“A good friend of mine was so lucky to be present at the pre-premiere of the new Robocop and he called me while ‘Hocus Pocus’ was played during the film, shouting, ‘Hey Thijs, they put your genius song on the best sequence of the picture!!! Congratulations!!!!!’ Since that very moment I am crazily happy about this luxurious feeling: as the composer, the yodeller, Hammond-organ player & flautist!! Halleluya!!!,” says bandleader Thijs.
Focus was the leading Dutch progressive rock band during the 1970s. Led by founding member Thijs Van Leer, the group was known for its hits “Hocus Pocus”, “House of The King” and “Sylvia”, as well as critically acclaimed albums ‘Moving Waves‘, ‘Focus 3‘ and ‘Hamburger Concerto.’
The band regrouped recently with Thijs van Leer on vocals, flute and keyboards; Pierre van der Linden on drums; Bobby Jacobs on bass; and Menno Gootjes on guitar. Focus has been touring worldwide, promoting its 10th album titled X. The band is now performing select shows in support of its upcoming 11th album ‘Golden Oldies’ that features re-recordings of classic Focus tracks. “Producing ‘Golden Oldies’ is tricky. Both the diehard fans and the 2014 Focus-members were having doubts about this enterprise, because we didn’t know if the recent recordings would match the original material, notwithstanding the fact that we had so much fun in doing the session, quick, romantic, virtuoso, full of funny moments & profoundness; But… the final mix turns out to be fantastic and we all are proud to release this album at our earliest convenience!!,” reveals Thijs.
‘RoboCop’ promo clip: