Focus - Hocus Pocus Live '73

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  • čas přidán 19. 03. 2007
  • Dutch prog-rockers Focus giving a breathtaking performance on NBC´s Midnight Special.
    Thijs van Leer - Vox, Flute, Organ
    Jan Akkerman - Guitar (-god!)
    Bert Ruiter - Bass
    Pierre van der Linden - Drums
    Announced by the lovely Gladys Knight
  • Hudba

Komentáře • 11K

  • @truongsonbui5972
    @truongsonbui5972 Před 4 měsíci +449

    When a vocalist starts twitching 40 times before the song even starts you just know you're in for a BANGER.

    • @EricRumplestiltskin
      @EricRumplestiltskin Před 3 měsíci

      😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

    • @lynneellis2647
      @lynneellis2647 Před 3 měsíci +1

      😂

    • @-bielle2985
      @-bielle2985 Před 3 měsíci +26

      The dude was legit tweaking, it was obvious he was about to deliver perfection lmao

    • @nate_river_
      @nate_river_ Před měsícem +4

      Even he can't believe what's about to happen, that's wild 🤣

    • @eldiablo3794
      @eldiablo3794 Před měsícem +2

      Lmao I saw that.. I was thinking he's mentally preparing himself.

  • @Neon9th
    @Neon9th Před 3 lety +3835

    Its like their instruments are rented for an hour and they have 5 minutes left.

    • @repomansez
      @repomansez Před 3 lety +253

      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

    • @GMan-hk7uu
      @GMan-hk7uu Před 3 lety +38

      @@repomansez yeah it sounded off to me, if you put the speed down to x0.75 it sounds a little more normal

    • @edwinso8173
      @edwinso8173 Před 3 lety +19

      Dude! I love that comment.

    • @TireFill
      @TireFill Před 3 lety +6

      @@repomansez brilliant

    • @sebastiancalisaya9210
      @sebastiancalisaya9210 Před 3 lety +3

      hahaha

  • @toddpick8007
    @toddpick8007 Před rokem +667

    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
      @brookey2825 Před rokem +30

      Pretty sure he was voted world's best guitarist around this time

    • @toddpick8007
      @toddpick8007 Před rokem +10

      @@brookey2825 would imagine the dude absolutely rips it.

    • @briane173
      @briane173 Před rokem +7

      @@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.

    • @paulvandinteren5415
      @paulvandinteren5415 Před 11 měsíci +4

      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)

    • @thingfish000
      @thingfish000 Před 10 měsíci +4

      They took the roof off the place!

  • @2660016A
    @2660016A Před rokem +405

    His manic facial expressions just kill me😂 Absolutely amazing performance.

    • @brucesmith9144
      @brucesmith9144 Před rokem +26

      For a moment thought he looked like Jack Nicholson from “The Shining.”

    • @mennobults6464
      @mennobults6464 Před rokem +6

      It makes me laugh every time a hear/see it. But, Jan Akkerman, what a player. The best from Holland ever.👌👍😊😂🤣

    • @gehtdichnixan3200
      @gehtdichnixan3200 Před 10 měsíci +5

      never seen somebody as sober as him

    • @gdawgs101
      @gdawgs101 Před 8 měsíci +7

      Bro is tripping fucking balls and still crushing those vocals! 😂

    • @michiellombaers3198
      @michiellombaers3198 Před 7 měsíci

      @@gdawgs101 Nah, that's just how Tijs is, great guy though.

  • @Deeplz
    @Deeplz Před 5 lety +2982

    They played this song like their tour bus was double-parked outside.

    • @michelbrakenhoff9266
      @michelbrakenhoff9266 Před 4 lety +16

      ha ha yes!!!

    • @DrDespicable
      @DrDespicable Před 4 lety +50

      With the motor running!

    • @luciobartolomelimardo7095
      @luciobartolomelimardo7095 Před 4 lety +4

      Jajajaja perhaps they have another apointment.... jajajja

    • @narvul
      @narvul Před 4 lety +10

      Their tourbus was stolen with all their gear.

    • @urafaget5202
      @urafaget5202 Před 3 lety +29

      The original song is considerably slower so they most likely told them to speed it up to get inside the schedule

  • @andivax
    @andivax Před 3 lety +2070

    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

    • @hilliebruinsma8420
      @hilliebruinsma8420 Před 2 lety +31

      Some of them went to the conservatory that is why they can play so good

    • @KlausKokholmPetersen
      @KlausKokholmPetersen Před 2 lety +116

      People wrote 'Clapton is God' on walls in the 70ies. They misspelled Jan Akkerman.

    • @mleon1958
      @mleon1958 Před 2 lety +27

      I know, right?!!! They were basically a jazz band masquerading as a rock band!

    • @jaredwirth3990
      @jaredwirth3990 Před 2 lety +5

      @@hilliebruinsma8420 Scnhobbery! What about Lynrd Skynrd? Their conservatory was a tin sweat shed in the deep south.

    • @hermansohier7643
      @hermansohier7643 Před 2 lety +17

      @@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 .

  • @GEM850
    @GEM850 Před rokem +371

    I told my wife I want this played at my funeral. She thought I was nuts.

  • @TomboyCEO
    @TomboyCEO Před rokem +312

    This performance is riding right on the edge of chaos, it’s perfect! One of the greatest live performances ever caught on video.

    • @petset77
      @petset77 Před 8 měsíci +4

      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.

    • @Wasp155
      @Wasp155 Před 5 měsíci +3

      This is rock music....😅

    • @RJ-wx3fh
      @RJ-wx3fh Před 5 měsíci

      i raise you... czcams.com/video/tXcJNljjTG0/video.html Sylvia's mother on Shel Silverstein's houseboat

    • @JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe
      @JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe Před 4 měsíci +4

      Please be mindful that they're Dutch afterall

    • @THECONTINENTALMAN
      @THECONTINENTALMAN Před 3 měsíci

      haha!!​@@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe

  • @Schimechlyn
    @Schimechlyn Před 2 lety +3052

    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.

    • @ville5152
      @ville5152 Před rokem +89

      Insane talent

    • @henkschepel
      @henkschepel Před rokem +24

      Correct.

    • @kitsumech
      @kitsumech Před rokem +65

      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.

    • @Numlocq
      @Numlocq Před rokem +28

      The guitarist completely effed the intro

    • @EvilSean62
      @EvilSean62 Před rokem +14

      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 !!!

  • @pch2230
    @pch2230 Před 2 lety +1500

    When a performance starts with a face solo you know it's going to be great.

  • @BayerPowerslide
    @BayerPowerslide Před 5 měsíci +46

    Music in the 70's was on another level, man!

  • @donfraser8619
    @donfraser8619 Před 10 měsíci +62

    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.

  • @7munkee
    @7munkee Před 3 lety +802

    Laugh all you want...that man had more control of his voice than any one alive.

    • @actionsub
      @actionsub Před 2 lety +35

      His range is phenomenal too!

    • @Pasunsoprano
      @Pasunsoprano Před 2 lety +22

      He is still alive

    • @Kevin-nb5ii
      @Kevin-nb5ii Před 2 lety +9

      He and the drummer were on coke for sure. Never used it but I do wonder if it enhances your skill

    • @Pasunsoprano
      @Pasunsoprano Před 2 lety +45

      @@Kevin-nb5ii you never used it but know for sure when someone else has? That sounds pretty stupid.

    • @elburko9453
      @elburko9453 Před 2 lety +3

      Who is laughing? I'll tear them limb from limb! The only way to laugh is from sheer surprise and delight!

  • @lukeyj8331
    @lukeyj8331 Před 8 lety +4898

    The lyrics really speak to me on a personal level

  • @markkoetsier6475
    @markkoetsier6475 Před rokem +33

    *Gladys:* "Oh, you guys have a 6:40 minute song. That's a problem, we can only give you 4:30."
    *Thijs:* "Nah, we'll make it work"
    *Gladys:* "So you'll cut it down?"
    *Thijs:* "Bert, get the cocaine!"

  • @pierremaury2758
    @pierremaury2758 Před 8 měsíci +31

    The Guitarist is a GENIUS!!!

  • @icypeanutpolo
    @icypeanutpolo Před rokem +905

    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.

    • @anthonybranch4712
      @anthonybranch4712 Před rokem +17

      What would it have been like? FACE-MELTINGLY overwhelming, I would think...

    • @elowishusmirkatroid4898
      @elowishusmirkatroid4898 Před rokem +14

      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.

    • @oldschoolmasterxl
      @oldschoolmasterxl Před rokem +10

      I can say it was an unforgettable experience. Top musicians, and Jan Akkerman still is one of the best guitarists to walk this earth.

    • @lisawetton5539
      @lisawetton5539 Před rokem +12

      They’re STILL playing it! I saw them a year ago, and they are beyond amazing!!

    • @ivoshandor6278
      @ivoshandor6278 Před rokem

      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

  • @SaltpeterTaffy
    @SaltpeterTaffy Před 4 lety +1291

    Drummer's priorities:
    1) Chew the shit out of that gum
    2) Intense prog drumming

    • @diddyhayes
      @diddyhayes Před 4 lety +6

      SaltpeterTaffy what gum? 😂

    • @SaltpeterTaffy
      @SaltpeterTaffy Před 4 lety +11

      @@diddyhayes Pay attention at 0:57, drummer's chewing gum.

    • @BonnieHalfElven
      @BonnieHalfElven Před 4 lety +24

      @@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.

    • @IceCreamMeatballs
      @IceCreamMeatballs Před 4 lety +4

      I think he is biting his tongue. Musicians often do that while playing.

    • @SaltpeterTaffy
      @SaltpeterTaffy Před 4 lety +4

      @@BonnieHalfElven He could also be chewing gum.

  • @kutay.t
    @kutay.t Před 10 dny +3

    Still watching, still enjoying in 2024.

  • @jayjanyh2932
    @jayjanyh2932 Před rokem +90

    Less than a handful of acts, on the Midnight Special, received a standing ovation.
    This act was one of the few.
    Stunning!

  • @steviesugarman7416
    @steviesugarman7416 Před 4 lety +339

    Focus: "Our song is six minutes long."
    Midnight Special: "You've got four minutes."
    Focus: "Hold our beers."

