At first I was thinking it is funny. Then I have realized how impossibly hard it is. Then I have checked all covers on this song. Then returned to the original and realized how fast and technically perfect it is. And it is live. OMG
@@jaredwirth3990 Yeah,the hell house.I'm a big Skynyrd fan but Focus was a realy good band and there was no snobbery involved ,it was very common that people who went to consevatory turned to rock.Skynird was rehearsing like hell in that tin sweat shed and i have a great respect for them. Being a drummer in the 70ths and the 80ths i know what it takes to rehears after a hard days work .
*Gladys:* "Oh, you guys have a 6:40 song? That's a problem, we can only give you about 4 minutes." *Thijs:* "Nah, we'll make it work" *Gladys:* "So... you'll cut it down?" *Thijs:* "Bert, get the cocaine."
To everyone commenting on the speeded up quality of the song. The original song was 6:43 sec long. Midnight Special producers only gave them a 4 and a half minute slot in the programming. Instead of picking another song to perform and not perform their current hit, which they would have had to abbreviate into the single 3:37 version for radio, they greatly sped up the tempo to fit the full version in 4:30 sec time. It was just incredible and they didn't miss a note! True artistry.
My band did some thing similar to this. Makes sense watching the drummer trying to sus out the feel of the song. We were supposed to have 30 muinutes and ended up with 25. So we just sped everything up and were watching each other for the queues.
I was in a similar situation playing mac the knife ( im bass ) but the faster playing ruined the feel so i took my metaphorical thinning shears to it ... it was the correct length but i was unhappy ... for the uninitiated ... mac the knife goes up a half tone each verse and the guitarist , piano and drummer have an easy time ... the bass... however has to walk properly ... not stumble ... we did a version with an extended ending which is another step up ... the piano player assured me its 8 changes over 6 normal verses which the drummer worked out is 48 key changes for the bass ..kinda but linked and not repeating the same riff and as mental as that sounds ... i gigged with that version for ages ... and i`d still rather do that than cope with what the guitar and vocals have to do in this instance ... thats crazy !!!
@@SaltpeterTaffy could just be a thing he does when he plays. I played with a drummer who always ground his jaw when he played, like he was chewing on something. Drummers have a lot going on, and sometimes they make faces.
Imagine going into a tv special, having no idea what would be coming, except for something described as new and exciting music. And then you’re faced with a man yodeling, then screaming at you, then yodeling some more, before he whips out his flute (the one you can show on television) and then finally whistling the same tune again. In between all of this is killer drums, excellent guitar, and a great vibe. Also, it’s the 70’s, and you can’t see it again. This is the only time you’ll ever see these guys play this song. I can only imagine what this would have been like to experience it live.
Saw them live in Melbourne in early seventies. It was a wild and sensational concert. Bought the album, but was slightly disappointed. They were so much more exciting to see live, and built up a tremendous atmosphere.
It was the 70's they would have been eating it up imo....today you'd have a bunch of slack jawed dickheads on their phones not understanding or realizing greatness and talent not hidden behind production synthesis
Whaaaaaaaa haha, just imagine being able to do this in front of people tripping your balls of and being nominated for one of the best, fucking legends!
Havent seen her much but shes beautiful. And if those are her remarks on these bands it shows her musical... I dont have a term so I'll just say in touchness
I played in chaos bands, and this one live version is certainly the best example caught on video.... and I'm 66 years old, so have seen/heard MANY great bands.
"How long is your song?" "About 7 minutes." "Shit we only have 4 available minutes. Guess we'll have to cut you out." "No no no, we can make this work." *And they did.*
greatest guitarist ever playing at 200mph, yodelling, a flute solo, a whistle solo and it all introduced by Gladys Knight. without actually seeing this genius, people would think you were taking the piss when describing it
I am 68. When as a very young man I first heard this I thought little of it given the now-recognised tsunami that engulfed those of us alive between 1965-1975. This was, is, and will remain sensational music - period.
This is one of the tightest live sets ive ever seen from any band ever they are so well put together its insane. The drummer is solid, the guitarist is utterly insane hes absolutely crushing it (to the point that the drummer keeps looking over laughing) the bong rattling bass is unreal the vocals are crazy when you realize how hard it is to yodel and the range the dude gets just mind blown.
@@brookey2825 He wasn't but should have. He _did_ get a cache of awards in the Netherlands though -- not hard to imagine, though the Dutch put out a cadre of talented bands during that era.
One of the high points in Dutch rock history. They blasted everyone over and received a standing ovation of the audience, which according to some was the only time it had happened in the 9 years running of the show.
There is something just so outrageously good about this, especially considering it was aired on live television in 1973. Imagine all the grandmas at home seeing this for the first time, not knowing whether to admit it's cool as hell or to cling for dear life to their aristocratic pomp. Pure class!
