Focus - hocus pocus?

[dunbo]

Does anyone know what happened to a group called Focus? Were they Dutch? I think they had a song called Hocus Pocus in the charts - but I don't know when or where it got to?

[buyrite]

The best thing ever to come out of Holland. You must buy Moving Waves - Brilliant. Info on the group at these URLs http://www.geocities.com/motherfocus/main.htm h
ttp://members.aol.com/akkernet/discog.htm http://members.aol.com/akkernet/discog.htm In early 1073 they had two records in the charts Hocus Pocus (I think go to 20th) and Sylvia (got to 4th) The founder members are Jan Akkerman and Thijs Van Leer both have solo careers. Both have a classical music background. It never got better than this.

[karstdejong]

Akkerman is actually one of the greatest guitarists! And actually knocked Eric Clapton of the topspot a few time in the NME listings in the 70ies.

[Buddha]

Focus formed in the late 60's and hit the big time in 72/73 when Hocus Pocus went into the UK & US charts. This was followed by Sylvia - an instrumental masterpiece. I think they may have released a track called House Of The King as a single (not sure) but next single 'Harem Scarem' - an attempt to recapture the success of Hocus Pocus bombed. They had several albums. In & Out of Focus, Moving Waves, Focus 3, Hamburger Concerto, Mother Focus, etc. They had several solo albums. One member of the band, Cyril Havermans, recorded the worst album of all time. Its so bad its good. Van Leer had several with the Introspection title and teamed up with Roger Van Ooterloo - the famous (not) conductor of the Dutch entry to the Eurovision Song Contest for about 15 years. The disbanded in the 80's. Akkerman & Van Leer got back together briefly in the 90's. Focus have 'reformed' or at least Thijis Van Leer was invited to play with a tribute band called 'Hocus Focus' He liked it so much they reformed Focus (albeit with Van Leer as the only original member). They are currently touring the UK as support to Uriah Heep!. They have a new album out called Focus 8 - its actually not bad. Akkerman wont join- he thinks the idea stinks. He is also touring solo and recently did some gigs in Dublin. Hes had several solo albums - very jazz orientated but some cracking tracks. To find out more go to http://www.janakkerman.nl/ or http://www.officialfocushomepage.nl/ Akkerman is the finest guitarist (just ahead of Santana & Clapton), Van Leer can yodel and play the flute. Van Leer looks very old & fat. Akkerman doesnt. They still have a huge loyal following - all ageing hippies like me. Enough info?