  • @DaKooter69
    @DaKooter69 Před 2 lety +1494

    Before you dislike, you try whistling that high of a note, legends forever

    • @davidmansell5986
      @davidmansell5986 Před 2 lety +27

      I can't whistle at all! Agreed, true legends!

    • @elburko9453
      @elburko9453 Před 2 lety +9

      I like! I like!

    • @tose917
      @tose917 Před 2 lety +32

      And the way he goes up and down those full octaves is insane!!!!

    • @d.n.3652
      @d.n.3652 Před 2 lety +8

      I can see Mike Patton doing it

    • @robertwest3093
      @robertwest3093 Před 2 lety +4

      I agree. Mike Patton would be one who could do it.

  • @bowelrupture
    @bowelrupture Před 6 měsíci +16

    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.

  • @ramc157
    @ramc157 Před 2 měsíci +4

    Fun fact: Back in the 2000's, when I was just 7 years old, my father bought me my first MP4 player. The only videos that were on the memory card were a live performance of "La Isla Bonita" and this one. It was my first introduction to rock in general. I found it very funny, and I thought every rock song was like this. As the years went by, I became a fan of many rock bands, and then, after a DECADE of seeing it for the first time, I watched this video again. That's when I realized how wrong I was and how incredibly crazy, unique, and talented these guys were

  • @mikulassedlak9256
    @mikulassedlak9256 Před 3 lety +5891

    Imagine this being the only evidence that humans existed

    • @kingcrimson2168
      @kingcrimson2168 Před 3 lety +403

      That would be a good thing since the band consisted of some of the most talented musicians ever.

    • @gff.yu.
      @gff.yu. Před 3 lety +340

      "They were an extraordinary species. THeir language is still a big mystery but one thing is clear, they were energetic but extremely peaceful."

    • @mortesanta4924
      @mortesanta4924 Před 3 lety +65

      Way better than ISrael song for the Eurovision :P

    • @dgarcia8421
      @dgarcia8421 Před 3 lety +9

      Yeah so?

    • @knenda1
      @knenda1 Před 3 lety +64

      Aliens would probably think that we all are a little crazy :) But good in music :)

  • @bulletproofblouse
    @bulletproofblouse Před 4 lety +539

    Scrolling through the comments I notice to my surprise that I commented 8 years ago and 5 years ago, so here I am again, locked down in 2020 just for a top-up.

  • @anditutescu2408
    @anditutescu2408 Před rokem +21

    jesus fricking christ i'm only hearing this now for the first time in my life and WHERE HAVE I BEEN AND WHY WAS I UNDER A ROCK

    • @n.tire-lee9193
      @n.tire-lee9193 Před 2 měsíci

      Jesus fucking Christ

    • @Ducatirati
      @Ducatirati Před měsícem +1

      andi , have you listened to the 6 and a bit minute original , They had to Doubletime this version , that's why it's so energetic , the original, light a Joint , don't Bogart it , haha , and chillax and have a listen , DON'T BOGART THAT JOINT MY FRIEND , PASS IT OVER TO MEE !!! CHEERS

  • @iggyfritz7150
    @iggyfritz7150 Před rokem +16

    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.

  • @andrewzaharatos4044
    @andrewzaharatos4044 Před 4 lety +708

    "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

  • @odalismoretto8225
    @odalismoretto8225 Před 4 lety +624

    "Soo what kind of music do you like?"
    "It's complicated..."

  • @betaoooo
    @betaoooo Před rokem +32

    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!

  • @pietkeizer5279
    @pietkeizer5279 Před rokem +23

    Last weekend , 4 feb 2023 I was at a Focus concert (my first concert was in 1973!!). It was great again. After 50 years still a yodeling Thijs van Leer. What a great musician and the other band members were also great (guitarist Menno Gootjes, drummer Pierre van der Linden and bassist Udo Pannekeet). Go on Focus…for many years

  • @johnthooker
    @johnthooker Před 5 lety +1471

    Hey we should start a metal band.
    "what instrument do you play?"
    The flute and organ. I also yodel pretty good.
    "Awesome."

    • @fkc.9933
      @fkc.9933 Před 4 lety +78

      this is Progressive Rock.

    • @yellfire
      @yellfire Před 4 lety +23

      Not metal, but progressive or symphonic rock as it was labeled then

    • @MrPopoGod
      @MrPopoGod Před 4 lety +55

      As Jethro Tull taught us, the flute is a metal instrument.

    • @LEMMY1107
      @LEMMY1107 Před 4 lety +21

      this is in most parts what later will be called Metal! Iron Maiden will do things like in this song ten years later. Progressive rock is metal very often.

    • @markbiedermann7467
      @markbiedermann7467 Před 4 lety +1

      Yeah right?

  • @misterdude6694
    @misterdude6694 Před 4 lety +639

    Even death metal bands can't contain the amount of energy in this song.
    Godamn, this shit is brutal.

    • @davidmansell5986
      @davidmansell5986 Před 2 lety +8

      Brutal is a good description!

    • @pardolagames8994
      @pardolagames8994 Před 2 lety +2

      Not even Power Metal

    • @miketubbs1198
      @miketubbs1198 Před 2 lety +7

      Imagine tooling down the freeway in an MG Midget, top down, with this on full blast, stoned...doesn't get any better!

    • @clunt2548
      @clunt2548 Před 2 lety +1

      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.

