I thought I'd never live to see the day where a live recording of Shocking Blue playing Venus would see the light of day. Fabulous!

I remember hearing this the first time... I was walking to high school, crossing over an overpass, listening on my (new) pocket transistor, on a very blustery winter morning. This song came on, it stopped me in my tracks. I stood transfixed through the full song. The rest of the day was completely gone after that. What a song!!!!

With Fil’s talent and his hair he’d have fit right in with a rock oriented 60s band.

Nirvana’s first single was a cover of Shocking Blue’s ‘Love Buzz’. Krist Novoselic rated SB’s bassist Klaasje van der Wal a bass god.

I remember this group. Shocking Blue was a Dutch rock band formed in 1967. Their 2 biggest hits were "Venus" & "Send Me A Postcard". They had some other songs such as "Long & Lonesome Road", "Mighty Joe", "Never Marry A Railroad Man" etc. The lead singer had a very powerful voice. Another famous Dutch group from that era was Golden Earring.

Henry Mancinis Peter Gunn theme twist. It was the rage to play back in the 60s folks.

This is a terrific pop single. It catches you attention right off the bat and keeps you interested thoughout. Very good live performance.

This song is an iconic, yet quirky, heavy representation of the 60's.

This is one of those songs you recognize less than one second in. The moment he starts strumming that B7sus4 it is unmistakable.

When this first came out I thought this was the heaviest coolest song ever

Love the rawness of this cut.

The original recording absolutely wasn't done on 2-track, but in the Soundpush Studio in the Netherlands, an at the time very professional studio, where I have done some recording and mixing as well. And Cees Schrama, a famous Dutch keyboardplayer, didn't play organ, but in the studio he found a Hohner Pianet that he used. Robbie van Leeuwen uses chickenpicking in the solo, so both with a plectum and fingers. No muted notes.

I like the older version better than the Bananarama version and I loved learning gthe chords, thanks!

One of my favorite all time songs. ...and she was just so mysteriously beautiful. Probably watched the OG video over 50 times!! Thanks for covering this one Phil!! ❤️🇺🇸

This is a fantastic version of this song. It’s got a sort of rough-edged punk-rock swagger to it.

Venus was a monsterhit. Later she had a few minor hits. When Robbie van Leeuwen left the band, she quit too and went to Germany singin in German. Her father was Hungarian violist. She had a 'gypsy heart'. 💖💜

What a surprise to hear this live. Loved it! It was driving, heavy and had a totally different feel from the studio version. Both are great…

This was a massive hit worldwide back then and years later it still makes you feel happy. As a very young boy, the opening chords coming over the radio would make me perk up. Later, when I picked up the guitar this along with House of the Rising Sunn (of course!) were the first two songs I learned to play. It's not a complex song by any means and quite easy to play, but it's very catchy and has instant recognition. Mariska had a sultry look about her and her voice was on the same lines. This is truly among the evergreens. Happy to have grown up in those times.

Robbie van Leeuwen is a highly underrated pop genius. He wrote almost all of their songs. They never had another hit as big as this one, but there are several other gems in their catalog.

A lovely voice, and sang with real verve. She's also lovely. The guitars had great rhythm.

I received my BACHELOR of SCIENCE degree from the UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS in the twin towns of URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, IL. My sister also lived in Champaign, while she was the NEWS broadcaster of a radio station in Paxton, IL, nearby. There was a 175 yo. three (3) story mansion on the corner of Church St. & University Ave. It was divided up into apartments in the 1980's, and my sister lived in the attic apartment. In the 1970's, the rock band REO Speedwagon lived there. At that time, the spacious living, dining and parlor rooms on the first floor, provided plenty of rehearsal space. It was fun to be in that space, imagining the band working on classics like: ROLL WITH THE CHANGES, GOLDEN COUNTRY & TIME FOR ME TO FLY. Peace! 😎

Cool to see you you reviewing a song from my high school years. Edit to add that I heard Mariska spoke little or no English when they recorded the original version. If that's true, she did an amazing job of sounding like a native English speaker.

