I was 19, when this song came out in 1967.Gary Brooker was the singer,we lost Gary Two years ago,he was a genius.He had another hit he did,at the same concert,The Salty Dog,and his hit Conquistador! May he Rest In Peace!!
It just goes to show. There might be some snow on the roof but there is still fire down below. What a great performance, magic happened. Very nice choice and show. Thank you, good day to you and yours. 🤠
I have been listening to this version for years. Now for the best part, Lucy Thomas is releasing a cover on her new CD December 8. There is a 30 second clip, but not enough. Looking forward to her CD that I ordered.
The studio version from the 60's was great but this live version was fantastic as it had more depth due to the choir and orchestra. Gary Brooker's voice improved like a fine wine with age. R.I.P. Gary.
There are times when I see someone from the `old days` performing a classic song in their `twilight years,` shall we say, and wince. This is not one of them. The incredible arrangement aside, he sang this beautifully. As a guy who grew up classic rock all the way in the 70's, I don't really know much more form them either except, Conquistador.
Deep Purple did an album with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra back in the mid 70s and the Beatles worked with Orchestras quite often. Pick Floyd, amazingly, could create a similar sound scape without one. I saw Procol Harum mid 70s. Good band but back then we saw pretty much every band that came through Atlanta. Not really a band I followed but the lead singer hadn't lost a step in this performance. Truly epic...
Great reaction video! First time viewer here (just might have to subscribe if you do more of this quality). I have some comments, interpreting the lyrics of this song which gives it even a deeper dimension - I will share that at the end of this - (and sorry for this detailed commentary, but I think you will find it helpful if you listen to the song again and/or share it with others). Gary Brooker’s incredible singing in this live performance matched - or perhaps even exceeded - the quality of the original 1967 recording that took place 40 years earlier. The band’s name comes from a couple of possible sources. One of the band members in ‘67 had a named Procol Harum. This is Latin for “Far beyond these things”…. Personally, I think they named the band after the cat. 😁 This song and about 3 or 4 others defined the sound and the scene that was the “Summer of Love”. Unfortunately, that beautiful era only lasted about three years…. Innocence lost - marked by another outdoor concert in December ‘69 at Altamont - The Rolling Stones - they hired the Hells Angels motorcycle gang to be their “security” force - 4 people died that night. However, great music continued to come out from the late 60s all through to the mid 90s. But 1967 through Woodstock 1969 was magic. There has been much debate/misunderstanding regarding the lyrics. I believe I can unlock the mystery for you. The lyrics are mostly metaphorical. The song is about a young couple who are attending a party perhaps at a ballroom - maybe even on a ship. They were either entertainers for the crowd, or they were just part of the crowd dancing….”We skipped the Light Fandango” but instead did cartwheels across the floor, implying that they were having a great time, perhaps even on their way to getting drunk. The room seem to be shaking apart as they “ordered another drink”, but the waiter brought a tray of many drinks. As the night wore on, the young man was fast becoming interested in having a more private intimate time with this young girl…. But yet through her near drunkenness, she sensed it, and became frightened. As the young man shuffled through his “playing cards” - a metaphor for looking for that winning hand to convince her to go with him - she again was unable or unwilling to give into him. Even as he told her stories, and lies about himself to impress and take advantage of her she knew she was potentially headed for trouble as “The truth was plain to see”. The vestal virgin metaphor clearly implied that she was young, inexperienced, and not ready for what she feared was his ultimate intent. But he kept on with his tales and lies, and he “would not let her be”…..ramping up the pressure on her to give in. This frightened her tremendously. I have heard, but I cannot confirm, that Gary Brooker and his cowriter actually wrote two more verses, that were never recorded. We will probably never hear the end of that story. Again, I want to say your reaction video was wonderful and genuine. Well done
Awesome I could feel it taking me back to when I joined the Australian Army and we began 9 months training for deployment to Vietnam, the song evokes fond memories
Just found you & subscribed. BACKGROUND INFO: Filmed by Ledreborg Castle in Denmark with the Danish National Concert Orchestra. If you're interested in the story behind the song, see ua-cam.com/video/Pf73XwjZIFQ/v-deo.html for the interview w-writer Keith Reid & composer/lead singer Gary Brooker, founder of the band began in '67 (Gary passed away in Feb. 2022). There are many different stories surrounding the meaning of the song. It is also said that Reid was "going to reveal the true meaning before he died" but he died before he explained anything. Many people believe it was about a drunken one-night stand. Procol Harum is supposed to have been the name of a friend's cat - the name is a mis-spelling of the Latin phrase Procul Harun (roughly meaning "far beyond these things"), or that it was a corruption of Procellarm, a vast ocean on the Moon. It was inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach's "Sleepers, Wake!" and "Air on the G String" but contrary to popular belief, the song is not a direct copy or paraphrase of any music by Bach, although it makes references to both pieces. As per Reid, the line "as the miller told his tale" is definitely not a reference to Chaucer's "Miller's Tale" as many believe. Reid has repeatedly explained he'd never read The Canterbury Tales when he wrote A Whiter Shade of Pale. In Roman Times Vestal Virgins were priestesses and acquired their name after Vesta, the goddess of the hearth and home to keep the home fires burning. It was their duty to not only remain a virgin for 30 years but they were to keep Vesta's sacred fire burning. Thank you.
