Dutch Music Legends Focus To Release “Focus 50 - Live In Rio” 3CD/1 Blu Ray Deluxe Edition

Released April 30, 2021

To celebrate 50 years of ground-breaking progressive rock, Focus are delighted to announce their “Focus 50” 3CD/Blu-Ray package to be released on April 30, 2021through In Focus Records distributed by Cherry Red Records.

The Coronavirus pandemic forced Focus to postpone their anniversary celebrations from 2020 and “Focus 50” will herald a year of celebration which will culminate in the release of a brand new studio album in early 2022.   

At the heart of the “Focus 50” package are 2CDs and Blu-Ray of “Focus Live In Rio,” a concert recorded in Nitteroi, Rio de Janeiro, in 2017. The concert features music from across the history of the band from “Focus 1” and “House Of The King,” on their very first album, through the classics “Hocus Pocus,” “Sylvia” and “Focus III” to “Song For Eva” first released in 2017.

“Focus 50” also includes a bonus CD “Completely Focused” with the classic Focus tracks numbered 1 through 12 re-recorded by the current Focus line-up of Thijs van Leer (keyboard, flute and vocals), Pierre van der Linden (drums), Menno Gootjes (guitar) and Udo Pannekeet (bass). The Focus tracks have been recorded during the lockdown period and mixed by Udo Pannekeet.

The discs are accompanied by a booklet with notes by the band, their long serving engineer Geert Scheijgrond and South American tour promoter Marcel Castro with whom Focus have had a long relationship and who brought together the recording of the show in Rio. The booklet also features photos from the Rio concert showing the energetic and fun side of life on the road with Focus together with personal photos from touring and in the studio - a more intimate view of the band away from the limelight. This captures the essence of the Focus family which includes Geert, Marcel and legendary artist Roger Dean, and is incredibly important to the band. The current line-up has been together since 2016 and has a magical chemistry which manifests into electrifying performances.

“Focus 50” is released on April 30, 2021 as a 3CD/Blu-Ray with book package through In Focus Records distributed by Cherry Red Records.

About Focus

Focus emerged in 1970 with a debut album “Focus Plays Focus” which became better known as “In And Out Of Focus.” Their breakthrough came with the worldwide success of singles “Hocus Pocus” and “Sylvia” the early seventies with a line-up which included founder member Thijs van Leer (keyboard, flute and vocals), Pierre van der Linden (drums) and Jan Akkerman (guitar). The albums “Focus II/Moving Waves” and “Focus 3” put the band at the very forefront of the progressive music scene.

Beloved by the student population, Focus’ music fused van Leer’s love of jazz and classical music and he employed a unique vocal style of yodeling and scat, using the voice as another form of instrumentation rather than singing in a conventional style. Focus played to sold out theatres around the world and, at that time, were quite possibly ‘the coolest band on the planet.’

Through many line-up changes across the years van Leer consistently sourced great musicians to join the Focus ranks. Focus went their separate ways in 1978, occasionally reuniting to perform on stage or record together on solo projects. Van Leer officially reformed Focus with a new line-up in 2001 and released the acclaimed “Focus 8” album the following year. Pierre van der Linden returned in 2004 while current guitarist Menno Gootjes joined the Focus family in 2010. Udo Pannekeet completed the current Focus line-up in 2016 contributing to the “Focus Family Album” (2017) collection, which includes re-recordings and previously unreleased material, before the band returned to the studio to record “Focus 11” (2018).

Focus are now looking forward to returning to live performance, once the Coronavirus pandemic has been controlled, and sharing their music with their fans - the extended Focus family.

Track Listing:

DISC ONE: LIVE IN RIO CD
1. FOCUS 1
2. HOUSE OF THE KING
3. ERUPTION
4. SYLVIA
5. SONG FOR EVA
6. ALL HENS ON DECK

DISC TWO: LIVE IN RIO CD
1. LE TANGO
2. P’S MARCH
3. FOCUS 5
4. HAREM SCAREM
5. HOCUS POCUS
6. FOCUS 3

DISC THREE: LIVE IN RIO BLU-RAY
1. FOCUS 1
2. HOUSE OF THE KING
3. ERUPTION
4. SYLVIA
5. SONG FOR EVA
6. ALL HENS ON DECK
7. LE TANGO
8. P’S MARCH
9. FOCUS 5
10. HAREM SCAREM
11. HOCUS POCUS
12. FOCUS 3

DISC FOUR: COMPLETELY FOCUSSED CD
1. FOCUS 1
2. FOCUS 2
3. FOCUS 3
4. FOCUS 4
5. FOCUS 5
6. FOCUS 6
7. FOCUS 7
8. FOCUS 8
9. FOCUS 9
10. FOCUS 10
11. FOCUS 11
12. FOCUS 12

“Focus: Focus 50 - Live In Rio” 3CD/1 Blu Ray Deluxe Edition Pre-order here: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/focus-focus-50-live-in-rio-3cd-1-blu-ray-deluxe-edition/

For more information: https://focustheband.co.uk/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Dutch Music Legends Focus To Release “Focus 50 - Live In Rio” 3CD/1 Blu Ray Deluxe Edition

Released April 30, 2021

To celebrate 50 years of ground-breaking progressive rock, Focus are delighted to announce their “Focus 50” 3CD/Blu-Ray package to be released on April 30, 2021through In Focus Records distributed by Cherry Red Records.

The Coronavirus pandemic forced Focus to postpone their anniversary celebrations from 2020 and “Focus 50” will herald a year of celebration which will culminate in the release of a brand new studio album in early 2022.   

At the heart of the “Focus 50” package are 2CDs and Blu-Ray of “Focus Live In Rio,” a concert recorded in Nitteroi, Rio de Janeiro, in 2017. The concert features music from across the history of the band from “Focus 1” and “House Of The King,” on their very first album, through the classics “Hocus Pocus,” “Sylvia” and “Focus III” to “Song For Eva” first released in 2017.