So glad you are doing Shocking Blue reaction, they are all good musicians and Mariska,wow, what a voice, and very beautiful ❤️ more Shocking Blue please 😎 thanks 👍

The most extraordinary thing about this, Fil, as you picked up, is … no foldback. You’re 100% right to pick up on this, never mind the other important points. This is a huge subject: it’s not to do with the vocal ability or the expertise: it’s about being able to HEAR. I was chatting to the most decent rock musician of all time, Tich Amey, of Dave Dee, Dozy, etc., yesterday, and he was describing how he and the boys always used a four or five-part vocal harmony. The those extraordinary harmonies in their… heads. There’s a whole series here, Fil, with bands like these guys and the Tremeloes who could play a full set of the most exquisite harmonies - and they were unbelievable musicians too: Albert Lee always says that Rick Westwood of the Trems was his idol - and get it right, somehow. My old mate Chris Wynn, who did PA for countless bands and groups, including Diana Ross and the Motown bands, had always said that those bands who could hear the harmonies “in their heads” were the best, and he’s always spoken highly of Dave Dee, The Tremeloes, Marmalade, The Hollies, 10cc and Decameron, whom he calls the most talented and underrated band the UK has ever produced. Bass, cellist, guitarist and top tenor harmony Dik Cadbury went on to play with the unsurpassed Steve Hackett, again, using extraordinary harmonies and pinpoint foldback. Your channel is the best thing on KZfaq, Fil: there are so many people, even worn-out old lags like me, who really enjoy your excellent and non-judgmental analyses of so many different types of music. It’s a breath of real fresh air, and your personal contributions are very helpful. If you have time or the opportunity, please listen to “Wings” by Isobel Thatcher on KZfaq, or “Walking Down the Tracks.” Izzie has always refused to have pitch correction or autotune when recording, sometimes defiantly, and her vocals are all first take or, in extremis, second, even when working with Mike Wedgwood of Curved Air. She hasn’t two h’appenies to rub together but she has her pride of 700 live gigs and the now-defunct VocalTech, a huge mistake. “At the Hotel” live does demonstrate the essential nature of good slave amps: I can’t believe you’re the only one who’s picked up on it. So many of my friends now picking up on your page now, because you understand. It means a lot to the kids: you should be very proud. Anyway, very important and helpful, as always. Sorry I’ve been a bit quiet: unexpected spinal surgery but all ok. Very best Tom T

I love watching Fil watch the video. It's obvious he loves it. His expressions say it all! And his analysis is always sooooooo interesting. He really knows his stuff!

I remember listening to that on my tiny transistor radio as a little kid. Loved it!

‘Sir Fil’, I loved this song. I think my older sisters used to listen to it and I learned the lyrics. What a voice Mariska had and the band-all in sync! It was ‘ a hooky riff’! Thanks for another great great analysis and your/everyone’s positivity. It’s helping me so much right now. God bless, Marianne aka Celtic Gal ❤ 7:40

The hard-rocking, bass-heavy sound in this performance is reminiscent of the Peter Gunn theme song. I *LIKE* it!

Fil, It was before your time, but I recall that BANANARAMA had a big hit with this in the '80s. None of us teeny-boppers at the time had ANY idea that it was a "cover." Even @ 54 y.o. I still learn something new EVERY DAY. Thanks, my man! Benjamin

Great song, review and analysis. Mariska was a beauty.

Always loved this song. So nice hearing it again. I've never seen its performers! Another song I love: Roll to Me, by Del Amitri. In an unpleasant long-term relationship, I have never heard such understanding and compassion for a woman in distress as I've heard in this song. Thank you for your channel. God bless you.❤

1970 was a great year.😁 🤘🎸 👍👍

Wow! This is a blast from the past.

Here in the USA the Shocking Blue were consider as a one hit wounder with Venus in their hay day in the 1960's and 70's thanks to KZfaq I have discovered more of their catalogs of songs. in my opinion Mariska Veres vocals are one of Rocks female vocalist that are over look at times.

The guitar riff in this song was heavily inspired by a version of Tim Rose's "The Banjo Song" by The Big Three (The American group with this name featuring Mama Cass, not the British band with the same name).

One of the grooviest pop songs ever! The ahead of beat rhythm guitar upstrokes on the studio version are killer.

The songwriter, Robbie van Leeuwen, a very nice guy by the way, could live just of the royalty's of this 1 song! he did make some interesting songs in the 70,s along with Dutch keyboard superstar Rick van der Linden

I’ve never heard this live before.I like this better than the studio version!