@@skydude426 my grandma and grandpa saw it and said "even though they aren't a Christian band like we usually listen to it was quite impressive seeing it air."
The whole act is incredible No one person stands out here. Its so off the wall, it can' be duplicated today Funny, each time they performed this song live they made it a little different. This was no exception A little faster beat,. improvised lead guitar... Just amazing! To be a fly on the wall that day back in '73 at the show must have been great!!
I couldn’t listen to the studio version of this song for ages because this is how I was I troduced to it, I was just like “ugh, why are they playing it so slow?”
In 73 they showed us what is possible and 50yrs later only a couple guitarists I can think of that might be able to play this. No vocalist that could do all he did. In other words how far have we really progressed in 50yrs. They are way ahead of everyone. Epic Musicians.
Whats wild is without songs like this out of the 70s, we wouldn’t have death metal, or any form of fast metal for that matter. This shits straight up proto speed metal. Jan’s solos alone have inspired countless players, whether they know it or not lol.
when this song first aired, all the English and American guitar players went into hiding in shock and embarrassment ..saying ..this can't be real. Jan Akkerman was all other guitar players worse nightmare.
@@domlomytp2677 Clapton is great for what he does but unfortunately never pushed the envelope much over the years and yes, is not on the level of the prog or fusion guys like Jan A and others.
This, to me, is one of the most therapeutic performances ever. Nevermind sappy ballads or overblown rock hymns, or 20 minute songs with 40 different sections (all of which I love). This is rock and roll. I will never watch this video and not get absolutely HYPED. It helped me to cope with breakups, deaths and other personal shit I was/am still going through. Thank you Thijs van Leer, thank you Jan Akkerman, thank you Bert Ruiter, thank you Pierre van der Linden, THANK YOU FOCUS! 🤘
Unbelievable. In todays production environment a band like this wouldn't be permitted within a mile of the tv-studio. This was absolute madness of the most brilliant kind!
Well deserved standing ovation, this is musicianship at its finest. Every single member of this band is a virtuoso, bass and drums are incredibly tight, just try and copy it if you disagree.
I actually saw them live in 2013 or something... I spoke to the band backstage after the gig. The singer/whistler/yodler/organ player - Theijs van Leer - was as mad as back then but then his only "drug" was Red Bull. When I told him how this song actually got me into listening to punk rock he almost fainted, LOL
If I had a nickel for every band I had heard do an aggressively 70s coked-out prog-rock song with a flute solo, I'd have ten cents. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.
I find whistling irrationally infuriating. Hearing someone whistle fills me with the urge to pull their teeth and make a lampshade string out of their lips before ripping out their tongue and breaking their jaw. But this is actually pretty good.
I just love how this is their own creation and the look on his face is like he is being unwilling controlled by somebody else to make these sounds that he doesn't quite understand, and as fast as he possibly can! I loved the song already from listening to it on the album, but the concert videos are just that much more fun!
Me too. The guitar and drums are absolutely stellar!! The singer, something’s definitely wrong w him, but the energy is tremendous. Knowing the studio version, it seems he’s quite drug addled; but it’s still very enjoyable!
@@davidwaitley1960 No no, this guy is a great musician but also a nice and funny human being. His name is Thijs van Leer. see him 45 years later with Mike Portnoy on drums. ua-cam.com/video/WfKY_u24iKQ/v-deo.html
Eh, check out a few of the vids on Uriah Heep's "Acoustically Driven". "Golden Palace" is really well done, and, Thijs shows up for "Tales" with the flute, some yodeling, and toward the end, the "eyes".
I genuinely do prefer the live version of a song, but like you've suggest, "Holy balls is this amazing"!! Everyone here is prodigiously talented. When the organist/vocalist whips that flute out? My jaw hit the floor - same with that dude's guitar solo - drummer is tighter than a nun too.
To kill a few repeating comments No, they weren't high. (Surprisingly.) Yes, they were forced to cut their 6 minute song to 4 minutes Yes, that IS Gladys Knight at the beginning And yes, this Performance is kick-ass.
One of the greatest examples of tight musicianship there ever was. One of the greatest prog bands of all time, right from their debut album. Another funny story from them performing live is the song 'House of the King' which was played as an improvisation when their equipment was shut off for playing too long, but they kept going. A rarity to find such genuine artists.
@@lonelyshpee7873 I don’t believe there was video of that one, it was a very early concert they did in Spain 1970. I only know from a Focus biography book.
Jebus. Ok, everyone, pack it up. The pinnacle of rock was achieved like 44 years ago. No...no, no reason to keep strumming, it's all over. turns out Focus rocked the hardest, we just hadn't heard....thanks....thank you everyone...good night....
Best era of the world❤ Outstanding I'm a truck driver, when I'm driving and start falling sleep a play this jewel on the radio and I get power enough to carry on
When a vocalist starts twitching 40 times before the song even starts you just know you're in for a BANGER.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
😂
The dude was legit tweaking, it was obvious he was about to deliver perfection lmao
Even he can't believe what's about to happen, that's wild 🤣
Lmao I saw that.. I was thinking he's mentally preparing himself.
