In the 1973 Melody Maker Poll, Jan Akkerman took the most coveted award, being voted the world's Top Guitarist, and Focus - whether collectively or individually appeared in every section of the Poll - no mean achievement for the 1972 Poll's Brightest Hope for the year! Focus in Britain 1974 began with an amazing new single "Harem Searem", a new album "Hamburger Concerto" and an even more impressive concert tour. This was also the year that Focus began its American breakthrough, though sadly in 1975 Colin Allen left the band and proved hard to replace. The problem forced Focus to cancel a planned British tour in autumn 1975. The story ends happily - Pierre Van Der Linden, the band's longest serving drummer is back in position ready for an extensive Spring 1976 tour.

...The End (?)

The tour program was for the British Tour 1976. The same tour we have live shows of with Philip Catherine. BBC London, Southport! It was the tour they were going to make with Jan Akkerman but he quit just several weeks before the tour. The Tour Programs were already printed, that's why Jan is in them!! A lot of people did not know Jan had quit until they went to the show. I understand that many people were dissapointed! 

Chuck Cobb

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The Focus tour guide was produced for the UK 1976 Focus tour. Jan Akkerman was included in the tour program (as he was supposed to take part) although Philip Catherine had taken his place at the last minute. Many fans were given their money back because Jan was no longer part of the band. I was at the London concert. 
Regards

Tim Baugh

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