Focus: “our song is 7 minutes long” Gladyss: “you got 3:30 to perform, can you do it?” Focus: invents speedmetal
@marka.2484
Жыл бұрын
They did. They didn't want to shorten their version, so they decided to play it almost twice as fast as the original song. So freaking cool
@richardmagee8358
Жыл бұрын
And it's weird cousin Punk!
@r.d.sandman6474
Жыл бұрын
It’s Marlyn McCoo, ex of Billy Davis, Jr both sang for the 5th Dimension. Not Gladys, dang!
@patriciasamora5600
Жыл бұрын
It's Gladys.
@L0wki
11 ай бұрын
i hope you know that this is a cuted version of the original Session?
@wimkuipers2447
Жыл бұрын
Thijs was friend of my brother, we had an organ at home: can you imagine how it was for me as a kid and my parents when he did this 😄... it was ... very special and, he was a very nice guy who studied classical music,
@bertsplci
3 жыл бұрын
Thijs van Leer is a musical genius and still alive and kicking
@straymusictracksfromdavoro6510
2 жыл бұрын
Jan Akkerman's guitar playing - speed and extraordinary precision, absolutely astonishing
@L0wki
11 ай бұрын
He was a true pioneer and an insperation for an upcomming generation of guitarplayers
@pnadell9231
11 ай бұрын
He began guitar at age 4, this is the result.
@maartenlast4721
8 ай бұрын
Jan Akkerman is the best guitarist ever by far for me
@henrijansen4224
6 ай бұрын
Yes, Brian May from Queen was inspired by him and has great respect for Jan.
@Suldog29
Ай бұрын
Nothing - NOTHING - is better musically than watching a first reaction to this, especially the first time Thisj Van Leer starts singing :-) Thank you!
@TinManMat
2 жыл бұрын
It's so silly as to be admired, they went to an extreme. And they have so much talent they could do anything. This is what they gave us. Thank you Focus.
@jetfromholland4533
3 жыл бұрын
This band had some world class musicians back in the day.
@uueyeam6398
3 жыл бұрын
on their world tour they had Eric Clapton as a support act.
@johnvandepol4298
2 жыл бұрын
Hahaha... Clapton and Akkerman never liked eachother.
@bevohw
2 жыл бұрын
In 1978 when I was stil a cop We recieved a call from him He had to perform in our city but was lost So we helped him to get on time for the concert He was a remarkle man I was already a fan from Focus so after the concert he invited us and gave us free tickets for there new concert as VIP's haha Something you will never forget., Great reaction again from you Greetings from an Old Dutchman
@Dave_Marks
3 жыл бұрын
Nice! This was a TV show called “The Midnight Special” that was on at midnight hosted by celebrities. Here it was hosted by Gladys Knight. The song is seven minutes long, but Focus was told they only had five minutes to do it. So they sped it up! If you aren’t laughing after this song, you are dead! Jan Akkerman, the guitarist, is an underappreciated master! Focus is still recording and Jan has a side gig of doing fusion.
@89801wink
2 жыл бұрын
Exactly. Most artists would edit out some of the song to fit the time restraint. They just said piss on it and sped it up. This version is considerably faster than the studio. I like this one better.
@mennobults6464
2 жыл бұрын
Jan Akkerman was declared the best guitar player of the world by Rolling Stone in 1975, hardly underappreciated. Nice to mention how they played this song twice the speed.
@daveversion2.2
Жыл бұрын
Watched ALL THE TIME!
@PixTax
3 жыл бұрын
This version is actually sped up. The Yanks wanted it in a set number of minutes for the show, so they said fuck it, and sped up the song.
@mauijttewaal
3 жыл бұрын
"Speed" ;-)
@laziojohnny79
3 жыл бұрын
@@mauijttewaal Nope, Pixie was right, versneld/versnellen translates to sped up, not speed up.
@mariogansbeke
3 жыл бұрын
@@laziojohnny79 Maybe they were on a little speed.. LOL.
@joslauwers7960
3 жыл бұрын
Not the Yanks, but British!