    • @tomriggi9921
      @tomriggi9921 Před rokem +2

      Amazing what a little caffine can do for music!

  • @lb2696
    @lb2696 Před rokem +19

    When he does the whistle and reaches for that high note, it’s incredible.

  • @richardbailey1844
    @richardbailey1844 Před měsícem +2

    The guitarist Jan Akkerman is the real star and he doesn't get enough screen time. Love the versatility of Thijs Van Leer - way cool. That song took over from Wipe Out as the premier rocker!

  • @MrKennyWilliams
    @MrKennyWilliams Před 5 lety +451

    "Musically, they're one of the most together and exciting groups going..."
    Gladys Knight tells no lies

    • @andrewpappas9311
      @andrewpappas9311 Před 5 lety +3

      That's who it was?

    • @blown22
      @blown22 Před 5 lety +9

      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.

    • @tattoodfreeek
      @tattoodfreeek Před 4 lety +1

      Was wondering who she was

    • @gastankand1match
      @gastankand1match Před 3 lety +5

      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

    • @forestdelawoestijne8645
      @forestdelawoestijne8645 Před 10 měsíci

      @@tattoodfreeek Just google

  • @Pigzit
    @Pigzit Před 7 lety +1715

    "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.*

    • @KayoMichiels
      @KayoMichiels Před 6 lety +29

      Just up the tempo...

    • @agatasoda
      @agatasoda Před 6 lety +85

      Gotta love cocaine.

    • @billjenkins9492
      @billjenkins9492 Před 6 lety +29

      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.

    • @jayzo0o
      @jayzo0o Před 6 lety +1

      Pigzit LOL🤣🤣🤣🤣

    • @adriel3000
      @adriel3000 Před 6 lety +5

      They also cut some loops out.

  • @Neocaridina
    @Neocaridina Před měsícem +3

    He has a flute too!! Damn! This is one of the greatest live performances I have ever seen! Holy! I want to cuss! Damn that was amazing!

    • @cropdustin6867
      @cropdustin6867 Před 26 dny

      when he busted out the flute i almost shit myself! luckily it was just a Farts Alarm

  • @frank-janvanaalst
    @frank-janvanaalst Před 7 měsíci +13

    50 years later now. Wow still amazing.

  • @waltersobchak926
    @waltersobchak926 Před 6 lety +1023

    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

    • @Raysboss302
      @Raysboss302 Před 6 lety +11

      Walter Sobchak the perfect storm.

    • @gkkes
      @gkkes Před 6 lety +2

      Walter Sobchak Err, you mean Oprah I'm guessing?

    • @EvilSean62
      @EvilSean62 Před 5 lety +12

      only recorded yodelling ever to be a rock classic ? ... also the manic lunacy in the eyes ... i fell in love

    • @aaronholmes8568
      @aaronholmes8568 Před 5 lety +47

      Can we just take a minute to pay homage to the bassist and drummer who kept this insanity going

    • @mrwilliecowie
      @mrwilliecowie Před 5 lety +12

      Jan going full throttle from 1.15 to 1.30 If you look at Pierre on drums he turns around and is thinking wtf .

  • @joaquinanimations8786
    @joaquinanimations8786 Před 4 lety +417

    I like the part when he goes AHHHHHHHH AHHHHHH AHHHH AHHH AHHHH AH AH AHHAHAHWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOOWOWOWOWOWOOWOWAHAHAHWOWOWOAH

    • @huflungpu1051
      @huflungpu1051 Před 4 lety +8

      I felt that

    • @FRN2013
      @FRN2013 Před 3 lety +6

      the lyrics always bring a tear to my eyes

    • @ripperplaysclon152
      @ripperplaysclon152 Před 3 lety +6

      Joladadijoladadijoladadijoladadi
      Joladadijoladadi-jo-o-ooh!
      Joladadijoladadijoladadijoladadi
      Joladadijoladadi-jo-o-ooh!
      Oooooh-oooooh-oooooh-oooooh...

    • @drsloanski
      @drsloanski Před 3 lety +1

      It thrills me to this day!

    • @TimBouman
      @TimBouman Před 3 lety +2

      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!

  • @DerHerrMitR
    @DerHerrMitR Před 4 měsíci +7

    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! 🤘

  • @SanTM
    @SanTM Před 10 měsíci +10

    The entire band is insanely talented. Look at that drumming, bass, guitar and vocals, flute, whistling, yodelling and keyboards....

  • @AlizeeDefan
    @AlizeeDefan Před 8 lety +750

    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!!

    • @CrispinFreemont
      @CrispinFreemont Před 8 lety +1

      +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.

    • @kolosfarkasvolgyi8208
      @kolosfarkasvolgyi8208 Před 8 lety +11

      +Alizee Defan Little fast? :D
      They played it in nearly double tempo...

    • @manoftheroad55
      @manoftheroad55 Před 8 lety +1

      +Alizee Defan Yes young lady it was may I suggest Wishbone Ash "Vas Dis" 1971 BBC for a chronological history of instrumental music x.

    • @dermeistefan
      @dermeistefan Před 8 lety

      Too drunk to read the comments but... Alizee... *drool * ,, this outfit in her
      "J'en Ai Marre" video... to die for

    • @denniscoenen1975
      @denniscoenen1975 Před 8 lety

      Oh yeah!! Haha! Can't get that video off my mind!