“Focus 50” also includes a bonus CD “Completely Focused” with the classic Focus tracks numbered 1 through 12 re-recorded by the current Focus line-up of Thijs van Leer (keyboard, flute and vocals), Pierre van der Linden (drums), Menno Gootjes (guitar) and Udo Pannekeet (bass). The Focus tracks have been recorded during the lockdown period and mixed by Udo Pannekeet.

The discs are accompanied by a booklet with notes by the band, their long serving engineer Geert Scheijgrond and South American tour promoter Marcel Castro with whom Focus have had a long relationship and who brought together the recording of the show in Rio. The booklet also features photos from the Rio concert showing the energetic and fun side of life on the road with Focus together with personal photos from touring and in the studio - a more intimate view of the band away from the limelight. This captures the essence of the Focus family which includes Geert, Marcel and legendary artist Roger Dean, and is incredibly important to the band. The current line-up has been together since 2016 and has a magical chemistry which manifests into electrifying performances.

“Focus 50” is released on April 30, 2021 as a 3CD/Blu-Ray with book package through In Focus Records distributed by Cherry Red Records.

About Focus

Focus emerged in 1970 with a debut album “Focus Plays Focus” which became better known as “In And Out Of Focus.” Their breakthrough came with the worldwide success of singles “Hocus Pocus” and “Sylvia” the early seventies with a line-up which included founder member Thijs van Leer (keyboard, flute and vocals), Pierre van der Linden (drums) and Jan Akkerman (guitar). The albums “Focus II/Moving Waves” and “Focus 3” put the band at the very forefront of the progressive music scene.

Beloved by the student population, Focus’ music fused van Leer’s love of jazz and classical music and he employed a unique vocal style of yodeling and scat, using the voice as another form of instrumentation rather than singing in a conventional style. Focus played to sold out theatres around the world and, at that time, were quite possibly ‘the coolest band on the planet.’

Through many line-up changes across the years van Leer consistently sourced great musicians to join the Focus ranks. Focus went their separate ways in 1978, occasionally reuniting to perform on stage or record together on solo projects. Van Leer officially reformed Focus with a new line-up in 2001 and released the acclaimed “Focus 8” album the following year. Pierre van der Linden returned in 2004 while current guitarist Menno Gootjes joined the Focus family in 2010. Udo Pannekeet completed the current Focus line-up in 2016 contributing to the “Focus Family Album” (2017) collection, which includes re-recordings and previously unreleased material, before the band returned to the studio to record “Focus 11” (2018).

Focus are now looking forward to returning to live performance, once the Coronavirus pandemic has been controlled, and sharing their music with their fans - the extended Focus family.

Track Listing:

DISC ONE: LIVE IN RIO CD
1. FOCUS 1
2. HOUSE OF THE KING
3. ERUPTION
4. SYLVIA
5. SONG FOR EVA
6. ALL HENS ON DECK

DISC TWO: LIVE IN RIO CD
1. LE TANGO
2. P’S MARCH
3. FOCUS 5
4. HAREM SCAREM
5. HOCUS POCUS
6. FOCUS 3

DISC THREE: LIVE IN RIO BLU-RAY
1. FOCUS 1
2. HOUSE OF THE KING
3. ERUPTION
4. SYLVIA
5. SONG FOR EVA
6. ALL HENS ON DECK
7. LE TANGO
8. P’S MARCH
9. FOCUS 5
10. HAREM SCAREM
11. HOCUS POCUS
12. FOCUS 3

DISC FOUR: COMPLETELY FOCUSSED CD
1. FOCUS 1
2. FOCUS 2
3. FOCUS 3
4. FOCUS 4
5. FOCUS 5
6. FOCUS 6
7. FOCUS 7
8. FOCUS 8
9. FOCUS 9
10. FOCUS 10
11. FOCUS 11
12. FOCUS 12

“Focus: Focus 50 - Live In Rio” 3CD/1 Blu Ray Deluxe Edition Pre-order here: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/focus-focus-50-live-in-rio-3cd-1-blu-ray-deluxe-edition/

For more information: https://focustheband.co.uk/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Focus Bass Player Udo Pannekeet Announces the Release of His New Solo Album 'Electric Regions' - OUT NOW!

Electric Regions is the latest solo album by the current bass player of FOCUS and skilled composer, Udo Pannekeet.

The album features an epic length track, along with new compositions written throughout Udo Pannekeet’s career and recorded here for the first time.

The album features guest appearances by current Focus guitarist Menno Gootjes and a former member of Focus, Eef Albers.

Udo Pannekeet said of the album: “I'm so pleased to finally share this music with you! I worked on it for quite a while. Thanks to the amazing musicians I worked with on the album, it has become more than I could have imagined. I'm humbled by the beautiful reactions I received so far from all over the world!”

The album is the tenth release on the band’s own IN AND OUT OF FOCUS RECORDS, via Cherry Red.

TRACK LISTING:

1. ELECTRIC REGIONS PART ONE
2. INTEGRATION YES
3. LITTLE NURA
4. THE ANTIBES SITUATION
5. COCON COCON

The album is OUT NOW and available via the below links:

CD edition: https://geni.us/ElectricRegions
GooglePlay: https://geni.us/ElectricRegionsGP
iTunes: https://geni.us/ElectricRegionsiTunes
Spotify: https://geni.us/ElectricRegionsSpotify

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Focus Bass Player Udo Pannekeet Announces the Release of His New Solo Album 'Electric Regions' - OUT NOW!

Electric Regions is the latest solo album by the current bass player of FOCUS and skilled composer, Udo Pannekeet.

The album features an epic length track, along with new compositions written throughout Udo Pannekeet’s career and recorded here for the first time.

The album features guest appearances by current Focus guitarist Menno Gootjes and a former member of Focus, Eef Albers.

Udo Pannekeet said of the album: “I'm so pleased to finally share this music with you! I worked on it for quite a while. Thanks to the amazing musicians I worked with on the album, it has become more than I could have imagined. I'm humbled by the beautiful reactions I received so far from all over the world!”

The album is the tenth release on the band’s own IN AND OUT OF FOCUS RECORDS, via Cherry Red.