The lyrics really speak to me on a personal level
Huehuehue
+Forever Waiter bom bom ba
If that's true then you need therapy
To translate: "I have taken EXACTLY the right amount of LSD."
LOL, yup.
At first I was thinking it is funny. Then I have realized how impossibly hard it is. Then I have checked all covers on this song. Then returned to the original and realized how fast and technically perfect it is. And it is live. OMG
Some of them went to the conservatory that is why they can play so good
People wrote 'Clapton is God' on walls in the 70ies. They misspelled Jan Akkerman.
I know, right?!!! They were basically a jazz band masquerading as a rock band!
@@hilliebruinsma8420 Scnhobbery! What about Lynrd Skynrd? Their conservatory was a tin sweat shed in the deep south.
@@jaredwirth3990 Yeah,the hell house.I'm a big Skynyrd fan but Focus was a realy good band and there was no snobbery involved ,it was very common that people who went to consevatory turned to rock.Skynird was rehearsing like hell in that tin sweat shed and i have a great respect for them. Being a drummer in the 70ths and the 80ths i know what it takes to rehears after a hard days work .
*Gladys:* "Oh, you guys have a 6:40 song? That's a problem, we can only give you about 4 minutes."
*Thijs:* "Nah, we'll make it work"
*Gladys:* "So... you'll cut it down?"
*Thijs:* "Bert, get the cocaine."
How much cocaine? ALL the cocaine please!!!!
Little early for Colombian Dancing Dust; likely Benny, Dexie, and all the 'up-people' :D
that was some good stuff
When a performance starts with a face solo you know it's going to be great.
LOL!!
😂
Hahaha
lol imagine notating it on a music sheet
🤣
To everyone commenting on the speeded up quality of the song. The original song was 6:43 sec long. Midnight Special producers only gave them a 4 and a half minute slot in the programming. Instead of picking another song to perform and not perform their current hit, which they would have had to abbreviate into the single 3:37 version for radio, they greatly sped up the tempo to fit the full version in 4:30 sec time. It was just incredible and they didn't miss a note! True artistry.
Insane talent
Correct.
My band did some thing similar to this. Makes sense watching the drummer trying to sus out the feel of the song.
We were supposed to have 30 muinutes and ended up with 25. So we just sped everything up and were watching each other for the queues.
The guitarist completely effed the intro
I was in a similar situation playing mac the knife ( im bass ) but the faster playing ruined the feel so i took my metaphorical thinning shears to it ... it was the correct length but i was unhappy ... for the uninitiated ... mac the knife goes up a half tone each verse and the guitarist , piano and drummer have an easy time ... the bass... however has to walk properly ... not stumble ... we did a version with an extended ending which is another step up ... the piano player assured me its 8 changes over 6 normal verses which the drummer worked out is 48 key changes for the bass ..kinda but linked and not repeating the same riff
and as mental as that sounds ... i gigged with that version for ages ... and i`d still rather do that than cope with what the guitar and vocals have to do in this instance ... thats crazy !!!
They played this song like their tour bus was double-parked outside.
ha ha yes!!!
With the motor running!
Jajajaja perhaps they have another apointment.... jajajja
Their tourbus was stolen with all their gear.
The original song is considerably slower so they most likely told them to speed it up to get inside the schedule
Music in the 70's was on another level, man!
we called it "acid rock" for a reason...
For better or for worse.
Drummer's priorities:
1) Chew the shit out of that gum
2) Intense prog drumming
SaltpeterTaffy what gum? 😂
@@diddyhayes Pay attention at 0:57, drummer's chewing gum.
@@SaltpeterTaffy could just be a thing he does when he plays. I played with a drummer who always ground his jaw when he played, like he was chewing on something.
Drummers have a lot going on, and sometimes they make faces.
I think he is biting his tongue. Musicians often do that while playing.
@@BonnieHalfElven He could also be chewing gum.
Focus: "Our song is six minutes long."
Midnight Special: "You've got four minutes."
Focus: "Hold our beers."
*hold our LSD
*mountain of cocaine
*hold our cocaine
But you can see that it's edited down (hard cut before the applause)
@@filipmareczek kek
Its like their instruments are rented for an hour and they have 5 minutes left.
the song is 7 minutes long, but for TV they were asked to bring it down to 4 minutes, they didn't want to cut the song so they just sped it up
@@repomansez yeah it sounded off to me, if you put the speed down to x0.75 it sounds a little more normal
Dude! I love that comment.
@@repomansez brilliant
hahaha
His manic facial expressions just kill me😂 Absolutely amazing performance.
For a moment thought he looked like Jack Nicholson from “The Shining.”
