van Leer is clearly the only master here..when it comes to filling shoes the others are running a couple inches shy....it's good but not nearly as good as it could be.
petje af voor Bobby en Niels , gewoon de muzikale genen van bert en jan. so not only in the seventies maar ook nu helemaal gefocusted, supersound jongens thanks Thijs en Pierre.om dit door te zetten samen met die twee geweldig goeie muzikanten
I played Focus 1, 2 and 3 with my band in the seventies. I can assure you, this is a hard days work! Amazing what they did! Sadly that the bassplayer can't cope with the one who played the original (Bert Ruiter, I think). I played the bassguitar at that time and can remember everytime we played these beautiful numbers.
Great version of "Focus 3" from all involved! "Focus 2" needs to be played with great understatement, sensitivity, and minimal improvisation from the guitarist (Niels) to really come across as stately and majestic. Akkerman's new band misses the mark on "Focus 2" as well: his drummer really clobbers the skins with no sense of dynamics whatsoever on this number. Pierre van der Linden, on the other hand, drums superbly with the new Focus. Remember this song is supposed to be HAUNTING, gents!
By the standards of YouTube users against other clips - and some of them are downright obnoxious - you are a gentleman! Seems that most of us have confusing IDs!
I don't agree with refiew below, it's top The best replacement for Jan Akkerman. Sometimes it's better than the original. . . . A very good song and very good mucisians.
This guitarist is terrible - so unbelievably crass and soulless - try listening to the original with Akkerman some time. Van Leer is still hi strusty self on this but the guitar work is just dire compared to the original.
I thought they had quite a reasonable Akkerman replacement at one point.
@mottledbrain Nothing original in entertainment. That was said 80 years ago and is still true today. Everything is a variation on what came before. Even some of Focus' music was based on 16th century music! House of the Rising Sun was the same! Nothing ever changes...!
@cabk12sg. Yeah I thought that to. I knew I herad something like it, but hey it's still top drawv music from this brilliant and outstanding band don't you agree?
I heard this played perfectly by a local rock band In N Ireland in the 70s and it was every bit as good as this. Nice to hear it. The guitarist brings something of himself to the tune as it is not copied note for note from the original. There is something about Jan Akkerman's playing, phrasing and tone that is hard to equal even when copying him. He was just so damn exciting a player.
Seen this line up twice recently. Both times the general volume was overblown and overdone, and the balance very poor - drums and bass a lot too loud. Bass 'notes' inaudible but a blur of a rumble - losing the essential harmonies. Still good, but I prefer the memories of the old days and hearing this type of music on record - or in this medium. So much clearer and 'musical'..
Strong playing from Niels here and hope he follows this up in the future- a big challenge to follow in the steps of the big Dutchman Akkerman. Well done to the band and all in fine full form.
I saw, and met, Focus last night at Southend. There aren't enough words in the English language to express how fantastic they were. I've been a fan since 1972, this was my first show and it was the best night of my life. They were beyond all expectations and are the loveliest guys I've ever met. Lindo is the greatest drummer ever, Niels equals Jan Akkerman (yes!) Bobby is the greatest bassist and Thijs Van Leer is simply GOD! I would give these guys my last breath. My life is complete.
@mi1964amigo A very fullsome tribute to your fave band my friend, but I entirely understand where you're coming from. Like yourself I've loved Focus music since '72 and only got to see them in 2002. Their music is as timeless as it is brilliant, inspired, well-played and so on.
@tumshfibrox58 Thank you. Yes, I did go a bit over the top in my praise, but seeing the guys after being a fan for so long, I was on Cloud 9 the next day and for weeks afterwards! I still stand by my words though, they were/are the greatest band ever created. Also I notice that I said I have been a fan since 1971, then 1972 with the very next post - I must have still been in a daze! (It was definitely 71).
@mi1964amigo Not over the top really - well perhaps a little bit but when these guys started up in my uni days I was utterly transfixed by the musicianship, the melodies and the quirkiness of their sound, the yodelling, falsetto and flute all in one package. Of course the guitar playing of Jan Akkerman was utterly enthralling. Focus 3 LP remains in my loft to date - impossible to get rid of too and so it will remain.
Niels had some pretty big shoes to fill, after Jan - but I think he does amazingly well. The more I see this video, the more I love it - thanks for sharing, ekseptionaltribute! Their music is like being in Heaven every time I hear them, and for me has been like that since 1971. Dutch masters.
That was absolutely fantastic. I'm going to see the boys in a few weeks, and I was a bit concerned that the magic might have faded a bit, but that has restored my faith 100%. Lindo always was, and remains, the greatest ever drummer, and TvL is God! Sublime.
This is "Focus III" followed by "Focus II". Wow! Great version of the second number. I always thought no other drummer quite got the changes in this tune as gracefully as Pierre van der Linden. A seminal song written by Thijs van Leer. This is what pushed my rating to five stars. Now if only they'd get an additional pianist and a mellotron player onstage whilst these four gents play, and we'd have the equivalent of the majestic studio cut on the 1972 "Moving Waves" LP.
whoaa it's Wheelz of Steel
volunteernation16 1 month ago
IKONS
This music will live on forever......