TRACK LISTING:

1. ELECTRIC REGIONS PART ONE
2. INTEGRATION YES
3. LITTLE NURA
4. THE ANTIBES SITUATION
5. COCON COCON

The album is OUT NOW and available via the below links:

CD edition: https://geni.us/ElectricRegions
GooglePlay: https://geni.us/ElectricRegionsGP
iTunes: https://geni.us/ElectricRegionsiTunes
Spotify: https://geni.us/ElectricRegionsSpotify

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Dutch Music Legends Focus Announce Release of New Studio Album "Focus 11"

Exclusively available on the band's November UK tour and via the band's official online store ONLY!

The current line-up of Focus, which features Thijs van Leer, Pierre van der Linden, Menno Gootjes and Udo Pannekeet – completed the new studio album titled “Focus 11” earlier this year and are debuting the CD edition on their November UK Tour.

The 11 track album will be released as a CD, gatefold coloured LP and Download on the band's own In And Out of Focus Records, via Cherry Red, in late January. The album features artwork by Roger Dean.

When asked about the album, Thijs van Leer responded with this poem:
Wow, my joy could not increase
To see this new release
It has Mazzel, Palindrome and Heaven
Plus a title track called Eleven
Both angelic and a beast
It's Focus, to say the least!

For fans who can't attend the November tour, the only place where the CD can be ordered online (with orders being fulfilled in November 2018) is the band's own webstore: https://burningshed.com/store/focus

For fans wishing to pre-order the CD and LP for when they are released in January, Amazon is starting to take pre-orders now. The CD is identical. Amazon CD: http://geni.us/Focus11CD and Amazon LP: http://geni.us/Focus11LP

Official Focus Website: www.focustheband.com
Official Focus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Focus-the-band-197272485986/

Focus tour dates:
10th November - LONDON - London 100 Club SOLD OUT
11th November - WOLVERHAMPTON - Robin 2
12th November - MILTON KEYNES - The Stables
14th November - HULL - The Fruit
15th November - NEW BRIGHTON - Floral Pavilion Theatre
16th November - WOKINGHAM - Wokingham Football Club SOLD OUT
17th November - KINROSS - Green Hotel SOLD OUT
18th November - GLASGOW - The Ferry
19th November - EDINBURGH - The Caves
20th November - ABERDEEN - The Assembly
21st November - DUNDEE - The Church
22nd November - GATESHEAD - The Sage
23rd November - LOWDHAM - Lowdham Village Hall
24th November - DERBY - The Flower Pot
25th November - HOLMFIRTH - Picturedrome
27th November - MANCHESTER - Band on the Wall
28th November - ALDERSHOT - West End Centre SOLD OUT
29th November - SOUTHAMPTON - 1865 Club
30th November - FLETCHING - Trading Boundaries
1st December - FLETCHING - Trading Boundaries

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Dutch Music Legends Focus Announce Release of New Studio Album "Focus 11"

Exclusively available on the band's November UK tour and via the band's official online store ONLY!

The current line-up of Focus, which features Thijs van Leer, Pierre van der Linden, Menno Gootjes and Udo Pannekeet – completed the new studio album titled “Focus 11” earlier this year and are debuting the CD edition on their November UK Tour.

The 11 track album will be released as a CD, gatefold coloured LP and Download on the band's own In And Out of Focus Records, via Cherry Red, in late January. The album features artwork by Roger Dean.

When asked about the album, Thijs van Leer responded with this poem:
Wow, my joy could not increase
To see this new release
It has Mazzel, Palindrome and Heaven
Plus a title track called Eleven
Both angelic and a beast
It's Focus, to say the least!

For fans who can't attend the November tour, the only place where the CD can be ordered online (with orders being fulfilled in November 2018) is the band's own webstore: https://burningshed.com/store/focus

For fans wishing to pre-order the CD and LP for when they are released in January, Amazon is starting to take pre-orders now. The CD is identical. Amazon CD: http://geni.us/Focus11CD and Amazon LP: http://geni.us/Focus11LP

Official Focus Website: www.focustheband.com
Official Focus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Focus-the-band-197272485986/

Focus tour dates:
10th November - LONDON - London 100 Club SOLD OUT
11th November - WOLVERHAMPTON - Robin 2
12th November - MILTON KEYNES - The Stables
14th November - HULL - The Fruit
15th November - NEW BRIGHTON - Floral Pavilion Theatre
16th November - WOKINGHAM - Wokingham Football Club SOLD OUT
17th November - KINROSS - Green Hotel SOLD OUT
18th November - GLASGOW - The Ferry
19th November - EDINBURGH - The Caves
20th November - ABERDEEN - The Assembly
21st November - DUNDEE - The Church
22nd November - GATESHEAD - The Sage
23rd November - LOWDHAM - Lowdham Village Hall
24th November - DERBY - The Flower Pot
25th November - HOLMFIRTH - Picturedrome
27th November - MANCHESTER - Band on the Wall
28th November - ALDERSHOT - West End Centre SOLD OUT
29th November - SOUTHAMPTON - 1865 Club
30th November - FLETCHING - Trading Boundaries
1st December - FLETCHING - Trading Boundaries

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Dutch Rock Legends FOCUS Announce New Double Album Collection THE FOCUS FAMILY ALBUM feat. Extensive Unreleased and New Material! OUT NOW!

London - Focus is pleased to announce the release of its new 2 CD collection “The Focus Family Album” which has been prepared over the last 12 months. The 20 track set gives fans new insight into the band and includes 15 unreleased original songs, alternate versions from the Focus X sessions, solo tracks from each of the current members and tracks from the beginning of the Focus 11 sessions.

Many of the tracks have been recorded in a variety of countries in Europe and South America and are exclusively available on this collection. Thijs van Leer said, “Dear Friends & Fans! With pleasure we present to you our new double album 'The Focus Family Album,' it makes us so happy that you will listen to pieces recorded together as a band and solo songs too, in many different countries during our travels! We hope it will make you happy as well!!!”

