Focus get back on the road – UK dates announced for April, June & July.

I saw Focus play live in Liverpool around the time that Focus II (aka Moving Waves) [not to be confused with Focus 11 – see below] was released . This album, and the iconic single, Hocus Pocus, got played to death during the university years that followed. Fifty-odd years on and they’re back again, fulfilling dates that have had to be rescheduled due to Covid. The tour takes in venues found in England, Wales & Scotland during April & June with a single Rock & Blues Festival appearance in July.

The band may have changed a bit since I saw them, with only Thijs van Leer and Pierre van der Linden remaining from the band I saw but I’m hoping the sound is the same.

Here’s the story leading up to the tour:

In 2019 Focus released their first studio album for 6 years, Focus 11, which came complete with brand new Roger Dean artwork. The year was then spent touring from South America to Japan and everywhere in between in support of the new album.

With the dawn of 2020 came the 50th anniversary of the formation of Focus. Unfortunately, celebrations had to be put on hold due to global events. 2021 brought the 50th anniversary of Moving Waves, as well as the deluxe boxset Focus50 featuring Blu-ray and CD of the Live In Rio concert and a studio re-record of all the Focus numbers.

2022 meant a return to touring and the band were delighted to be performing again! They continue the re-scheduled tour with some additional dates in April and June 2023. The timeless classics are still featuring in Hollywood blockbusters: Hocus Pocus has been featured in a global ad campaign for Nike, Top Gear and feature films such as Baby Driver, while Sylvia, and House Of The King will, of course, be on the bill… and of course some of the Focus numbers will make an appearance!

The band are Thijs van Leer (Hammond organ, flute and vocals) and Pierre van der Linden (drums), who are delighted to still be performing 50 years on, together with Menno Gootjes (guitar) and Udo Pannekeet (bass) who are among the cream of Dutch musicians and grew up with the genius of Focus. They are still excited to be getting back to their fans and returning to the stage to play the music they love with the energy and passion of a teenage band!!!!