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.

[@hansmolders1066]

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

[@thomasmacdiarmid8251]

And they are still performing.

[@factman-w8m]

These guys have unlimited access to the best weed in the world!

[@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!

[@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.

[@ToneHobart]

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

[@steviesellers]

This is the only standing ovation a band has got on this series of programmes , no idea how long it ran for however

[@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)

[@ronnutting2800]

Love the look of "WHAT" on your face!

[@samguberman2288]

It's a jaw dropping performance. I love reactions to this amazing song.

[@alstark64]

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

[@redheadedneighbor]

😆

[@louisminten7889]

A full standing applause at the Midnight Special ever

[@McZorr0101]

The extremely fast tempo was because they had this longer song but they were told that they had a much shorter time slot. The TV people just wanted them to cut verses but their response was to just play it faster. The result was this iconic version of their most recognisable tune.

[@Yvonlefebvre-i2i]

Those guys are crazy 🤪 😜 😊

[@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

[@Suldog29]

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

[@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).

[@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.

[@MadrigalDream]

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

[@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 !

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@markroberts8864]

This song was played on the regular radio stations in the day

[@timmack2415]

My two favorite things, Focus and redheads!

[@ianbennett1491]

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

[@mattmid7012]

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

[@michaelt3308]

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

[@robertflynn6301]

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

[@jonassundell9366]

They were supposed to get 6 minutes of the show, but the producer said " you got 3"' so the sped it up. Not a note out of place.❤😅. Take care. Great reaction, fun! Kind regards from Jonas Gothenburg Sweden.

[@Leo-dd7om]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@PetrNielsn]

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

[@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. 😊

[@steviesellers]

This was originally a tune over 6 mins long , as the TV only gave them just over 4 mins they speeded up

[@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

[@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.

[@earlellison7533]

It was just huge fun

[@tylerwood5323]

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

[@Steve-st9pw]

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

[@liloldme1210]

Thius Van Leer (Organ and Vocals) is an internationaly known classical flautist, Jan Akkermann (Guitar) is an internationaly known classical Lutist.

[@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.

[@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! 🤘

[@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 😀

[@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.

[@angharaddenby3389]

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

[@TheTwoTravelersInMexico]

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

[@diggersouth]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@johnclibbens6803]

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

[@Aussiecris214]

Wooow ❤❤❤❤❤

[@MarcVanLaere-zr5im]

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

[@sleipnirvalhalla9322]

He was the best of the world those days

[@nikosalmpanis-ty3jt]

Amazing song🤘

[@StephenHirn-i3h]

The song was sped up to fit the TV shows time slot. Amazing guitar solos. The band is very tight ❤

[@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.

[@ruudmuller9929]

Focus invented speed metal on the spot 🙂

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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. 🔥🎵🎸🎤🎹🎶🔥

[@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.

[@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.

[@utubberize]

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

[@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.

[@marknaude5511]

Hamburger Concerto was a great album of theirs.

[@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

[@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.

[@allanarnoldi2112]

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

[@LivelysReport]

I agree, Edgar Winter had similar type music, went and seen them life way back in the day!!

[@WdyWP]

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

[@jameschristiansson3137]

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

[@155michaelx]

i like this song

[@martinperry5072]

I watched a reaction to this from a German speaker. He stated that, if you understood Dutch, you would know the question to which the answer is 42.

[@iandavies8061]

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

[@stevelennox8575]

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

[@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???

[@marknaude5511]

There are MANY! I recommend the album Hamburger Concerto.

[@DavidCohen-y2t]

This is controlled chaos!

[@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.

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.)

[@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.

[@mikedown3219]

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

[@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

[@ragnarmyhr7238]

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

[@EricNess-sc3rh]

The Edgar Winter group is a fairly apt comparison.

[@Greyhound53200]

Loved your reaction!

[@gpxo11]

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

[@trevorfolker3665]

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

[@Ilikeryche]

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

[@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

[@wolandbegemotazazello]

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

[@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".

[@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

[@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