At the forefront of the Progressive Rock music movement since 1969, delivering engaging, innovative and skilfully crafted music, and following the release in July last year via Spirit Of Unicorn Music of 'Focus 12', legends Focus played a matinee show at London's Bush Hall on Sunday as part of their UK tour, including an acoustic set from special guest Rachel Croft.

Ironically, Rachel's thunderous Alt-Rock band stopped off recently halfway through their six-date Autumn UK tour, just up the road from me at Chislehurst's The Beaverwood, although unfortunately I had the lurgy and very disappointingly could not attend. To rub it in, our intrepid photographer John Bull reported back that they were very good, but deserved a much better turn out.

So it was good to see Rachel perform this afternoon, albeit on her own, in a packed venue, wielding her exceptional vocals, cinematic song writing and electrifying stage presence, to an unsuspecting audience. Indeed, her inspired, short half hour set had a bit of everything, including a whistling solo, a delightful crystal clear cover of Chris Isaak's 'Wicked Game', as well as a crowd singalong.

The latter of which, 'Reap What You Sow', was amusingly introduced by this very likeable, Nottingham-born, York-made lass, as about "people I don't like", which thankfully had the desired effect on the chorus from this very amenable audience, on this song that was featured on Netflix no less. Reminding everyone in the room that the name was Croft, as in Tomb Raider, Laura, sorry Rachel, then swapped her electric guitar for acoustic, on a delightful unrecorded anthem of a tune entitled 'Bitter Sweet', with its definite Snow Patrol vibe.

As well as finally giving her merch stand a deserved plug, tongue in cheek Rachel introduced her set closer, 'Storm Song' as an "Enya imitation", comprising a stunning a capella intro, that, previously talking of Netflix, would have not been out of place on the show 'Vikings', before she rocked out on her guitar with another amazing vocal. Cue rapturous applause all round, as well as a number of new fans, who will no doubt be back to see another solo show from her at London's The Water Rats on Wednesday 10th December.

Walking from Shepherd's Bush Underground to Bush Hall, it was pleasing once again to see the easily recognisable Prog demographic making their annual pilgrimage towards the Church of Focus alter. Although following legendary organist/flautist Thijs Van Leer's well documented health problems this year, this afternoon seemed extra special, reinforcing the fact that we cannot take these occasions for granted. Today was also the first Focus gig since the recent death of my dear Father, a massive Focus fan, as well of compatriots Earth and Fire (who the late great Bert Ruiter originally played bass) and Kayak (who's epic, 'Mountain Too Rough', was played at Dad's funeral). Suffice to say, today was going to be emotional.

After hearing 'Sylvia' on Top Of The Pops way back in December 1972, to buying 'At The Rainbow' in October 1973, to actually seeing them live at London's Finsbury Park's Rainbow Theatre in May 1974, following Focus has been a Prog rollercoaster. Add to that, witnessing their New Victoria Theatre gig in March 1976, after the sudden departure of guitarist Jan Akkerman and drummer Pierre van der Linden (the very same night replacement drummer Dave Kemper's kit malfunctioned), as well as seeing their first UK gig in 26 years when they reformed at the Whitchurch Music Festival in August 2002, and last, but not least, having the honour of presenting them with their 2022 WRC Best Prog Performance award, backstage at this very same venue - I've indeed been around for the long haul and have enjoyed every minute of it!

With their congregation gathered, as well as Udo Pannekeet's head bowed over his bass guitar, Menno Gootjes rolling up his sleeves for action on lead guitar and the aforementioned van der Linden once again ready to bely his 79 years of age, Van Leer's flute intro led us into the familiar territory of 'Focus 1/Anonymous', followed by 'House Of The King', with Thijs insisting that everyone clapped along, of which this ecstatic audience duly obliged.

Van Leer then introduced 'Eruption' as both being"serious" and of varying "moods". Indeed, this epic in both content and time, contains in my opinion one of the greatest guitar solos of all time which Gootjes executed with aplomb, as well as his extended solo complemented by the exquisite bass line from the outstanding Pannekeet. Not to be outdone, Van Leer then got up of his pew, interacting in a singalong with the delighted crowd, before van der Linden ended this classic with a to die for drum solo.

Another awesome Menno guitar solo featured on 'Focus 7', before the aforementioned and note perfect 'Sylvia', despite keyboard wizard Thijs' amusing false start! Gootjes killer riff on the brilliantly entitled 'All Hens on Deck' from 2012's 'Focus X was equally matched by Van Leer's flute, before two tracks from 1974's criminally underrated 'Hamburger Concerto'. Firstly, the heavenly 'La Cathédrale de Strasbourg', with Menno's own amazing take of Akkerman's outstanding original album solo, and secondly, an extended 'Harem Scarem', that saw Thijs leave the stage, but who continued to supportively watch both Menno's Flamenco influenced guitar solo as well as an excellent bass solo from Udo backed up by the mercurial Pierre.

Talking of which, the 77 years young Van Leer's next celestial sounding flute intro, this time saw Gootjes waiting at the side of the stage, drinking beer out of a bottle (in fact I had seen Pannekeet heading back towards the Defectors Weld earlier), before, with all hands now on deck, the band launched into 'Hocus Pocus'. As always, Thijs amusingly included their fifth soundman Geraldo in the famous introduction, as well as Derek and Jeff on merch, before one final smouldering drum solo from Pierre.

After nearly two hours, Van Leer eventually took his jacket off for 'Focus III/Answers? Questions! Questions? Answers!', and enough time for one last flourishing guitar solo from Gootjes, as well as a Thijs' flute solo. To be honest, and to roughly quote Led Zeppelin, "the songs remain the same", as did the banter, but who cared given the quality not the quantity? Although Van Leer's accustomed dedication in thanking the fans for making the band feel at home, seemed more touching this year for obvious reasons. Indeed, we look forward to welcoming you guys back home next year at 3pm on Sunday 22nd November! Tot Ziens!

Review, Photos and Video: AJ