REACTION COMPILATION | Focus - Hocus Pocus - Live at Midnight Special 1973 🔮

[@WonderMommaOG]

After the heaviness of the last video… this was a welcome change of pace and many of you have been asking for this one. I love this song but much prefer the longer studio version… but as Jamel says in the end of this video… this version is the one you want to see, the studio version is the one you want to hear. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Enjoy!

[@danusdragonfly6640]

Didn't know I wanted this - but I did! I have been wanting to ask you - pretty *please* to consider doing a compilation of people reacting to the Charlie Daniels Band "The Devil Went Down to Georgia"! Pretty please - please consider it! I hope you have a *fantastic* Thanksgiving! 😃

[@BaddAtom]

Loved it! Happy Thanksgiving

[@WonderMommaOG]

@@danusdragonfly6640 Thank you! Yes that one is definitely on my list. Hope to do it within the next couple of months.

[@at0micwerew0lf]

This makes me wonder how Jethro Tull hasn't made it to the reaction circles yet... **they really need to do Mexican Millenium by Babe Ruth!! Get the word out to them!!

[@makesenz]

That's funny. The guitar player is my pops and i still laugh my ass off whenever i see this performance lol.

[@ingovonderluhe2174]

When 1973 SPEED METAL was invented......caused by playing a 7 Minutes Song in 4 Minutes!....Jan Ackerman,the ultimate Guitar Wizzard !

[@Gromit801]

Not even. If anything it started with Ten Years After and Alvin Lee in the late 60’s. Watch Going Home at Woodstock.

[@jameswaddell3348]

@@Gromit801 WRONG! Alvin Lee couldn't play any where near what Jan Akkerman played here! Jan Akkerman was playing like this in 1969 in another band from Holland called "Brainbox" the drummer was also in that band. This original band of Focus has some live bootlegs from the 1971/1973 era that is mind blowing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGO0gX2eaNtgp7s kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3nFdqyIr9x-pJY

[@marlonzamora3828]

100% agree

[@Arnaud58]

I'm Dutch and when this happened I was 15 years old and a big fan of Focus and Thijs van Leer solo. "If it ain't Dutch, It ain't much..."👴😁

[@joannicholson970]

Brilliant ❤

[@VoltenaDames2]

Thank you WonderMomma for playing the original "Hocus-Pocus" at the end. People will understand even more or not, how brilliant they were by playing this 7 minute piece in just 4 minutes (on the spot by the way), requested (ordered) by the producers. You are one hell of a editor, millions of kudos.

[@WonderMommaOG]

Much appreciated! It would have felt like a crime not to feature the original in some way. 😅

[@VoltenaDames2]

@@WonderMommaOG, you did good. By the way. I am Dutch and had the pleasure of having Thijs van Leer in front of my camera years ago during a show.

[@jeffcobb2734]

TV corporate guy: "Sorry guys, you're going to have to cut your song. It's 7 mins long and your segment is for 4 mins." Focus: "Screw that dude. We'll just play the damn song at double speed!" Unbridled joy ensues.

[@DougMiers]

Thank you for posting this. I was in college when this record came out and I was an instant fan. I was lucky enough to be living in a city that was part of the tour Focus did in support of the album. It makes me proud that people are still listening to Focus and that young people are still blown away by the talent of this group.

[@jerryconnors1703]

Forget this legendary performance for (just) a minute ... your gathering of the various reactions (85% of which I had seen already) and juxtaposing the amazed hilarity of the reactors was a magnificent concept, and a real treat ... and then, TO TOP YOURSELF, you showed people that you had to be about as dextrous (and crazy) as Thijs to make a video of an assemblage of reactions to a video! This song is unique and has its own place in modern music ... this video has earned itself a special place as well. Thank you, and a standing O to you.

[@WonderMommaOG]

☺Wow, thank you very much.

[@tommythompson9565]

I completely agree

[@infidelcastro5129]

“This is what humanity can do when you let it loose.” Perfect comment ❤

[@johnsimpson8345]

First and only time the crowd gave a standing ovation for a performance. In this show

[@infidelcastro5129]

Every time you hear the drum solo… “Holy crap, we’re going back in”

[@thomascerulli8013]

A 70’s Classic. Which played at regular speed. Is a pretty cool song. Great Job Wonder Momma ❤

[@elkevera]

🤣🤣This was what I needed today!! I was laughing and headbanging at the same time. My husband looked at me like: "Now she's completely lost it!" Mind you, we both lived through the 70s and it was the BEST time of our lifes. Thank you so much, til next time ❣❣

[@rjjcms1]

Just been doing the same to it here,and it's past 3 o'clock on Monday morning. My poor neighbours!