Marvelous song and singer. Thanks for bringing this live version.

A blast from my past! Thank you Fil. Love your analysis and your demonstration on your guitar. Am grateful for your analysis of a song from this era.

I grew up late 70s-80s but my main music was 50s-60s stuff that was already considered "oldies" by the time I learned it from the radio. I've heard this song many times but had never seen the group/singer. I wish I could've been cool like this girl. And how refreshing to hear real music for a change!

Great song. Well before Fil’s time. Thanks as always for the analysis.

Danelectro Longhorn Bass-the first bass that I ever bought. It was advertised in the newspaper as a “Norelco” and costs $80. It was strung with round wound strings which was rare in 1966.

Simple but definitely inviting with a killer voice (not quite Grace Slick's style) but she holds her own. A fave of mine in highschool.

Oh man. My age is showing here. When I saw the title Venus, I was all happy that it was going to be Frankie Avalon's romantic version in the 50's. But I remember this well too. But oh the romantic ballad is so sweet! 😊

I only remember the cover of this song from when I was a teen. It was a massive hit in 1986. This version is way groovier. Her voice gives me Grace Slick vibes too. Thanks for shining a light on this classic. Congrats on 301k🖤🤘!

i love the enthusiasm and insight of this series...thanks!

Thanks for this! One of my favorite bands. As an American, I sometimes feel I'm the only one in this country who even knows who Shocking Blue is, outside of Venus, so it's nice to see them getting some recognition in current times. They have many great songs beyond Venus, too.

They are known as a one hit wonder, because Venus was their only US and English hit, but they were pretty big on the continent. If i remember it correctly, they had 5 danish top ten hits, in a few years, and Mariska Veres had a great voice, always reminded me of Grace Slick, As a young teen, i had 2 vinyl albums with them. By the way, Robbie Van Leeuwen, their songwriter, later admitted that he "borrowed" the intro from Peter Townsends guitar on Pinball Wizard🙂

I love that you recognized that not only was she overcome by the loud band, but her voice was probably shot from doing a lot these appearances. I always have to defend singers because they couldn’t hear themselves or are just road weary. Cool Danelectro guitar too!

I love the music from that era.❤

I was a middle school kid of around 13 or 14 yrs. old when this song came out. In fact, I had a little "Garage Band" with a couple friends and did this song at a school dance. Those were the good ole days of my youth, and the music was the best as well. Thanks Fil

They use this tune for Venus shaving products.

I graduated from high school in 1967 and this was a big hit, definitely brings back wonderful memories

Phenomenal performance

The singer’s voice reminds me of Grace Slick.

Hi Fil! For me one of the best songs from the late 1960s. There are songs you can hear almost any number of times, and is still as good. "Shocking Blue - Venus" is one of those songs. Thanks Fil for an interesting analysis of this masterpiece. 🎸🎤 🙂

Many thanks Fil and you did it again! 'Venus' ... unique vocals ... effortless vivacity ... eternal magic ... one of the great iconic songs of the late 1960s!

mariSHka vereSH , she's Hungarian , knew about twenty five English words ; that vibrato in her voice is that she sings Magyar songs in English with a three piece behind , no fiddle ; love your videos , love more your erudition , cheers !

Nice choice here, Fil. I’d never seen the actual live version (faux live only). It’s also understated sexy 😍 EDIT: You play that SO well 👏🏻

I did not like this song whan it came out. I LOVED it. What a great analysis, as usual, Fil. Merci.

Robbie was also a sitar player as I am! That's where the down bends come from. He got his inspiration from a old folksong (Oh Susana) that was redone by Tim Rose for The Big 3 called 'The banjo song'. The solo reflects his C&W influence.

I remember this song from the 80's but also great to hear the live original version. Great analysis Fil!

I was 14 when this song came out, there were several great female singers around this time. My favourites were Carole King, Patti Smith and Joni Mitchell, I could probably have a list miles long. Thanks Fil, now I am reminiscing about a fantastic time 8n my life with all the songs I so enjoyed. Spotify here I come. Your ch{ice 9f song was great Fil, thanks again. Be well and safe 🤟

Thank you for featuring this underappreciated act ( at least in the U.S.) Mariska's voice reminded me of Grace Slick's. The flip side of the 45 called Hot Sand was great too

Loved this song back in ‘69-‘70 when it first came out. Still love it.