  • @nonexistenceisbliss9528
    @nonexistenceisbliss9528 Před 4 lety +276

    Jan Akkerman playing Speed Metal leads in 1973... The man was wayyy ahead of his time!! 😵

    • @trashman138
      @trashman138 Před 3 lety +38

      dude was sweep picking in '73. that's crazy

  • @tuomaskuusinen
    @tuomaskuusinen Před 7 měsíci +9

    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.

  • @pieface6329
    @pieface6329 Před rokem +24

    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.

  • @miggychan
    @miggychan Před rokem +768

    This man sweep picks at 2:53 , that's such a guitar technique flex in '73 this band is ridiculously good.

    • @mcswordfish
      @mcswordfish Před rokem +20

      Whoah! So he does. That's incredible

    • @johnhowlett9829
      @johnhowlett9829 Před rokem +52

      Yes, spotted that, seriously ridiculous library of chops considering the year.

    • @teleroel
      @teleroel Před rokem +39

      Jan Akkerman, legendary Dutch guitar player: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Akkerman

    • @SlungStrat
      @SlungStrat Před rokem +8

      Seems more like fast legato notes and a pseudo sweep pick to me. Good eye tho bud

    • @richardharrold9736
      @richardharrold9736 Před rokem +14

      @@johnhowlett9829 and really, all metal guitarists owe everything to Les Paul. He truly was the original shredder.

  • @sevkassabian
    @sevkassabian Před 5 lety +1592

    There was a top-rated comment some time ago saying how they're playing as if their tour bus was illegally double-parked outside hahaha

    • @nallekalle1
      @nallekalle1 Před 4 lety +15

      The mental image I got from your comment made my evening, cheers mate :)

    • @idaboi8378
      @idaboi8378 Před 4 lety +12

      It's the top comment of a different video of live hocus pocus with about 5 mil views

    • @markbiedermann7467
      @markbiedermann7467 Před 4 lety +6

      They were in a hurry to get out of there before the Pips showed up!

    • @secondchance6603
      @secondchance6603 Před 4 lety +2

      @@markbiedermann7467 Gladys remembers that Night.

    • @slaterbitch3d
      @slaterbitch3d Před 4 lety +15

      Iirc, they wanted to play their full 8 minute tune but the show told them to just end it early because they only had 5 minutes. Instead of ending the song early they just cramped the 8 minute tune into 5 minutes

  • @rodrigochileno
    @rodrigochileno Před 8 měsíci +19

    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

  • @englandforever861
    @englandforever861 Před měsícem +3

    Went to see them live in '73 in Coventry. They were amazing and Hocus Pocus brought the house down. They were great days....

  • @shrimpbisque
    @shrimpbisque Před 3 lety +1606

    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.

    • @shaheenbekk
      @shaheenbekk Před 3 lety +63

      ah a phineas and ferb to the second dimension joke a surprise but a welcome one at that

    • @maxengelberts7781
      @maxengelberts7781 Před 3 lety +81

      Jethro tull

    • @alexmckoy8221
      @alexmckoy8221 Před 2 lety +6

      What’s the second song homie?

    • @shrimpbisque
      @shrimpbisque Před 2 lety +118

      @@alexmckoy8221 Basically any live performance by Jethro Tull.

    • @DrFuttbucker69
      @DrFuttbucker69 Před 2 lety +30

      There's King Crimson, too

  • @aculinarianscuriosity152
    @aculinarianscuriosity152 Před 4 lety +2804

    No drugs were harmed during the making of this video

    • @olehwolansky1952
      @olehwolansky1952 Před 3 lety +39

      This is the best comment

    • @diegoismaelquiroga3235
      @diegoismaelquiroga3235 Před 3 lety +74

      They were harmed just before

    • @knoxjones3273
      @knoxjones3273 Před 3 lety +1

      LOL! 😂

    • @hansschjlberg172
      @hansschjlberg172 Před 3 lety +59

      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

    • @normanthomas9065
      @normanthomas9065 Před 3 lety +10

      More like flutes

  • @TheGanjaTurtle
    @TheGanjaTurtle Před rokem +14

    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.

  • @Vorstelijk
    @Vorstelijk Před 2 lety +303

    R.I.P. Bert Ruiter, extraordinari bassplayer. 1946-2022.

    • @Georgeth-kb6rg
      @Georgeth-kb6rg Před rokem +4

      thanks for the info !

    • @jcmarinut
      @jcmarinut Před rokem +2

      Jon Ackerman may still be rippin' the lead guitar as we speak. Jazz extrordinaire
      .

    • @goonaa6924
      @goonaa6924 Před rokem +4

      @@jcmarinut "Jan"

  • @TDCflyer
    @TDCflyer Před 5 lety +578

    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!

    • @d0minat0rl94
      @d0minat0rl94 Před 5 lety +21

      king gizzard

    • @onnileinonen4744
      @onnileinonen4744 Před 5 lety +11

      Though not similar to Focus, Slayer was on The Tonight Show

    • @salmaankamaloodien1983
      @salmaankamaloodien1983 Před 4 lety +3

      hello, listen to King gizzard and the lizard wizards

    • @alakovideo
      @alakovideo Před 4 lety +5

      Yeah, King Gizzard on Conan was pretty cool

    • @apancher
      @apancher Před 4 lety +5

      "Absolute madness of the most brilliant kind" is a great way to describe it

  • @seandendinger6771
    @seandendinger6771 Před 5 měsíci +3

    I love the hum of the tubes in the amps after they’re done!