I was 19, when this song came out in 1967.Gary Brooker was the singer,we lost Gary Two years ago,he was a genius.He had another hit he did,at the same concert,The Salty Dog,and his hit Conquistador! May he Rest In Peace!!
Thank you Man!!! Im 63 and a Veteran this makes me Cry!!!!!!!!
"A Salty Dog" from this same concert is a great second choice.
Conquistador was another of their songs which became quite popular. They did that song extremely well in this show too.
Oh yeah! They perform Conquistador at this concert and kill it
A thrilling performance of this 1967 song. Brooker was in sterling voice!!
Ty sir! Great pick!!
It just goes to show. There might be some snow on the roof but there is still fire down below. What a great performance, magic happened. Very nice choice and show. Thank you, good day to you and yours. 🤠
I also grew up listening to this, but I find this performance so emotional. Thank you for reacting to this..
One of my favorite bands in the '70's....love this performance! RIP Gary Brooker
THAT made you happy. All that matters.
A song for history
There are only around 40 songs that have sold Worldwide over 10miollion copies. This is one of them.
A musical masterpiece
MERCI GARY , pour toutes ces années magnifique , bravo à vous de nous le rappeler !!...
Such a classic. A song for all the ages.
They have been around for years. My young years❤ Thanks😁
I have been listening to this version for years.
Now for the best part, Lucy Thomas is releasing a cover on her new CD December 8.
There is a 30 second clip, but not enough. Looking forward to her CD that I ordered.
He sang their hit "Conquistador" at this concert and it is just as great.
Nice choice, nice reaction!! ☮️
The studio version from the 60's was great but this live version was fantastic as it had more depth due to the choir and orchestra. Gary Brooker's voice improved like a fine wine with age. R.I.P. Gary.
Just Beautiful
There are times when I see someone from the `old days` performing a classic song in their `twilight years,` shall we say, and wince. This is not one of them. The incredible arrangement aside, he sang this beautifully. As a guy who grew up classic rock all the way in the 70's, I don't really know much more form them either except, Conquistador.
Gary Brooker was 60 for this performance in 2006. He passed away in 2022. R.I.P.
Deep Purple did an album with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra back in the mid 70s and the Beatles worked with Orchestras quite often. Pick Floyd, amazingly, could create a similar sound scape without one. I saw Procol Harum mid 70s. Good band but back then we saw pretty much every band that came through Atlanta. Not really a band I followed but the lead singer hadn't lost a step in this performance. Truly epic...
Great reaction video! First time viewer here (just might have to subscribe if you do more of this quality). I have some comments, interpreting the lyrics of this song which gives it even a deeper dimension - I will share that at the end of this - (and sorry for this detailed commentary, but I think you will find it helpful if you listen to the song again and/or share it with others).
Gary Brooker’s incredible singing in this live performance matched - or perhaps even exceeded - the quality of the original 1967 recording that took place 40 years earlier.
