The opening riff of Focus’s 1971 hit “Hocus Pocus” is unforgettable. Singer and keyboardist Thijs van Leer’s yodeling and flutist skills combined to create a sound that was ranked as the number one “weirdest song of all time” by American Songwriter in 2024.
Among other unconventional tunes that made the list were “Bike” by Pink Floyd, Napoleon XIV’s “They’re Coming To Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!” and “Muffin Man” by Frank Zappa. Each song brought its own brand of eccentricity to the music scene.
In a candid interview with VRP Rocks in 2021, van Leer reminisced about the creation of “Hocus Pocus.” Bandmate Jan Akkerman’s iconic guitar riff sparked the song’s inception, with drummer Pierre van der Linden’s solo adding depth. That’s when van Leer, inspired, began to yodel for the first time in his life.
Fast forward to the present, and van Leer, now 71, reflects on the physical toll the song has taken on him. The high notes, once hit effortlessly, are now out of reach, but with the help of his fellow musicians and the audience, the magic of “Hocus Pocus” continues to come alive on stage.
The unconventional track became a hit in the United States in the early ’70s, paving the way for Focus to appear on American talk shows. Van Leer fondly recalls the experience as a high point in the band’s early career, drawing attention to their unique sound and style.
Today, as van Leer grapples with the limitations of age, “Hocus Pocus” remains a staple in Focus’s shows. While the song may have evolved over the years, its enduring charm and lasting impact on audiences continue to captivate music lovers worldwide.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.