The set includes all of the rarities from the “Focus X” era and is an ideal companion to that album and the forthcoming “Focus 11.” The set also introduces the band's new bass player Udo Pannekeet, who takes over the position from long term bass player Bobby Jacobs, who said, “Dear beautiful fans, after 15 years playing the beautiful music of Focus with my heart and soul I decided to stop and focus on new life adventures (music and a lot of other things). Thank you and love! Hope we will meet again...”

“The Focus Family Album” features artwork by Roger Dean and is being released to coincide with the band's South American and European tour dates. It's the latest release on the band's own 'In and Out of Focus Records' (via Cherry Red): https://www.cherryred.co.uk/artist/focus/

Track Listings
Disc: 1
1. Nature Is Our Friend - Thijs Van Leer
2. Song for Eva - Focus
3. Riverdance - Pierre Van Der Linden
4. Victoria - Focus
5. Two-Part Intervention - Menno Gootjes
6. Mosh Blues - Focus
7. Raga Reverence 1 - Swung
8. The Fifth Man - Focus
9. Song for Yaminah - Udo Pannekeet
10. Clair-Obscur - Focus

Disc: 2
1. Let Us Wander? - Thijs Van Leer
2. Birds Come Fly Over (Le Tango) - Focus
3. Spiritual Swung - Pierre Van Der Linden
4. Santa Teresa - Focus
5. Hazel - Menno Gootjes
6. Fine Without You - Focus
7. Raga Reverence 5 - Swung
8. Five Fourth - Focus
9. Anaya - Udo Pannekeet
10. Winnie - Focus

“The Focus Family Album” is OUT NOW on CD and Download:
Amazon CD: http://geni.us/IF008CD

Official website: www.focustheband.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Dutch Rock Legends FOCUS Announce New Double Album Collection THE FOCUS FAMILY ALBUM feat. Extensive Unreleased and New Material! OUT NOW!

London - Focus is pleased to announce the release of its new 2 CD collection “The Focus Family Album” which has been prepared over the last 12 months. The 20 track set gives fans new insight into the band and includes 15 unreleased original songs, alternate versions from the Focus X sessions, solo tracks from each of the current members and tracks from the beginning of the Focus 11 sessions.

Many of the tracks have been recorded in a variety of countries in Europe and South America and are exclusively available on this collection. Thijs van Leer said, “Dear Friends & Fans! With pleasure we present to you our new double album 'The Focus Family Album,' it makes us so happy that you will listen to pieces recorded together as a band and solo songs too, in many different countries during our travels! We hope it will make you happy as well!!!”

The set includes all of the rarities from the “Focus X” era and is an ideal companion to that album and the forthcoming “Focus 11.” The set also introduces the band's new bass player Udo Pannekeet, who takes over the position from long term bass player Bobby Jacobs, who said, “Dear beautiful fans, after 15 years playing the beautiful music of Focus with my heart and soul I decided to stop and focus on new life adventures (music and a lot of other things). Thank you and love! Hope we will meet again...”

“The Focus Family Album” features artwork by Roger Dean and is being released to coincide with the band's South American and European tour dates. It's the latest release on the band's own 'In and Out of Focus Records' (via Cherry Red): https://www.cherryred.co.uk/artist/focus/

Track Listings
Disc: 1
1. Nature Is Our Friend - Thijs Van Leer
2. Song for Eva - Focus
3. Riverdance - Pierre Van Der Linden
4. Victoria - Focus
5. Two-Part Intervention - Menno Gootjes
6. Mosh Blues - Focus
7. Raga Reverence 1 - Swung
8. The Fifth Man - Focus
9. Song for Yaminah - Udo Pannekeet
10. Clair-Obscur - Focus

Disc: 2
1. Let Us Wander? - Thijs Van Leer
2. Birds Come Fly Over (Le Tango) - Focus
3. Spiritual Swung - Pierre Van Der Linden
4. Santa Teresa - Focus
5. Hazel - Menno Gootjes
6. Fine Without You - Focus
7. Raga Reverence 5 - Swung
8. Five Fourth - Focus
9. Anaya - Udo Pannekeet
10. Winnie - Focus

“The Focus Family Album” is OUT NOW on CD and Download:
Amazon CD: http://geni.us/IF008CD

Official website: www.focustheband.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Legendary FOCUS Drummer Pierre van der Linden Releases His First Solo Album “Drum Poetry”! OUT NOW!

Netherlands - Pierre van der Linden, the drummer in legendary Dutch band Focus, has released his first solo album entitled “Drum Poetry” for fans and students of his varied drumming styles and techniques.

Pierre’s drumming can be heard in numerous rock, jazz and improvisational bands, but this is the first time it can be heard and studied in isolation, or accompanied by other unexpected instruments also played by Pierre.

Says Pierre, “Drum Poetry was originally made just for myself. It was just a kind of experience to find out my limits in this atmosphere. The original CD was just made for friends and this is the first time I have shared it with fans...”

Pierre is the current drummer in Focus and also played with the band during the 1970s including on their hits “Hocus Pocus” and “Sylvia”. Pierre also played on the band’s most recent album, “Focus X”, and is currently in the studio recording “Focus 11”. Pierre will also be on tour with the band throughout 2017!

The album has been released on the band’s own “In and Out of Focus Records” via Cherry Red Records and can be purchased on CD and Download via these links:
Amazon CD: http://geni.us/vExJfEr
iTunes: http://geni.us/PTBj0Xn

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Legendary FOCUS Drummer Pierre van der Linden Releases His First Solo Album “Drum Poetry”! OUT NOW!

Netherlands - Pierre van der Linden, the drummer in legendary Dutch band Focus, has released his first solo album entitled “Drum Poetry” for fans and students of his varied drumming styles and techniques.

Pierre’s drumming can be heard in numerous rock, jazz and improvisational bands, but this is the first time it can be heard and studied in isolation, or accompanied by other unexpected instruments also played by Pierre.

Says Pierre, “Drum Poetry was originally made just for myself. It was just a kind of experience to find out my limits in this atmosphere. The original CD was just made for friends and this is the first time I have shared it with fans...”

Pierre is the current drummer in Focus and also played with the band during the 1970s including on their hits “Hocus Pocus” and “Sylvia”. Pierre also played on the band’s most recent album, “Focus X”, and is currently in the studio recording “Focus 11”. Pierre will also be on tour with the band throughout 2017!

