I loved Focus from the first time I heard them back in 1971. In this line-up, they were all not only magnificent musicians, but they were also a perfect musical match for each other. Focus was one of those bands where the whole is much greater than the sum of the parts, notwithstanding their individual brilliance.
I got the chance to see Focus here in the States in 73 at Merriwether Post Pavillion in MD. with Peter Frampton's Camel. Great show which had Focus play for close to 3 hours. Jan is still one of the finest players on the planet.
Focus was a fantastic group, absolutely world-class musicians. Jan Akkerman was, and still is, one of the very best guitarists in the world. How I miss those days. Magic!
I'm not sure what inspired this masterpiece, but it always brings me to tears. Such an original band with phenomenal musicianship. Happy New Years - 2020 sucks.
I love dutch bands,like Ekseptions,Tracks,but Focus,are unique,unfortunetly like some italian bands,P.F.M. B.M.S. Orme,Area,could not get a total success,not being english or american.The beginners of poliphonia,in the history of musical composition,were rightly,Flames,Venetians,Neaolitans.
One of my favourite pieces of all time. Wonderful composition by Van Leer, and great anthemic guitar melodies from Akkerman. Cheers from rainy old England with joy in my heart!
I had the rare opportunity of watching this band in my country, Brazil, some years ago. It was the best concert I watch ever. Yes, the band, not in this classic lineup, but really amazing too. Thijs van Leer is a master! With his mouth, Thijs, not was only a singing (his "words"), but he was also get a "tube" into the keyboards, simulating flute sounds. It was really fantastic!
Wow this is fantastic footage! Thank you. A band I adored throughout my teenage years. Jan Akkemann influenced so many that were to come after. Pierre van der Linden (drums) was under-appreciated.
I remember Focus from the 70's when I was learning guitar. Jan Ackerman was always the one 'in focus' for me at the time. But with no disrespect to Thijs, Pierre is the star of this video. Thanks for sharing.
I first heard Focus when Hocus Pocus became a top 10 hit in America back in 1973 and loved it. Then, when my brother bought Moving Waves and Focus 3, I was hooked on Focus. Their music created feelings and emotions in me that no other band did. I enjoy listening to Focus so much. This song, Focus 2, truly takes my breath away. It is beautiful and haunting and filled with great passion. Only truly gifted musicians can create, express, and perform music like this.
Lord, how I miss those days. Nowadays we've got a million gun slinger guitarists . . . that couldn't write a piece of music to rival this to save their lives. Way too many guitar players now. And not nearly enough keyboard players, bass players, and even drummers. And you can't find a place to rehearse a band to save your soul. Do I sound frustrated? Fifty years of playing experience, at the height of my powers, and can't find quality musicians or a place to practice.
Ik - the hair shredders then speed metal shredders now passed 69s 70s bands guitarists reign supreme organic music lyrics relevancy Tidays YT clone Ygnwie's playing to soldiut bedrooms worldwide - The days of getting together jamming forming a band doesn't exist A compelling time a no-brainer and the best time ever sweating in someone's garage jamming 3man or playing a kegger party in someone's backyard ... Jan Ackerman 🪄🪄🪄🌟
Ja, sowieso een bijzondere club muzikanten. Mooie compositie en wat een creatieve gedreven bedreven drummer die Pierre van der Linden.... Op de life concerten vroeger (alweer) werd ik meegenomen in de Focus sfeer. Overweldigend. Maar nu wordt je je toch nog meer bewust van de ongekende kwalititeiten van de Hollandse halfgoden....
@@baronmeduse precies, dat is ook mijn idee. Dan kan Jan Akkerman zich nog zo laatdunkend uitlaten over Thijs van Leer, maar na Focus ontsteeg hij op enkele uitzonderingen na, nog nauwelijks het niveau van oeverloos gepiel.
At that time was focus a golden combination! Talented musicians! It was a misery, when there was an asundar. Evantully they choosed/focused their own ways! And succeeded to create their own musical careers. Respect and amazing! ❤
Dat was in mijn tienerjaren, op de tienerclub speelden ze, wellicht ook in 1971 (ik was toen 14 jaar oud), het was daar de eerste band die ik meemaakte. Ik groeide ermee op, een paar jaar later speelden ze in de dancings voor volwassenen en weer even later op festivals, zoals de Sneekweek en toen gingen ze naar het buitenland.