@mariogansbeke
3 жыл бұрын
@@joslauwers7960 This is a show called "Midnight Special" and is broadcasted by NBC (National Broadcasting Company) from North American, their HQ is in NYC. The host is Gladys Night without her Pips, known for wonderful songs as "Midnight train to Georgia" and a very good cover of "Stormy Weather", amongst many others.
@jeroent5079
3 жыл бұрын
Haha, maybe one of the best reaction videos ever !!! 😂🤣🤣 And one of the best reaction sentences ever: “This is the most random piece of awesomeness that I have ever seen”. 👍👍
@suzettebakelaar
3 жыл бұрын
Lol.....dutch weirdness ❤☺ as the dutch saying act normal as you are already crazy enough....you probably get it now 🤣😂
@lydiavandodeweerd2984
3 жыл бұрын
Haha yes 😂😂 the Dutch saying 'act normal' is gold 😂 We are crazy 😝🤪🤣 I love it ❤️❤️💙❤️
@Isleofskye
3 жыл бұрын
Dutch ?? I thought they were from Holland or even The Netherlands....? ikr
@suzettebakelaar
3 жыл бұрын
@@Isleofskye yes they are from The Netherlands...!!
@Isleofskye
3 жыл бұрын
@@suzettebakelaar Thanks Suzette. Did you notice my "ikr" at the end? :) It means "I Know Right".....it was my crazy English humour :)
@jwalker2862
3 жыл бұрын
Haha lol 😂
@okiejohn3925
3 жыл бұрын
1:43 "I'm ready for it!"....(LMAO) No, you are NOT!!! 2:06 - mind blown.
@vinniamsterdam700
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, that was a good one, where we all knew no one can be ready for that.
@GuitarPlayersFun
3 жыл бұрын
Yes ! Thanks for listening to my recommendation!
@NickBR57
3 жыл бұрын
Ah the fantastic Dutch. You have to love a nation that gave us: The incomparable Floor Jansen The Inimitable Thijs van Leer and The brilliant Jan Akkerman What a nation!
@8baantjes
3 жыл бұрын
And he has not listen to Golden Earring yet
@j0hnn13K
3 жыл бұрын
And Eddie van Halen, lets not forget that he and his brother are Dutch too ;)
@NickBR57
3 жыл бұрын
@@j0hnn13K I did forget - obvious really though. Sorry about that...
@j0hnn13K
3 жыл бұрын
@@NickBR57 no need for any type of sorry :D simple overlook that can happen to anyone :)
@stevegreen5552
3 жыл бұрын
Because of Focus, I investigated their solo work, then discovered Rick van der Linden, Kayak, Ekseption... but Focus is my favourite.
@Drinckx2
3 жыл бұрын
Your reaction is as priceless as the expressions on Thijs van Leer’s face. They are brilliant and this is played at double speed to fit the TV slot. Also, Jan Akkerman is a brilliant guitarist.
@vietnguyen4312
3 жыл бұрын
Back in 1973, musicians relied on skill not technology. Raw & beautiful.
@YNGWIE998
3 жыл бұрын
I am privileged to say that I have seen Focus three times in the 70's (England). Totally original, fresh and incredibly talented musicians.
@16ploog79
3 жыл бұрын
The great Jan Akkermann on guitar. One of the best in Rock and Jazz. Great dutch band founded by legendary Thijs van Leer (piano, organ, flute, voice).
@toddstevens13
3 жыл бұрын
Still pumping it out. They just released their Live 50th Anniversary Album.
@JoeBonez
2 жыл бұрын
Sweep picking in 1973…
@jeroent5079
3 жыл бұрын
Jan Akkerman is easily one of the best guitar players in the world. I know this song all my life, yet I never watched it in a video. So surprise surprise that Thijs van Leer, who I only know as a flute player, is ‘singing’ and playing the organ. By the way, their song ‘Sylvia’ would have made Bach proud: kzitem.info/news/bejne/sLCkuWuOcnSAq6g.