The album has been released on the band’s own “In and Out of Focus Records” via Cherry Red Records and can be purchased on CD and Download via these links:
Amazon CD: http://geni.us/vExJfEr
iTunes: http://geni.us/PTBj0Xn

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Dutch Music Legends Focus Release New Album “Focus 8.5 / Beyond The Horizon” OUT NOW!

London, UK - Dutch music legends Focus are known around the world for their iconic albums, including the hits HOCUS POCUS, SYLVIA and HOUSE OF THE KING. After the reunion of Focus and the release of the Focus 8 album, the band toured the world and was introduced to new musical styles and influences. The line-up on this album features THIJS VAN LEER, PIERRE VAN DER LINDEN, BOBBY JACOBS and JAN DUMÉE.

The sessions for the album were all recorded in between South American tour commitments during 2005, and every track is a previously unreleased composition by the members of Focus or producer MARVIO CIRIBELLI.

Thijs van Leer said of the album: “For Focus it was a thrill to first jam with Marvio and Marcio in a club in Niteroi and then end up in Rio de Janeiro in order to compose and record these beauties. Having one of the best drummers in Europe with Pierre van der Linden and one of South America’s best drummers with Marcio Bahia on the same album makes the world a better and happier place! Here they are!”

The album features all-star Brazilian musicians including ARTHUR MAIA and MARIO SEVE joining Focus on new recordings, and vice versa, plus a drum duet with MARCIO BAHIA…as musicianship once again goes Beyond the Horizon…

To purchase:
Amazon CD: http://geni.us/ZTRWj3
iTunes: http://geni.us/RDPEAsO

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Dutch Music Legends Focus Release New Album “Focus 8.5 / Beyond The Horizon” OUT NOW!

London, UK - Dutch music legends Focus are known around the world for their iconic albums, including the hits HOCUS POCUS, SYLVIA and HOUSE OF THE KING. After the reunion of Focus and the release of the Focus 8 album, the band toured the world and was introduced to new musical styles and influences. The line-up on this album features THIJS VAN LEER, PIERRE VAN DER LINDEN, BOBBY JACOBS and JAN DUMÉE.

The sessions for the album were all recorded in between South American tour commitments during 2005, and every track is a previously unreleased composition by the members of Focus or producer MARVIO CIRIBELLI.

Thijs van Leer said of the album: “For Focus it was a thrill to first jam with Marvio and Marcio in a club in Niteroi and then end up in Rio de Janeiro in order to compose and record these beauties. Having one of the best drummers in Europe with Pierre van der Linden and one of South America’s best drummers with Marcio Bahia on the same album makes the world a better and happier place! Here they are!”

The album features all-star Brazilian musicians including ARTHUR MAIA and MARIO SEVE joining Focus on new recordings, and vice versa, plus a drum duet with MARCIO BAHIA…as musicianship once again goes Beyond the Horizon…

To purchase:
Amazon CD: http://geni.us/ZTRWj3
iTunes: http://geni.us/RDPEAsO

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

The World’s Leading Orchestra Joins Prog Rock Superstars For An Epic Album Of Symphonic Adventure!

Featuring members of Porcupine Tree, Asia, Yes, Focus, Alan Parsons Project & more!

Los Angeles, CA - Only a world-class orchestra could pull off a project this ambitious, an undertaking so vast that none other than the hallowed halls of Abby Road Studios could contain and record music of this magnitude. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra proudly presents an epic album of fully orchestrated renditions of progressive rock masterpieces by the likes of Pink Floyd, Yes, ELP, Jethro Tull and more! What’s more, a stellar group of musical virtuosos from the prog rock stratosphere join the orchestra, lending their talents to these intricately arranged masterworks in a collaborative match made in prog rock heaven. Longtime Moody Blues & Yes keyboardist Patrick Moraz adds his own unique flare to the orchestrated version of Gentle Giant’s “Think Of Me With Kindness” while Porcupine Tree drummer Gavin Harrison lays down the rhythm on a brilliant version of King Crimson’s “21st Century Schizoid Man.” This album also contains an electrifying contribution by Three Dog Night keyboardist Jimmy Greenspoon, sadly, one of the final recordings he made before his passing earlier this year. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Plays Prog Rock Classics will be made available on both CD and vinyl starting March 31 courtesy of Purple Pyramid Records. Fans of progressive rock and epic symphonic rock will not want to miss this!

1. ELP Suite: Tarkus / From The Beginning / Tarkus (Reprise)
2. Comfortably Numb feat. Ian Bairnson
3. Thick As A Brick feat. Richard Harvey
4. 21st Century Schizoid Man feat. Gavin Harrison and Guthrie Govan
5. Focus II feat. Thijs Van Leer
6. Nights In White Satin feat. Mark Feltham
7. Think Of Me With Kindness feat. Patrick Moraz
8. Roundabout feat. Jimmy Greenspoon
9. Watcher Of The Skies [CD ONLY]
10. Red Barchetta feat. Adrian Smith [CD ONLY]

Pre-order the CD: http://geni.us/RPOProgCD
Pre-order the LP: http://geni.us/RPOProgLP
Pre-order the digital album: http://geni.us/RPOProgdigital

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

The World’s Leading Orchestra Joins Prog Rock Superstars For An Epic Album Of Symphonic Adventure!

Featuring members of Porcupine Tree, Asia, Yes, Focus, Alan Parsons Project & more!

Los Angeles, CA - Only a world-class orchestra could pull off a project this ambitious, an undertaking so vast that none other than the hallowed halls of Abby Road Studios could contain and record music of this magnitude. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra proudly presents an epic album of fully orchestrated renditions of progressive rock masterpieces by the likes of Pink Floyd, Yes, ELP, Jethro Tull and more! What’s more, a stellar group of musical virtuosos from the prog rock stratosphere join the orchestra, lending their talents to these intricately arranged masterworks in a collaborative match made in prog rock heaven. Longtime Moody Blues & Yes keyboardist Patrick Moraz adds his own unique flare to the orchestrated version of Gentle Giant’s “Think Of Me With Kindness” while Porcupine Tree drummer Gavin Harrison lays down the rhythm on a brilliant version of King Crimson’s “21st Century Schizoid Man.” This album also contains an electrifying contribution by Three Dog Night keyboardist Jimmy Greenspoon, sadly, one of the final recordings he made before his passing earlier this year. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Plays Prog Rock Classics will be made available on both CD and vinyl starting March 31 courtesy of Purple Pyramid Records. Fans of progressive rock and epic symphonic rock will not want to miss this!