My favourite band in my teens. I was never into ‘commercial’ music😂. Must have seen them live several times at the Greyhound, Croydon. Awesome band. Saw them live for the first time in September 1972 at the Oval, London.
Rick, True & anyone that bought Moving Waves quickly learned Focus was much more than a whimsical tune & this was no flash in the pan band . . Saw them here in the States in 73 which i believe was their only US Tour.
Saw this band live at the weekend. Thijs and Pierre still amazing after all these years and seeing them was a lifetime ambition achieved. With Menno Gootjes on guitar and Udo Pannekeet on bass, they were truly fantastic.
How special were the '70s-- Focus & Dutch football,Ajax & the boys in orange.Rich tones,no guitar playing at a thousand miles an hour.To me Focus had the complete sound that didn't need analysiing.Was it really over fifty years ago ? How mad is that,this must has stood the test of time.
Pierre Van Der Linden is an incredibly underrated drummer. He's just amazing!
Damn right!
totally true. look at his own YT channel, so good !
A don't need a super large kit either!
@@jasonpp1973 absolutely!
@@TheOrganist007 it's wonderful! He's by far one of the greatest of all time
Just 4 elite level musicians in a room on a snowy day in 1971 jamming out one of their great musical masterpieces.
I loved Focus from the first time I heard them back in 1971.
In this line-up, they were all not only magnificent musicians, but they were also a perfect musical match for each other. Focus was one of those bands where the whole is much greater than the sum of the parts, notwithstanding their individual brilliance.
The sum of the parts IS the whole band
When I heard them i love them too great band phenomenal
I agree
Such a majestic and moving piece of music, performed so dynamically. Shame most people will never hear this classic.
What a gem. A great band with fantastic original instrumental compositions. We went to see them in concert here in Melbourne in the 70s.
I got the chance to see Focus here in the States in 73 at Merriwether Post Pavillion in MD. with Peter Frampton's Camel. Great show which had Focus play for close to 3 hours. Jan is still one of the finest players on the planet.
Focus was a fantastic group, absolutely world-class musicians. Jan Akkerman was, and still is, one of the very best guitarists in the world. How I miss those days. Magic!
I'm not sure what inspired this masterpiece, but it always brings me to tears. Such an original band with phenomenal musicianship. Happy New Years - 2020 sucks.
It might have been a bit of Air on the G sting.
One of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard. Jan had some of the best guitar melodies.
Pierre is one of the great drummers of the world,doing everything he does on a basic drum kit is just amazing,not too many could do that.
Joe morrello, dat is drummen.
Die had ik graag met Akkerman gehoord 😊eindeloze longrol is geen drummen.
Jan's SOLO ALBUM debut is one of the greatest guitar records of all time. He's THAT GOOD.
Wow! What a Gem I never saw/heard before. Thank you for uploading this!
Música celestial feita por músicos maravilhosos.Grande Focus.🙌🏻🙌🏻
A master study of CHORDS! forever thank you Thijs,.......at a young age you introduced me to the magic that is music.
me too!
I love dutch bands,like Ekseptions,Tracks,but Focus,are unique,unfortunetly like some italian bands,P.F.M. B.M.S. Orme,Area,could not get a total success,not being english or american.The beginners of poliphonia,in the history of musical composition,were rightly,Flames,Venetians,Neaolitans.
Neapolitans
Focus were my first gig as an 11 year old 1971 at the Liverpool empire. I can remember it clearly even now 🎉
I applaud your taste, which was advanced for an eleven year old. I wish I had those memories.
@@VI-rt7sh my parents (ex WW2 generation) were very tolerant, let me run wild and find my own way. I Ioved them for that.
I was there too. What a band…
53 years ago! Brilliant musicians and music
One of my favourite pieces of all time. Wonderful composition by Van Leer, and great anthemic guitar melodies from Akkerman. Cheers from rainy old England with joy in my heart!
