It gets me by the throat when I think that old man singing this song was once a young kid coming out with this same song. Where did all of the years go?
I was at the show. I rushed the stage (which you can't see on the video) but security tackled me. Someone slipped PCP into my weed. I was put in a holding cell and released after I came down and promised never to see another Procol Herom show in my life. I really love this song!
Procol Harum are icons. Gary Brooker the man singing passed away a few years ago. He never lost that magnificent voice. You should go back and check out the original version they did in 1967. It will blow your mind. His voice has not changed. RIP Gary! Love your reaction!
I was 14 when this song came out, one of my favorites, still listen to it all the time, we were so lucky to have such awesome music back then, it’s all still relevant today
SOME BACKGROUND: The concert was filmed at the Ledreborg Castle in Denmark w-the Royal Danish Concert Orchestra. It has been "the most-played song in public places for more than 75 years." There have been some misconceptions surrounding the meaning of the song - see ua-cam.com/video/Pf73XwiZIFQ/v-deo.html for the interview w-composer/lead singer Gary Brooker & writer Keith Reid. Gary was founder of the band begun in '67; Gary passed away in February of 2022, Keith passed in March of 2023. 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. Contrary to popular belief, the song is not a direct copy or paraphrase of any music by Bach but was inspired by & does reference Bach's "Sleepers, Wake!" and "Air on the G String!" As per Reid, the line "as the miller told his tale" is definitely not a reference to Chaucer's Miller's Tale. Reid has repeatedly explained he had never read The Canterbury Tales when he wrote A Whiter Shade of Pale. Procol Harum is said to be 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. In Roman Times Vestal Virgins were priestesses and acquired their name after Vesta. the goddess of the hearth and home. It was their duty to not only keep the home fires burning but to also remain a virgin for 30 years. AMAZING SONG - AMAZING GARY! COURT CASE: Matthew Fisher, a founding member and the organist of Procol Harum, won a High Court battle over who wrote “A Whiter Shade of Pale.” He played organ on the 1967 recording of the hit, which was long credited to lead singer Gary Brooker and lyricist Keith Reid, and Fisher argued that he wrote the distinctive organ melody. And on December 20, 2006, Justice William Blackburne ruled that Fisher was entitled to 40 percent of the copyright. Fisher had wanted half (50%) but the court decided that lead singer Gary Brooker’s input was more substantial.
Makes me cry. This song is so beautiful. It was the first 45 rpm that I ever bought, aged 9/10. I saw Procul Harum when I was about 11, at the Empire Pool Wembley, London. He was magical. RIP beautiful Gary ❤️🏴🇬🇧
Exactly Philip! Stunning that this song is still brilliantly inspired 39 years after it's recorded, and the performance is LIKE THIS!!! Truly amazing!!!
Thx for getting to this Phil! This is just pure and utter magic! Nearly 40 years after they released the song - they pop up with the Danish Orchestra and a choir to pull this off. Head shaking amazing!! Gary Brooker was in his 60's here & he never sounded better IMO - tremendous vocals. So much talent on that stage - lots going on to make this happen live. To me it is art and is one of the greatest LIVE musical performance in history. RIP Gary - You are missed but never forgotten.
ua-cam.com/video/Jl5vi9ir49g/v-deo.html Hey Phillip - here is another iconic classic to check out if you have time - hope the link works. It is the Hollies "He ain't heavy he's my brother" hope the link works - pretty epic song/performance.
I remember being a young boy of 8 years old completely mystified by the beauty of this track. Will be interesting to see it performed live all these years later. And Procol Harum fans out there, please supply us with the story of this band! For instance, is this the same lineup (unlikely)? Are any original members passed on? When? What circumstances? Procol Harum fans input would be most welcome for this program! Now I'm going to hear this legendary song, one more time. . .just for myself.
Can't tell you about the entire lineup at the point of this video but can tell you they were an English rock band formed in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, in 1967. Gary was the founder & passed away in February of 2022 & Keith passed in March of 2023 (both of cancer.). Fisher is still w-us at age 78(i believe). I put down some info @ very top if you care to read.
This song fits beautifully into your classic rock catalogue, Philip! You can imagine Paul, John, Brian Wilson, Jimi Hendrix, all. of the worlds musical titans would all have listened to this song, and all would have loved it in that world of long ago and far away. . . .
I never realized how deeply personal these lyrics were. Then again, as an 8 year old boy my first impression was always of the music. It would not be until years later that I started listening to the words of songs.
PAOLO NUTINI “Iron Sky” live Abbey Road Studios This man is the best singer to ever come out of Scotland, by far my favourite artist! 💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🇬🇧🔥🔥🔥
The music of my youth - and in Denmark - I where I am from.The orchestra have made several remakes of film movies -among others The Good The Bad and the Ugly.
I was 19 years old ,when this song came out in 1967.Gary Booker was a genius in music,we lost Gary two years ago,may God bless him always RIP.You need to hear the song,The Salty Dog,he played this hit song,at the same concert!
It gets me by the throat when I think that old man singing this song was once a young kid coming out with this same song. Where did all of the years go?
I'm completely overwhelmed by this performance! Talk about immortal!!!
I was at the show. I rushed the stage (which you can't see on the video) but security tackled me. Someone slipped PCP into my weed. I was put in a holding cell and released after I came down and promised never to see another Procol Herom show in my life. I really love this song!
Procol Harum are icons. Gary Brooker the man singing passed away a few years ago. He never lost that magnificent voice. You should go back and check out the original version they did in 1967. It will blow your mind. His voice has not changed. RIP Gary! Love your reaction!
I was 14 when this song came out, one of my favorites, still listen to it all the time, we were so lucky to have such awesome music back then, it’s all still relevant today
Interestingly, NO one expects it when Gary begins. Everyone is taken very much by surprise. He was 61 here.