It makes me laugh every time a hear/see it. But, Jan Akkerman, what a player. The best from Holland ever.👌👍😊😂🤣
never seen somebody as sober as him
Bro is tripping fucking balls and still crushing those vocals! 😂
@@gdawgs101 Nah, that's just how Tijs is, great guy though.
Imagine going into a tv special, having no idea what would be coming, except for something described as new and exciting music. And then you’re faced with a man yodeling, then screaming at you, then yodeling some more, before he whips out his flute (the one you can show on television) and then finally whistling the same tune again. In between all of this is killer drums, excellent guitar, and a great vibe. Also, it’s the 70’s, and you can’t see it again. This is the only time you’ll ever see these guys play this song.
I can only imagine what this would have been like to experience it live.
What would it have been like? FACE-MELTINGLY overwhelming, I would think...
Saw them live in Melbourne in early seventies. It was a wild and sensational concert. Bought the album, but was slightly disappointed. They were so much more exciting to see live, and built up a tremendous atmosphere.
I can say it was an unforgettable experience. Top musicians, and Jan Akkerman still is one of the best guitarists to walk this earth.
They’re STILL playing it! I saw them a year ago, and they are beyond amazing!!
It was the 70's they would have been eating it up imo....today you'd have a bunch of slack jawed dickheads on their phones not understanding or realizing greatness and talent not hidden behind production synthesis
Laugh all you want...that man had more control of his voice than any one alive.
His range is phenomenal too!
He is still alive
He and the drummer were on coke for sure. Never used it but I do wonder if it enhances your skill
@@Kevin-nb5ii you never used it but know for sure when someone else has? That sounds pretty stupid.
Who is laughing? I'll tear them limb from limb! The only way to laugh is from sheer surprise and delight!
I like the part when he goes AHHHHHHHH AHHHHHH AHHHH AHHH AHHHH AH AH AHHAHAHWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOOWOWOWOWOWOOWOWAHAHAHWOWOWOAH
I felt that
the lyrics always bring a tear to my eyes
Joladadijoladadijoladadijoladadi
Joladadijoladadi-jo-o-ooh!
Joladadijoladadijoladadijoladadi
Joladadijoladadi-jo-o-ooh!
Oooooh-oooooh-oooooh-oooooh...
It thrills me to this day!
Whaaaaaaaa haha, just imagine being able to do this in front of people tripping your balls of and being nominated for one of the best, fucking legends!
Still watching, still enjoying in 2024.
"Musically, they're one of the most together and exciting groups going..."
Gladys Knight tells no lies
That's who it was?
She also said on another MS she hosted that Jobriath was "The act of the future." She was right, too bad he was ahead of his time.
Was wondering who she was
Havent seen her much but shes beautiful. And if those are her remarks on these bands it shows her musical... I dont have a term so I'll just say in touchness
@@tattoodfreeek Just google
Before you dislike, you try whistling that high of a note, legends forever
I can't whistle at all! Agreed, true legends!
I like! I like!
And the way he goes up and down those full octaves is insane!!!!
I can see Mike Patton doing it
I agree. Mike Patton would be one who could do it.
Jan Akkerman playing Speed Metal leads in 1973... The man was wayyy ahead of his time!! 😵
dude was sweep picking in '73. that's crazy
Then Gary Hoey did it at another 100 miles an hour.
This performance is riding right on the edge of chaos, it’s perfect! One of the greatest live performances ever caught on video.
I played in chaos bands, and this one live version is certainly the best example caught on video.... and I'm 66 years old, so have seen/heard MANY great bands.
This is rock music....😅
i raise you... ua-cam.com/video/tXcJNljjTG0/v-deo.html Sylvia's mother on Shel Silverstein's houseboat
Please be mindful that they're Dutch afterall
haha!!@@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe
The yodeler looks like a combination of weird al yankovic, abraham Lincoln, and john lennon
and Joe Cocker
And he is Gowron before he became a Klingon.
Amsterdam
I think he's Jethro Tull's coked up evil twin.
Thijs van Leer he's one of the best Dutch progrock artists in the world^^.
"How long is your song?"
"About 7 minutes."
"Shit we only have 4 available minutes. Guess we'll have to cut you out."
"No no no, we can make this work."
*And they did.*
Just up the tempo...
Gotta love cocaine.
I'm not convinced they knew they were playing it faster! Much as I love the original version, this has quickly grown on me. It's very hard-driving.
Pigzit LOL🤣🤣🤣🤣
They also cut some loops out.
R.I.P. Bert Ruiter, extraordinari bassplayer. 1946-2022.
thanks for the info !
Jon Ackerman may still be rippin' the lead guitar as we speak. Jazz extrordinaire
.
@@jcmarinut "Jan"
@@goonaa6924 akkerman 😊😊😊
4 Minutes and 37 Seconds of HISTORY still sending massive waves into 2024... Thank to the universe for THAT!!!
This was in 73? Damn, dude. The world wasn't ready
Pellegrini Post Europe was...