[@gemsun6512]

“This is what humanity can do when you let it loose”….. best comment!! So fun!! Thank you Momma! I remember our local rock radio station would play this every Friday night and only on Friday nights!! Loved these reactioners …. So fun!! ✌🏼❤️

[@Richardtv1968]

Dutch legends with a Musician Masterclass ……. First standing ovation at the Midnight Special!!!! They had to shorten their song because there was a small timeslot they got, they refused to shorten it so they sped things up! Thijs van Leer on keyboard and flute, Pierre van der Linden on drums, Bert Ruiter on bass and the best guitarplayer ever, according to Brian May of Queen, Jan Akkerman ……. These are fantastically skilled musicians

[@JClaus1221]

Full version now on the Midnight Special YT channel. The editor that cut and trimmed that performance down to what we see here is almost as incredible as the editing WonderMomma did on this video.

[@ericwagner1824]

One of the very few standing ovations ever given on Midnight Special. I love the studio version, but this sped up live performance is outstanding.

[@justmoose6534]

These compilations are amazing. Hard work for you.

[@HowieDash]

My time in music ....... hats off to person that edited this video .... outstanding ..... everything was done on paper , then 2 reel tape back in my day ...

[@ranieraandreoli4478]

Siete Bellissimi...Fantasticiii🤗😊😘😘😘😘😘😘😘

[@ranieraandreoli4478]

🤗😊

[@colinmusgrove8080]

i left gramer school in uk in 73 my music teacher was into this and prg rck and it stayed with me and i thank him

[@swamihuman9395]

- I can't love this enough!

[@WonderMommaOG]

Thank you so much. This one was really fun to make!

[@bradsense7431]

That was fun. And I have to commend WonderMommaOG for a great job editing. That’s some mad organizational skills. I bet your kitchen pantry,refrigerator,garage,sock drawer etc etc are all in fine order.

[@dionshare7103]

Don't know that I've seen this before. As always great work.

[@chellefell1331]

My 15 yr old LOVES this song.

[@cassandracyr]

OMG!!! This was an awesome walk down memory lane!!! I was 13 and remember watching this!!!! The song was nearly seven minutes long (which my brother turned me onto)- but the Dutch prog jesters only had four minutes to play it. The solution? PLAY IT FAST! Still laughing after all these years! FANTASTIC WonderMommaOG! THANK YOU! Happy Thanksgiving... I will be yodeling while eating turkey and stuffing ....Yodeladalal Yodeleaklalala a he he!

[@urex1717]

Excellent editing. You make me pine for the days when I had such youthful exuberance.

[@barbequestopper]

After listening to this song with fabulous guitar work i was just as exhausted as the band members lol This song got it all; rock, jazz and classic. Luv the reactions P.

[@eduardosilvagomes2735]

YEA! I love this version 😍, because it shows how talented these guys from Focus are! Fun and spectacular performance and thanks again for yet another brilliant video! Greetings from Brazil 🇧🇷🙏🏻❤️✨

[@joelkrause388]

WMOG this was AWESOME! Loved that you used the studio version during the edit. The extended reaction intro was absolutely essential on this video. After you did 5FDP, I wasn't sure what your next compilation would be, and Hocus Pocus was perfect. You have a way, a special talent! Keep it coming! Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!

[@cainealexander-mccord2805]

And the same to you!!

[@roberteatwell6827]

Best one yet, and to one of the best live performances of all time. Good job all round.

[@codesent2125]

Thanks for doing the faster live version! It definitely has more energy!

[@kelterskelter4]

These guys were from Amsterdam, so it was a kind of culture shock for the music charts back in '73. I was 10 when it came out, and remember it on the radio from time to time. In the United States and Canada the song peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 the weeks of June 2 and 9 in the US and No. 18 in Canada during the spring and summer of 1973.

[@FUBAR1986]

As always your collaboration, your effort are always the best. Thank you.

[@fuierago]

"somethin' happened" Whether or not you think the music is for you, you can't deny you held a smile while bobbing your head....