SOME BACKGROUND: The concert was filmed at the Ledreborg Castle in Denmark w-the Royal Danish Concert Orchestra. It has been "the most-played song in public places for more than 75 years." There have been some misconceptions surrounding the meaning of the song - see ua-cam.com/video/Pf73XwiZIFQ/v-deo.html for the interview w-composer/lead singer Gary Brooker & writer Keith Reid. Gary was founder of the band begun in '67; Gary passed away in February of 2022, Keith passed in March of 2023. 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. Contrary to popular belief, the song is not a direct copy or paraphrase of any music by Bach but was inspired by & does reference Bach's "Sleepers, Wake!" and "Air on the G String!" As per Reid, the line "as the miller told his tale" is definitely not a reference to Chaucer's Miller's Tale. Reid has repeatedly explained he had never read The Canterbury Tales when he wrote A Whiter Shade of Pale. Procol Harum is said to be 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. In Roman Times Vestal Virgins were priestesses and acquired their name after Vesta. the goddess of the hearth and home. It was their duty to not only keep the home fires burning but to also remain a virgin for 30 years. AMAZING SONG - AMAZING GARY!
COURT CASE: Matthew Fisher, a founding member and the organist of Procol Harum, won a High Court battle over who wrote “A Whiter Shade of Pale.” He played organ on the 1967 recording of the hit, which was long credited to lead singer Gary Brooker and lyricist Keith Reid, and Fisher argued that he wrote the distinctive organ melody. And on December 20, 2006, Justice William Blackburne ruled that Fisher was entitled to 40 percent of the copyright. Fisher had wanted half (50%) but the court decided that lead singer Gary Brooker’s input was more substantial.
From the same concert: Conquistador. Mind blowing.
Just magical perfection!!!❤
No cover could ever match procul Harum the original and the best rendition! Great pick!
OMG! It opens with an orchestra!!! Well, given the immense beauty of this song, that's perfectly logical, but wow!!!!!!!
Makes me cry. This song is so beautiful. It was the first 45 rpm that I ever bought, aged 9/10. I saw Procul Harum when I was about 11, at the Empire Pool Wembley, London. He was magical. RIP beautiful Gary ❤️🏴🇬🇧
That orchestral intro was sheer genius! What a beautiful bed to set the jewel that is this song!!!
Exactly Philip! Stunning that this song is still brilliantly inspired 39 years after it's recorded, and the performance is LIKE THIS!!! Truly amazing!!!
Thx for getting to this Phil! This is just pure and utter magic! Nearly 40 years after they released the song - they pop up with the Danish Orchestra and a choir to pull this off. Head shaking amazing!! Gary Brooker was in his 60's here & he never sounded better IMO - tremendous vocals. So much talent on that stage - lots going on to make this happen live. To me it is art and is one of the greatest LIVE musical performance in history. RIP Gary - You are missed but never forgotten.
ua-cam.com/video/Jl5vi9ir49g/v-deo.html Hey Phillip - here is another iconic classic to check out if you have time - hope the link works. It is the Hollies "He ain't heavy he's my brother" hope the link works - pretty epic song/performance.
Loved your reaction and the fact you clearly felt the emotion. Wonderful, wonderful Gary Booker RIP
I remember being a young boy of 8 years old completely mystified by the beauty of this track. Will be interesting to see it performed live all these years later. And Procol Harum fans out there, please supply us with the story of this band! For instance, is this the same lineup (unlikely)? Are any original members passed on? When? What circumstances? Procol Harum fans input would be most welcome for this program!
Now I'm going to hear this legendary song, one more time. . .just for myself.
Can't tell you about the entire lineup at the point of this video but can tell you they were an English rock band formed in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, in 1967. Gary was the founder & passed away in February of 2022 & Keith passed in March of 2023 (both of cancer.). Fisher is still w-us at age 78(i believe). I put down some info @ very top if you care to read.
First song to ever sell 10M copies and Gary sounds better here than when he released it in '67. This was our anthem~~ damn I'm old 😢
Perfect pronunciation Philip!
Girlfriend so smooth with that oboe~❤
This song fits beautifully into your classic rock catalogue, Philip! You can imagine Paul, John, Brian Wilson, Jimi Hendrix, all. of the worlds musical titans would all have listened to this song, and all would have loved it in that world of long ago and far away. . . .
I never realized how deeply personal these lyrics were. Then again, as an 8 year old boy my first impression was always of the music. It would not be until years later that I started listening to the words of songs.
It seems so dramatic and emotional, packed with intense meaning but you really listen to the song its nonsense lyrically. Shows how powerful music is.
PAOLO NUTINI
“Iron Sky” live Abbey Road Studios
This man is the best singer to ever come out of Scotland, by far my favourite artist! 💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🇬🇧🔥🔥🔥
The music of my youth - and in Denmark - I
where I am from.The orchestra have made several remakes of film movies -among others The Good The Bad and the Ugly.
I was 19 years old ,when this song came out in 1967.Gary Booker was a genius in music,we lost Gary two years ago,may God bless him always RIP.You need to hear the song,The Salty Dog,he played this hit song,at the same concert!
The keyboard player behind the lead singer has the sound of that organ again, that made this song stand out so originally to me all those years ago.
Procol Harum is legendary and awesome! I would certainly love to see some PH fans step up and buy Philip some coffees! I'm here for it!
A salty dog. Same concert🤘❤️
Great reaction to a great performance!
And the organ, when it comes in, is the perfect foil to the piano!
Ah yes, the Hammond organ takes me back to the 60's like nothing else!
Fine wine indeed, Philip!
Ah, yes. The sweet taste of reality.
Awesome