"I guess you guys are not ready for that... But your kids are gonna love it."
Look at the standing ovation they got though.
I was 14. Believe me, we were ready. Focus did very well in Europe.
much more than is now...
greatest guitarist ever playing at 200mph, yodelling, a flute solo, a whistle solo and it all introduced by Gladys Knight. without actually seeing this genius, people would think you were taking the piss when describing it
Walter Sobchak the perfect storm.
Walter Sobchak Err, you mean Oprah I'm guessing?
only recorded yodelling ever to be a rock classic ? ... also the manic lunacy in the eyes ... i fell in love
Can we just take a minute to pay homage to the bassist and drummer who kept this insanity going
Jan going full throttle from 1.15 to 1.30 If you look at Pierre on drums he turns around and is thinking wtf .
Jan Akkerman was the most underrated guitarist of all time. His skills back then rivaled almost every guitarist of today.
He blows the so called top ten away 🎶
YES FOR SHURE JAN AKKERMAN IS FANTASTIC GUITAR PLAYER!!! FOR SHURE!!! GREAT ROCKER!!!
@@lukagovorcin3610 *sure
Sting tried to recruit him too but Akkerman is a stubborn son of a bitch.
He’s better than most today too’Awsome !
I am 68. When as a very young man I first heard this I thought little of it given the now-recognised tsunami that engulfed those of us alive between 1965-1975. This was, is, and will remain sensational music - period.
Im 66 - oh Yes..
Who cares period
This is one of the tightest live sets ive ever seen from any band ever they are so well put together its insane. The drummer is solid, the guitarist is utterly insane hes absolutely crushing it (to the point that the drummer keeps looking over laughing) the bong rattling bass is unreal the vocals are crazy when you realize how hard it is to yodel and the range the dude gets just mind blown.
Pretty sure he was voted world's best guitarist around this time
@@brookey2825 would imagine the dude absolutely rips it.
@@brookey2825 He wasn't but should have. He _did_ get a cache of awards in the Netherlands though -- not hard to imagine, though the Dutch put out a cadre of talented bands during that era.
Watch Brainbox (down man)and the Hunters (russian Spy and I )
Jan Akkerman in his early years and later his album the noice of Art (so beautiful)
They took the roof off the place!
I’ve requested this to be played at my funeral. Should be a good time.
You'll have a good time, at least. No, wait a minute....
Everyone’s crying and there’s just yodeling in the background
Yeah at least you won't be hearing it 😂
Have it played from inside the casket.
I want to go to there.
This man sweep picks at 2:53 , that's such a guitar technique flex in '73 this band is ridiculously good.
Whoah! So he does. That's incredible
Yes, spotted that, seriously ridiculous library of chops considering the year.
Jan Akkerman, legendary Dutch guitar player: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Akkerman
Seems more like fast legato notes and a pseudo sweep pick to me. Good eye tho bud
I saw ritchie Blackmore do sweeps at that time too. They have similar styles. Both definitely influenced the 80s shred guys
One of the high points in Dutch rock history. They blasted everyone over and received a standing ovation of the audience, which according to some was the only time it had happened in the 9 years running of the show.
There is something just so outrageously good about this, especially considering it was aired on live television in 1973.
Imagine all the grandmas at home seeing this for the first time, not knowing whether to admit it's cool as hell or to cling for dear life to their aristocratic pomp.
Pure class!
It was aired late at night, so mostly only the kids (like me) were up watching.
It is good. I loved watching it. My wife on the other hand said it made her skin crawl.
@@skydude426 my grandma and grandpa saw it and said "even though they aren't a Christian band like we usually listen to it was quite impressive seeing it air."
The whole act is incredible No one person stands out here. Its so off the wall, it can' be duplicated today Funny, each time they performed this song live they made it a little different. This was no exception A little faster beat,. improvised lead guitar... Just amazing! To be a fly on the wall that day back in '73 at the show must have been great!!
+Alizee Defan Than you for saying that. I just now wrote my brother to ask him if he thinks this is fast, then saw your remark.
+Alizee Defan Little fast? :D
They played it in nearly double tempo...
+Alizee Defan Yes young lady it was may I suggest Wishbone Ash "Vas Dis" 1971 BBC for a chronological history of instrumental music x.
Too drunk to read the comments but... Alizee... *drool * ,, this outfit in her
"J'en Ai Marre" video... to die for
Oh yeah!! Haha! Can't get that video off my mind!
"Soo what kind of music do you like?"
"It's complicated..."
lol
A Leprechaun and a band of damned friends
you could just say prog rock lol
@@juhman nyess frog 🐸 rock India eat frog 🐸🐸🐸🐸🐸
@@matej2268 not funny
Drum solo's, yodeling, flute solos, whistling, break neck tempos.... what's not to love?