  • @timothymiller1783
    @timothymiller1783 Před 4 měsíci +14

    Jan Akkerman is a HIGHLY underrated guitarist!

    • @stereodelay6601
      @stereodelay6601 Před měsícem +2

      You can even see him sweep picking at 2:54 … in 1973!

  • @tedcabana
    @tedcabana Před 4 lety +969

    Jan Akkerman was the most underrated guitarist of all time. His skills back then rivaled almost every guitarist of today.

    • @paulbuxton1326
      @paulbuxton1326 Před 3 lety +10

      He blows the so called top ten away 🎶

    • @lukagovorcin3610
      @lukagovorcin3610 Před 3 lety +8

      YES FOR SHURE JAN AKKERMAN IS FANTASTIC GUITAR PLAYER!!! FOR SHURE!!! GREAT ROCKER!!!

    • @djargen
      @djargen Před 3 lety +2

      @@lukagovorcin3610 *sure

    • @narvul
      @narvul Před 3 lety +12

      Sting tried to recruit him too but Akkerman is a stubborn son of a bitch.

    • @paulbuxton1326
      @paulbuxton1326 Před 3 lety +8

      He’s better than most today too’Awsome !

  • @MrSmith223
    @MrSmith223 Před 3 lety +300

    I’ve requested this to be played at my funeral. Should be a good time.

    • @andymackie8283
      @andymackie8283 Před 3 lety +11

      You'll have a good time, at least. No, wait a minute....

    • @juddis956
      @juddis956 Před 2 lety +11

      Everyone’s crying and there’s just yodeling in the background

    • @DutchlanderChris
      @DutchlanderChris Před 2 lety

      Yeah at least you won't be hearing it 😂

    • @MikeWright99
      @MikeWright99 Před 2 lety +3

      Have it played from inside the casket.

    • @andrewwilliams9599
      @andrewwilliams9599 Před 2 lety +1

      I want to go to there.

  • @ioofmoore5940
    @ioofmoore5940 Před měsícem +1

    Holy crap!!! This van Leer looks like he's on the trip of a lifetime!!!

  • @andrewcarr5923
    @andrewcarr5923 Před 3 měsíci +4

    When time is short you get Prog Thrash, Brilliant!

  • @TillyP
    @TillyP Před 6 lety +883

    This was in 73? Damn, dude. The world wasn't ready

    • @retohofmann5878
      @retohofmann5878 Před 6 lety +20

      Pellegrini Post Europe was...

    • @esc0barrr
      @esc0barrr Před 6 lety +102

      "I guess you guys are not ready for that... But your kids are gonna love it."

    • @teizzz
      @teizzz Před 5 lety +20

      Look at the standing ovation they got though.

    • @jjdecani
      @jjdecani Před 5 lety +31

      I was 14. Believe me, we were ready. Focus did very well in Europe.

    • @nomedunome
      @nomedunome Před 5 lety +6

      much more than is now...

  • @jesuzombieapocalypse
    @jesuzombieapocalypse Před 5 lety +176

    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?”

    • @lauraschubert8619
      @lauraschubert8619 Před 3 lety +1

      YES SAME

    • @briane173
      @briane173 Před 3 lety +3

      Play this on double-speed THEN try to listen to the studio version. You'd swear it was a Russian dirge.

  • @JMVD48
    @JMVD48 Před 10 měsíci +7

    One word, INCREDIBLE.
    All four of them are top musicians, also playing the flute first, and then whistling high notes with his mouth is also a thing...😲

  • @FryingTiger
    @FryingTiger Před rokem +6

    He looks so proud of himself when he nails that flute solo.

  • @sirriffsalot4158
    @sirriffsalot4158 Před 4 lety +357

    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!

    • @drsloanski
      @drsloanski Před 3 lety +16

      It was aired late at night, so mostly only the kids (like me) were up watching.

    • @skydude426
      @skydude426 Před 2 lety +4

      It is good. I loved watching it. My wife on the other hand said it made her skin crawl.

    • @thedarksalmon9893
      @thedarksalmon9893 Před 2 lety +9

      @@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."

  • @CrisVazquezCreations
    @CrisVazquezCreations Před 8 lety +323

    Boy, Dan never dissapoints when he directs me to vide-
    HOLY SHIT DUDE JUST PULLED OUT A FLUTE AS i WAS TYPING

  • @radisb
    @radisb Před 8 měsíci +3

    I can't stop watching this please help

    • @jeffreyisenberg830
      @jeffreyisenberg830 Před 4 měsíci +1

      Did you check out the reactors on you tube reacting to this song. The expressions on some of their faces when he goes into the yodel are priceless.

  • @KuijperRob
    @KuijperRob Před 3 měsíci +1

    so damned proud beeing a dutch high performance band..but..these guys were educated!!

  • @MrKennyWilliams
    @MrKennyWilliams Před 6 lety +380

    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.