I remember this was used as a fillin on BBC TV back in the black n white tv days, but I heard it in NZ
Best band ever! And Jan's playing is beautiful as always.👍
Maaan I love Focus....the tunes of my teenage years!
I had the rare opportunity of watching this band in my country, Brazil, some years ago. It was the best concert I watch ever. Yes, the band, not in this classic lineup, but really amazing too. Thijs van Leer is a master! With his mouth, Thijs, not was only a singing (his "words"), but he was also get a "tube" into the keyboards, simulating flute sounds. It was really fantastic!
Wonderful and sensitive musicianship by all these lads. This has thawed my heart tonight. Thank you for uploading.
Wow this is fantastic footage! Thank you. A band I adored throughout my teenage years. Jan Akkemann influenced so many that were to come after. Pierre van der Linden (drums) was under-appreciated.
I remember Focus from the 70's when I was learning guitar. Jan Ackerman was always the one 'in focus' for me at the time. But with no disrespect to Thijs, Pierre is the star of this video. Thanks for sharing.
I googled but did not expect to find this. As a guitarist I was inspired by Jan but as a musician I just love these guys.
Focus was a remarkable group that combined so many musical styles and sounds. Amazing! I’ve never seen this video, thanks for posting.
what a drummer this guy is good grief
And all these years later he's still got it.
The Best of the Best.......Grettings From Guadalajara. Jalisco , Mëxico
I first heard Focus when Hocus Pocus became a top 10 hit in America back in 1973 and loved it. Then, when my brother bought Moving Waves and Focus 3, I was hooked on Focus. Their music created feelings and emotions in me that no other band did. I enjoy listening to Focus so much. This song, Focus 2, truly takes my breath away. It is beautiful and haunting and filled with great passion. Only truly gifted musicians can create, express, and perform music like this.
Same with me.
Superb! Thank you so much for posting this. Now I can show my grand children what real music is all about.
Lord, how I miss those days. Nowadays we've got a million gun slinger guitarists . . . that couldn't write a piece of music to rival this to save their lives. Way too many guitar players now. And not nearly enough keyboard players, bass players, and even drummers. And you can't find a place to rehearse a band to save your soul. Do I sound frustrated? Fifty years of playing experience, at the height of my powers, and can't find quality musicians or a place to practice.
Ik - the hair shredders then speed metal shredders now passed
69s 70s bands guitarists reign supreme organic music lyrics relevancy
Tidays YT clone Ygnwie's playing to soldiut bedrooms worldwide
- The days of getting together jamming forming a band doesn't exist
A compelling time a no-brainer and the best time ever sweating in someone's garage jamming 3man or playing a kegger party in someone's backyard ...
Jan Ackerman 🪄🪄🪄🌟
Exactely!
Nor do they pay attention to harmonizing vocals.
Incredible talent, such a force together, what a pit they split
Ja, sowieso een bijzondere club muzikanten. Mooie compositie en wat een creatieve gedreven bedreven drummer die Pierre van der Linden.... Op de life concerten vroeger (alweer) werd ik meegenomen in de Focus sfeer. Overweldigend. Maar nu wordt je je toch nog meer bewust van de ongekende kwalititeiten van de Hollandse halfgoden....
You Guys: This song stayed with me every day though out my childhood. Every note! Thank you for you creation beyond words
Fantastic music and that drum tone, thats how you mic a kit... with as few mics as possible.
It will always be amazing..............until the end of time...
Pierre van der Linden fantastic in 1:58
Yeah, it`s perfect
Still as beautiful as when it was back then.
One of my Top13 bands. One of my Top10 drummers. My 2nd fave guitar player.
Wees eerlijk,zonder Akkerman is het niets.😊
Maar zonder van Leer ook niet...
Elke lid draagt z'n belangrijke steentje bij.
@@baronmeduse precies, dat is ook mijn idee. Dan kan Jan Akkerman zich nog zo laatdunkend uitlaten over Thijs van Leer, maar na Focus ontsteeg hij op enkele uitzonderingen na, nog nauwelijks het niveau van oeverloos gepiel.
Focus ii...magnifico!!
Amazing damm good band! I Love Focus! Perfect combination of musicians!
Focus were HEROES at the very forefront of Prog rock!