That's gotta be one of the best live performances ever
YES That's gotta be one of the best live performances ever
Indeed, That's gotta be one of the best live performances ever
Agreed, that's gotta be one of the best live performances ever
You are right, that's gotta be one of the best live performances ever
To be honest, that`s gotta be one of the best live performances ever
I couldn’t listen to the studio version of this song for ages because this is how I was I troduced to it, I was just like “ugh, why are they playing it so slow?”
YES SAME
Play this on double-speed THEN try to listen to the studio version. You'd swear it was a Russian dirge.
"Hey Focus, unfortunately you only have 4:30 minutes so you can't play hocus pocus, choose another song"
Focus: We'll see about that
"Hold our cocaine."
@@ZerglingOne1 😂😂
Indeed it's suspiciously short!
You could possibly play the whole song in 10 seconds
Hahahahhahaha
In 73 they showed us what is possible and
50yrs later only a couple guitarists I can think of that might be able to play this.
No vocalist that could do all he did. In other words how far have we really progressed in 50yrs. They are way ahead of everyone. Epic Musicians.
Jan Akkerman still going strong in 2020. He was chosen as the worlds best guitar player that year by several music magazines.
Wow!
Don't forget the other members. All great musicians.
The vocal range displayed in this song is out of this world. Tremendous instrumental as well!
no cowbells dammit
True. The vocal range was outstanding… just not musical … or aesthetically pleasing…. AT ALL
"I hear you play in a band, what style of music do you play?"
"Yes"
This doesn't sound like Yes at all dude!
@@hernandogaribaldi8627 Don't ruin my joke!
@@sbeast64 lol
This like tyler
@@TheKarabanera its prog rock not classic
50 years later now. Wow still amazing.
Even death metal bands can't contain the amount of energy in this song.
Godamn, this shit is brutal.
Brutal is a good description!
Not even Power Metal
Imagine tooling down the freeway in an MG Midget, top down, with this on full blast, stoned...doesn't get any better!
Whats wild is without songs like this out of the 70s, we wouldn’t have death metal, or any form of fast metal for that matter. This shits straight up proto speed metal. Jan’s solos alone have inspired countless players, whether they know it or not lol.
Amazing what a little caffine can do for music!
when this song first aired, all the English and American guitar players went into hiding in shock and embarrassment ..saying ..this can't be real.
Jan Akkerman was all other guitar players worse nightmare.
And he topped Clapton in the Melody Maker( British publication at that time) magazine guitarist poll after this came out.
@@lestrum Rightfully so
Clapton can't hold a fuckin' candle to this kind of guitar work
@@domlomytp2677 Clapton is great for what he does but unfortunately never pushed the envelope much over the years and yes, is not on the level of the prog or fusion guys like Jan A and others.
lestrum B I can agree with that! Cheers 🤘🏼
This, to me, is one of the most therapeutic performances ever. Nevermind sappy ballads or overblown rock hymns, or 20 minute songs with 40 different sections (all of which I love). This is rock and roll. I will never watch this video and not get absolutely HYPED. It helped me to cope with breakups, deaths and other personal shit I was/am still going through. Thank you Thijs van Leer, thank you Jan Akkerman, thank you Bert Ruiter, thank you Pierre van der Linden, THANK YOU FOCUS! 🤘
proud to say this is the best performance my country has ever put forward
If I can find a video of Kayak playing “Royal Bed Bouncer” in 1975 I’d call it a tie.
@@drsloanski make sure to post it here! I’d love to see ir
@@SuperMoodyyy slightly different energy but this song is great. ua-cam.com/video/RCQwBXUw7Jw/v-deo.html
@@SuperMoodyyy And on the studio version, the piano part is insane! ua-cam.com/video/Vn6SC75to4E/v-deo.html
@@drsloanski i had no idea of this band. Great tune, bedankt voor het delen!
Unbelievable. In todays production environment a band like this wouldn't be permitted within a mile of the tv-studio. This was absolute madness of the most brilliant kind!
king gizzard
Though not similar to Focus, Slayer was on The Tonight Show
hello, listen to King gizzard and the lizard wizards
Yeah, King Gizzard on Conan was pretty cool
"Absolute madness of the most brilliant kind" is a great way to describe it
Jan's shredding in this is absolutely astonishing kind of playing for 73, It's almost like the dude predicted the future of guitar playing.
agreed !
Well deserved standing ovation, this is musicianship at its finest. Every single member of this band is a virtuoso, bass and drums are incredibly tight, just try and copy it if you disagree.
No drugs were harmed during the making of this video
This is the best comment
They were harmed just before
LOL! 😂
I actually saw them live in 2013 or something... I spoke to the band backstage after the gig. The singer/whistler/yodler/organ player - Theijs van Leer - was as mad as back then but then his only "drug" was Red Bull. When I told him how this song actually got me into listening to punk rock he almost fainted, LOL
More like flutes
Pierre van der Linden is an absolutely fantastic drummer
I could be wrong, but all these dudes were insanely good
ua-cam.com/video/pWB5JZRGl0U/v-deo.html
@@magnusdunning6113 Motorhead?
