Redhead Reacts to Focus - Hocus Pocus Live '73

[@kimzwolinski9919]

😂😂😂 Great reaction!! They are a Dutch band. The Midnight Special only allowed songs up to 4 minutes long. I think the song is 7 minutes long so instead of cutting things out they sped it up. It’s one of the most fun songs to watch reactions to 😂 Everyone is shocked for a bit and almost everyone is jamming out by the end 😂❤ There a few compilation videos of reactions to this song and it is hilarious to watch 😊

[@WalterBenkel]

That is right. This was their signature song. When they were told that 4 minutes was all they could do they said "F*ck it!" and played it REALLY fast. And being very good musicians they pulled it off, without overdubs or autotuner 🙃

[@kevinmclaughlin8975]

Actually, the entire recording for MNS was 6 minutes, but they only aired 4. Can see the 6 minutes on the MNS YT channel.

[@secondchance6603]

The only band to ever get a standing ovation.

[@hansmolders1066]

Yeah, the same! So I don't need to comment 😊

[@thomasmacdiarmid8251]

And they are still performing.

[@earlellison7533]

Never thought I'd watch Hocus Pocus more than 3-4 times BUT THE ORGANIZED CHAOS IS JUST A BLAST!!

[@davejones5745]

The look of disbelief on your face is priceless. Same with me when i saw this broadcast back in the seventies!

[@timmack2415]

My two favorite things, Focus and redheads!

[@ruudmuller9929]

Focus invented speed metal on the spot 🙂

[@moon4music]

This performance is crazy fun and faster than the studio version, which I have on my music list and it's very good, so different eh! I remember hearing it on the radio years ago. I don't know if I've heard anything else by Focus, and I should see if I do know other songs. Great reaction

[@MarcVanLaere-zr5im]

Jan Ackerman was one of the best dutch guitarplayers ❤👍🤘

[@sleipnirvalhalla9322]

He was the best of the world those days

[@mattmid7012]

Writing this before watching. Waiting for your mind to be blown😂

[@aldobelli8300]

Thijs van Leer, the vocalist / keyboard / flautist still tours to date, usually at small venues and festivals. They were one of the only bands to receive a standing ovation on the Midnight Special TV show.

[@TheOiyou]

I'm seeing Focus in a few weeks in London. They're great but unfortunately no Akkerman any more (and, of course, no Bert Ruiter RIP)

[@diedzjeeoudshoorn7726]

Focus was a fantastic Dutch band!!!! The television format gave them only 4 and a half minutes. They did not want to skip a part of their 7 minutes song so they did it bizarre fast. And how they did it!!! The only standing ovation in this show ever! The guitar player is Jan Akkerman. In those days he was voted "the best guitar player of the world". Thijs van Leer is the multi talented singer/ fluit player/ Whistler. They perform to these days. For instance Thijs can be seen in Ayreon from Arjen Lucassen. It is prove of genius and pure art that this performance is being discovered and admired up to these days 51 years later. They were genius.

[@alastairmcintyre4752]

* is a fantastic Dutch band 😉

[@wesmiddaugh230]

i have had a Cubby+Blizzards album for a long time. mostly unknown yet a great listen

[@alastairmcintyre4752]

@@wesmiddaugh230 TBH - I've only listened to a few of Cuby and the Blizzards songs - Window of my Eyes & Distant Smile - I'm not the biggest blues fan ( although I've been a massive fan of Dutch music since the late 60s . It's vastly underrated !

[@Leo-dd7om]

Hilarious! You had the same look on your face that I had on mine the first time I heard this song.😂

[@EricNess-sc3rh]

The Edgar Winter group is a fairly apt comparison.

[@louisminten7889]

A full standing applause at the Midnight Special ever

[@ronnutting2800]

Love the look of "WHAT" on your face!

[@alexthorpe6583]

The album version of this song has been in rotation on my local classic rock station for decades, I don't know any other song they have. But they did play it a lot faster than normal here, to squeeze it into the allotted time before going to commercials. There's some other differences between live and studio versions.

