Wild & Wacky... Focus - Hocus Pocus | FIRST TIME LISTEN!!!

Finally got around to editing this one.
I've heard some crazy artists on the channel, but these guys, mainly the singer was NUTS!
But having said that... I absolutely loved it, it was so engaging and just when I thought it couldn't get any stranger it would take a complete 90 degree turn.
I don't think I've ever heard a performance like this and I doubt I will again.
Thank you Guy for the recommendation, I haven't seen your name pop up for a while and I'm not sure if you're still here... but if you are then thanks for this and for supporting me for so long.
Oh and sorry it took so long to get this one out, only a couple more to go now and I'm all caught up.
Thank you to the rest of you for watching.
If you enjoyed please leave a like, subscribe for more and comment down below anything else you'd like to see from me.
Have a great Friday and weekend guys! :D
Timestamps:
00:00 - Start
00:01 - Intro
00:53 - Reaction
11:48 - Outro
#focus #hocuspocus #reaction #rock #focusmusic #musicreaction #reactionvideo #english #britain #trending #british #london #musicvideo #tredning #music #guitar #drums #sing #singer #singing #drummer #drum #drumming #guitarist #guitarsolo #yodelling #yodel #yodeling #whistle #whistling #viral #viralvideo #unitedkingdom #uk #usa #davechappelle #rickjames #chappelleshow #peepshow

[@inickedurnan941]

Timestamps: 00:00 - Start 00:01 - Intro 00:53 - Reaction 11:48 - Outro

[@reallymysterious4520]

He's NOT on drugs - lol

[@frankboonstra20]

This man is Thijs van Leer and he is a genius

[@alastair1955]

Van Lier is not on drugs during this. He is 100% immersed in his music and it shows in his face.

[@ultantierney8562]

The song is a lot longer but they were only given a short slot on the TV show. The producer asked them to cut the song down to fit but they refused and just played it at double speed

[@buzzbomb67]

Despite playing considerably faster, getting a smidge faster each time thru, they ad libbed and added ao much that the performance was still longer by well over a minute, at 6:08, but they edited it down to under 5mins to fit, cutting out the first section and a later section, with some very clever editing, allowing for Gladys Knight to do her intro. Supposedly it was the only time a band got a standing ovation on Midnight Special. If you look around, the longer version IS on KZbin. As for drugs, he does look like he’s tweaking a bit, doesnt he? Lol

[@VerMaarte]

Not much drugs for Thijs van Leer ... he is a classical trained musician. He was just preparing for playing it way faster than normal to fit the song into the broadcast time

[@Kgio-2112]

He did his share.

[@rediflow]

there are several interviews where members of Focus have discussed the creation of "Hocus Pocus." In one interview, keyboardist and vocalist Thijs van Leer recalled that the song came about during a rehearsal session when he and guitarist Jan Akkerman were goofing around. Van Leer said, "It came from nowhere; a piece of pure improvisation, inspired by the fun of playing together." Another interview with van Leer revealed that he had never yodelled before he wrote "Hocus Pocus," and he attributes his yodeling to a divine inspiration. He said, "I still think it came from heaven." In a separate interview, drummer Pierre van der Linden described the song's structure as a rondo, with a powerful rock riff alternating with varied solo "verses" performed by van Leer. These verses showcase van Leer's virtuosity on a variety of instruments, including the organ, accordion, flute, and whistle. The band's bassist, Cyril Havermans, also commented on the song's success, stating that it "came out of nowhere" and became a "big hit." He attributed the song's popularity to its unique blend of styles and van Leer's "crazy ideas." Overall, the interviews with Focus members provide a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind their iconic song "Hocus Pocus." The song's improvisational origins, van Leer's diverse vocal and instrumental talents, and the band's willingness to experiment all contributed to its lasting popularity.

[@jrgenpedersen840]

Sheer genius from this band ... talented musicians playing extremely tight! What is not to like?