@laziojohnny79
3 жыл бұрын
Was waiting for that facial expression at the first Yodel! 😅😅👌 That shit never get's old. Once again; respect for your open mind and broad interest in general!
@michelelaraia7358
2 жыл бұрын
Bravo
@michaelsecker8653
25 күн бұрын
Its actually the second yodel. This version is cut.
@mel-belle404
3 жыл бұрын
Whoa this is totally not what I was expecting when I saw it would be a time machine portal. This band is sooo talented. So unique!! Love it was requested really enjoyed it. 💜💜💜
@mariekevanommeren7570
3 жыл бұрын
Even Brian May of Queen is a big fan of Jan Akkerman the gitarist.
@RonniePeterson
3 жыл бұрын
Ritchie is a huge fan. This used to be the final track played in the intermission before Rainbow hit the stage!
@theGoogol
3 жыл бұрын
I did not know this, thanks for that little brain-bit ^_^
@rondegroot1508
3 жыл бұрын
kzitem.info/news/bejne/sY18p2Wts2KoeaA
@jannetteberends8730
3 жыл бұрын
B.B. King too.
@declanmagee58
Жыл бұрын
Literally my favourite thing is watching people younger than my children seeing Hocus Pocus for the first time. There it is. I bought the single :)
@halloweennr2
3 жыл бұрын
1973, 1982... you are on the old skool today, loving it! Bring it on!!
@paulinedelabie6231
3 жыл бұрын
It works every time when someone hears it for the first time 🤣🤣
@black4pienus
3 жыл бұрын
Never fails! lol
@caspertehietbrink4311
3 жыл бұрын
Waar de f*ck heb ik net naar zitten kijken en luisteren😲😱🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂🤔🤣😁 wat een nummer zeg
@robdegast3612
3 жыл бұрын
Your face, priceless. 🤪🤣🤣🤣🤣
@geanydenbroksewing8286
3 жыл бұрын
I really enjoyed watching you watching this clip. Hilarious 🤣🤣🤣
@black4pienus
3 жыл бұрын
I can't believe this is from almost 50 years ago. I mean, I already knew the song. Just can't believe the year 1973 is almost 50 years ago! Don't mind me. Just a weird moment of realization of time. lol. These guys are a perfect example of genius madness. lol. Super creative.
@jimgore1278
3 жыл бұрын
Tell me about it. I was watching the show that night. "Midnight Special" and "Rock Concert" were both awesome shows.
@fvantpadje
3 жыл бұрын
This was the first superband in the Netherlands. Thijs van Leer was and is classical fluid player Jan Akkerman was in that time twice the best guitar player of the world. Pierre van der Linden was coming from the famous Dutch band Brainbox. The bas player I forgot his name was coming from Earth and Fire also a great band those days. The name of the bas player is Bert de Ruyter. The host of the show was Gladys Knight she was also famous that time.
@michieldame701
3 жыл бұрын
Jan Akkermans fretting technique was about 8 years ahead of any major guitarplayer of the Era. It is common now the fingertapping, but it just didn't exist then.
@Mark Oh I am sute it was already a known technique I can see it from classical of Flamenco guitar playing. But outside those realms and in this music genre it was ahead of its time...
@ingridwatsup9671
3 жыл бұрын
Great. 1973 ? Didn’t know we were great then. I see Thijs van Leer yodeling…loved it. And loved your reaction.
@johnnowakowski4062
Жыл бұрын
Welcome to the 70's dude!
@Cory_Springer
Жыл бұрын
I've always believed that final whistle was produced through sheer will alone.
@DeeDee-eb6fe
5 ай бұрын
That's right Sir! Everytime he completes the whistling part, there's another destroyed object around - must have been me 😂
@maureenwagg5305
3 жыл бұрын
This is my fave version of this. The vocal is off the charts. No one was sitting down after that performance. Get ready for it. lol
@annnorway9042
2 жыл бұрын
You have been the best reactor for this piece of music yet. Aces!!!!!
@lukagovorcin3610
3 жыл бұрын
YES THAT IS STILL THE BEST SPECIAL ROCKERS FOR ME FROM 73! BUT I ALSO HEAR THIS LATER IN 1984! AND I WAS CRAZY FOR THIS!! THAT IS WHY THEY ARE GREATEST!