[@billholder1330]

Too funny that you bring up Edgar Winters - I was just recalling how this tune and EW's "Frankenstein" were all over the airwaves at the same time! hehe 1973 - had to be there!!! hehe

[@tylerwood5323]

They were told to cut the song down to 4 min for this show. So instead they increased the tempo.

[@jimtatro6550]

I heard the studio version of this song on the radio when it came out & I was about 6 years old. I wanted to learn how to play drums because of this song. I ended up playing for the next 40 years.

[@MadrigalDream]

FOCUS is a completely underrated group - they should get more Props. Phenomenal Musicians ❤

[@mattmid7012]

I remember my brother introducing this to me in the nineties. I'd never heard of them either and had pretty much the same reaction. 😂 Can you imagine when they were writing this? What are we going to do about lyrics. Keyboard player: I got this. 🤣

[@taylortyler1867]

I think the band you may have been thinking of, that has flute music in it, is Jethro Tull. Check out the live version of "Locomotive Breath" (1982).

[@ianbennett1491]

Jan Akkerman. One of the all time great 🎸 guitarists.

[@cynthiamiller483]

I thought this was fun , and the different sounds made were so interesting. I really liked the whistling at the end! Red, your face reveals so many reactions, which is why it’s fun to watch your videos! Thanks for the joy you bring to my day. I don’t tell you often enough. 🎶 Cyd

[@vicprovost2561]

Well, seeing you found Focus, their incredible Moving Waves album is worth a full listen, the title suite is amazing! I saw them in the 70s and they were amazing, they did the entire Moving Waves album and much of the Hamburger Concerto. Freaking unique band, the rock with bits of jazz, classical, new age, prog and Renn atmospherics, they shocked us when they first arrived, just like what you just want experienced. Amazing the variety of utterly great music from the mid 60s to the mid 90s, 30 years of tunes to Rock your soul! Enjoy. 🔥🎵🎸🎤🎹🎶🔥

[@rimskykorsakov2892]

I remember this so well when it first came out. So unusual but so groovy. This was a big hit in the UK at the time.

[@chadbennett7873]

This is just their most famous song. They created incredible music for decades. I love "House of the King" and "Sylvia." Thijs and Jan did a couple of albums together that were wonderful. Unfortunately, they had a falling out and stopped working together. It was a loss for us all. Glad you enjoyed this super-speed version of this classic.

[@erickvermeulen9734]

A few years later Thijs van Leer recorded a few albums playing flute with an orchestra, the Introspection series (director Rogier van Otterloo), with classical (a.o. Bach) and own compositions.

[@PetrNielsn]

Their album Hamburger Concerto is so worth a listen from start to end. It's very very rewarding to listen to.

[@michaelt3308]

I bought the original album ( purple with the bands pic across the front ) when I was 10. Only for this song !)

[@GregCombs100]

Focus was a Dutch band, definitely a "one-hit-wonder" outside of their home country with this. The live version is definitely faster, and each round of the main riff they are speeding up the tempo progressively.

[@richardmaguire9536]

Never heard the beautiful Sylvia? big hit in the UK.

[@Columbasta]

Thijs van Leer, the guy on keys, flute and yodel is still going strong. In 2019 he starred in Ayreon's live concert, so here's a great follow-up, also because for some inconceivable reason, Ayreon (featuring lots of symphonic/prog metal vocal giants.. some of which you're quite familiar with by now).. so Ayreon is still not graced with a red reaction. Two birds w/ one stone, here goes: "Ayreon - Amazing Flight (Electric Castle Live And Other Tales)". Enjoy! 🤘

[@pierremichaud6085]

The lead guitarist is Jan Akkerman,who is the father of Tim Akkerman,who is in Best Gzangers with Floor Jansen.

[@RoyalMela]

I did not know that! Jan is such an icon. And Tim was fun to watch in the show.