[@XoiZhiv]

so this song is longer but when they were told that they dont have enough time on stage to do the song they just sped it up :D only a few of bands to get a standing ovation on the show! Guitarist was considered one of the best at his time, btw focus are still on the road

[@citizenkane4831]

If yuo haven´t heard anyone play on a flute in a diffrent way, whatever you mean by that. Please listen to Jethro Tull, My god

[@tammyboy2084]

Being a Dutch prog-rock band, Focus often produced music that didn’t depend on language so that anyone listening could enjoy it just as much. The vocalist/keyboardist/flautist (Thijs Van Leer) is quite well known for a very difficult flute technique which involves singing notes into the flute as you play it, creating a sort of “double track” effect. The guitarist (Jan Ackerman) was voted the best guitarist in the world by the readers of “Melody Maker” (Britain’s biggest selling music magazine at the time). This was an era where we had, Hendrix, Page, May, and many others, and this guy came out on top.

[@angharaddenby3389]

This is how you play a near 7-minute track in an allotted 4 minute slot without missing anything out. You just play it twice as fast. The track also started out as pre-concert warm-up piecel As for the flute, the bit you are referring to is Thijs van Leer (keys/flute) and Jan Akkerman (guitar) playing alternate notes - you will note Thijs takes a breath each time.

[@CAPTAINSLOG666]

He's not taking a breath he's singing a note. Sounds nothing like Jan's guitar!

[@sammarsh3679]

@@CAPTAINSLOG666 It's Jan, really. Thijs is indeed singing into the flute throughout, but Jan is doing the ascending scale part just a tad behind him (like a super fast call and answer) for effect. Jan even bends the string for the last trill at the end of the phrase. Jan didn't usually do that, and you can hear the difference when he doesn't.

[@richardpowellTV]

No drugs, just talent and great showmanship and innovation. Jan Akkerman was voted one of the greatest guitarists of his time and still playing. He's also a great Lute player. Focus and Tull, my two favourite bands.

[@kimzwolinski9919]

I love watching reactions to this song. Everyone is always shocked for a bit and almost always they are all in by the second.😊😂

[@reallymysterious4520]

Greatest front man in the history of rock - lol !!!

[@MarkKoekenbakker]

No no, Thijs was not on drugs, but a very FOCUSed and professional, driven musician.

[@MarkKoekenbakker]

Stop making insinuations about drug use. That's just not the case with these guys. These are Dutch professionally trained musicians of a high level. Acting a little special does not always have to be due to the use of drugs. It's disturbing that you keep going on about that.

[@Fairygrl_TW]

With a mix of high-intensity rock, polka beats, yodelling and a bit of crazy fun, they were actual masters of many instruments and their voices creating some of the most eccentric, fun hit songs of all time. Thanx for fun reaction, Peace

[@grahamreed8774]

Saw this band number of times during the early 70s. People rightly find this song entertaining but their other music is also fantastic, but unfortunately ignored. This was their single at the time from the album Moving Waves, which was followed by Sylvia from their next album Focus 3. They are still touring regularly.

[@larryfroot]

What a riff. Jan Akerman...such an underrated musician.

[@royc4904]

Focus are still playing to this day and in the uk next year Not bad considering the lead vocalist is 75 and can still yodel I've seen them a few times and they are always fun

[@rdumontdebeque]

He’s not on drugs. He was just warming up his mouth.

[@Beau_T_McBoatface]

This used to be played on mainstream radio when it came out.

[@HannibalFan52]

'Hocus Pocus' came out while I was in college, near the beginning of heavy metal. I don't like metal, but I *love* this song. It just goes to show that today's grandparents were cooler than most people realize. Thihs van Leer reminds me of archaeologist Phil Harding of 'Time Team'.

[@scottkeeler2306]

They didn’t need any substances. They’re from the land of Yodeling. That was the guitar backing the flute.

[@redbarchetta8782]

Mind melting still after 50 years.

[@mmcpa]

No drugs here. He was just warming up for yodeling.

[@stefaniaorlando4047]

The best reaction to this performance, my compliments to you, so young...from 🇮🇹

[@grahamsmith8648]

When Thijs plays the flute , he's humming with his voice along with it. A technique also use by Ian Anderson of Jethro tull.