[@Dreamstalker8002]

As a kid growing up in the '70s there were two songs I always wanted to hear on the radio.... Hocus Pocus by Focus and Frankenstein by Edgar Winter

[@robertboston7872]

Lol me too

[@Jaggedknife11]

Jesus.....kids wanting to hear INSTRUMENTALS on the RADIO?!?!?! what a time it must've been

[@Capgpro1]

Yes!

[@markduplantis9255]

Right On ✌️ A Lil smoke an Beer And we were on our way...I was 17 and watched Midnight special all the time it was on... Those were the Days my friend I wish they would have never end !

[@dbeeboy]

I actually have the original 45 vintage vinyl record. My parents never sold our home they bought in 1966. All my old childhood toys, vinyl records, and things a kid collects growing up are right where I left them. Thanks for keeping everything Mom. Thanks for the House too. :)

[@rjjcms1]

Fantastic.

[@katiegwynn4495]

YES!

[@Holyroller411]

In 1976/77 I was in the 6th form at school. Focus Live at the Rainbow was constantly on the record player. Well warped, but still working, I fell in love with the band, and progressive rock in general. There is NOTHING nowadays to compare with this musical excellence ❤

[@rageagainstthetaint8871]

I was waiting for this

[@kelvinmann1058]

Nicely done WMOG, those were some crazy reaction. I hope your birds liked the whistling.

[@WonderMommaOG]

lol... they didn't hear any of it as I wear headphones. I have to keep the room quiet during the night so they can sleep. But they have music playing in there 24/7, just a little lower volume at night. Thanks Kelvin!

[@kelvinmann1058]

I have no doubt that there is music going 24/7 😊

[@HughCorbyCruick]

I have to add a comment that, while we all can appreciate the creativity and sheer outrageous fun of this song, I noticed how few of the commentators actually noted the incredible musicianship on display here. I am wondering if that is a difference between this era of listening and some earlier ones. When me and my friends heard this song when it first came out we would compliment this song in the same way these folks are but would also marvel at what great playing on display here and we frequently did that on the songs of that time that showed incredible skills.

[@WonderMommaOG]

I completely understand. Truth be told, I have heard the song for decades and I never started appreciating it for many years after I heard it. It is truly a unique song.

[@GeraldCrittendon-xm6xe]

I remember watching that performance on The midnight special in 1973 and they give me great pleasure right now to look back and see the joy that a lot of the music I grew up with. Which I was lucky to see many concerts because our kinds of security in St Louis Missouri for contemporary productions and seen every concert from 1978 until 1990

[@vinsgraphics]

I’ve been binging on reaction channels recently, trying to whittle down the best ones, especially reactions to certain songs (like this!) Your composite reactions are perfect! A lot of fun, and I’m sure the individual reactors appreciate the attention! Can’t wait to see what’s next.

[@WonderMommaOG]

I appreciate that, thank you so much.

[@elisaabolafia9542]

I discovered the Wonderful World of REACTION VIDEOS in the beginning of the Pandemic ☹️. These are so much fun.Then these compilation videos started coming out, making it even better. Like we are all partying together at the same live music 🎵🎵🎵 club. Joyful ❗

[@juliusseizure2673]

All of your videos are great, but I think this was the most fun to watch so far. I'm going to watch each individual reaction now. Love your work and time and dedication put forward to bring us these videos!

[@toddyoung7112]

We use to luv watching Midnight Special. Awsome times

[@Haryostos]

I find it weird that everybody is shocked so much. I heard that song approximately 25 years ago (loved it) and for me it always made sense to have these kind of "sounds" (yodeling etc.) as the song is called Hocus Pocus. It's mystical, magical, fairy tale(y) etc. It's exactly as it should be 😉

[@rockinracer]

Best review ever. Thanks for the back story as well. Bad Ass. What rock is all about.

[@Sproatacus]

First time hearing this song and band. I wasn’t born yet (‘88) but from stories about the 70’s this makes sense.

[@joannelent6027]

Another great video. I’d forgetter all about this song. Nice to hear it again and see others enjoy it. Thanks for putting in the hard work for us to enjoy.

[@wardkdouglas]

Mr Video lighting up a joint for this one is unintended comedy gold.

[@waynemyers2469]

I loved Focus the first time I heard them, they appealed to my eclectic, neo-classical/country/prog-rock tastes. Truthfully, I haven't heard them for years and I've never seen that particular appearance or that accelerated version before but I can say this: Part of me, the part of me that contains those old memories is proud of Focus for having put out such a unique and quality sound that today, 50 years later, it's still blowing peoples minds...that's fuckin' rock-and-roll!

