If you’ve ever heard “A Whiter Shade of Pale” by Procol Harum, you know how powerful the song is. But imagine hearing it with a full orchestra— It would be like hearing the song in a whole new way. Well, that happened in 2006 at ‘Ledreborg’ Castle in Denmark. The Danish National Concert Orchestra joined Procol Harum, and the result was nothing short of breathtaking. The orchestra’s beautiful intro builds the excitement, and when Gary Brooker starts singing, it’s as if the song is brand new again.
What’s even more impressive is that Brooker’s voice still sounds just as good as it did back in 1967 when the song was first released. In fact, the performance became such a hit that it quickly racked up millions of views on YouTube—99 million, to be exact!
Procol Harum – A Whiter Shade of Pale, live in Denmark
The decision to collaborate with the Danish orchestra was the greatest thing to happen to humanity. Procol Harum’s music has always had a classical touch, so the orchestra was the perfect fit. The mix of the band’s rock vibe with the orchestra’s royal energy made the song feel even more incredible. And, the choir’s smooth, velvet-like harmonies took the whole thing to another level for this performance. Brooker’s voice was the cherry on top.
“A Salty Dog” is yet another song loved by Procol Harum fans. It was one of the most memorable moments of the concert. The choir gave the song an emotional touch and the piano intro gave it a unique, haunting tone. Fans couldn’t get enough of it, with many rushing to the comments online with praises. One commented that it was “by far the best and most emotionally enjoyed interpretation of this masterpiece.” That’s how you know when a performance hits the right note—it moves people deeply.
Procol Harum – A Salty Dog, An Old English Dream live in Denmark
So, why is “A Whiter Shade of Pale” such an iconic song? The moment it was Released in 1967, it became a big hit, topping the charts in multiple countries. It’s one of those songs that’s stood the test of time and is still considered one of the greatest songs ever. Rolling Stone ranked it as No. 57 on their list of the Greatest Songs of All Time. And what’s impressive is how many artists have covered it—over 1,000 versions exist! It’s a song that keeps inspiring people, even decades later.
The lyrics of the song have always been a bit mysterious, and Keith Reid, the band’s lyricist, explained that he didn’t mean to confuse people but to “create a mood.” He was telling a classic story of love and loss, using images that painted a picture in the listener’s mind. Reid said that the song was inspired by “books”, not drugs, even though it has that dream-like quality that makes you feel like you’re drifting into another world.
The live orchestral version of “A Whiter Shade of Pale” is a perfect example of why Procol Harum’s music is so special. It blends rock and classical music in a way that’s very rare to find. If you haven’t seen this performance yet, you should check it out on their YouTube. There you’ll find other incredible performances–––that show just how amazing the band is. So go ahead, dive into their music, and enjoy!