Deep purple's drummer, studied Pierre's drumming style in the 70s
It's Hans Cleuver
Standing ovation indeed! I don't think the audience knew what the hell hit them!
But whatever it was they LOVED it!
Voted best guitarist of 73------
Went to see them live in '73 in Coventry. They were amazing and Hocus Pocus brought the house down. They were great days....
If I had a nickel for every band I had heard do an aggressively 70s coked-out prog-rock song with a flute solo, I'd have ten cents. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.
ah a phineas and ferb to the second dimension joke a surprise but a welcome one at that
Jethro tull
What’s the second song homie?
@@alexmckoy8221 Basically any live performance by Jethro Tull.
There's King Crimson, too
Thijs's face while he whistles is amazing! Such stellar musicians!
amazing talent! things u hardly ever see anymore in music!!! these guys and edgar winter band are the bees knees
Trippin balls big time- hahaha!
I find whistling irrationally infuriating. Hearing someone whistle fills me with the urge to pull their teeth and make a lampshade string out of their lips before ripping out their tongue and breaking their jaw. But this is actually pretty good.
@@BiffChunksteak
Ok, weirdo
@@BiffChunksteak Whistling tends to either make or break a song/performance but not always
Fantastic musicians. You don't get stuff like this in the charts anymore.
And It's ok
@@michaelistoma8356 nah
@@AquaticFish420 yap
@@michaelistoma8356 nah
@@SpadgerMcTeagle1 yappp
I'm 59 years old and this was one of the first rock songs I heard back in the good 70's! I'm Brazilian from Florianópolis!
That was probably one of the best things I've ever seen
I just love how this is their own creation and the look on his face is like he is being unwilling controlled by somebody else to make these sounds that he doesn't quite understand, and as fast as he possibly can! I loved the song already from listening to it on the album, but the concert videos are just that much more fun!
Yes. The music was full of humour! Not just technically brilliant. Quite unique!
TFW you start channeling the priest of a long dead god right before your band goes live on air and have no option but to roll with it.
Lol
Drugs are heluva drug
Less than a handful of acts, on the Midnight Special, received a standing ovation.
This act was one of the few.
Stunning!
It's the flute. The flute gets me every single time
for me it's the whistling through the crooked tooth
its the yodling!
This is the sort of thing that keeps me from willingly leaving this dimension. They got a standing ovation.
Gives one hope, it does.
Just found this. And it's the greatest thing I've ever seen or heard. I don't think there's a band alive that could even touch this. Holy crap.
Possibly Alvin lee from tya he was very fast also but I don’t think even Alvin could match this as good as he is!
I know a song just as good as this it's called Surfin Bird
Me too. The guitar and drums are absolutely stellar!! The singer, something’s definitely wrong w him, but the energy is tremendous. Knowing the studio version, it seems he’s quite drug addled; but it’s still very enjoyable!
@@davidwaitley1960 No no, this guy is a great musician but also a nice and funny human being. His name is Thijs van Leer. see him 45 years later with Mike Portnoy on drums. ua-cam.com/video/WfKY_u24iKQ/v-deo.html
I wish I could hear this for the first time again too!
"Do you ever look at someone and wonder what is going on inside their head?"
1:01
While showing someone this for first time
Drugs. A lot of drugs. And shoe polish.
Vc 1 bosta
Well, in this case probably pretty good partiture:-)
Vocalist is a beast. The whole band is on fire, literally, after almost douling the tempo to fit the song in the timeslot. Just amazing.
My friend showed me this and now I can't stop watching it.
Imagine this being the only evidence that humans existed
That would be a good thing since the band consisted of some of the most talented musicians ever.
"They were an extraordinary species. THeir language is still a big mystery but one thing is clear, they were energetic but extremely peaceful."
Way better than ISrael song for the Eurovision :P
Yeah so?
Aliens would probably think that we all are a little crazy :) But good in music :)
I sing this whenever I make tomato sauce. Really brings out the flavor.
It really ties the pasta together.
The Guitarist is a GENIUS!!!
Voted best guitarist by other guitarists. Jan Akkerman.
But the camera man only captures his genius left hand once
He also played renaissance lute.
Jan Akkerman IS a genius.
Guitarist? Insanely talented magician! 2:49 and others...
I don't usually prefer the live version of a song to the studio recording. But this. Holy balls is this amazing.
Eh, check out a few of the vids on Uriah Heep's "Acoustically Driven". "Golden Palace" is really well done, and, Thijs shows up for "Tales" with the flute, some yodeling, and toward the end, the "eyes".