1234minster 4 months ago
Outkast!!!!!! love this performance.
tacosaucemafia 7 months ago
that wonderful, blessed be the good music and sound sublime.
DAMARYSORISSA 7 months ago
Holy cow this is fucking great... thanks for posting
amled69 9 months ago
Este tema crea un clima impresionante!!!! No tiene época ni lugar, es eterno!!!!
mapeivve 10 months ago
van Leer is clearly the only master here..when it comes to filling shoes the others are running a couple inches shy....it's good but not nearly as good as it could be.
hubiex 11 months ago
@hubiex And whose shoes is PVL filling?? fool.
timmatthews72 1 month ago
Is there a medley of tracks called Focus [NUMBER]?
cbak12sg 1 year ago
Ik was hier, goed!
TheSmit1962 1 year ago
Beautifully played.
ScudoBR 1 year ago
petje af voor Bobby en Niels , gewoon de muzikale genen van bert en jan. so not only in the seventies maar ook nu helemaal gefocusted, supersound jongens thanks Thijs en Pierre.om dit door te zetten samen met die twee geweldig goeie muzikanten
budelke 1 year ago
Memories of 1974 driving through the mountains
theeasybeats 1 year ago
Bom como sempre
2202533 1 year ago
outkast perfected this sample
frankwhite432 1 year ago
Uma época em que podia apreciar a essencia da musica e de seus artistas em toda plenitude criativa... Parabens Focus!
Jairaf45 1 year ago
I played Focus 1, 2 and 3 with my band in the seventies. I can assure you, this is a hard days work! Amazing what they did! Sadly that the bassplayer can't cope with the one who played the original (Bert Ruiter, I think). I played the bassguitar at that time and can remember everytime we played these beautiful numbers.
jarmeijer 1 year ago
wheelz of steel baby
anthraxisland 1 year ago
I saw them in Notts and Sheffield and chatted afterwards - musically accomplished and innovotive - and real gentlemen - cannot praise them enough!!!
Long may they continue ...
wmrxb15 1 year ago
Great version of "Focus 3" from all involved! "Focus 2" needs to be played with great understatement, sensitivity, and minimal improvisation from the guitarist (Niels) to really come across as stately and majestic. Akkerman's new band misses the mark on "Focus 2" as well: his drummer really clobbers the skins with no sense of dynamics whatsoever on this number. Pierre van der Linden, on the other hand, drums superbly with the new Focus. Remember this song is supposed to be HAUNTING, gents!
chrisart7 2 years ago
Comment removed
paulwall1981 2 years ago
By the standards of YouTube users against other clips - and some of them are downright obnoxious - you are a gentleman! Seems that most of us have confusing IDs!
Cheers!
cbak12sg 2 years ago
Comment removed
paulwall1981 2 years ago
I don't agree with refiew below, it's top The best replacement for Jan Akkerman. Sometimes it's better than the original. . . . A very good song and very good mucisians.
dontrom 2 years ago
This guitarist is terrible - so unbelievably crass and soulless - try listening to the original with Akkerman some time. Van Leer is still hi strusty self on this but the guitar work is just dire compared to the original.
I thought they had quite a reasonable Akkerman replacement at one point.
nowttekkenout 2 years ago
I've seen many top bands proform live in my time, although this current Focus line up has to be at the top of the list!
cwn7 2 years ago 3
@cwn7 saw Focus on Roskilde about 35 (?) years ago. Still to this day I remember it like it was yesterday.
Gitarne 1 year ago
It is ok, when old bands return on stage, but why do I always feel so sceptical comparing them with their original work (what I certainly prefer..)
That counts for A L L reunion bands, I saw within the last 10 years
Tarabos1 2 years ago
I don't see Focus as a reunion band, for me Focus is more like a cat with ten lives.
BenMolen 2 years ago
Isn't this Focus 3, then Focus II?
cbak12sg 2 years ago
Great stuff, but I couldn't help noticing that a couple of the guitar phrases were similar to Don't Sleep In The Subway!!!!
cbak12sg 2 years ago 2
I kept noticing the same. Great music, eh?
mottledbrain 2 years ago
@mottledbrain Nothing original in entertainment. That was said 80 years ago and is still true today. Everything is a variation on what came before. Even some of Focus' music was based on 16th century music! House of the Rising Sun was the same! Nothing ever changes...!