The band’s name comes from a couple of possible sources. One of the band members in ‘67 had a named Procol Harum. This is Latin for “Far beyond these things”…. Personally, I think they named the band after the cat. 😁
This song and about 3 or 4 others defined the sound and the scene that was the “Summer of Love”. Unfortunately, that beautiful era only lasted about three years…. Innocence lost - marked by another outdoor concert in December ‘69 at Altamont - The Rolling Stones - they hired the Hells Angels motorcycle gang to be their “security” force - 4 people died that night.
However, great music continued to come out from the late 60s all through to the mid 90s. But 1967 through Woodstock 1969 was magic.
There has been much debate/misunderstanding regarding the lyrics. I believe I can unlock the mystery for you. The lyrics are mostly metaphorical.
The song is about a young couple who are attending a party perhaps at a ballroom - maybe even on a ship. They were either entertainers for the crowd, or they were just part of the crowd dancing….”We skipped the Light Fandango” but instead did cartwheels across the floor, implying that they were having a great time, perhaps even on their way to getting drunk. The room seem to be shaking apart as they “ordered another drink”, but the waiter brought a tray of many drinks.
As the night wore on, the young man was fast becoming interested in having a more private intimate time with this young girl…. But yet through her near drunkenness, she sensed it, and became frightened.
As the young man shuffled through his “playing cards” - a metaphor for looking for that winning hand to convince her to go with him - she again was unable or unwilling to give into him. Even as he told her stories, and lies about himself to impress and take advantage of her she knew she was potentially headed for trouble as “The truth was plain to see”.
The vestal virgin metaphor clearly implied that she was young, inexperienced, and not ready for what she feared was his ultimate intent.
But he kept on with his tales and lies, and he “would not let her be”…..ramping up the pressure on her to give in. This frightened her tremendously.
I have heard, but I cannot confirm, that Gary Brooker and his cowriter actually wrote two more verses, that were never recorded. We will probably never hear the end of that story.
Again, I want to say your reaction video was wonderful and genuine. Well done
Thanks!!
Great reaction . You are quickly becoming my favorite reactor guy . R.I.P. Gary Brooker
Hopping on the zooty trip 🤘❤️
Que tiempos más hermosos este tema se baila a blu inovidable❤
“AND ALTHOUGH MY EYES WERE OPEN…THEY MIGHT JUST AS WELL BEEN CLOSED”
How smart do I have to be to realize how stupid I am?
Awesome I could feel it taking me back to when I joined the Australian Army and we began 9 months training for deployment to Vietnam, the song evokes fond memories
❤😊
His voice aged like fine wine, and was far superior to the original here.
Whiskey Train is one of my faves by them as well.
Bach’s Air on the G String
Just found you & subscribed. BACKGROUND INFO: Filmed by Ledreborg Castle in Denmark with the Danish National Concert Orchestra. If you're interested in the story behind the song, see ua-cam.com/video/Pf73XwjZIFQ/v-deo.html for the interview w-writer Keith Reid & composer/lead singer Gary Brooker, founder of the band began in '67 (Gary passed away in Feb. 2022). There are many different stories surrounding the meaning of the song. It is also said that Reid was "going to reveal the true meaning before he died" but he died before he explained anything. Many people believe it was about a drunken one-night stand. Procol Harum is supposed to have been the name of a friend's cat - the name is a mis-spelling of the Latin phrase Procul Harun (roughly meaning "far beyond these things"), or that it was a corruption of Procellarm, a vast ocean on the Moon. It was inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach's "Sleepers, Wake!" and "Air on the G String" but contrary to popular belief, the song is not a direct copy or paraphrase of any music by Bach, although it makes references to both pieces. As per Reid, the line "as the miller told his tale" is definitely not a reference to Chaucer's "Miller's Tale" as many believe. Reid has repeatedly explained he'd never read The Canterbury Tales when he wrote A Whiter Shade of Pale. In Roman Times Vestal Virgins were priestesses and acquired their name after Vesta, the goddess of the hearth and home to keep the home fires burning. It was their duty to not only remain a virgin for 30 years but they were to keep Vesta's sacred fire burning. Thank you.