    • @kendarr
      @kendarr Před 4 lety +6

      Shit i really trought it was Oprah

    • @apancher
      @apancher Před 4 lety +6

      Honestly, I prefer this version. In an odd way, it's the genesis of speed metal

    • @johnkaplan3810
      @johnkaplan3810 Před 4 lety

      Dude, no fucking way that is gladys knight. like THE gladys knight, license to kill??

    • @robertwilloughby8050
      @robertwilloughby8050 Před 4 lety +1

      Yes, it is Gladys Knight - and she's STILL a fan of theirs!

    • @MonkPetite
      @MonkPetite Před 4 lety +5

      Thanks for defending Thijs van Leer and his band .
      They where from the dutch conservatorium and classic music graduates.

  • @willemran
    @willemran Před 3 lety +303

    Jan Akkerman still going strong in 2020. He was chosen as the worlds best guitar player that year by several music magazines.

  • @KeremcanBuyuktaskin
    @KeremcanBuyuktaskin Před 7 měsíci +14

    There's more talent here than all of the today's pop music combined. And there are no crap like auto-tune, pure natural talent.

  • @michaelerichriemer
    @michaelerichriemer Před měsícem +1

    Diese Band habe ich live, ich glaube auch 1972, auf der Insel Texel in einer Scheune erlebt.
    Wir sind damals mit unseren Kleinkraft Motorräder zum Kämpen nach Denhelder gefahren.
    Das war noch so eine entspannte Zeit mit 17 Jahren.

  • @sbeast64
    @sbeast64 Před 5 lety +996

    "I hear you play in a band, what style of music do you play?"
    "Yes"

  • @markusboenke2964
    @markusboenke2964 Před 4 lety +820

    And that is how Focus accidentally invented Speed Metal, kids.

  • @UglyTheDuckling
    @UglyTheDuckling Před 3 měsíci +2

    His guitar playing was light years ahead of its time. He’s doing stuff here that wouldn’t become mainstream for another 10 years at least.

  • @josephchristenson9794
    @josephchristenson9794 Před rokem +25

    I actually enjoy this version more than the original, as I find it more energetic

    • @Maxwell-ty3bf
      @Maxwell-ty3bf Před 5 měsíci +2

      The faster tempo really showcases how talented they are

  • @yaboi7253
    @yaboi7253 Před 4 lety +440

    The yodeler looks like a combination of weird al yankovic, abraham Lincoln, and john lennon

    • @eezyrider65
      @eezyrider65 Před 3 lety +15

      and Joe Cocker

    • @1lowlife2many
      @1lowlife2many Před 3 lety +14

      And he is Gowron before he became a Klingon.

    • @guidologo
      @guidologo Před 3 lety +2

      Amsterdam

    • @uum6
      @uum6 Před 3 lety +18

      I think he's Jethro Tull's coked up evil twin.

    • @kissarmy305
      @kissarmy305 Před 3 lety +12

      Thijs van Leer he's one of the best Dutch progrock artists in the world^^.

  • @CrazyMetalZombie
    @CrazyMetalZombie Před 6 lety +263

    That was probably one of the best things I've ever seen

  • @ThePossumfan
    @ThePossumfan Před měsícem +1

    My Birthday Oct 5th I was 7 yrs. old. I love this song then and now.

  • @NevoAlmighty
    @NevoAlmighty Před rokem +11

    I think I've seen this video like 5000 times now. It's so epic. Everyone's so freaking talented. Obviously I laughed at first, now I just laugh of joy from this piece. Both here and in the studio version (of course other songs)

  • @Rowsdow3r
    @Rowsdow3r Před rokem +129

    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.

  • @tgckpgAtgmail
    @tgckpgAtgmail Před 6 lety +2357

    Here's the lyrics ( Sorry am not a native speaker, this is the best I've got ):
    ( Some warm up guitar solo )
    Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol ldom-bam-ba
    Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol ldom-bam-ba
    AaaAaaa AaaaaAaaAaaaAaa AaaaaAAaaAaa AAAaAaaaa AaaAaaAa-AaaaAaaaAaa AAaaAaaAAaAAAaAaaAaaaAaa!!
    ( Blazing guitar solo )
    Dik dik doe doe duk duk dik dik dik du lick dik duu
    duk doe luk duk dik dik du du luk doe lik dik dik dok du
    dik dik rok du dok dok dee, dok dokru deek deek dik dok doe
    dok dork rok dik dik doe du lok dorok lik dik dik dik doe
    brulalalee doe do, bruru le da do do
    Aaaa aaaA Aaaa Aaa AaaAa-AaaaAaaaAaa!
    ( Flaming guitar solo )
    Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol ldom-bam-ba
    Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol ldom-bam-ba
    Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol ldom-bam-ba
    Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol Yoeelodol ldom-bam-ba
    Ooooaa oooooough ooooeugh ooooaaah Aaaaaaaa AaaaaAaaaa AAaaaAaaaAAAAAAaaaaaaAAAAAaaaa...
    ( Burning guitar solo )
    ( Breath-taking flute solo )
    ( Guitar solo )
    ( Jaw-breaking whistling solo )
    ( Ending guitar solo )
    ( People screaming, yelling with applause )

    • @corchem
      @corchem Před 6 lety +81

      I can't stop laughing.. Thank you for this comedic if not acurate gold...