HardWarUK 2 years ago
@cabk12sg. Yeah I thought that to. I knew I herad something like it, but hey it's still top drawv music from this brilliant and outstanding band don't you agree?
paulwall1981 2 years ago
I heard this played perfectly by a local rock band In N Ireland in the 70s and it was every bit as good as this. Nice to hear it. The guitarist brings something of himself to the tune as it is not copied note for note from the original. There is something about Jan Akkerman's playing, phrasing and tone that is hard to equal even when copying him. He was just so damn exciting a player.
syncopater999 2 years ago 2
Seen this line up twice recently. Both times the general volume was overblown and overdone, and the balance very poor - drums and bass a lot too loud. Bass 'notes' inaudible but a blur of a rumble - losing the essential harmonies. Still good, but I prefer the memories of the old days and hearing this type of music on record - or in this medium. So much clearer and 'musical'..
martinjp1958 2 years ago
Excellent.... Moving Waves as well. My God this takes me back many many years
tubeabuser99 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Sorry, this is like the Jimi Hendrix experience without Jimi Hendrix !! Close, but no cigar ...
dojomania 2 years ago
Sorry mate, you're comparing a Mercedes (fine car) with a Rolls (best there is).
So light your cigar, lean back and enjoy the best of the best.
thexoldxman 2 years ago
Great track and a fine rendition!
ebenezerhoary 3 years ago 2
Comment removed
tricio1234 3 years ago
Great
tricio1234 3 years ago 2
Strong playing from Niels here and hope he follows this up in the future- a big challenge to follow in the steps of the big Dutchman Akkerman. Well done to the band and all in fine full form.
peterwilliams56 3 years ago 3
I saw, and met, Focus last night at Southend. There aren't enough words in the English language to express how fantastic they were. I've been a fan since 1972, this was my first show and it was the best night of my life. They were beyond all expectations and are the loveliest guys I've ever met. Lindo is the greatest drummer ever, Niels equals Jan Akkerman (yes!) Bobby is the greatest bassist and Thijs Van Leer is simply GOD! I would give these guys my last breath. My life is complete.
mi1964amigo 3 years ago 12
@mi1964amigo and they're dutch! viva hollandia.
arypma 1 year ago
@arypma And that's one of the best things about them. If it ain't Dutch, it ain't much! (And I'm English!)
mi1964amigo 1 year ago
@mi1964amigo I think there made only for passing tho.
druqsr 1 year ago
@mi1964amigo A very fullsome tribute to your fave band my friend, but I entirely understand where you're coming from. Like yourself I've loved Focus music since '72 and only got to see them in 2002. Their music is as timeless as it is brilliant, inspired, well-played and so on.
tumshfibrox58 4 months ago
@tumshfibrox58 Thank you. Yes, I did go a bit over the top in my praise, but seeing the guys after being a fan for so long, I was on Cloud 9 the next day and for weeks afterwards! I still stand by my words though, they were/are the greatest band ever created. Also I notice that I said I have been a fan since 1971, then 1972 with the very next post - I must have still been in a daze! (It was definitely 71).
mi1964amigo 4 months ago
@mi1964amigo Not over the top really - well perhaps a little bit but when these guys started up in my uni days I was utterly transfixed by the musicianship, the melodies and the quirkiness of their sound, the yodelling, falsetto and flute all in one package. Of course the guitar playing of Jan Akkerman was utterly enthralling. Focus 3 LP remains in my loft to date - impossible to get rid of too and so it will remain.
syncopater999 4 months ago
I saw this exact lineup recently in my local town. I've waited a long time to see TvL and I also got PvdL too! Superb.
totaltwit 3 years ago
Focus comes very close to their 70s level.Very close!!! Amazing achievement.
BenMolen 3 years ago
Niels had some pretty big shoes to fill, after Jan - but I think he does amazingly well. The more I see this video, the more I love it - thanks for sharing, ekseptionaltribute! Their music is like being in Heaven every time I hear them, and for me has been like that since 1971. Dutch masters.
mi1964amigo 3 years ago 7
That was absolutely fantastic. I'm going to see the boys in a few weeks, and I was a bit concerned that the magic might have faded a bit, but that has restored my faith 100%. Lindo always was, and remains, the greatest ever drummer, and TvL is God! Sublime.
mi1964amigo 3 years ago 2
Ou uma frase em dois tons; sei lá; mas é otimo.
chuchulain 3 years ago
mas é ótimo
chuchulain 3 years ago
Petula Clark - "Don't Sleep In The Subway" - 2 compassos.
chuchulain 3 years ago
great post!
ricostraver 3 years ago
Correction: 1971 "Moving Waves" LP. Oops.
chrisart7 3 years ago
This is "Focus III" followed by "Focus II". Wow! Great version of the second number. I always thought no other drummer quite got the changes in this tune as gracefully as Pierre van der Linden. A seminal song written by Thijs van Leer. This is what pushed my rating to five stars. Now if only they'd get an additional pianist and a mellotron player onstage whilst these four gents play, and we'd have the equivalent of the majestic studio cut on the 1972 "Moving Waves" LP.
chrisart7 3 years ago
Some of the new Focus stuff is fantastic but these old tunes still give me the goose bumps after 35 years.
focusfan1207 3 years ago