@inarogge4754
3 жыл бұрын
Hee a band I have been to when I was young and a little stoned, a great experience 😂🤣😂🤔
@robertsheeler321
3 жыл бұрын
I remember this in 73 all we had back then was UH1 & MTV for music
@Arnaud58
3 жыл бұрын
Focus was in a league of it's own in it's days. Thijs van Leer and Jan Akkerman were key in it. Love to see you appreciate it.
@dawnmaster68
3 жыл бұрын
little fact ... Gladdys told them they couldn't play the entire song ( original is 7 mins long.) and that they only had about 3 to 4 mins .... they went ... hold my beer
@David_Downs
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, little fact to those who do not know, but to those who do a well known one. Instead of shortening the song, they just played it twice as fast as they normally would.
@toddstevens13
3 жыл бұрын
This may be the ONLY full Standing ovation in Midnight Special History, I watched 90ish% of them, and usually they were so high, they just sat there and enjoyed. Also they just released their 50th Year Live Album, so enjoy it
@mauijttewaal
3 жыл бұрын
O yeah!!! Have been asking for this A LOT!!! Tnx:-)
@mauijttewaal
3 жыл бұрын
Made me laugh SO hard your various faces;-)
@mauijttewaal
3 жыл бұрын
Told you that you wouldn't know what hit you LOL
@RonniePeterson
3 жыл бұрын
A band from my era and happy to have seem them in their prime.
@pietkeizer5216
3 жыл бұрын
Focus is still playing. Thijs van Leer (organist, flutist), was and is a hero for me. Two years ago I visit a concert. Brilliant.
@toddstevens13
3 жыл бұрын
Did you get or hear their 50th Anniversary Live album yet?
@netnet2871
3 жыл бұрын
Fantastic back to the Dutch 70’s 🇳🇱
@ciavolo701
3 жыл бұрын
When the TV producers tell you to do a 7 minute song in 3 minutes.
@Gretchen_F
3 жыл бұрын
Man, your face.....🤣😂🤣 For a few minutes I had an awesome time. Thanks for your great reaction. 👍🏻
@frederikcardon2073
3 жыл бұрын
That's the best description i ever heard of this song: "The best random piece of awesomeness"! :D
@Sue474
2 жыл бұрын
"The most random piece of awesomeness" 😂 What a fantastic description.
@HighlyCombustibleReacts
2 жыл бұрын
Glad you liked it!
@dgator3599
2 жыл бұрын
Enjoyed your reaction...keep up the good work!!
@bassangen
3 жыл бұрын
They are still playing! I saw them 2 days ago on their 50th anniversary tour
@Elias_Veine_Wiig
2 жыл бұрын
I have seen them 5 times in 2022, in April, May, June and August, and will see them again in November
@donnak7974
3 жыл бұрын
Omg....your reaction....PRICELESS
@astridhofstra4895
3 жыл бұрын
Been to a concert just a few years ago in de Boerderij. He is a big man now but still a voice... couldn't reach the highest note. My daughter and I danced and danced. And just before Corona Tijs was joining Ayreon , he did the flute parts like Jeroen is doing right now. And the energy from that man on stage... love him
@janottens6755
3 жыл бұрын
Dutch pride and joy 🤣👍👍👍👍👍👍
@ruudvanmanen1012
Жыл бұрын
Thijs van Leer organ, flute, vocals - Jan Akkerman guitar, Bert Ruiter Base guitar an Pierre van der Linden drums. The best Focus setting ever. I was 19 when I heard this for the first time. And it blew me off my feet. One of the greatest Dutch bands ever. Together with Golden Earring, they conquered the world! ❤❤❤
@karin7544
3 жыл бұрын
I love you're reaction. I did't now them, til i heard the song. I recognized it. But the song is normaly longer. I like the original.