1. ELP Suite: Tarkus / From The Beginning / Tarkus (Reprise)
2. Comfortably Numb feat. Ian Bairnson
3. Thick As A Brick feat. Richard Harvey
4. 21st Century Schizoid Man feat. Gavin Harrison and Guthrie Govan
5. Focus II feat. Thijs Van Leer
6. Nights In White Satin feat. Mark Feltham
7. Think Of Me With Kindness feat. Patrick Moraz
8. Roundabout feat. Jimmy Greenspoon
9. Watcher Of The Skies [CD ONLY]
10. Red Barchetta feat. Adrian Smith [CD ONLY]

Pre-order the CD: http://geni.us/RPOProgCD
Pre-order the LP: http://geni.us/RPOProgLP
Pre-order the digital album: http://geni.us/RPOProgdigital

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

Progressive Rock Review: Focus-Golden Oldies

Release Date:  14^th April 2014

Label:   In and Out of Focus Records

Website

Focus, the band, was originally formed in 1969 then split up in 1978 and reformed in the early 2000’s, recording and touring since then. The latest line-up has been together since 2011, although Focus aficionados will wax lyrical about which version of the band they feel was the best. Consequently with the “new” Focus, it would seem better to, wait for it, “focus” on the new material being issued. I was suitably impressed with X when I reviewed it in 2013. Here was a band that sounded as if they meant business, taking the Focus legacy and pushing the boundaries just a little bit. Now I am presented with the latest release from the band titled Golden Oldies, and I think the title tells us all we need to know about the contents.

The current band has four members and they are, Thijs Van Leer (Hammond organ, flute, vocoder, vocals), Pierre Van Der Linden (drums), Bobby Jacobs (bass) and Menno Gootjes (guitars). Thijs was the founder of the band in 1969 and Pierre was only a year later in joining the band, although he has left and rejoined a couple of times, Bobby became a member when the band reformed in 2002 and Menno is the “youngest” band member having joined in 2011.

Thijs Van Leer has explained the reasoning for this release with the quote, “Producing Golden Oldies was tricky with both diehard fans and 2014 Focus members having doubts about the enterprise. We didn’t know if the recent record would match the original material. We had so much fun doing the session, quick, romantic, virtuoso, full of funny moments and profoundness. The final mix turned out to be fantastic.”  With that in mind, how does this reviewer feel that a rerecorded oldies album goes down?  

Golden Oldies is a 9 track album with a running time of around 50 minutes. The longest track on the album is “Focus 3 and 2” which runs on for 7:35 minutes and “House of the King” is the shortest at 3:20 minutes. All tracks are re-workings of earlier material, with 7 taken from 1978 or earlier and the other 2 are recordings by the reformed band from 2002 onwards.

First up is “Hocus Pocus” (6:51) and to be honest, what else would you start a Golden Oldiesalbum with?  The start is excellent and immediately takes you back in time. Always a blast from start to finish, this is a magnificent piece of music and the bands’ reworking doesn’t shift far from the original, with the Thijs Van Leer vocal sounding a little strained at points, but he is a bit older. There are a little more shrieks at times, but the long drawn out ending doesn’t add anything to the original.

“Tommy” (4:16) is a lesser known Focus track, coming as it does from the long suite on Moving Waves (1971) entitled “Eruption” and it is a typically soaring guitar instrumental. This leads on to one of the earliest Focus tracks, “House of the King” (3:20) with its acoustic guitar intro and that very “Jethro Tull” sounding flute passages which simply motor along.

There are two of the self-titled tracks on show, “Focus 1” (6:58) and Focus 3 and 2 (7:35), the former includes a vocal, very gruff and gritty, and the latter is a terrific instrumental, both encompassing the same theme which appears in different guises across all Focus releases.

While the tracks thus far have not strayed much, if at all, from the originals, “Sylvia” (5:29) is very different. It is initially unrecognizable as “Sylvia” with a changed start and then after 1:30 minutes the original theme puts in an appearance. The track is also 2 minutes longer in length with the band getting a workout on this cover. There are some piano “fills” thrown in from time to time and at around 4:20 minutes, the track takes on another slice of life with a new passage which then seamlessly slips back into the original music again.

“Brother” (6:30) I have always found a bit of an odd song in that the instrumental passages are superb, but the vocals seem to pull the song down and the same happens here.

The final two tracks are from the bands newer reincarnation and “Aye Yippee Hippie Yee” (5:30) is an attempt to recreate the magnificent “Hocus Pocus,” and was not the only attempt to do so by the band, as “Neurotika” (3:40) also shows very clearly.

I was actually pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed much of Golden Oldies, considering the feeling of trepidation I had prior to hitting the play button. Most of my enjoyment was generated by the longevity of the Focus music, but I am still at a bit of a loss to understand why this album has been issued. For the most part, the music on offer varies little from the original recordings and while I could see some value in releasing a “live” greatest hits recording with the “new” band, I just don’t get this release at all.

The target audience for Golden Oldies may well be those attending current Focus concerts and then looking to purchase an album, although I don’t think that Golden Oldies will be an essential purchase for diehard Focus followers. Despite my enjoyment at hearing the oldies again, I think that this release is, if not a backward step, then at least it is a “running to get nowhere” release, especially after the promise shown by the X album released last year.