The groove created by the guitars, bass and organ is utterly compelling - genius. This track never gets old. Thanks Fil.

The guitar solo in this song is amazing! Clear and bluesy. Thank you for explaining. Thought about it only a couple of days ago.

I was 12 years old and lived in Southern California and had this song on a 45 and loved it.

I love this song i grow up in the 60,s and 70,s

I listened to this song so many times and didn't realize the lead singer was a lady! What a great voice! There isn't anything better than live music. Thanks, Fil.

Loved every aspect of the analysis you did on this. I really liked this song when it came out back in the day. Thank you again Fil.

The missing instrument is not an organ but an electric piano, or according to the Dutch Wikipedia, a special sounding Clavinet that was found in the studio.

Always loved this song as a young kid in the 60s. It was AM radio transistor days and listening to it under the covers at night. Great days of the Beatles, Motown etc getting my mind started. Great song and they Kicked butt on this tune.

"Send Me A Postcard" was a lesser-known, but a great fuzzed-up 60s rocker by The Shocking Blue. Thanks, FIL!

She had a great voice. Seeing that voice come out of that tiny woman was a treat. This is a legendary song.

Oh, that was my favorite song at the time!

Thanks, Fil. That was a fun watch since I've never seen a video of this song, and your commentary and guitar work are always interesting. The beat has a driving, memorable groove. The minor made it stand out from other pop songs of its day. See you at the next one!

Yeah, baby, she’s got it! Fantastic to hear this song, again. The guitar and vocals are both so good! She’s got a strong voice. You’re so right, Fil, it’s so CATCHY!! I enjoyed you playing, too, to demonstrate the guitar sounds we’re hearing. You’re very kind and positive in all your videos, which is always appreciated.

Great video,i remember this song and still have my 45 from way back, thanks FIL

Wow, nice trip down memory lane. I always loved it.Thanks Fil

Such a technical video this time. It was great to watch. You have such a good ear for minute details. Fabulous. Well done.

My daughter, cousin and I were sitting around one Thanksgiving after dinner trying to figure out how to play this one. You've showed us some things that may help us revive our attempts to play this awesome song!

Oh I love this song. Thank you for the great analysis.

Fantastic song and band. Thanks for the analysis, Fil 🖤🤘🏽

My 1st time hearing this without organ and really enjoyed the bass standing out 👍

Love this song! Reminds me of roller skating at the rink in 1970. I always thought it was a guy singing it. We had lots of bubble gum music back then where the male singers had high voices. You can make out the Dutch accent.

And Mariska Veres' stoic beauty really sealed the delivery. Oh the years of white lipstick!

If somebody asked me what is a perfect pop song I would say with no hesitation Shocking Blue's Venus. Used to really love playing it in bands when I was young playing the bass line, the other guys did the guitar and drums really well.

So surprised to see this analysis. I love this song and had forgotten about asking you to look at it. I’m sure others have too. Thanks for sharing this with us!!

Great singer and great song...I listened to the more modern version now on YTube....wonderful analysis as always..😊😊😊

Even though I was only 8 years old at the time, and had no idea what she looked like, or even what her name was, I had a huge crush on Mariska.

There's something compelling and wonderful about this hooky song I've remembered since I was q little kid bit its one of those cool songs that seems even better after time Great Song to analyze One of those great songs that stays fresh

I always loved the strident rhythm guitar, and the double stops, distinctive sound!

This is a great dance tune. A band called QUEEN CITY PUNX played it at my HS Spring Dance. They were a psuedo-glitter act from Springfield Mo early/mid 1970s.

Thank you, Fil for your analysis of this song that was played a lot, big hit. It was great seeing you do the guitar 🎸 analysis. Congrats on 301k subscribers, well deserved, every one! 🎉 Janet from Louisiana ☮🖤🤘

I really dig this channel because its always a great rockin time🎸

I love the "Venus" ❤ Yes, of course, and Mariskas unique voice

This band is from the Netherlands and IIRC the singer did not speak English and had to sing phonetically. In any case I love it. Another great Dutch band from that era is Golden Earring and the song "Radar Love."

Great music and great analysis. Thanks.