I genuinely do prefer the live version of a song, but like you've suggest, "Holy balls is this amazing"!! Everyone here is prodigiously talented. When the organist/vocalist whips that flute out? My jaw hit the floor - same with that dude's guitar solo - drummer is tighter than a nun too.
So pleased the crowd gave them a standing ovation at the end, well deserved👏😌
To kill a few repeating comments
No, they weren't high. (Surprisingly.)
Yes, they were forced to cut their 6 minute song to 4 minutes
Yes, that IS Gladys Knight at the beginning
And yes, this Performance is kick-ass.
Shit i really trought it was Oprah
Honestly, I prefer this version. In an odd way, it's the genesis of speed metal
Dude, no fucking way that is gladys knight. like THE gladys knight, license to kill??
Yes, it is Gladys Knight - and she's STILL a fan of theirs!
Thanks for defending Thijs van Leer and his band .
They where from the dutch conservatorium and classic music graduates.
This is by far the most superior version of this song. I always keep coming back to it, have been for over a decade now.
Boy, Dan never dissapoints when he directs me to vide-
HOLY SHIT DUDE JUST PULLED OUT A FLUTE AS i WAS TYPING
+PressOptionsGaming great?
you're damn right it's great.
How would you see him if you were typing the comment...?
Funny thing about music is, you can HEAR it xD
I read your comment just as he pulled out the flute
One of the greatest examples of tight musicianship there ever was. One of the greatest prog bands of all time, right from their debut album. Another funny story from them performing live is the song 'House of the King' which was played as an improvisation when their equipment was shut off for playing too long, but they kept going. A rarity to find such genuine artists.
Got a video of the "House of the King" performance?
@@lonelyshpee7873 I don’t believe there was video of that one, it was a very early concert they did in Spain 1970. I only know from a Focus biography book.
@@benrlego What a shame. Amazing story, though
If cocaine had a sound it would be this
May I borrow your comment for a tweet please?
gnarlin sure just tag me
Lol true
No drugs here. Just some of the best musicians in the world
Idiot whahahaha no drugs??
Many faces were melted that day.
Look at how much fun they have: this is awesome! :D
*Cocaine.
@@ToolsAreToys lmao,an instrumental band. Relax 😉
A band from Amsterdam you know what i mean ? 😝
Ngl they do look like they are having fun some of them do look drugged out but are some how (maybe) not on drugs during this
Must have watched this clip a hundred times and I never get sick of it!!!!!! Classic!!!!!😁😁😁😁👍👍👍
I really enjoy this sped-up version, more than the original actually. Also, the guitarist is an absolute BEAST!
That is mister Jan Akkerman, once declared to be the best guitarist alive
@@kappiiee Listen to Brainbox, with Jan Akkerman! ua-cam.com/video/dJWLVYK9zk4/v-deo.html
I must agree. They laid it ALL on the table.
Definitely. Even some sweep picking in there!
Are you knackered, man? No, I'm Jan Akkerman.
I love the hum of the tubes in the amps after they’re done!
I told my wife I want this played at my funeral. She thought I was nuts.
Time to get a new wife before you check out
The attending guest's definitely will remember the funeral!
Funny 😂
Your funeral guests will Focus on the fact that: Hocus Pocus - you're gone!
😂😂😂
One of the greatest live performances of all time.
When he does the whistle and reaches for that high note, it’s incredible.
That standing ovation at the end was absolutely warranted
This is probably the best thing thats ever been uploaded to youtube.
Jebus. Ok, everyone, pack it up. The pinnacle of rock was achieved like 44 years ago. No...no, no reason to keep strumming, it's all over. turns out Focus rocked the hardest, we just hadn't heard....thanks....thank you everyone...good night....
2019 and still wasn't ready
2020 ain't ready for this shit
Hear Jan Akkerman on gitar in his early days with Brainbox and the Hunters (Russian Spy and I)
And of course his solo cd,s
This song stands the test of time. Lked it back then & like it even more today.
My brain at 3 a.m. right before an important exam:
Jan akkerman also played in the band "Brainbox" : )
Its me for today
You write exams at 3 am?
Same :'v
1:14 my face when at the Math exam my students keep on trying to divide by zero o.O
One of the greatest pieces of music I have ever heard in my life !!!
It’s absolutely incredible how tight they are as a band. Still going too!
Best era of the world❤
Outstanding
I'm a truck driver, when I'm driving and start falling sleep a play this jewel on the radio and I get power enough to carry on
Try 'Dakota' by Stereophonics
Every time I play this song, I go crazy!
same
Uhh...are you sure you're not just crazy anyways?
I think that... maybe it makes you SANE!!!!
Best live performance ever, by any band anywhere
For ever
Did you see the Mahavishnu Orchestra in those days?.
Beats the hell out of the studio recording! So unbelievably tight!
I’ve heard this before, but for the first time really took the time to watch and listen. Pure gold.
That drummer RULES. Such fat fills and solid 4/4 time.