@8baantjes
3 жыл бұрын
We older Dutchies know this band. In 1973 i was 14 years old. Thijs van Leer (keyboardplayer, flute) and Jan Akkerman (guitarplayer) were famous in the Netherlands and other countries at that time, but the most fun i had, was your FACE in unbelief
@artiemeyer8803
3 жыл бұрын
I never laughed so hard watching your facial reactions to that. That guitarist is ridiculously fast for 1973...
@Whartt
3 жыл бұрын
OHH WOW! I love your reaction. ME TOO .....
@fnglert
3 жыл бұрын
Jan Akkerman, he deserves more recognition. Great, great guitarist.
@black4pienus
3 жыл бұрын
@@fnglert He's a legend.
@luudscheffers6988
3 жыл бұрын
@@fnglert He should listen to Pietons
@Slide1953
3 жыл бұрын
There where more very fast playing guitar players at that time and even before that. Whatabout Eelco Gelling? Even Jan Akkerman talks with great respect about him.
@rvb2986
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome music, awesome reaction Hahahahaha
@brianfisher6165
3 жыл бұрын
You may have thought you were ready for it, I know you weren't ready for it!!! Your reaction was great and way better than I expected, glad you know what it is and appreciated it!!!👍✌👌😁
@Marian-ve6jg
3 жыл бұрын
I have seen this band several times live. Very exciting number. This was my favorite number of focus. Great memories. ☺️❤️🙋♀️
@papaverweg
3 жыл бұрын
You are definitely ready to watch Ayreon (Arjen Lucassen) 2017 ‘The Day The World Breaks Down’ The Source (adventure). kzitem.info/news/bejne/0Hyrs3-aq6yBpIo
@roykliffen9674
3 жыл бұрын
Or the live version of Ayreon's "Valley of the Queens" from the "Electric Castle Live" concert where the same Thijs van Leer plays the flute: kzitem.info/news/bejne/r5qE03etgaCUnH4
@mariogansbeke
3 жыл бұрын
2 remarkable flute players from the same era... Thijs Van Leer and Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull). Remember Locomotive Breath?
@A3aan1959
2 жыл бұрын
I realy love Yetro Tull!
@heatsinker_5517
2 жыл бұрын
The only two groups I know that can Rock a Flute.
@RobertReid-kc9se
Ай бұрын
I remember this when it first came out. Your reaction is priceless. Love it
@thomastunezz9459
3 жыл бұрын
Classic Song, Classic Performance!
@Doaria
3 жыл бұрын
I was once at a concert of them, we all went crazy, so much great music.
@windmill10
3 жыл бұрын
If you like the flute, watch some Jethro Tull.
@wgsips
3 жыл бұрын
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 love your face.. this is old and funny stuff.. one year later i was born.. 😁
@miran4471
3 жыл бұрын
🤣You are so cute! 🙂 Great music, great memories!!! 😍🌷
@j0hnn13K
3 жыл бұрын
The quickest way to make a Dutchie laugh and say "yeah.. nope, you have no idea" is saying "i'm ready for this" Not a single reactor sofar has been ready for this masterpiece lol. (And that is what makes it fun for us "in the know") Sadly this band with these musicians.. wasnt around for that long because of infighting between the guitarist and the keyboardist. (even today, they still dont like each other) Individually they still perform tho, and still play these songs.. but never on the same stage again. Thnx for this one :D
@elsvanzwoll
3 жыл бұрын
Your reaction 😂😂😂Thanks for this man 🤣🤣
@Greyhound53200
3 жыл бұрын
40 Seconds in "I'm ready for this". No, you were not.
@marianmarkx1153
3 жыл бұрын
Another unique Dutch singer was Oscar Benton with the song: Bensonhurst blues!!
@deniblackmore2179
Жыл бұрын
I was seriously concerned for your eyeballs - there were so many times watching this when I thought they were going to pop right out of your head!! Welcome to the varied and crazy world of 70's music 😆
@todderickson2435
Жыл бұрын
Okay, this is one of my new favorite reactions to this video!! 🤣🤣 Well done sir!