[@icetech6]

Love this song... same band did a video for it during lockdown bout 2 years out in the middle of a street and they still rock just as hard :)

[@andrewwallace1376]

Just back from a 50 mile bike ride🚴‍♂️ this was so good Focus are brilliant. I remember suggesting this when you reacted to Edgar Winter 😀

[@robertflynn6301]

Your honest reaction great as always, listened to Focus on radio in the 70’s, they were different for sure.

[@Suldog29]

Maybe my favorite band of all-time. Priceless seeing people hearing them for the first time!

[@KennethSavage-nn2vv]

During this time period (early 1970’s) Dutch guitar virtuoso Jan Ackerman was considered the best guitar player of the time

[@alastairmcintyre4752]

1973 Melody Maker poll if I remember correctly

[@KennethSavage-nn2vv]

@@alastairmcintyre4752 yes that is correct thanks

[@charlesmarkley220]

My oldest brother bought this album when it came out, been listening ever since and yes this about double time from the album version. 😊

[@RS35cyl]

I have Hocus Pocus on vinyl .. In my garage! A great song. They were kinda a one hit wonder for me!

[@Ilikeryche]

I think they were for most people. Until tonight I never knew another song by them but they have a few albums here on youtube. I had a listen to a few songs and I don't think I need to do that again.

[@StanCostello-q3o]

This was a huge hit for them if you listen to the extended studio version, you’ll understand a little bit more but love your reaction

[@texassendero4901]

Yodel Rock that is new LOL 💯 that flute is sick 💯 What is better than a beautiful redheaded country girl drinking tea out of a mason jar MY WORd I adore you Red❤#focus #hocuspocus #focusreaction #hocuspocusreaction #70smusichits #70smusic #progressiverock #dutchband #Thijsvanleer #janakkerman #pierrevanderlinden #redheadedneighbor #bestreactor #redsarmy #beautifulfuncountrygirl #31K #heartofgoldwithmetalinhersoul #bestbadjokes #Rushcrush #redheadparrothead #warningawarningaddict #parrotheads #parrothead #redrocker

[@starman6280]

The studio version of this is played at a slower tempo. This was done because the song would not fit in the time allotted by the Midnight Special. They simply decided to speed it up and make it fit.

[@RayEvans-j1q]

The studio version of this song is a lot slower! However, due to limited time constraints on the Midnight Special, they played it pretty darn fast!

[@Yvonlefebvre-i2i]

Those guys are crazy 🤪 😜 😊

[@walterfleury3840]

They were only given half the time to fit their song in. So they doubled up the speed of it so they could fit it all in.

[@Steve-st9pw]

We older generation just call it insanity. Welcome to progressive rock.

[@alastairmcintyre4752]

First saw them live a couple of months before this appearance - and I'm going to see them live again in 2 months - 51 years later ! 😱🤣( there's only 2 of the original band left - Thijs van Leer on keyboards and Pierre van Der Linden on drums - and one of me ) Thijs still plays with AYREON occasionally This performance is ridiculous due to the time constraints put on them by the programmes producers - the time slot they had was only about half the time the song actually lasts so rather than compromise and play a part of it they thought " We'll just play it at twice the speed " and such is their skill they pulled it off !

[@erickvermeulen9734]

I noticed Thijs on a few video's of the 2019 Ayreon - Electric Castle Live and Other Tales concerts

[@CosmicTaco333]

I remember when this song first came out and played on AM radio here in the USA. That original version was much slower than this version.

[@diggersouth]

This song started out as a jam. They were just playing around and this developed.

[@iandavies8061]

Aha!!! You've finally witnessed the lunatic genius!

[@pc6709]

Studio version is twice this length. Midnight Special wouldn’t give them the television time to do the entire song so they crammed it all into the 3.5 or so minutes they were given.

[@florisdejong4661]

In contrast to so many other reactors to this performance, you appreciated right from the start the musicality of it all, instead of misunderstanding and breaking out in hysterical laughter. Great reaction!

