Focus performed on The Midnight Special October 5th 1973 Follow us on Social Media: / themidnightspecialtvshow / themidnightspecialtvshow / themidnightspecialtvshow / tmstvshow
My parents had a Focus album when I was growing up in 70s south London and Sylvia and Hocus Pocus were on LOUD a lot when parents were at work. Me and my brother used to do the whistling bits really loud. I was about 7 and loved Focus ever since!
A year or so after this came out, me and my mate were at a pub disco. My mate requested the DJ play this. About 10 mins later the DJ pointed to us and said this record is for those guys, and promptly played Sylvia - Y Viva Espana. We were that embarrassed that we left in shame. 😂
That was some wild and crazy rockin'! Watching the singer, he's amazing with that operatic/almost yodeling style!! Great performance by this very unique band!
I have not really listened to much Focus, aside from Hocus Pocus, but I must say that Sylvia is very good. I respect Thijs Van Leer's flute and organ solos.
Thijs is amazing!! Incredible vocalist! What a spectacular individual! Jan is a very under-appreciated guitarist! Bert Ruiter was magnificent on bass. R.I.P. March. 24, 2022. Pierre Van Der Linden is outstanding on drums. What a wonderful, talented group of people! ✌️
That's so funny, because I thought the same thing at first glance of the thumbnail. But I know Dr. Hook sings that one, so I wasn't surprised, but I didn't quite expect this either. Lol.
So good--on steroids! When I first heard this song come on the radio I pictured in my mind an older female opera singer. Then when I saw this episode in 73 I was blown away!
And then they return to Hocus Pocus ind the end ... please hear them in that order - first Hocus Pocus then Sylvia ... what have been great to be in the audience that evening !!!
Akkerman went a little ahead in the beginning, Leer took it down right away! ;) we used to play this in our jazzrock group in the 70.ies, Focus was right on spot! wonderful musicians! - best studio recording of Sylvia is on the album "Focus 3" - but this is awesome too!
On the evening of *October 6, 2023,* that I am watching the video-clips of the songs "Slyvia" and "Hocus Pocus" from the appearance of the band Focus on The Midnight Special - , it is the *5oth anniversary* of the *initial broadcast* of that episode of the show.
Awesome channel! i subbed, all music from my youth, but i went to become a more jazzfusion drummer later on, greets, Levi in Sweden (but a native Finn..)
I think I'd like this song better if it weren't for the vocal noise being made by the keyboardist. Seems really unnecessary. Otherwise, the arrangement was very good.