[@Richardtv1968]

If it ain’t dutch, it ain’t much!!

[@ener11454]

So this was a 6 minute song but they were told they only had 3 minutes to perform it on stage so everything about this was way faster than intended. I think it really works and the frantic nature of it works as well but the normal song isn't quite this good imo.

[@richardlonnberg4980]

The "special" flute sounds were made by the guitar. But you just witnessed something you hardly get these days. It's called skills.

[@markdecker6190]

I don't think so. Just watch how Ian Anderson does it.

[@StevenQ74]

That was not the guitar

[@tdennisgallagher9859]

Yea,it was the guitar.

[@StevenQ74]

@@tdennisgallagher9859 No, it was Thijs van Leers voice

[@richardlonnberg4980]

Steven, listen to the sound and watch Thijs. I've played this myself..it's the guitar

[@bobs.2008]

I am always amused by those who assume that somebody (or all of them) was drug-addled in this performance. I'd love for them to provide evidence of their own performance at this level of drug-addled excellence 🙂

[@Nichols_Santa]

he screamed into the flute, dude vocalized into the mouthpiece

[@reverts3031]

For more uniqueness on the flute, check out Jethro Tull's "Locomotive Breath"

[@rafehr1378]

For sure!

[@ToneHobart]

So the album cut (Which I own) is at 6:41 When they appeared on Midnight special, they were asked to cut the song down to 4 minutes. Rather than do that, they instead doubled the tempo to make the song fit in the 4 minutes they had. Once that was accomplished no reason to go back, every time they played live they doubled the tempo. BTW, Jan Akkerman was considered by many the best guitarist in the world at that time and he absolutely shreds it here. Thijs Van Leer is a consummate artist. Also, I believe this may be the only time a performance on Midnight special go a standing O.

[@ACAB_Media]

The song was actually much slower and a little longer originally, but the band was only allowed a limited time slot and were determined to get as much in as possible, hence the speed and him making those facial expressions at the beginning to exercise his face muscles and prepare.

[@bartstarr100]

He wasn't on drugs. He was doing facial exercises to make it easier to blow your mind.

[@mikenielsen7008]

His pre-tweaking was for a reason. I watched Midnight Special every week growing up and this was the only standing ovation I saw. Thijs van Leer was like Jethro Tull meets Ted Nugent and reincarnates.

[@mikeh8416]

You owe me money.. 😁 Not drugs, but a facial warm up for what he was about to do. Don't feel bad though, the first time every reactor sees this they call it out as craziness.

[@stevelloyd6940]

One of my groups back in the day.

[@inickedurnan941]

Hey Steve, hope you’re doing good mate. These lot were a riot, I don’t think I’ve been taken aback quite as many times as in this reaction hahaha. I’m scared and intrigued to hear more tracks from them, but if they’re all as good as this then I’ve got nothing to fear. Thank you for the support as always Steve, hope you have a great weekend! 😊

[@stevelloyd6940]

You liked my Dirty Looks suggestion, so now try Sohyang and "Bridge over Troubled Water". She is from South Korea and Sony have been trying to sign her for about 15 years. She has been reviewed by many top singing coaches, who rate her as probably the best female vocalists around today. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWfMeZtqrqeredE. Have a great weekend.

[@inickedurnan941]

I certainly did, thank you Steve, I’ve got a lot of free time tomorrow so I’ll be recording a load of reactions and I’ll try to get around to all of your recommendations. Cheers mate! 😊

[@jannetteberends8730]

The singer is not on drugs. He is doing this to loosen his musclesfor extreme controlled singing he’s going to do. This are top musicians.

[@jareczek1980]

Maybe you should listen Jethro Tull... Ian Andreson can play on flute, really :D

[@oobenoob]

Perfectly spherical. Like a full moon.

[@i-klaus]

That's not crazy, that's Dutch.

[@richardmaguire9536]

It was the 70s in Amsterdam- people had a lot of freedom of expression...and the drugs were good, but most of all Thijs is a genius.

