Perhaps one hit wonders in the US. Not in Europe. In Holland they were top of the bill from 1970 to 1975, when they split up after a big row between singer, flutist & keyboard player Thijs van Leer and guitarist Jan Akkerman. (Van Leer had hidden dope in Akkerman's guitar case when they went to the US to tour - Akkerman found out, exploded, finished the tour, left the band at the peak of their popularity and never spoke to Van Leer again). Focus was very suceessful for several years in the UK and Akkerman was voted "world's best guitar player" by New Musical Express, at the time a magazine of influence. Akkerman is still doing well, touring the jazz circuit and still following his musical heart - sometimes still playing like a god. Van Leer went the commercial 'please the masses' road, hit the jackpot, couldn't handle it and lost everything. Last time I saw him he was promoting a new - unsuccessful MOR album in the record department of a big store, playing the flute along with his record, being ignored and looking dishevelled. He once was a giant musical talent.
John (totally into Focus before he'd ever heard of Joni) ----- Original Message ----- From: Bree Mcdonough <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Saturday, January 19, 2002 7:24 AM Subject: Re: NJC Dutch Treats > I heard "Hocus Pocus" On Digital Choice the other night. It is an awesome > song......that I had completely forgotten about. It's amazing how high that > guy sings. One hit wonders?? > > Bree > > > >Hey John, > > > >Don't beat yourself up over those musicians! I've always thought "Radar > >Love" was awesome. Plus, how about Focus? They were Dutch, right? "Hocus > >Pocus" is one of my all-time rock faves. How many classic rock songs > >feature yodeling, fer God's sake? > > > >Bob > > > >NP: Days of the New, "Shelf In The Room" > > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Join the world's largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. > http://www.hotmail.com