    • @AgentDanielCross
      @AgentDanielCross Před 5 lety +57

      Thats an ancient language, child. One not spoken for decades.

    • @richieboy6825
      @richieboy6825 Před 5 lety +75

      Your dedication to transcribe the lyrics of this song is both commendable and indicative of a man with too much time on his hands.....bravo all the same

    • @CliffKant
      @CliffKant Před 5 lety +13

      Hahahahaha..
      p.s. You forgot the lyrics at 4:37

    • @tomsoja9883
      @tomsoja9883 Před 5 lety +24

      is this the song "killing me softly" is written about?

  • @woobi4739
    @woobi4739 Před 4 měsíci +3

    Never gets old.

  • @cheku-ey2ml
    @cheku-ey2ml Před 10 měsíci +4

    This is a great song forever, i am now 63 and hear it so long

  • @danieln6613
    @danieln6613 Před 7 lety +1485

    My brain at 3 a.m. right before an important exam:

  • @gwendo1
    @gwendo1 Před 2 lety +362

    Fantastic musicians. You don't get stuff like this in the charts anymore.

  • @climbaclubba
    @climbaclubba Před 4 dny +1

    That's a never seen before and ever event. Spiritual! 🤩🍻🤩🍻

  • @DSRQ1
    @DSRQ1 Před rokem +7

    This was a huge hit when I was a high school junior. Edgar Winter's "Frankenstein" was another, ahem, monster instrumental hit around the same time. It was a great era for rock, pop, and soul.

    • @user-vs1xw6fh4w
      @user-vs1xw6fh4w Před rokem +1

      I love Frankenstein as well as the sheer number of bands that have covered it transformatively, knowing that they could never capture the same feeling as the original.
      Overkill comes to mind, it's sure not Edgar Winter, but god damn does it kick ass.

  • @Furrylittleproblem12
    @Furrylittleproblem12 Před 2 lety +314

    The vocal range displayed in this song is out of this world. Tremendous instrumental as well!

    • @MrOly0001
      @MrOly0001 Před rokem +1

      no cowbells dammit

    • @mikehart9226
      @mikehart9226 Před 11 měsíci +1

      True. The vocal range was outstanding… just not musical … or aesthetically pleasing…. AT ALL

  • @WV591
    @WV591 Před 4 lety +181

    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.

    • @lestrum
      @lestrum Před 4 lety +12

      And he topped Clapton in the Melody Maker( British publication at that time) magazine guitarist poll after this came out.

    • @domlomytp2677
      @domlomytp2677 Před 3 lety +2

      @@lestrum Rightfully so

    • @domlomytp2677
      @domlomytp2677 Před 3 lety +15

      Clapton can't hold a fuckin' candle to this kind of guitar work

    • @lestrum
      @lestrum Před 3 lety +6

      @@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.

    • @domlomytp2677
      @domlomytp2677 Před 3 lety

      lestrum B I can agree with that! Cheers 🤘🏼

  • @HDSPKSRecords-gi1ob
    @HDSPKSRecords-gi1ob Před 5 měsíci +5

    This is the single greatest musical performance of all time.

  • @lorenzofossi466
    @lorenzofossi466 Před 4 měsíci +1

    ahhhhhh 70's !! Nothin like that period...happy to have been lived it with creative powerful.

  • @almightyarjen
    @almightyarjen Před 6 lety +539

    Look at how much fun they have: this is awesome! :D

    • @ToolsAreToys
      @ToolsAreToys Před 6 lety +23

      *Cocaine.

    • @josm75
      @josm75 Před 3 lety

      @@ToolsAreToys lmao,an instrumental band. Relax 😉

    • @josm75
      @josm75 Před 3 lety

      A band from Amsterdam you know what i mean ? 😝

    • @funecheeseofficial3576
      @funecheeseofficial3576 Před 2 lety

      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

  • @stephensczurek6286
    @stephensczurek6286 Před 4 lety +94

    I sing this whenever I make tomato sauce. Really brings out the flavor.

  • @common12
    @common12 Před 4 měsíci +1

    I loved this when the record came out. It was same time that Edgar Winter released Frankenstein. Those were my two favorites at the time!

  • @oldadajbych8123
    @oldadajbych8123 Před 7 měsíci +5

    The amount of musicianship in this song is unbelievable. The guitarist makes the runs long before all those other guys started to do around 1980. No recent guys such as Iommi, Page and others cited in that period are near that level this guy was at that time. Not talking about the other band members.

  • @Carlo8836
    @Carlo8836 Před 6 lety +347

    That's gotta be one of the best live performances ever

    • @jean-louischevalier5815
      @jean-louischevalier5815 Před 6 lety +9

      YES That's gotta be one of the best live performances ever

    • @amitraam1270
      @amitraam1270 Před 5 lety +6

      Indeed, That's gotta be one of the best live performances ever

    • @gajeelredfox2760
      @gajeelredfox2760 Před 5 lety +6

      Agreed, that's gotta be one of the best live performances ever

    • @jacco958
      @jacco958 Před 5 lety +6

      You are right, that's gotta be one of the best live performances ever

    • @Wichert74
      @Wichert74 Před 4 lety +3

      To be honest, that`s gotta be one of the best live performances ever