With a new album, ‘Focus 12’, released in June 2024 containing a delightfully-named opening track – ‘Fjord Focus’ and their single, puzzlingly called ‘Focus 13’ continuing the epic fifty-year journery, Thijs van Leer & co. continue touring extensively in the US, the UK and Europe.
Thijs continues to write the material and lead the band from his Hammond organ (with battered Leslie speaker of course), turning out melodic prog that really works live, making for an immersive evening. Even the yodelling of first single, ‘Focus 1’, is muted. Pierre van der Linden’s understated jazz drums are a uniquely special part of the whole sound too.
Here’s a review from last year, when we saw the band: https://www.vanguard-online.co.uk/focus-live-in-leeds-2023-a-pervasive-sense-of-gentleness-and-quiet-appreciativeness-amidst-the-rocking/
USA Tour Dates:
July 28 VBC Mark Smith Concert Hall, Huntsville
July 30 The Armada Theatre, St Charles
July 31 The Pabst Theater, Milwaukee
UK & the rest of Europe:
Aug 8 Cropredy, Fairport’s Cropredy Convention
Aug 11 Tavistock, The Wharf
Aug 13 Winchester, The Arc
Aug 14 Guildford, The Boileroom
Aug 17 Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
Aug 23 Nossen, Rock im Park Leuben
Sep 13 Leeuwarden, Neushoorn
Nov 1 Worthing, The Factory Live
Nov 5 Blackpool, Waterloo Music Bar
Nov 6 Kinross, Backstage at The Green Hotel
Nov 7 Glasgow, Òran Mór
Nov 10 London, Bush Hall