[@TheTwoTravelersInMexico]

The show wanted them to cut part of the song out for time but the band said we'll just play it faster.

[@SaverioP]

Haven't watched yet, but I know this is gonna be good. There's two versions out there, one missing a couple of 'verses' that was edited so well you can't tell, and the other with the whole thing.

[@renecuellar3078]

I first heard this years ago at a friend's house while indulging in the Devil's Lettuce...(LOL) And it just blew me away. I had to go find the record. Mind blowing.

[@KennyRansom-l5k]

LMAO when you "asked" , "What is the Tempo ?" and my mind replied "Ludacris Speed !" 😄

[@Steve-st9pw]

I was thinking more like warp speed

[@stevelennox8575]

When you forgot to switch from 78 to 33 ......🤣

[@corwinchristensen260]

I actually do put these guys in the same classification with Edgar Winter. They were experimenting with ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to stand out. Meanwhile they created some really interesting shtuff.

[@johnclibbens6803]

Amazing, isn’t it - there is a longer version of this as well.

[@allendesalme197]

They are playing an upbeat version of this song because they were told they had a limited amount of time to fit it in. They are a Dutch progressive rock band.

[@Ilikeryche]

Do you know any other Focus songs? I don't.

[@allendesalme197]

@@Ilikeryche There are some but I don't know the names - hmmm, if only there was a way we could find out???

[@utubberize]

I was the same way first time I heard this...but it was an on an album version.

[@Aussiecris214]

Wooow ❤❤❤❤❤

[@chrisdurham6517]

If you ever want to experience true sonic diversity, check out the top 100 songs for 1973. From the Allman Brothers, to Jim Croce, to Curtis Mayfield, to War - it's crazy to see the spectrum of styles in that era of radio and vinyl.

[@nikosalmpanis-ty3jt]

Amazing song🤘

[@WdyWP]

I remember when this one came out!!! Not too far behind "Frankenstein" by Edgar Winter.

[@angharaddenby3389]

That was the shorter version of this - with two sections edited out! It started out as a backstage pre-gig warm up exercise

[@jameschristiansson3137]

Flute player caused hearing loss at the Kinetic Playground where I heard this band live once upon a time.

[@richardtaylor6187]

Focus is Prog 70s from Holland. Loyal following. Instrumentals mostly. Amazing music, arrangements, skill. About 7 albums,, or so. Wonderful stuff to sit back and enjoy, if you have the time. Not a quick listen at all.

[@earlellison7533]

It was just huge fun

[@alstark64]

"WHAT have you got me watching?" More or less the same reaction I get, whenever I share Focus videos with anyone lol.

[@redheadedneighbor]

😆

[@JeffMeyers-zm2lh]

And you have to say it-Hocus Pocus by Focus. This is a bit allegro of what I remember first hearing oh so many years ago. Yeah I just looked up Focus this was on the album Moving Waves and was an extended version on the album and the tempo is slower. I think they played it faster for time constraints.

[@155michaelx]

i like this song

[@RaymondSolo]

This is "Experimental Jazz" actually. Sorta like the Grateful Dead but more high octane. You could lump it in with "Progressive Rock" but I think its more Jazzy than Progressive. I was 10 years old when this came out so I remember it well. It was a different time in music when "Top 40" AM radio would play many types of music. I miss those days but they have come and gone never to return again.

[@ToneHobart]

Pretty sure this was the only band to appear on the midnight special that got a standing O from the audience.

[@mikedown3219]

In case nobody has already mentioned it, Focus are from the Netherlands.

[@richardmaguire9536]

Thijs' parents were both top Dutch opera singers hence his amazing vocal skills. It is something special when very clever people do some thing a bit silly. Jan was voted top guitarist in the world that year. The studio version is not as manic but the album has some stunning musicianship on it. I did enjoy the look on your face when Thijs started yodelling.