[@latheofheaven1017]

The problem with listening to Hocus Pocus (which is obviously a lot of fun) is that it gives the wrong impression about the band. Tunes like Eruption, Love Remembered, Anonymous Two, Janis; these tell you so much more about the beauty and sheer class of music the band could produce.

[@inickedurnan941]

Thank you so much for your comment, that’s really interesting I’m a big fan of bands or artists who are layered and don’t pump out the same tunes over and over, so I’m definitely up for checking those out… even if it’s not as ecstatically wacky as this one hahaha. Thank you again for your comment, hope you have a great rest of the week! 😊

[@sudicalwig]

The riff is actually pretty complex with lots of wacky chords

[@lorrainefriend5693]

Van leer is classically trained

[@miguelperez3203]

The seventies, may friend, the seventies

[@Scottie_S]

I want another pass at this song. Wait...I had another pass in the 70's/80's. My band used to use the main riff as the 'break music' so we could go and booze up after a set. At the end of the night, we'd play the whole song to close out. We never got the flute part in, but I was able to yodel and whistle, so we used that. When I look back now, I reckon it mighta been quite sad, but we used to pat ourselves on the back and move on like heroes. 😁

[@inickedurnan941]

Wow, that’s so cool, thank you for sharing that!!! Nah, you deserve that pat on the back mate!

[@MrVLORSIRIS]

I Love that look on your face Bro! AMAZING!!!!!MZ

[@Richardtv1968]

And this is the short version, this actual performance has two more parts

[@gdj6298]

'£100 that guy's on drugs.' No, he isn't. Your bank details, please.

[@bobm7359]

he sings and screams into the flute while playing it, hence the weird sound

[@dgator3599]

LOL!! I had the same reaction way back when!!

[@yodel_diploma2315]

How do you make the flute that noise? You modulate with your vocal cords lol! I say that as non-musician lol! Ever heard of Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull?

[@CrYou575]

They were an awesome band, although this madness isn't typical.

[@reallymysterious4520]

How about a nice slow powerful bluesy rock song from the first RUSH album called Here Again

[@user-zn8eg4li4u]

Imagine him in "your" football team...

[@vapoet]

8:40 That is simply backing guitar.

[@gordonjenkins8171]

Have a listen to Jethro if you like the flute

[@ServantOfOdin]

Might be on drugs. But he's basically warming up his facial musculature. He just as very .. unique way of doing that. 8:55: You don't. He drew breath and the e-guitar chimed in.

[@peterschick9075]

The fairy voice mother does a reaction to the whole song,, you might want to react to a reaction,,,lmao

[@EddieCoyle]

How did you flap your ear like that at 0:39?

[@inickedurnan941]

It’s a secret trick I learnt 😂🤣

[@dizastro5437]

Hang on to your tights boils and ghouls. Get some masterwork. Weird, yes, unique, also, can I love it? Does the pope wear a hat?

[@garyfletcher844]

He's using his mouth to make sounds along with the flute

[@garyfletcher844]

He's not on drugs. He's just acting silly in a silly song

[@coder4liberty]

I'm going to need Slaughter to Prevail to do this song. Just sayin.

[@MrWo-qj2yh]

you can't do what he is doing on drugs

[@philstone7277]

[ts guitar

[@THESALMON8TR]

Please note that no drugs were harmed in the making of this masterpiece!🥰🤣👍

[@ernestrobles2995]

They had to cut the time in half.

[@user-nc6pe9pv7t]

to much pauses bro

[@harriotteworthington3147]

Nina Hagan Band will take the yodeling to a whole new level for you. 70s punk from Germany. Makes Focus look old and tame….

[@Orielzolrak]

he moves the mouth and rest of his face for prepair his voice.

[@stretch753]

No need to try for an explanation here There isn't one.

[@vandalayindustries3057]

You can't perform those vocal gymnastics while under the influence.

[@takeapic1313]

The guitar played the lead with(answering) the flute near the end of the solo