0:53 - that drum is really energizing ... very nice.
At that time was focus a golden combination! Talented musicians! It was a misery, when there was an asundar.
Evantully they choosed/focused their own ways!
And succeeded to create their own musical careers.
Respect and amazing!
❤
Dat was in mijn tienerjaren, op de tienerclub speelden ze, wellicht ook in 1971 (ik was toen 14 jaar oud), het was daar de eerste band die ik meemaakte. Ik groeide ermee op, een paar jaar later speelden ze in de dancings voor volwassenen en weer even later op festivals, zoals de Sneekweek en toen gingen ze naar het buitenland.
My favourite band in my teens. I was never into ‘commercial’ music😂. Must have seen them live several times at the Greyhound, Croydon. Awesome band. Saw them live for the first time in September 1972 at the Oval, London.
One of my favourites. great post.
I have Radio Caroline /Radio mi Amigo to thank , for introducing me to such an awesome band in the 1970's
I love how Jan uses classical style vibrato so smoothly.
I was 13 back then and I loved them, still do.
Focus Live at The Rainbow 1973...Classic..
What an incredible piece.
Thanks for this uncut version!
Focus , such a class act ! Thanks guys
YES...THANKS!
GREAT GROUP!
All you need are musicians who know their stuff.
and strive to know more
Just awesome!
Great memories! Used to jam to this track with my own (8 piece pearl) kit back in the day, though I had a bit to learn from Pierre.. lol
4 Maestros playing a Piece of Art.
I remember this song used to be on TV as a BBC fillin between shows back in the old black n white TV days, brilliant😊
I learned to play Silvia back in the early 70s. A great band.
So great .. fantastic, thanks for posting.
ne richtig schöne melodiöse, trabszendente Komposition... und natürlich mit Verve gespielt.. 👍
Incredible band. I sense they weren't seen totally for what they were. So much more than Hocus Pocus.
Rick, True & anyone that bought Moving Waves quickly learned Focus was much more than a whimsical tune & this was no flash in the pan band . . Saw them here in the States in 73 which i believe was their only US Tour.
@@paullevine1813 Yes, Eruption is one of the best progressive pieces of music. And the inner guitar solo is one of the best in rock history.
This is a beautiful place.
this music is BREATHING
I felt the same sir.
Great bassplayer!
Una joya!!!
Absolutely beautiful!
Soooooo good!
So good, great band
Bloody beautiful. ❤
¡Qué buena música!¡Qué soberbios intérpretes! Los Neerlandeses Focus demostraron que la buena música no venía solamente de UK o USA.
Thank you very much!!!
amazing!👍👍👍👍
TIMELESS-
Dutch Great Progressive Rock Band... Fantastic... Very Nice
All the proof anyone needs that a Hammond L-100 can sound absolutely amazing.
Saw this band live at the weekend. Thijs and Pierre still amazing after all these years and seeing them was a lifetime ambition achieved.
With Menno Gootjes on guitar and Udo Pannekeet on bass, they were truly fantastic.
Saw them in Haslemere Hall 2 or 3 years ago. Brilliant
How special were the '70s-- Focus & Dutch football,Ajax & the boys in orange.Rich tones,no guitar playing at a thousand miles an hour.To me Focus had the complete sound that didn't need analysiing.Was it really over fifty years ago ? How mad is that,this must has stood the test of time.
одна из лучших композиций моей жизни!..
Echte klasse, mooie compositie !
That has to be the tallest double cabinet amp stack ever!
Beautiful.
Awesome!
marvelous
Phenominal musicianship.
Great stuff, but the bassist ( Cyriel Havermans, I believe) is hardly featured.
Gracias pie este documento
Nice version
Ich liebe die Niederlande alleine schon für diese tolle Band
omg this is gold
No idea how good they are
Tenho o disco Ship of fools há mais de 15 anos... Jan Aker mas é um dos meus guitarraista preferido
Muito bom o Ship of Memories😂
Super Band! Like many of their songs …
Excelent!!!
Wonderful!!
👏👏👏👏👏
Coś pięknego Zaj👍✌️💯✌️👍
Masterpiece
Super musicians
so good
Die band was EPIC😊