“Some shocking news!” declared Focus band founder and guiding light Thijs Van Leer, then laughing “Focus will be touring the U.K. in November!!”
The legendary Dutch progressive rock band return to the UK this coming November, with The Hocus Pocus Tour 2023-24. Fresh from the studio, where they are recording their eagerly-awaited new album, they will traverse Britain to give their loyal fans what they always want – a good time and timeless music.
Featuring mainstays Thijs Van Leer (Keyboards, flute, vocals), Pierre Van Der Linden (drums, percussion), Menno Gootjes (guitar) and Udo Pannekeet (bass), Focus have scheduled 14 dates at some of their favourite venues, and a few new ones, too.
But a few years ago, a new era began for legendary Dutch band Focus, and, with it, a rejuvenated passion amongst the band. In 2019 they released their first studio album for six years, Focus 11, that 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 band’s formation. Unfortunately, celebrations had to be put on hold due to global events. 2021 brought the 50th anniversary of the classsic Moving Waves album, as well as the deluxe boxset Focus50 featuring Blu-ray and CD of a Live In Rio concert as well as a studio record of all the Focus numbers.
2022 meant a return to touring and the band were delighted to be performing again, and they have been doing almost unstoppable since.
Britain holds a special place in the hearts of Focus, having toured here regularly through their 50-plus years and so the band are looking forward to their visit later in the year, a Van Le commented, this time with deep sincerity: “e always feel welcome, here, we always feel at home!!! Thanx!”
Fans can expect to hear timeless classics such ‘Hocus Pocus’ that has been featured in a global advert campaign for Nike, on Top Gear and in feature films such as Baby Driver, while the likes of ‘Sylvia’ and ‘House Of The King’ will also be performed.
THE HOCUS POCUS TOUR 2023 UK DATES
Thursday 9 November: Derby, Flowerpot
Friday 10 November: Fletching, Trading Boundaries
Saturday 11 November: Great Yarmouth, HRH Festival
Sunday 12 November: London, Bush Hall
Tuesday 14 November: Chiselhurst, Beaverwood
Thursday 16 November: Bristol, The Fleece
Friday 17 November: Howden, Howden Shire Hall
Saturday 18 November: Tunbridge Wells, The Forum
Sunday 19 November: Sale, Waterside Arts
Tuesday 21 November: Blackpool, Waterloo Music Bar
Wednesday 22 November: Kinross, Kinross Green Hotel
Thursday 23 November: Galashiels, Galashiels Mac Arts
Friday 24 November: Troon, Winterstorm Troon Concert Hall
Sunday 26 November: Southampton, 1865 Club
Tickets available here.