@Paul-H
3 жыл бұрын
you're sure you were ready for the jodel and the pom pom haha,there is also a story that they name the title to mess with the radio-dj's ,guitarist became quite famous jan akkerman ( not related to tim as i know) and thijs van leer mostly with his flute
@greyman3531
2 жыл бұрын
Growing up in the 60's and 70's, I remember when this came out. That is when music was music. No loops or dubs, just music! And this piece was genius.
@halloweennr2
3 жыл бұрын
Focus Hocus Pocus is Magic 😉
@scottkew6278
2 жыл бұрын
I like all younger people are BLOWN AWAY by this thing. It is something unique....never heard anything like it before....it is different. It is ....rock....but....basically the first real METAL...along with just talented CRAZINESS....YES??
@infidel60
2 жыл бұрын
At 13 yrs old I remember watching this when it aired the first time.Bought the album the next day.One of my first.
@wouterboswinkel1713
3 жыл бұрын
There are 2 persons who stand out Thijs van Leer (keyboards etc) and Jan Akkerman who was voted best gitarist of the world 1973 by melody maker. Both are still alive (thijs is from 31-03-1948 and jan is from 24-12-1946)
@terryteed1903
2 жыл бұрын
Most randome piece of awesomeness. That's the most apt description of this ever. Cheers fella.
@MusicallyInclinedful
3 жыл бұрын
Thijs van Leer, the singer?, is also an amazing classical/alternative music composer with dozens of gold records and the highest selling recording artist in history in The Netherlands. He's still around and does interviews and he can still play the flute and organ. There's a video on youtube where he explains how this song was put together in a few hours.
@erik5374
3 жыл бұрын
kzitem.info/news/bejne/z3qG0queqqGoe34
@peteriscelotajs5181
2 ай бұрын
Hocus Pocus is an exceptional piece even for Focus. Most of their music is quite different - sophisticated, meditative, maybe even somewhat aloof, yet immensely fascinating and beautiful.
@ingridmedendorp585
3 жыл бұрын
Your reaction made my day. It was spectacular when I was 18. Seeing it still making your eyes almost popping out made me very happy. The singers mom was a schoolmate of my mum.
@HighlyCombustibleReacts
3 жыл бұрын
Ingrid Medendrop! I am so greatful that you stopped and were able to watch. I am very happy that it made your day that's always great to hear. I hope to continue to see you in the comments. Much love to you always!!
@wouterboswinkel1713
3 жыл бұрын
most undervalued song ever
@tskend8502
Жыл бұрын
Random Piece of Awesomeness ! WELL PUT !!!!!!!!!!!!
@jrgenpedersen840
8 ай бұрын
Jan Akkerman on the guitar is out of this world, the rythm section is rock solid and Thijs van Leer is one of a kind .... Extremely talented band!
@powerdavid6235
3 жыл бұрын
Thijs van Leer the vocalist/keyboardist/flutist was awarded the Knight of Orange in Holland, the highest award you can get, for his contribution to music..... Focus are still playing live gigs in 2021 in Holland.
@Tan3l6
3 жыл бұрын
One of the most surprising live performances, if never heard any of it...
@carinalundstrom7566
3 жыл бұрын
Your face said it all, remember this song from my childhood. I might have had the same face expressions
@katlijnroovers7357
Жыл бұрын
This one is uniek and amazing with so much talent, and instruments thanks higly for this memory lane ❣️
@Theodus
Жыл бұрын
"Most random piece of awesomeness that I think I might have ever seen". True.
@jamesvananda6382
3 ай бұрын
The first and only standing ovation on Midnight Special
@jannetteberends8730
3 жыл бұрын
The guitar player was chosen in 1974 to be the beat guitarist in the world by a uk magazine. And your reaction is added to my playlist of reactions of the video.
@DForce26
3 жыл бұрын
"I'm ready for it" Narrator: "It turned out he was, in fact, not ready for it"
@chrismorris76
2 жыл бұрын
The scrolling script you had at the bottom was what we chose for my dad’s gravestone… 👍🏼
@alfredchristiansen5482
Жыл бұрын
This was the only band to get a standing ovation on The Midnight Special
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