. This orchestral version is even better. The whole concert is great. Another great song done is "A Salty Dog" - check it out.

[@petermorgan5303]

Live... holy shit that was good!

[@christinalong5786]

I am so happy that this song is getting the respect it deserves. It rocks and was a part of my childhood.

[@starlaryer4165]

I saw Procol Harem in 1972 at the Santa Monica Civic Center - The Eagles opened up for them.

[@humpy936]

Back in the day we listened respectfully, at the end was time for applause and cheers!, hard to hear all the great music otherwise.😊

[@michaelwebster8389]

It's great, though I still just love the original. It really has a nostalgic 60s feel to it.

[@BDUBZ49]

Its better than this live version.

[@zeppelinmexicano]

The voice was so distinctive, and the passion behind it obvious. Even at that advanced age he could freeze in place.

[@SandraJones-py1bd]

I could listen to this all day.

[@jeanluney1362]

THIS IS AN AMAZING PERFORMANCE!

[@AlbertoBerio]

This song is from 1967. One of the best songs ever written according Rolling Stone.

[@tonyhunt9980]

Based on a 300 year old tune by Bach.

[@kelleebowers8525]

My favorite song of all time. Gary’s voice improved with age. You should check out the original version, too.

[@lazyj616]

I can't believe you haven't listened to Procol Harum, I thought you guys were my age or maybe a little older. This song came out in 1967, when I was in 10th grade high school. They were just as good by themselves too without the whole orchestra.

[@timbeatty8411]

Great performance. Great reaction guys.

[@alankelsey949]

Jimmy Hendrix played the bass at their first gig after they reformed , Jimmy watched them and just knew they would be great

[@vernhoke7730]

I highly recommend checking out either of the 2 "Promotional Videos" from 1967. I heard this song around then as a kid, but didn't see the video until MTV came around in '81.

[@BDUBZ49]

I much prefer the original to this live version.

[@vickielewallen3799]

Hope you'll go back now and listen to the version they did (same group, singer), when they were still in their twenties! Was good then, too, but yes, this one is great. So glad you did this!

[@stephenhuber1219]

BACH Air on a G-String & Sleepers Wake

[@davidtromsness6494]

Great job guys. Glad you got to hear that. An incredible song written so long ago and sung again by the incredible Gary Brooker! Blessings to all of you.

[@johndurrett3573]

The first time I heard this was to from the movie "The Big Chill" have loved it ever since.

[@vanessa4u4evr]

I know this song from my childhood. I was 11. Gary's voice aged like fine wine. He's in his 60s here. At certain times in this live performance, he sounded a lot like Ray Charles. As far as the crowd goes, I hate to burst your bubble, but it wasn't that kind of party bro. They were listening to a legend who they had honored for decades. They were holding a space of respect for this legend to do his thing. They gave him his flowers at the end. Peace.

[@peachesb-georgia1125]

Loved your reaction 💖...it came out my first summer in new York...a kinder... simpler time... when love was in the air... peace 🙏💕

[@cindyp1033]

Millions of boomers sang along with this ❤ RIP Gary

[@carriespirakus-p9h]

This child of a boomer did too.

[@greggibson33]

Genius has entered the room...... welcome.

[@julienelkio8384]

Fabuleux ❤❤❤❤❤

[@steveullrich7737]

IMO One of the greatest rock songs. Ever since it came out in 1967 this song has always stood out as a masterpiece. Just heavenly! You right his voice hardly aged, just listen to the 1967 original for proof.

[@kevino4846]

I think his voice was actually better here. HIs younger voice wouldn't have acquired the timbre that age brought to his older self.

[@Zentrix-24]

Gary Brooker most definitely arranged this with the Danish Symphony Orchestra. Gary came to my City in Edmonton, AB and arranged His song "Conquistador" with the Edmonton Symphony and released on record in 1972. Gary was a great writer and arranger. Rip Gary. My fav Album of Procol Harum was "Shine On Brightly". John Lennon said A Whiter Shade Of Pale was one of the best songs he had ever heard. Gary also played at George Harrison's "A concert for George" 1 year after George Passed on 2001. This is just some tid bits.

[@正後久-k1f]

ありがとうございます!勉強になりました。

[@georgelynch6139]

It was a performance in the park by The Danish National Symphony Orchestra and Choir, the audience is mostly the classical symphony patrons who attend the performances at the DR Konserthus in Copenhagen so they adhere to the common respectable etiquette of a symphonic performance

[@keithetherington4824]

This song reminds me of my youth. I was 7 years old when I heard this song on the radio. It reminds me of my parents and my sisters being all together.

[@carolhayar3037]

SOME BACKGROUND: The concert was filmed at the Ledreborg Castle in Denmark w-the Royal Danish Concert Orchestra. It has been "the most-played song in public places of the last 75 years." There have been some misconceptions surrounding the meaning of the song - see kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpeaZIutnr98fLM for the interview w-composer/lead singer Gary Brooker & writer Keith Reid. Gary was founder of the band begun in '67 & passed away in February of 2022, Keith passed in March of 2023. It is also said that Reid was "going to reveal the true meaning before he died" but he died before he explained anything. Many people believe it was about a drunken one-night stand. Contrary to popular belief, the song is not a direct copy or paraphrase of any music by Bach but was inspired by & does reference Bach's "Sleepers, Wake!" and "Air on the G String!" As per Reid, the line "as the miller told his tale" is definitely not a reference to Chaucer's Miller's Tale. Reid has repeatedly explained he had never read The Canterbury Tales when he wrote A Whiter Shade of Pale. Procol Harum is said to be the name of a friend's cat. The name is a mis-spelling of the Latin phrase Procul Harun (roughly meaning "far beyond these things"), or that it was a corruption of Procellarm, a vast ocean on the Moon. In Roman Times Vestal Virgins were priestesses and acquired their name after Vesta. the goddess of the hearth and home. It was their duty to not only keep the home fires burning but to also remain a virgin for 30 years. AMAZING SONG - AMAZING GARY! COURT CASE: Matthew Fisher, a founding member and the organist of Procol Harum, won a High Court battle over who wrote “A Whiter Shade of Pale.” He played organ on the 1967 recording of the hit, which was long credited to lead singer Gary Brooker and lyricist Keith Reid, and Fisher argued that he wrote the distinctive organ melody. And so on December 20, 2006, Justice William Blackburne ruled that Fisher was entitled to 40 percent of the copyright. Fisher had wanted half (50%) but the court decided that lead singer Gary Brooker’s input was more substantial.

[@ScottDeBerg]

The melody is derived from Johann Sebastian Bach's "Air in G". The song is tailor-made for orchestra and choir. Back in 1967 this rivaled the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper" album for attention here in the states.

[@robertasirgutz8800]

Gary Brooker"S voice, even at advanced age, is incredibly clear and strong. Very moving performance.

[@MikeCoggan]

Watching reactions like this make it feel like hearing it the first time again - thanks. This performance is one of those magical moments when everything happens in beautiful perfection. The orchestra brings a lot to a great song, then the choir comes in - moves me every time I hear this performance

[@davesheffield3620]

We don’t all have to shout like a bunch of kids during songs being played , this is an amazing live performance.