[@joeturner1181]

I think this about double time compared to the original studio version. It may be the birth of speed metal... You're thinking of Ian Anderson in the group Jethro Tull, probably Locomotive Breath or Aqualung, as the wild man with a flute (and playing on one leg.)

[@RedbadvanRijn-ft3vv]

Some of them did also play in Brainbox. Down Man,whit the greatest voice we did ever had in the Netherlands Kaz Lux. But he was not even Dutch

[@allanarnoldi5150]

As Far as I Know in this performance they made It faster and acted this way because someone from this tv show told tem they before the presentation that they just had "x" minutes to present their song. So they speed up and they were not happy

We had good times in the 70's red, just a sliver of music you see today, fun to wiggle in music, having fun? :-)

[@gpxo11]

Ironically Hocus Pocus and Frankenstein were released in the same year-1973.

[@ragnarmyhr7238]

Flute in rock music. Jethro Tull is a must....

[@wolandbegemotazazello]

Unfortunately you watched the cut version. For the complete see the official video, the Midnight Special video.

[@Ilikeryche]

Jethro Tull may be the band you are thinking is similar to Focus as they employ the flute frequently.

[@1971-w9u]

1970’s version of Jinger “Pisces” . 😮 WTF

[@Greyhound53200]

Loved your reaction!

[@howardyoung9987]

This isn't the full version of this performance.

[@GeertDeLange-k5x]

They still playing

[@alstark64]

"Hocus Pocus" used to maximum effect as part of the best movie soundtracks ever. Virtually the whole scene is timed and choreographed to fit with the music: kzbin.info/www/bejne/baeZf3eefdGZZqMsi=XbTacbohmr7_5Nd9

[@gregbecker8446]

I never found out who the members of FOCUS are. I'm almost 66 years old and to this day I'm clueless about them. We should rename this song Syncopated Pandemonium.

[@TerryKrysinski]

A simple google search would reveal: Thijis Van Leer- Keyboards,flute,vocals / Jan Akkerman - guitars / Pierre Van Der Linden - drums and I forget the bassist's name...T

[@knojustenuftobedangerous2442]

Try Primus, Winona's Big Brown Beaver, with the music video....weird, fun, hellacious bass playing

[@Ilikeryche]

"The beaver was quick and he grabbed him by the kiwi's".

[@trevorfolker3665]

Red - a mostly instrumental band - some further suggestions: Janis, Sylvia, House of the King......

[@kevinkilner2388]

Sadly someone has sent you the edited version of the performance - this was the full broadcast version (they've edited out the "circular breathing" section) kzbin.info/www/bejne/farbhKmQhMesa5Y

[@gradypatterson1948]

This song got most of Focus' attention in the US simply because of the novelty, but the band's less ... "unique" ... material is well worth the listen - "Sylvia", "Eruption" (not related to the Eddie van Halen solo with the same name), and "Questions? Answers! Answers? Questions!" are some excellent songs to check out!

[@josiahslack8720]

Now that you've heard the original, you may enjoy this affectionate cover version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5zXYaWAj9KAa6s

[@TerryKrysinski]

Red.. hope you get around to bands like Jethro Tull (the flute band you alluded to) and Kansas. Think you'd be impressed by Yes, Genesis and Emerson,Lake & Palmer as well. T

[@siolux8]

bahaha ...when you baked your noodle at halloween ! ... imagine this music into a Harry Potter Movie ! " The weird Hours at Hogwards"

[@PianoGardenMan]

Studio version actually feels boring. Their US single was recorded at this faster tempo. They have some really beautiful slow tracks with flute solos. Focus 1, Focus 2, Focus 3, Birth, are all fabulous, and some longer tracks like Eruption showcase their wide variety of moods.

[@jefftyler2349]

If you like Focus. You will like Jethro tull "Locomotive Breath" Live Rockpop concert 1980s

[@MisterJ56]

Yes, they were fast but .......They had to be! They did a 7 minutes song in half the time (broadcasting politics).