[@rstar6496]

This was fun!

[@fsinjin60]

I watched a couple reactions vids and got involved w/ the reactors so I wanted to see others (like Jamal). And then I find your compilation. Thanks so much, really

[@thetom73]

Fantastic work, momma 👍🏻✌🏼

[@LBG420]

This is the first time I’ve ever heard this I’m ashamed to say, this was phenomenal 😂😂

[@r2portela]

Wonderful!!! Both the show and your work

[@paulstuartwilson485]

Props to the video editor/creator for this reaction video. 👍🇺🇸

[@WonderMommaOG]

Thank you!

[@markl3028]

Most worthy of that very rare standing ovation from the Midnight Special.

[@tvoost7296]

It makes me proud that this is a band from Holland. I will show this to my kids. Thans for diving and finding another pearle in the Sea of the seventies.

[@debbiewade3799]

Your videos make my day. Thank you for the work you put in and Happy Thanksgiving!

[@Lichfeldian--Suttonian]

A compilation of the reactions of Hocus Pocus by Focus is just brilliant. My forever favourite is @ 05:45 with Shawn’s reaction to Thijs’s wolf whistle on the climb! Fantastic!

[@zarkopetrovic7472]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!♥️♥️♥️

[@cdnrednek1027]

I remember listening to this on FM radio in the 70s.

[@allenlewis7207]

WonderMommaOG you do a fabulous job of putting these videos together....I especially love the "after show" making of...KEEP IT UP

[@Tarkus_]

Mad respect for the time and effort that went into this fantastic compilation! 🙌👍🤟

[@eddiemckenna9414]

Beautiful

[@ai.yeehaw]

This song came up while I was washing the dishes. My jaw dropped, I froze, and my family was deeply concerned. lmao This is fucking phenomenal

[@wen-nz3sk]

I didn't see this one coming Momma!!! 😯 LOVE IT!! ❤👍🏽 Happy Thanksgiving!! 🦃🥳

[@stevestanil]

Most excellent video love love loved the way the second half went with the studio version while going through all the hard work to create this 👍👍👍

[@WonderMommaOG]

Thanks so much!!

[@stevestanil]

@@WonderMommaOG most brilliant bravo 👏

[@garytrew2766]

Hello WMOG, It's a cool montage. I remember hearing and enjoying Focus in the seventies, a lot of my friends didn't like it but I did. That music is right on time, and I respect anybody who can yodel. You picked a great song to make into your video. Having the studio version at the end was an awesome idea, because it does sound more pleasing to the ear. Looking forward to the next live , and how are your birds and dogs? Take care and have a great Thanksgiving .

[@WonderMommaOG]

Thanks Gary! All the feathered and furry kids are doing well, thank you for asking. I hope you have a great holiday as well!

[@LordEagle]

It's just GREAT how everyone just appreciated the talent,,,,💥💥💥👍😎

[@cainealexander-mccord2805]

Kaleidoscopic. My late husband was crazy about this song. The Midnight Special, and i'm immediately 9 again. Such a brilliant choice! Your comedic touch is absolute genius. (For the record, I still watch the Lynyrd Skynard one about once a week. The buzzers crack me up like The Stooges.) So, so much fun and so needed. Thanks, #Momma!

[@WonderMommaOG]

Thank you Caine! It's inspiring to hear you're a repeat viewer. Feels good to provide that kind of content for people.

[@robertboston7872]

I bought the box set The Midnight Special a awesome step back in time I recommend it.

[@cainealexander-mccord2805]

@@robertboston7872 MS box set? I bet that RULES. Score!

[@elisaabolafia9542]

Wonder Momma❗ You've done it again 🔥🔥🔥 Another round of 1970's BRILLIANT MUSICIANSHIP Wow ....a delight.

[@guygibson1957]

Another great edit, I watch loads of reaction videos which takes up a lot of time, these compilations are a condensed way to see them. Great editing, they must each take a large amount of time to mesh the whole thing together, thank you.

[@wouterboswinkel1713]

wow

[@elizabethlozano9358]

Another awesome compilation! I like the edits and the new star effect in the beginning. Thanks for sharing 😊 Happy Thanksgiving to you as well

[@bruceharkins7843]

Another epic video. Thank you!

