Following the use of their great yodelling hit Hocus Pocus for the Nike World Cup 2010 commercial, Dutch symphonic rock band Focus have been discovered by a whole new generation.
With their unique progressive rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the seventies as the most successful and crtically-acclaimed Dutch pop-rock export. The band were fronted by the much admired duo of Thijs van Leer on the Hammond organ/flute and Jan Akkerman on the guitar. Their hit potential came in the form of the very current Hocus Pocus, House of the King and Sylvia.
After an initial careful comeback which resulted in a well received album Focus 8, the band are now back on the frontline, with a fantastic line-up. Of course the founder member and musical genius Thijs van Leer is still holding the fort but back in his old spot is Pierre van der Linden, the drummer who is internationally renowned for his rhythmic skills, and who was and still is a defining factor in the whole Focus sound. Together with Bobby Jacobs who stems from a well acclaimed Dutch musical family, they are responsible for the rhythm section and that unmistakable Focus groove. The talented Niels van der Steenhoven, who without any shadow of a doubt can hit the mark when it comes to the guitar completes the band’s line-up.
A new Focus era has arrived. There is a rejuvenated passion in the new compositions, that adorn the new album Focus 9 / New Skin, which has been released on the famous Red Bullet label of Willem van Kooten. Focus fans should be delighted with the new tracks alongside all the classics the band will be playing at their Band on the Wall concert.
“Our music is evolution, not revolution”, Thijs van Leer once said about the music of Focus. Well now, the evolution is at full pace. Enjoy this legendary band live in Manchester.
Thijs van Leer – Hammond-orgel, flute and vocals
Niels van der Steenhoven – guitar
Bobby Jacobs – bass
Pierre van der Linden – drums
This concert will begin at 8pm but Picturehouse Cafe Bar open for delicious food and drinks from 5.30pm