3.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Focus 1, Sylvia, Focus 3 and 2

Tracks: 
Hocus Pocus
Tommy
House Of The King
Focus 1
Sylvia
Focus 3 and 2
Aya-Yippee-Hippie-Yee
Neurotika
Brother

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

July 12, 2014

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Progressive Rock Review: Focus-Golden Oldies

Release Date:  14^th April 2014

Label:   In and Out of Focus Records

Website

Focus, the band, was originally formed in 1969 then split up in 1978 and reformed in the early 2000’s, recording and touring since then. The latest line-up has been together since 2011, although Focus aficionados will wax lyrical about which version of the band they feel was the best. Consequently with the “new” Focus, it would seem better to, wait for it, “focus” on the new material being issued. I was suitably impressed with X when I reviewed it in 2013. Here was a band that sounded as if they meant business, taking the Focus legacy and pushing the boundaries just a little bit. Now I am presented with the latest release from the band titled Golden Oldies, and I think the title tells us all we need to know about the contents.

The current band has four members and they are, Thijs Van Leer (Hammond organ, flute, vocoder, vocals), Pierre Van Der Linden (drums), Bobby Jacobs (bass) and Menno Gootjes (guitars). Thijs was the founder of the band in 1969 and Pierre was only a year later in joining the band, although he has left and rejoined a couple of times, Bobby became a member when the band reformed in 2002 and Menno is the “youngest” band member having joined in 2011.

Thijs Van Leer has explained the reasoning for this release with the quote, “Producing Golden Oldies was tricky with both diehard fans and 2014 Focus members having doubts about the enterprise. We didn’t know if the recent record would match the original material. We had so much fun doing the session, quick, romantic, virtuoso, full of funny moments and profoundness. The final mix turned out to be fantastic.”  With that in mind, how does this reviewer feel that a rerecorded oldies album goes down?  

Golden Oldies is a 9 track album with a running time of around 50 minutes. The longest track on the album is “Focus 3 and 2” which runs on for 7:35 minutes and “House of the King” is the shortest at 3:20 minutes. All tracks are re-workings of earlier material, with 7 taken from 1978 or earlier and the other 2 are recordings by the reformed band from 2002 onwards.

First up is “Hocus Pocus” (6:51) and to be honest, what else would you start a Golden Oldiesalbum with?  The start is excellent and immediately takes you back in time. Always a blast from start to finish, this is a magnificent piece of music and the bands’ reworking doesn’t shift far from the original, with the Thijs Van Leer vocal sounding a little strained at points, but he is a bit older. There are a little more shrieks at times, but the long drawn out ending doesn’t add anything to the original.

“Tommy” (4:16) is a lesser known Focus track, coming as it does from the long suite on Moving Waves (1971) entitled “Eruption” and it is a typically soaring guitar instrumental. This leads on to one of the earliest Focus tracks, “House of the King” (3:20) with its acoustic guitar intro and that very “Jethro Tull” sounding flute passages which simply motor along.

There are two of the self-titled tracks on show, “Focus 1” (6:58) and Focus 3 and 2 (7:35), the former includes a vocal, very gruff and gritty, and the latter is a terrific instrumental, both encompassing the same theme which appears in different guises across all Focus releases.

While the tracks thus far have not strayed much, if at all, from the originals, “Sylvia” (5:29) is very different. It is initially unrecognizable as “Sylvia” with a changed start and then after 1:30 minutes the original theme puts in an appearance. The track is also 2 minutes longer in length with the band getting a workout on this cover. There are some piano “fills” thrown in from time to time and at around 4:20 minutes, the track takes on another slice of life with a new passage which then seamlessly slips back into the original music again.

“Brother” (6:30) I have always found a bit of an odd song in that the instrumental passages are superb, but the vocals seem to pull the song down and the same happens here.

The final two tracks are from the bands newer reincarnation and “Aye Yippee Hippie Yee” (5:30) is an attempt to recreate the magnificent “Hocus Pocus,” and was not the only attempt to do so by the band, as “Neurotika” (3:40) also shows very clearly.

I was actually pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed much of Golden Oldies, considering the feeling of trepidation I had prior to hitting the play button. Most of my enjoyment was generated by the longevity of the Focus music, but I am still at a bit of a loss to understand why this album has been issued. For the most part, the music on offer varies little from the original recordings and while I could see some value in releasing a “live” greatest hits recording with the “new” band, I just don’t get this release at all.

The target audience for Golden Oldies may well be those attending current Focus concerts and then looking to purchase an album, although I don’t think that Golden Oldies will be an essential purchase for diehard Focus followers. Despite my enjoyment at hearing the oldies again, I think that this release is, if not a backward step, then at least it is a “running to get nowhere” release, especially after the promise shown by the X album released last year.

3.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Focus 1, Sylvia, Focus 3 and 2

Tracks: 
Hocus Pocus
Tommy
House Of The King
Focus 1
Sylvia
Focus 3 and 2
Aya-Yippee-Hippie-Yee
Neurotika
Brother

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

July 12, 2014

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Dutch Rock Legends FOCUS Release New Album 'Golden Oldies' On April 14, 2014

London, UK – Dutch rock legends Focus will be releasing their eagerly awaited new album on April 14, 2014. Titled 'Golden Oldies', the new release features re-recordings of classic Focus tracks, including “Hocus Pocus”, “Sylvia”, “House Of The King” and others. Focus has recently embarked on a world tour in support of their forthcoming album.

Thijs Van Leer explains, “Producing 'Golden Oldies' is tricky. Both the die hard 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!! Halleluya!!!”

With their unique brand of progressive rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the '70s as the most successful and appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports. Fronted by founding member Thijs Van Leer, and best known for their hits “Hocus Pocus”, “House of The King” and “Sylvia”, the iconic Dutch music masters are back with their new album, which is guaranteed to please their legions of fans!

After a comeback in the early 2000's, the band has gone from strength to strength, with their last studio album 'Focus X' still receiving considerable support from music fans across multiple genres. Along with Thijs van Leer on vocals, flute and keyboards, back on the drums is beloved Focus drummer Pierre van der Linden, who joined the group on their second album 'Moving Waves' in 1972.

Internationally renowned for his rhythmic skills, Pierre remains a defining factor in the Focus sound. Bassist Bobby Jacobs, who comes from a well-acclaimed Dutch musical family and guitarist Menno Gootjes, who participated in Focus at an earlier stage, complete the band's current line-up.