[@sidneialmeida1211]

Eu tive o prazer de assistir o show do Focus aqui no Rio de Janeiro amo essa banda.

[@Scottie_S]

I know that you made this quite a while ago, but there are several reactors still reacting to this wonderful, happy piece of music. The 'Fairy Voice Mother' must have just come in under the radar, and I consider her one of the best. Her reaction included her wonderful understanding of vocal training and also her musical ability with the flute. I'm guessing you may have already seen her reaction anyways, but if you haven't go and check it out!

[@Isleofskye]

Thanks for all your hard work and I have Subscribed from South East London. I saw this Band in Croydon,S E London in 1973:)

[@WonderMommaOG]

Thank you and welcome to the channel!!

[@mkpleco]

WOW. Is this what you do? This is incredible.

[@WonderMommaOG]

Thank you. It's a hobby of mine, yes. I don't get paid for it but that would be cool!

[@galneryusrock]

Hey thanks for doing this 👍

[@cainealexander-mccord2805]

P.S. Never heard of "Annoyed Reactor VF", but I am headed there directly from here. Somebody's gettin' subbed... Thanks again, #Momma!

[@Me-myself-b3g]

This is a SERIOUS FRICKIN` JAM, ladies and gentlemen....

[@kevinjennings238]

GREAT EDITING!!!

[@theoderich1168]

Nice to see everybody happy......

[@kbf9644]

Oh, this is going to be hilarious…. 😆 ETA: Yep! 😂 The song as recorded is wild. Sped up is insane. 🤘🏻🤣

[@nektekket852]

One of the first albums I owned was "Focus live at the Rainbow", happy memories of me and my friends listening in absolute wonder in the 70s, and it sounds just as good today! ❤

[@yankees4551]

I still have the Focus 3 vinyl bought in 1973

[@rickforespring4834]

they made a version of this live from hearst castle i think. amazin' stuff !

[@anthonywopaness2927]

The song was great but the editing skills displayed was epic, I remember having to do a quick 30 sec service announcement in my video production class it was quick to shoot but the editing took forever. I might be wrong but the editing prep work looked key. outstanding work.

[@WonderMommaOG]

Thank you so much.

[@jaskau2462]

🤩👌💥💯🎶 Ten points and a parrot sticker to our MommaOGMomma. ✌️🥰🇫🇮💙💯💥

[@seandobson6221]

This song is so epic!

[@thatmanstumototours2270]

I had this on 45. Wore it out...

[@davehess1019]

at 7:50 in the morning on 11/22/22 sitting here drinking my coffee, I honestly don't know what to think about this, watching the reactions is quite interesting , wow

[@davidfranciscodasilva9559]

Genius!

[@jasonagenda3638]

Hey momma could you do a poll on age ranges of your current subscribers?. I think it would be interesting to see how many of over 40s are in your audience. I know I'm not alone. We remember some of these, but it's so fun to revist especially through the ears of first timers! Thanks. Love ya!

[@WonderMommaOG]

I just plucked the information from analytics... and you are correct! Thanks for the kind words... appreciate you! 13-17 years: 0.4% 18-24 years: 10.1% 25-34 years: 19.4% 35-44 years: 21.0% 45-54 years: 26.2% 55-64 years: 17.4% 65+ years: 5.4%

[@fcassmann]

Hi.Here a senior from the Netherlands. We lived the music back in those day's. Focus is still performing. Thanks for the ride.

[@twalrus1]

It was a 7 minute song jammed into a 4 minute slot. People loved the sped up version so much that they never played the original 7 minute version again.

[@Kiwinan1701]

You need to check out the original version. I love that they refused to shorten it for the performance and squished it up instead! Check the original for comparison. I bought this as a 45 when it first came out I was 14!

[@mickeyd6444]

Great choice. I always wonder though if people who have never heard the song before can follow the live version, because it's as they said purposely compressed to suit TV time restrictions. Anyway I really enjoyed it, and as I was watching "the making of" section I was surprised (and sort of gratified as I also physically write a lot in keeping myself organized) how much of your process is analog.

[@WonderMommaOG]

Thank Mickey... I know what you mean. I do prefer the studio version over this one... but this video is quite entertaining. I also have a huge fear of robots taking over my life... 😅😂 if that makes sense, so if analog still works and is practical, I absolutely prefer it! So much of everything we do these days is technology based. I remember the time when we didn't need ANY of this stuff to survive. My, how times have changed. lol