Most recently, the group's 1972 worldwide hit “Hocus Pocus” was featured in the major motion picture 'Robocop' starring Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Oldman and Michael Keaton.

To purchase Focus 'Golden Oldies': http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=4574
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/golden-oldies/id859420874

For more information: http://www.focustheband.com

Focus is managed by QEDG Management www.qedg.co.uk
Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Dutch Rock Legends FOCUS Release New Album 'Golden Oldies' On April 14, 2014

London, UK – Dutch rock legends Focus will be releasing their eagerly awaited new album on April 14, 2014. Titled 'Golden Oldies', the new release features re-recordings of classic Focus tracks, including “Hocus Pocus”, “Sylvia”, “House Of The King” and others. Focus has recently embarked on a world tour in support of their forthcoming album.

Thijs Van Leer explains, “Producing 'Golden Oldies' is tricky. Both the die hard 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!! Halleluya!!!”

With their unique brand of progressive rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the '70s as the most successful and appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports. Fronted by founding member Thijs Van Leer, and best known for their hits “Hocus Pocus”, “House of The King” and “Sylvia”, the iconic Dutch music masters are back with their new album, which is guaranteed to please their legions of fans!

After a comeback in the early 2000's, the band has gone from strength to strength, with their last studio album 'Focus X' still receiving considerable support from music fans across multiple genres. Along with Thijs van Leer on vocals, flute and keyboards, back on the drums is beloved Focus drummer Pierre van der Linden, who joined the group on their second album 'Moving Waves' in 1972.

Internationally renowned for his rhythmic skills, Pierre remains a defining factor in the Focus sound. Bassist Bobby Jacobs, who comes from a well-acclaimed Dutch musical family and guitarist Menno Gootjes, who participated in Focus at an earlier stage, complete the band's current line-up.

Most recently, the group's 1972 worldwide hit “Hocus Pocus” was featured in the major motion picture 'Robocop' starring Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Oldman and Michael Keaton.

To purchase Focus 'Golden Oldies': http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=4574
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/golden-oldies/id859420874

For more information: http://www.focustheband.com

Focus is managed by QEDG Management www.qedg.co.uk
Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Dutch Rock Legends FOCUS’ Hit Song “Hocus Pocus” Featured In New 'RoboCop' Film!

London, UK - Focus fans rejoice! The group's 1972 worldwide hit “Hocus Pocus” is now being featured in the major motion picture 'RoboCop' starring Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Oldman and Michael Keaton. The song, which features the distinctive and virtuosic yodeling by keyboardist Thijs Van Leer, was originally released on the band's critically acclaimed second album 'Moving Waves'.

Check out the 'RoboCop' promo clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8vuu0ZbvX8

Says Thijs, “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!!!”

With their unique brand of progressive rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the '70s as the most successful and appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports. Fronted by founding member Thijs Van Leer, and best known for their hits “Hocus Pocus”, “House of The King” and “Sylvia”, as well as critically acclaimed albums 'Moving Waves', 'Focus 3' and 'Hamburger Concerto', the iconic Dutch music masters are back with their tenth album, which is guaranteed to please their legions of fans! After a comeback in the early 2000's, which resulted in the well-received albums 'Focus 8' and 'Focus 9', the band regrouped with a fantastic new line-up. Along with Thijs van Leer on vocals, flute and keyboards, back on the drums is beloved Focus drummer Pierre van der Linden, who joined the group on their second album 'Moving Waves' in 1972. Internationally renowned for his rhythmic skills, Pierre remains a defining factor in the Focus sound. Bassist Bobby Jacobs, who comes from a well-acclaimed Dutch musical family, and guitarist Menno Gootjes, who participated in Focus at an earlier stage, complete the band's current line-up.

Focus has been performing select shows in support of their forthcoming 11th album 'Golden Oldies', which features re-recordings of classic Focus tracks. Thijs explains, “Producing 'Golden Oldies' is tricky. Both the die hard 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!!”

CD pre-order link: http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=4574

For more information: http://www.focustheband.com

Focus is managed by QEDG Management info@qedg.co.uk

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Dutch Rock Legends FOCUS’ Hit Song “Hocus Pocus” Featured In New 'RoboCop' Film!

London, UK - Focus fans rejoice! The group's 1972 worldwide hit “Hocus Pocus” is now being featured in the major motion picture 'RoboCop' starring Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Oldman and Michael Keaton. The song, which features the distinctive and virtuosic yodeling by keyboardist Thijs Van Leer, was originally released on the band's critically acclaimed second album 'Moving Waves'.

Check out the 'RoboCop' promo clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8vuu0ZbvX8

Says Thijs, “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!!!”

With their unique brand of progressive rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the '70s as the most successful and appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports. Fronted by founding member Thijs Van Leer, and best known for their hits “Hocus Pocus”, “House of The King” and “Sylvia”, as well as critically acclaimed albums 'Moving Waves', 'Focus 3' and 'Hamburger Concerto', the iconic Dutch music masters are back with their tenth album, which is guaranteed to please their legions of fans! After a comeback in the early 2000's, which resulted in the well-received albums 'Focus 8' and 'Focus 9', the band regrouped with a fantastic new line-up. Along with Thijs van Leer on vocals, flute and keyboards, back on the drums is beloved Focus drummer Pierre van der Linden, who joined the group on their second album 'Moving Waves' in 1972. Internationally renowned for his rhythmic skills, Pierre remains a defining factor in the Focus sound. Bassist Bobby Jacobs, who comes from a well-acclaimed Dutch musical family, and guitarist Menno Gootjes, who participated in Focus at an earlier stage, complete the band's current line-up.

Focus has been performing select shows in support of their forthcoming 11th album 'Golden Oldies', which features re-recordings of classic Focus tracks. Thijs explains, “Producing 'Golden Oldies' is tricky. Both the die hard 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!!”

CD pre-order link: http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=4574

For more information: http://www.focustheband.com

Focus is managed by QEDG Management info@qedg.co.uk

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com